Independent Science Investigations

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Independent Science Investigations

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What is an Independent Science Investigation (ISI)? 

The ISI project will give you a chance to design your own learning experience, one that allows you to innovate, just as scientists do in the real world.

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You will be able to explore personal interests while selecting an area for your project, as well as apply the scientific method to answer a question.

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Think science fair without the competition

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Why do an Independent Science Investigation (ISI) 

You will also develop your 21st century skills above and beyond science.       

Reading Comprehension and Writing: Doing background research and writing a research paper Math: Creating graphs and performing data analysis Time Management: Planning and conducting a long term, multi-step project Problem Solving: Designing an experiment to answer a question and making any mid-course changes Communication: Presenting and explaining the project Ethics Understanding: Learning about plagiarism and the importance of credit and citations Real World Technology Application: The use of word processing and spreadsheet programs to create a display

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Parts of the ISI 

Project Journal – This is where you will record EVERYTHING about your project from brainstorming ideas, to project development, data collection and analysis, etc.

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Deciding On a Topic 

The important thing is to: 

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find something that interests you 

what are your hobbies,

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what do you like to do in your spare time,

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What sports you like

As you select your project topic, DO NOT copy something you find in a book or on the internet! You can use these ideas as starting point, but find a way to make it your own unique idea.

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Project Topic Selection Example 

How I selected my last project: 

Like microbiology and working with bacteria 

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Used bacteria in past projects

Heard about a bioluminescent bacteria that could light up called Vibrio fischeri

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Project Topic Selection Example 

Did preliminary research and found out that there was a symbiotic relationship between the Bobtail squid and Vibrio fischeri bacteria. Thought it would be fun to work with these squid but further research showed it was very difficult to keep them in captivity and that they did not live long.

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Additional research showed that some research had been done with Vibrio fischeri as an indicator for water quality in a lab. Decided to test to see if it could be used as an efficient way to test water quality in the Fountain Creek Water Basin.

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Parts of the ISI 

Testable Question – What is it I want to find out about a topic 

Start with hobbies, sports, whatever you are interested in

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This is NOT a question that you can find the answer in a book or on the internet; it must be a question that will support you doing a science experiment, collecting data, and then analyzing the data to answer the question.

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Developing a Testable Question 

Remember, this is NOT a question that you can find the answer in a book or on the internet; it must be a question that will support you doing a science experiment, collecting data, and then analyzing the data to answer the question. 

Examples: 

How big is Vibrio fischeri? – Not good Found through book/internet research not an experiment

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How many Vibrio fischeri are in the world? – Not good Impossible to calculate, not an experiment

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My Testable Question

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Parts of the ISI 

Background Research and Paper – This is an important step so that you know how to design and understand your experiment 

Need at least 3 different sources to verify accuracy

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Write a minimum of one page summary of your research that includes any formulas, or key data to conduct your experiment

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Parts of the ISI 

Hypothesis – An educated guess based on your background research 

You should not know the answer

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Most of the time a hypothesis is written like this: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen.”

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Developing your Hypothesis 

Remember it is an educated guess based on your background research 

You should not know the answer

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Most of the time a hypothesis is written like this: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen.” 

Examples: 

If I put swimming pool chlorine into the vibrio fischeri broth, then they will die. – Not good You know this answer

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My Hypothesis based on background research

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Parts of the ISI 

Materials List –What supplies and equipment will you need to complete your project 

Look at your procedure and make a complete list of everything you need to do each step

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Make sure that you have everything on hand before you need it

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Parts of the ISI 

Procedure – This is a step-bystep recipe for your science experiment 

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A good procedure is so detailed and complete that it lets someone else duplicate your experiment exactly! You need to repeat it a minimum of three times (more is better) to verify results It is created as a numbered list of steps performed in a specific order All measurements must be in metric units

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Parts of the ISI 

Experiment & Data Collection – Follow your procedure exactly. If you need to make changes in the procedure (which often happens), write down the changes exactly as you made them. 

Before starting your experiment, prepare a data table in your journal so you can quickly write down your measurements as you observe them

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Be consistent, careful, and accurate when you take your measurements (must be in metric units)

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Project Experimentation & Data Collection

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Parts of the ISI 

Data Analysis – Review your data looking at the results of your experiment with a critical eye 

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Create both data tables and graphs to help you analyze the data, these will also make it easy for people to read on your display This is usually your longest written section on your display

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Parts of the ISI 

Conclusion – Your conclusions summarize how your results support or contradict your original hypothesis (Short 1 paragraph)

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Application – How does your research apply to real life

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Parts of the ISI 

Display Board –You need to prepare a display board to communicate your work to others. 

In most cases you will use a standard, three-panel display board that unfolds to be 36" tall by 48" wide.

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This must be professional, all information should be word processed, graphs and tables should be created with a spreadsheet program.

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Parts of the ISI 

Report – Your report will contain everything in steps 2 through 10 above plus an abstract and bibliography 

An abstract is an abbreviated version of your ISI project’s final report 

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Limited to a maximum of 250 words

Bibliography should be in MLA format (use Easybib on our web site to create)

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Project Limitations 

Projects that include any one of the following will require approval before starting project. (We will use the ISEF Rules and Guidelines) 

Human subjects

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Vertebrate animals  Live, nonhuman vertebrate mammalian embryos or fetuses  Bird and reptile eggs within 3 days of hatching  All other nonhuman vertebrates (including fish) at hatching or birth  Zebrafish embryos 7 days (168 hours) post fertilization

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Project Limitations 

Projects that include any one of the following will require approval before starting project. (We will use the ISEF Rules and Guidelines)  Potentially hazardous biological agents   

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Microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) Recombinant DNA Human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood or body fluids

Hazardous chemicals, activities or devices include 

Chemicals

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Equipment

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DEA-Controlled Substances

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Prescription Drugs

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Alcohol and Tobacco

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Firearms and Explosives

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Radiation

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Project Examples 

Take a few minutes to look at the example projects as you leave.

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Support 

Freedom Elementary has created a web page with resources for both students and parents 

http://freedom.d11.org/Pages/Independent-ScienceInvestigation.aspx

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Student ISI Outline

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Student ISI Timeline

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Parent letter with timeline

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The Future: Science Competitions 

Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair   

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Who: Open to all 6th – 12th grade students in the Pikes Peak region When: March Prizes: Cash and gifts from sponsors

Colorado State Science and Engineering Fair 

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Who: 6th – 12th grade students  Top winners from regional competitions invited to compete When: April Prizes: Cash and gifts from sponsors

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The Future: Science Competitions 

International Science and Engineering Fairs 

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Who: 9th – 12th grade students  Top winners from regional, state, and country competitions invited to compete When: May - August Prizes: Cash, scholarships, and gifts from sponsors  Top prizes $75,000, Intel gave away more than $3 million dollars at this year’s competition!  Paid travel to compete

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Benefits 

Learn more about topics you are interested in

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Meet new friends!

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Win Money 

Prizes

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Scholarships