The Ohio Academy of Science
1500 West Third Avenue Suite 223
Columbus OH 43212-2817
Phone or FAX 1-800 0HIOSCI

IDENTIFY A PROBLEM


After you have narrowed your topic, you should list the problem you are trying to solve or the question you are trying to answer. Then you can begin to consider what hypothesis could be stated to form the basis for your experiments. Listed in the following table are several energy related problems or questions and potential hypotheses.

A problem is a question that presents uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty.

How will the number of blades affect the performance of a wind turbine?
Will the shape of the blades on a wind turbine affect its performance?
In which direction will particulates from a coal-fired power plant disperse?
Can 35 mm color infared film accurately record the relative temperature differences and potential loss of heat from homes?


Adapted From Why? Student Research, Edited by Lynn Edward Elfner

©1989 Ohio Academy of Science All Rights Reserved

Back to Ohio Academy of Science


© 1996 - 2002 Linda C. Joseph
All Rights Reserved

Home Curriculum Ideas Research Tools Treasure Hunts Web Projects
How Tos Web Links CyberBee Articles Postcards About Cyberbee