Independent Project Phase 1: Project Development

THEME: Things I Always Wondered About Introduction: You are assigned the task of developing and implementing a project related to the theme listed above that incorporates use of the scientific method, as detailed in Chapter 1 of your textbook. Apart from being restricted to a “theme”, you will not be otherwise limited in terms of what you can study (except for safety or time issues), but you must develop your project on your own – in other words, no “cook-book” projects will be accepted. Below is some reading to get you started on your IP and embedded in the text are your goals for the development phase (called Phase 1) of your project. Understand that Phase 1 is solely devoted to planning and development of your project. YOU SHOULD NOT CARRY OUT YOUR ACTUAL EXPERIMENT UNTIL AFTER YOU’VE RECEIVED APPROVAL OF YOUR PROJECT BY THE INSTRUCTOR! Not only will the instructor give you advice on the project plan you turn in at the end of Phase 1, but they will also help insure that you don’t try something that won’t work and help make sure proper safety procedures are planned before you carry out your project.

Phase 1: How should I begin?!?!

I. Creating Awareness

Things worthy of scientific study are all around us – at home, at work, in our daily routines. The best place to start developing your project is to just have a greater awareness of your environment as you go through your typical day (and, yes, I’m serious, even though it sounds more like the beginning of a yoga class!). Look around your house or place of work and try to notice things you find odd, inexplicable, in need of improvement or generally worthy of finding more about.

For instance, as I sit here writing these directions, I am very aware that my dogs (who on a recent hike decided to bathe in an algae-filled pond) smell quite poorly. They also have turned a noticeable shade of green. And they also have transferred the smell onto the carpet. These observations are the seeds of potential science projects, as your observations will be as well! Be sure to make some observations related to the theme above.

II. Asking Questions

Now that you’ve become more aware of some specific things around you, try to turn those observations into questions. For instance, my dogs are smelly, which makes me wonder “Which types of shampoo might work best in removing the algae smell?” My dogs are green, so I’m curious to know “Which shampoos might be better able to reduce the green coloration on their fur?” Both of these questions could be developed into a do- able independent science project and both from having an awareness of the local world around me (as unavoidable as it was in the case of the stinky, green dogs).

III. Documenting your Observations/Questions

OK – now it’s your turn to write down some observations and develop them into questions. The more options you have, the more likely you’ll be able to choose a really good and do-able project. Write down at least 3 or 4 different observations and turn them into questions you think you might be able to answer through experimentation.

Phase 1, Part 1: In a separate word processor document, describe the 3 or 4 observations you’ve made and questions you