Grade 8 TEST A TALE

Test a Tale
A scientific investigation is a research project designed to test a hypothesis, in this case an old wives tale. Students who choose this option have the opportunity to research a topic involving the material world, human behavior, or other topic approved by the teacher. This project will guide students through the scientific method. (1) Like any research project, this is an involved process, one that requires a commitment from teachers, parents, and most importantly, from students. Unlike a research project, this scientific investigation will be an unfolding process. This information sheet can serve as a guideline for the investigation, but is not intended to be a complete set of expectations. As students progress through the project, they will develop their ideas, focus their line of inquiry, develop a testable experiment and conduct it, evaluate and record their results, and finally present their conclusions in the form of a written paper and visual display. Step 1: Students will examine the nature of scientific questioning and choose a topic Step 2: Students will explore different old wives tales Step 3: Students will research the topic and form a research question (this will involve 3-6 paragraph introductory report) Step 4: Students will formulate a testable hypothesis Step 5: Students will design an experiment Step 6: Students will record and analyze their results, repeating the experiment as needed, detailed records (photos, graphs, and charts) are required Step 7: Students will present their results in the form of a formal lab report and a display board and applicable model SOURCES You must use a minimum of __4__ sources, which can include electronic, printed, and/or media including documentaries. __2__ of those sources must be a printed book, magazine, and/or newspaper. INTRODUCTRARY RESEARCH REPORT A good scientist conducts research before forming a hypothesis. You too must research. Once you have a topic idea, research it. Your introductory report should address these questions: What branch of science is this project about? What is it specifically about? What do you know about the topic? What are you hoping to learn from the experiment? What is your hypothesis? Complete introductory papers include: a heading, 3 - 6 body paragraphs, and a properly formatted Works Cited page. FINAL LAB REPORT The final lab report will include: a title page, the body paragraphs of the introductory report, a materials section, detailing the materials used in the investigation, a detailed description of the steps taken to perform the investigation, a formal presentation of the results (this can be charts, diagrams, tables, photographs with labels, and other appropriate forms of records), 1|Page

Grade 8 TEST A TALE a conclusion, and discussion evaluating the process and findings, and a properly formatted bibliography

It is difficult to place a number of pages as the results section can vary greatly. Excluding that section, the paper should be between 4 - 6 pages. The key factor is that a student does justice to his or her investigation. All research papers will be scanned to detect any plagiarism. Plagiarism will result in an after school detention as well as the immediate failure of the paper. EXHIBIT A successful backboard will highlight all aspects of the investigation. All sections present in the paper should be present on the backboard and because of the nature of a backboard, students can display an even greater amount of information. It is suggested that students follow the guide. Students should not cut and paste sections of their paper to the backboard, instead creatively display visual elements with brief, but sufficiently informative captions to show the same information.

TITLE
INTRODUCTION

HYPOTHESIS

CONCLUSION & EVALUATION

MATERIALS

RESULTS: DATA & CHARTS

PROCEDURE

Works Cited Page

Details will be added and discussed in class Computer generated images are allowed. But remember, creativity counts! All text should be neatly written, stenciled, or typed. 3-DIMENSIONAL MODEL EXTRA CREDIT The model is extra credit. If you choose to complete the model, it must show some aspect of your investigation. It can include materials from your procedure and results. It must include written or typed descriptions for each included piece. To earn full credit, the model must be of exceptional quality and creativity, have a detailed accurate description. 2|Page

Grade 8 TEST A TALE

Test a Tale Anowledgement

I have read, understand, and agree to the Learning Fair topic and stated guidelines. Student Name (print):___________________________________ Homeroom: _____________ Student Topic: ________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________________

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