HELP!!!!!!!Help on a topic

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:12 am

I have a science fair project due around november and i need a topic...i have a broad idea...it will be biology that contains bacteria....i need a crtique on one of my topics....and i also need topic suggestions....

my topic i have as a "i might use":

What is the effect of different kind of cleaning wipes destroying the most bacteria?

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:41 am

jamesleerpc wrote:I have a science fair project due around november and i need a topic...i have a broad idea...it will be biology that contains bacteria....i need a crtique on one of my topics....and i also need topic suggestions....

my topic i have as a "i might use":

What is the effect of different kind of cleaning wipes destroying the most bacteria?

I think that is a good project. Why don't you look at this project, which is quite similar;
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... ?from=Home

You should note that this is a simple experiment, and may not be suitable for an older student. Try out science fair project selector at:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... _guest.php

For some more ideas.

Post back here if you have more questions.

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 3:47 pm

thank you very much louise as a fyi this is a 9th grade science fair project.... and the first site you gave me..well its hard to find the variables and i think its too broad...also my concern is about how to research aobut this... i mean like what do you research and stuff....this is my first time doing a science fair project...[/quote]

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:07 pm

please instead of rubbing ham, bolognia, etc... i need something that would produce more bacteria...something that is very strong that cna cause considerable amounts of bacteria...please help!!!!

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:11 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:thank you very much louise as a fyi this is a 9th grade science fair project.... and the first site you gave me..well its hard to find the variables and i think its too broad...also my concern is about how to research aobut this... i mean like what do you research and stuff....this is my first time doing a science fair project...

Okay, so start here:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... ndex.shtml

This will provide an overview on all aspects of the science fair. I recommend you do try the science topic selector (see the second link I gave above). You want to pick a project that has a difficulty of 6-10 (where 6 is easier and 10 is harder) since you are in 9th grade.

For example, this project is essentially the same as the first one I gave, but it uses a more complicated method, so is a "6":

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... ?from=Home

You should read the section about variables in the science guide. For both these projects, there are clear dep., indep, and controlled variables. For example, the independent variable is the disinfectant, the dependant variable is the zone of inhibition (or number of colonies for the simpler project), and controlled variables are (for example) incubation time.

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:20 pm

The site you gave me was very helpful...i was wondering though if there was stronger bacteria growing substances...also my teacher wants a logbook of information such as research, bibliography cards---"why the crap does he need this and what do you do?" and also your experiment records a.k.a. data...i am still stuck on how you are supposed to do and what i have to put on the triboard...i am in (h) biology also so he just gives us a packet with very broad information and will not help us that much...

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:12 pm

wondering though if there was stronger bacteria growing
substances

You mean agar? I think you should do a little reading on this topic. Try the wikipedia and the links given in the microbiology section.

...also my teacher wants a logbook of information such as research, bibliography cards---"why the crap does he need this and what do you do?"

Okay, first, all the experts here think the science fair is very useful and that you can learn a lot and have fun. Because we believe this, we volunteer to help you (students). The requirements of the science fair are not "crap" and it is disrespectful to us and you teacher to call it such. You need to read the science fair guide carefully, and understand it. This will answer many of your questions. I'm not here to provide a summary of the information to someone who appears not to be trying at all. If you have specific detailed questions, which show you have made some effort to understand the material, I will be glad to help. (for example, your question above about 'stronger bacteria growing substances' should be asked using the correct terminology from the website.)

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:22 pm

i am sorry if that offended you but i was just trying to get all the information i need because this project literally determines wat grade i get for my whole science semester so i am just really stressed out and i am truly sorry...

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:25 pm

someone please gve me some more science fair ideas that is connected with biology...please!

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:40 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:i am sorry if that offended you but i was just trying to get all the information i need because this project literally determines wat grade i get for my whole science semester so i am just really stressed out and i am truly sorry...

I believe all the information has been given in the links I have provided. Stressing out isn't productive! Look at the project guide. There are a lot of bio-related projects. You said this was due in November, so you have plenty of time.

