What's the point? Sometimes after I've opened a science project to grade it, I find that the student didn't seem to have a clue regarding what the experiment was about.
One of the most important parts of doing an experiment is to identify its purpose. The hypothesis should include the purpose of the experiment in an "If-Then" statement. Basically, the hypothesis is telling us that if we do this, then here's what will happen.
From there follow the directions given in the project. Sometimes tasks are simpler than they first seem.
Let's take the fungi experiment in biology, for example. The purpose of the experiment is to compare and contrast different types of fungi. We will look at yeast, a couple kinds of mold, and a mildew, if available. The minimum requirement is to have four specimens. The list of supplies may be longer than that, but you don't have to have everything on that list.
The following pointers should help you with your experiment:
1. You should have at least one from the top category, which includes the possibility of growing molds on bread, jellies or fruit. Here we learn that not everything that's furry makes a good pet. If you are trying to grow bread mold, be aware that the more generic the bread, the better and faster it will grow mold. Some of the name brands of bread are so filled with preservatives that it could take weeks to get mold to grow and perhaps never would.
2. The yeast is required. This is the only place where you are likely to see any movement.
3. Having both cheeses would be nice but only one is really necessary. These can sometimes get rather smelly, but you must continue to breathe as you make your observations.
4. Then also try to find at least one mildew if you can. If you don't find a mildew, then you should pick two cheeses. Take note of the advice in the lesson instructions concerning which mildews might be toxic.
5. Observe all of the specimens as directed in the lab instructions.
6. Students are to draw what they see and compare the different types of fungi. We do request that a parent verify that they have seen the drawings. It is important to include all observations in the data section. (Observations would be detailed descriptions of the data.)
7. In the calculations section of the curriculum, you need to write a comparison of where you found the mold or mildew and its general description. With this format, it is easier to compare and contrast.
8. As usual, the conclusion requires that you identify if your hypothesis is correct or incorrect and support the statement with your results. We expect about a paragraph for this section, as it is the most important, carrying the most points.
Any time you have questions about how to do any of the experiments, please call the academy for assistance. We hope the experiments are a good experience for our students and that you learn from them. Since projects are 30% of the science grade in any unit, it is important for all of them to be completed.