research-based sae programs

Research-Based SAE Programs

Two Types of Research SAEs

E xp erim en ta l N on -E xp erim en ta l(A n a lytica l)

R esearch S A E

You conduct a true experiment in an attempt to solve

a problem or learn new knowledge.

You study a problem. Because of the nature

of the problem, you cannot perform

an experiment.

Experimental SAEs

• An extensive activity where the student plans and conducts a major agricultural experiment using the scientific process. The purpose of the experiment is to provide "hands-on" experience in:– 1. Verifying, learning or demonstrating

scientific principles in agriculture.– 2. Discovering new knowledge.– 3. Using the scientific process.

Experimental SAE

• Experimental activities are particularly suited for those in agricultural classes where there is a strong emphasis on biotechnology or agriscience. Even in more traditional agricultural programs, experimental SAE activities can provide students whose career goals are in the areas of agriscience with valuable learning experiences.

Experimental SAE Characteristics

• There is a control group– This is a group of subjects (plants, animals,

etc.) that receive no special treatment


• There is one or more experimental groups– This group (or groups) receive the experimental

treatment(s)


• Randomization is used– Subjects are randomly assigned to groups (both

control and experimental groups). If you were doing an experiment with 20 plants, you would randomly divide the plants into two groups of 10.

– You would randomly pick which group of plants would be the control group and which would receive the experimental treatment

Steps in Conducting an Experiment

1. Identify the problem to be investigated– What do you have an

interest in– Is there some problem in

your community that needs attention


2. Conduct a thorough review of the literature– Read articles in magazines, research journals

and on the internet to see what is already known about the problem

– Interview people who may have specialized knowledge in the area.

– Summarize what you have learned


3. Design the Experiment– What will need to done to answer the research

question?– What treatment(s) will be used?– Where will the experiment be conducted?– What supplies and materials are needed?– How long will it take?– What procedures will be followed?


4. Formulate a hypothesis – This is your educated guess about the outcome of the

experiment.

– The hypothesis should be directional• Treatment A will produced more pounds of gain than

treatment B

• The experimental group will remain fresh longer than the control group.

• The weeds sprayed with treatment A will die more quickly than the weeds sprayed with treatments B and C.


5. Conduct the Experiment and

6. Collect the Data– Regular observations and measurements will

need to be made


7. Analyze the data and arrive at conclusions

– What do all your data (numbers and measurements) mean?

– What conclusions can be drawn from you experiment?

• Did one treatment work better than the others?

– What are your recommendations?


8. Prepare the final report– The final report can be a written document

describing your research. In writing the report, you should follow the seven steps outlined up to this slide. You will probably want to use charts and graphs to depict your data.

– A display (like those used in science fairs) is also a good way to show what has been done.

Research Terminology

• Independent Variable – the variable you manipulate, the treatment– Temperature

– Light

– Acidity

– Nutrients

– Soil type

– Time

– Magnetic Field

Research Terminology

• Dependent Variable – the measurement resulting from the application of the independent variable. This is normally some unit of measure.– Gain in weight– Percent survival– Distance traveled per gallon

Examples of Experimental SAEs

• Comparing the effect of various planting media on plant growth


• Determining the impact of different levels of protein on fish growth


• Comparing three rooting hormones on root development


• Analyzing the effectiveness of different display methods on plant sales in a garden center


• Demonstrating the impact of different levels of soil acidity on plant growth


• Determining the strength of welds using different welding methods

Experimental SAE

• A quality experimental SAE should:– Have specific objectives– Follow the scientific process– Involve a number of steps– Focus on an important agricultural/scientific issue,

question or principle– Be of sufficient size and scope to assure a quality

learning experience– Require a moderate to substantial time commitment on

the part of the student– Be supervised by the teacher

Non-Experimental SAE Programs

• Some times it is not possible to conduct a true experiment with a control group. Yet, the problem still needs to addressed. Research can still be done.

• The student gathers and evaluates data from a variety of sources and then produce some type of finished product.

Non-Experimental SAE Programs

• A variety of activities can be conducted as analytical or non-experimental SAE projects.

• The approach taken may be that of:– An investigative reporter

– A detective

– A journalist

– An archeologist

– A documentary producer

Non-Experimental SAE Examples

• Developing a marketing plan for an agricultural commodity


• Writing a series of newspaper articles


• Preparing a land use plan for a farm


• Determining the safety of water wells in a community


• Designing a landscapeplan for a community facility


• Developing an advertising campaign for an agribusiness


• Identifying the sources of pollution in a watershed

Non-Experimental SAE

• A non-experimental SAE has all the rigor and steps of an experimental SAE except there is no control group.– One will still:

• Identify a problem

• Review the literature

• Develop a plan

• Conduct the activity

• Analyze the data

• Prepare a final report

FFA and Research SAEs

• There are two major FFA programs that recognize student achievement in conducting agriscience SAE programs:– Agriscience Student– Agriscience Fair

Agriscience Student

• Each state can recognize one outstanding student in the area of Agriscience each year

• At the national level, there are 8 finalists for Agriscience Student of the Year– You have to complete an application form– Prepare a display– Make a 15 minute presentation (at the national

level)

Agriscience Fair

• Many states have a state level agriscience fair sponsored by the FFA.

• State Winners get to compete in the National Agriscience Fair conducted at the National FFA Convention.

• There are five categories of entries in the Agriscience Fair

Agriscience Fair Categories

• Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science– Examples of projects

• Compare different yeast fermentation techniques for converting sugars to alcohol.

• Research resistance of organic fruits to common diseases.

• Examine techniques for controlling molds on bakery products.


• Environmental Sciences– Examples

• Study effect of agricultural chemicals on water quality.

• Compare water movements through different soil types.

• Examine effects of cropping practices on wildlife populations.

• Compare different irrigation systems for energy efficiency.


• Zoology (Animal Science)– Examples

• Compare effects of different thawing temperatures on livestock semen.

• Compare effects of different nutrient levels on animal growth.

• Study effects of growth hormones on meat or milk production.

• Research new disease control mechanisms.

• Examine effects of estrous synchronization on ovulation.


• Botany (Plant/Soil Science)– Examples

• Examine effect of substrate particle size on shiitake mushroom growth.

• Research effects of heavy metals such as cadmium on edible plants.

• Compare plant growth using hydroponics and conventional methods.

• Study effect of ultraviolet light on soil microbes.


• Engineering (Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering Science) – Examples

• Develop alternate energy source engines.

• Investigate light energy sources.

• Test absorption media for plant materials.

• Compare various tillage methods for energy efficiency.

research-based sae programs

Documents

experimental sae activities

experimental groupsthis

experimental treatmentsteps

group of plants

true experiment

major agricultural experiment

group of subjects plants

research journals