Science Day Project Types

Hypothesis-Based Research Projects

Hypothesis-Based Research Projects follow the steps of the Scientific Method. These projects start with a clear, testable question based on observations. You define independent and dependent variables, design an experiment, and conduct multiple trials. You collect and analyze data, then communicate the results and determine whether to accept or reject your hypothesis.

Engineering Design Projects

Engineering Design Projects address a specific engineering problem or need. You identify criteria for success, create preliminary designs, build a prototype, and test it. The results are clearly communicated to show how well the prototype solves the problem.

Meta-Analysis (or Big Data) Research Projects

Meta-Analysis Research Projects involve collecting, processing, and analyzing statistical data from multiple scientific studies or data reports. You combine information from these sources to explore new relationships or to evaluate the data in a broader context. You identify a testable question and find multiple published studies that address this question.

For Meta-Analysis projects, you need a well-documented journal with background research, source data, and graphs. You also write a research report that includes background information, your research question and hypothesis, a discussion of the experimental designs and procedures used by the source researchers, data analysis and interpretation, a conclusion, and a reference list.  Unlike other projects, Meta-Analysis does not require you to perform first-hand physical experiments.

Engineering Hypothesis-Based Research Projects

Engineering Hypothesis-Based Research Projects use the Scientific Method. In these projects, you may need to build a device or apparatus to test your hypothesis. However, the purpose of this device is not to solve an engineering problem but to gather experimental data. This data helps you determine whether your hypothesis is correct.