No one will "give" you a project- projects work best if it is something you are interested in. There are several projects that are related to your proposed idea on the "microbiology" section of the project guide. I've linked to two of them and I don't understand why you are now looking for something different. The only question you've asked is about growing the bacteria faster, so have you dropped this idea because I said you needed to do some research?

Anyway, the experts generally only check in once a day, so don't expect an instant response, and don't think that posting several times in a row will get a faster answer. I just happen to be working at the computer today, so you've gotten quick responses.

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:48 pm

thank you...just for my purpose are you allowed to give out your email because next time a different person might talk to me...

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:30 am

jamesleerpc wrote:thank you...just for my purpose are you allowed to give out your email because next time a different person might talk to me...

No, we aren't allowed to give out email and you should not give out yours to us. I'll check this thread to see if you have posted. Other experts might add their advice, once you pick a specific project. (For example, if you pick a project on "bioinformatics", some one here who does research on that topic, might jump in and give some advice. But mostly, I'll be the one responding.)

What topics interest you? (Even outside of biology) For example, if you really like computers, then maybe a project like this might be interesting to you:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... ?from=Home

Also, does your teacher require a certain number of variables?

Louise

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 10:57 am

he requires a manipulated variable a responding variable a controlled variable and he wants a null hypothesis....also aerodynamics interest me except projects that have to do with wings (of the plane)

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:00 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:he requires a manipulated variable a responding variable a controlled variable and he wants a null hypothesis....also aerodynamics interest me except projects that have to do with wings (of the plane)

Okay, so here is an idea, but you should check with your teacher about if it is okay.

Aerodynamics is a subfield of something called fluid dynamics. The principles are the same, the fluid is just equal to air in aerodynamics. If the fluid is water, then it is hydrodynamics.

So, could you explore how different shapes of animals (or fish or birds) lead to improved function. Not sure why you don't like wings of planes, but you could compare the shape of the fish (or the bird wings (which I guess are similar to your hated plane wings

) or whatever) to the turbulence of the fluid flow. So, you could compare three fish shapes (manipulated variable) and see how the water turbulence changes (responding variable). The controlled variables would be flow rate, tank size, etc. Not sure if it is "biology" enough, so you would need to get approval before you spend too much time. Your hypothesis and null hypothesis would relate to what specific topic you chose.

You would need to make some sort of water flow tank. There are lots of schemes on the internet, if you decide to do this.

Louise

MelissaB · Post by **MelissaB** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:36 pm

Louise's idea is a really good one. There are a lot of scientists currently working on animal form and function; I myself study how small differences in wing shape affects birds' energy expenditure during migratory flight. The great thing about a water tank is that you can make models of things that fly through air and increase their size so that they 'fly' the same way through water.

Fish are a great study subject for this type of project. Different fish swim in very different ways, and that has implications for the way they do on performance tests and such.

What about aerodynamics interests you?

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:13 pm

ummm well probably like pressure in the atmosphere but aerodynamics isnt really my thing...i would probably stic kwith microbiology topics or probably something that you have to go outside and do like earth science topics

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:40 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:ummm well probably like pressure in the atmosphere but aerodynamics isnt really my thing...i would probably stic kwith microbiology topics or probably something that you have to go outside and do like earth science topics

What do you mean aerodynamics isn't your thing? I asked what you like, and you said aerodynamics!

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:45 pm

well i mean aerodynamics in a broad view isnt but like 1 or 2 things from aerodynamics....i mostly like biology stuff....anyone who has topics to share please feel free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 3:30 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:well i mean aerodynamics in a broad view isnt but like 1 or 2 things from aerodynamics....i mostly like biology stuff....anyone who has topics to share please feel free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, this is not productive. I've suggested several ideas based on your interests. You've rejected all of them. When I ask why, I get an incoherent response. (I have no idea what "well i mean aerodynamics in a broad view isnt but like 1 or 2 things from aerodynamics" means.) I've suggested you try the topic selector. Have you? Which projects interest you?

