Science Fair Proposal

Bobby Doright / May 5, 2007
Mr. Guez/Mrs. Castallano / Science Fair Project
The Life of a Battery
1. / Subject Area:
Energy and Temperature
2. / Topic:
Battery Life
3. / Question:
Will a typical C battery last longer if it is stored in a refrigerator, freezer, or at room temperature?
4. / Rationale:
People often store batteries in their refrigerator to keep them ‘fresh.’ This experiment is designed to test to see which environment is the best for extending the life of a battery.
5. / Project Type:
This Science Fair project is an experiment. I will be testing the life of batteries when they are stored in different environments.
6. / Plan:
-purchase several C batteries (same brand from same store)
-label each batter as: Freezer, Room Temperature, or Refrigerator
-place one or two batteries in each of the three temperature settings
-store the batteries for three weeks
-place the batteries in a toy that requires C batteries and turn it on
-record the time the toy begins running and when it stops (due to a lack of battery power/energy)
-run the test for each battery recording all times
-compare and analyze the date
-create a presentation board using data charts, pictures, written information on the experiment/steps/Scientific Method, and collecting materials for demonstration purposes
7. / Variable(s):
Temperature
8. / Assistance/Cost Estimate:
I will require parent permission and funds to buy, run and present the experiment. I estimate that the batteries and other materials will be less than $20.00.
9. / Timeframe:
Proposal Due: 5/5/07
Hypothesis Due: 5/8/07
Begin Experiment (place batteries in different environments): 5/8/07
Test (run toy on batteries/collect data): 6/2/07
Draft of data to teacher: 6/10/07
Assemble Project/Display Board: 6/15/07
Science Fair: 6/17/07 (these dates are for display only - they are not necessarily accurate.
Also, your timeframe must be specific to your project.)
10. / Materials:
3 or 6 different new C batteries(it may be necessary to use two batteries to run the toy)
1 toy that operates on 1 C battery
1 poster board for display purposes
Various markers, pencils, crayons, etc…
10 or more pieces of yellow construction paper (display board background)
clock (to time toy/battery life)
camera (to take pictures of experiment)
computer to create data chart/write information/create display headings/print
pictures/etc…
11. / Sign off:
Student Signature / Parent Signature / Teacher Signature
______ / ______ / ______

The Fine Print

*Proposal should be typed. You may get the template of this proposal form from your teacher.

*All information for presentation, including data charts, should be done on a computer. You may arrange, with your science teacher, a day to come to Extra-Help for this purpose. Don’t wait until the last minute!

*Science Fair projects can be expensive. Keep expenses in mind when you design your project – keep to a reasonable and appropriate budget.

*Issues related to funding should be brought to your teacher’s attention.

*Your teacher can’t assist you during science class.

*Take advantage of Extra-Help sessions if you need teacher assistance.

*Your presentation is very important. It must be edited, attractive, writing must be clear, data charts/diagrams/pictures must be clear and appropriate, and most importantly everything must be accurate.

*This is your project-take responsibility for it. This is a learning experience and potentially a life lesson. If we wanted a project from your older brother/sister or parent, we would ask for one.

*Have fun, be creative, and show yourself off. This is something you could remember as a great experience.

*Don’t eat broccoli the day before the Science Fair.