Monday, January 23, 2012

Science Project Options - Grade 7

Students must choose ONE of the following for this year’s science project.  This project is worth 10% of their final grade.
Due Date: March 05, 2012
Option #1:          An Experimental Project (can be a team of 2)
An experimental project must contain the following...
Purpose
Hypothesis
Materials
Variables (Independent and Dependent)
Controls (minimum of 5)
Procedure (written in step format)
Observations (Must include tables, graphs, diagrams and pictures)
Scientific Discussion (Explain your results)
Conclusion
This project may be competitive or non competitive.  All competitive projects MUST be presented on a 3-fold board.  Non-competitive projects may be presented on either a 3-fold board, Bristol board, as a web page or a Power Point presentation.

Option #2:          A Biography of a Scientist... A Research Paper (individual project)
Length... 200 – 300 words double-spaced typed (12 font)
Must contain the following information:                               1. Background Information (History)
·         Where he/ she was born?
·         Family life (married, children?)
·         Where did they study?
·         Awards achieved
·         Where/ when did he/ she die?
2. Scientific Contribution: What did they do?
3. Impact on Science Today.  How did he/ she improve life?

Research papers must have the following format when handed in.
                Cover Page with picture of scientist
                Table of Contents
                Main Information (see above)
                Photocopies or print-outs of Research
                Bibliography

#3:          Bridge (can be a team of 2)
A bridge project is completed in two sections... the construction and the written presentation.
Dimensions for construction:
1.    The bridge must be a minimum length of 70 cm (see Comments on the Rules)
2.    The total height of the bridge cannot exceed 30 cm.
3.    The total outside width of the bridge cannot exceed 15 cm and cannot be less than 5 cm wide.
4.    The bridge must have a minimum opening in the top (not the bridge deck), 5 cm by 5 cm is adequate to permit a testing apparatus to be applied to the center of the bridge deck.
This is for testing the strength of the bridge.
5.    The bridge deck must be flat and continuous to allow a test vehicle to pass over the bridge.
* Ideas for construction can be found on the following web site... www.pegnl.ca
Materials for construction:
1.    Popsicle sticks
2.    White paper glue


Written Presentation: On a piece of Bristol board, you must include the following...
1.    A scaled diagram of the bridge you constructed.  Be sure to label your diagram completely.
2.    The name of the type of bridge you constructed. (ex. Cantilever, truss, etc.)
3.    Explanation of why you think your design is best.  Include a scientific principle such as compression and tensile forces.
4.    Pictures of real life bridges that are the same type as the one you constructed.  Be sure they are labelled.