The Science Fair


I started my Science Fair project, Wind and a Plant's Height, in early January. I decided on my project through a five step process. First I came up with six topics. I came up with two investigative questions to go with each topic. I then narrowed down my choices to three investigative questions. I chose a question from those three investigative questions. After I chose my question, I came up with a hypothesis for that question. The question and hypothesis became my project.

After I chose my project, I gathered the materials and set up the project. The steps to set up the project were:

  1. Gather all your materials together in one area.
  2. Label the plants low, medium, high, and no wind.
  3. Place each plant on two paper plates stacked together.
  4. Then place the plants on a table 30 cm away from each other.
  5. Then place each fan in front of a plant, do not put a fan in front of the no wind plant.
  6. Plug the fans in.

The purpose of our experiment was to see if wind affected a plant's height. Before I began conducting the experiment I did a lot of research. I used many sources including Wikipedia I conducted the experiment over an 11 day period. Each day I would measure the plants to check their growth. I would also turn the fans on so that they would blow on the plants. The fans simulated wind.

After the 11 days, I made my conclusions. The plant's heights fluctuated between 10 and 13 1/2 centimeters. Two of the plant's heights stayed close to the same height throughout the whole experiment. The other two plant's heights would increase and then decrease. The wind would make the plants lean over and then when the wind stopped blowing the plants would straighten. My Science Fair project was seen at the Parish Center on February 15, 2007.

The judging for the Science Fair was done on the morning of February 15, 2007. Eighth grade was judged by Mrs. Danhauser. The judges asked me many questions relating to my project. I answered the questions as best I could. The judges then calculated the scores. The winners were announced at the viewing that same night. I ended up getting third place. I was very excited. I had a happy end to a month of long, hard work.