When you have selected a project, if you need assistance, please post back. I suggest that you take a little more time to compose your posts- the more effort you put in to communicating clearly and the more work you can show you've done, the more willing people will be to help.

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:42 am

i have decided on a topic....my friend told me some of his ideas and i revised it a bit and got info on some other topics...i need ur opinion....this is my topic....What is the effect of how fast different types of headache pills dissolve in stomach acids?

deleted-2131 · Post by **deleted-2131** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:50 am

Excellent topic. Now that you've picked a project, just go to work and get it done.

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:48 am

jamesleerpc wrote:i have decided on a topic....my friend told me some of his ideas and i revised it a bit and got info on some other topics...i need ur opinion....this is my topic....What is the effect of how fast different types of headache pills dissolve in stomach acids?

Actually, someone on this board has done a project on this topic and won a prize for it! I suggest you search the forum for this topic. It is a long thread, filled with a bunch of really useful advice! Pay particular attention to the safety advice- this project uses dangerous chemicals! I'm sure you will pick a different hypothesis, so your exact experiment may be a little different from hhamodat's.

Since you seemed a little unsure about the science fair process, here are some of the things you should research:

Stomach acid- what is it chemically, what does pH mean, how can you simulate stomach acid.

Pills- how are they made, what do they contain, how much inactive vs. active ingredient is in each brand, how to pill makers control the rate at which the pill dissolved, differences in coatings on pills.

Once you have read up on some of these topics, then you can make a hypothesis about your topic.

Good luck!

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:36 pm

what do u mean by inactive and active (pills)?and what kind of pills should i use...like headache pills stomach pills or should i just use some for headache and some for stomach and etc?

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 2:37 pm

oh yeah!also i forgot to mention my teacher said u should use a strong acid and i looked some up and i found hydrochloric acid....i cant find how to buy it though

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:37 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:what do u mean by inactive and active (pills)?and what kind of pills should i use...like headache pills stomach pills or should i just use some for headache and some for stomach and etc?

These are things you should research. Most of the stuff in pills in not medicine, but just filler (inactive). Try googling these terms.

Louise

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:40 pm

jamesleerpc wrote:oh yeah!also i forgot to mention my teacher said u should use a strong acid and i looked some up and i found hydrochloric acid....i cant find how to buy it though

Again, research what stomach acid is. There are MANY strong acids, but only one that would be found in the stomach.

You should read the thread I pointed you too. Strong acids are VERY DANGEROUS and you must do this experiment in safe conditions (the lab at school is best). Your teacher can get acid for you.

You really need to do some of your own research. I have listed a bunch of things to learn about, and given you pointers to a thread in these forums about this topic.

Louise

jamesleerpc · Post by **jamesleerpc** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:14 pm

thx louise...ummm should i look up like particles that are made up of the pills...also i dont know what kind of pills i need..can you suggest some types of pills i should use?

MelissaB · Post by **MelissaB** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:34 pm

The headache pills I can think of off the top of my head are ibuprofen (Advil), asprin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve). Not all may be sold in over-the-counter form.

As for the rest, Louise told you what terms to look up.

Louise · Post by **Louise** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:01 am

MelissaB wrote:The headache pills I can think of off the top of my head are ibuprofen (Advil), asprin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve). Not all may be sold in over-the-counter form.

As for the rest, Louise told you what terms to look up.

Depending on the hypothesis, you may test all the drugs Melissa mentions, or you may want to pick one type (say asprin) and compare different brands and formulations. Once you reasearch and develop a hypothesis, then you can plan the experiment.

Louise

deleted-2131 · Post by **deleted-2131** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 8:44 am

Please take a look at the following sites, which contain discussion related to your project.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... highlight=

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... highlight= (If you need help translating the French, please let me know and I would be glad to do so.)

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... highlight=

I think you will find these links incredibly helpful. PLEASE, look at them.

HELP!!!!!!!Help on a topic

HELP!!!!!!!Help on a topic

Re: HELP!!!!!!!Help on a topic