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Supplemental Resources:
Scientific Discovery Begins with Curiosity
Over the last 100 years, our understanding of the world has evolved tremendously. Much of what we've learned has come from scientists who have had questions about the world and the way things worked. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Alfred Wegener questioned whether the continents had once formed a single land mass and then drifted apart, astronomers wondered if the Milky Way galaxy was the entire universe, and Theodore Roosevelt pondered whether setting up a national park system would help to preserve America's natural beauty.
Today, we know that plate tectonics is a major force that shapes Earth's surface, that the universe stretches far beyond our galaxy, and that our national parks not only preserve America's natural beauty but also the plants and animals within.
Each year our Museum scientists go on expeditions to pursue the answers to their own questions. They travel across the planet to places as far away as the island of Madagascar and as close as Central Park in New York City. These scientists observe, hypothesize, gather data, and document what they find. They record their data and refer to it again and again. With each careful, detailed field study, scientists add to the existing body of knowledge.
You Are Invited!
You too can join scientists in exploring the world around you. The Young Naturalist Awards program invites you to plan and conduct your own scientific investigation, one that will include questions, hypotheses, and trips into the field to gather data. You are not expected to make a new scientific discovery. However, your investigation should provide you with a new understanding about your question. Tell us about your investigation in an essay that includes artwork and/or photographs that help illustrate your findings. To learn more about the project you can do, see Selecting and Planning a Project.
Essays must be mailed to the Museum between December 1, 2008, and March 2, 2009. A panel of judges will review each essay, and twelve winners, two from each grade, will be chosen. Winners will receive cash awards. In May 2009, they will be invited, along with a parent or guardian, on an expense-paid trip to New York City to attend an award ceremony at the Museum and to take a behind-the-scenes tour. In addition, their essays will be published on the Museum's website. For more information regarding the awards and eligibility see Rules and Regulations.
Selecting and Planning a Project
Plan your own investigation!
You can plan your own scientific investigation no matter where you live. You can investigate a local area, such as a park, lake, stream, beach, or woodlands. You can conduct your investigation in your own backyard, or travel through the lens of a telescope by looking at the planets and stars. Your investigation should be a journey into the natural world where you will research a question that you have or a question that you may uncover. You may also conduct experiments that will help you answer a question and support a hypothesis. To get ideas, read the essays of past winners on this website and learn how they conducted their investigations. Choose a topic in one of the following areas: biology, ecology, Earth science, or astronomy. Use the Key Steps to Scientific Inquiry to help you plan and conduct your research.
Key Steps to Scientific Inquiry
We want our participants to explore the natural world around them. If you can relate an indoor experiment to an investigation in the natural world, then that is acceptable. If you have questions regarding this, contact the Young Naturalist Awards Administrator.
How do I begin investigating my topic or question?
Once you have a topic or a good question, do research to learn more about it. Go to outside sources such as books, science magazines, and websites. (In gathering information do not rely solely on websites. Find out all you can about your topic or question. Make copies of important information so you can refer back to them during your research. If possible, find an expert in the field who can give you information on your topic. This will give you information you can use to guide your investigation. See Researching a Question.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable statement in response to a question. A hypothesis should be based on your initial research and observations, and should predict what you think you will find. For example, suppose you are interested in how many different species of trees there are in your neighborhood. Through your initial research you find that five species of trees are typically found in your area. In response to your question: "How many species of trees will I find in my neighborhood?" you might state the following hypothesis: "Given where I live, I predict that I will find five species of trees in my neighborhood." Once you have your hypothesis you can plan a way to test it.
Do I have to state a hypothesis before going on my expedition?
Sometimes you do not have enough information to state a hypothesis. In that case do research and make observations that will add to your body of knowledge about your topic. As you gather more information you should be able to formulate a hypothesis at some point during your investigation.
Can my hypothesis change?
As you learn more you may want to change your initial hypothesis. At that point you can formulate a new hypothesis based on your new information.
How do I test my hypothesis?
Start by making a plan. Once you have a testable hypothesis, plan how you will investigate it. Think about what you've already learned through research and observations. Decide what information you will need, how you will collect the information, and how you will record it. Can you record information in a chart? A table? A list? Can you document your information using photographs? Suppose you were looking for the number of species of trees in your neighborhood. You would need to decide the boundaries of the area you are investigating. You might make a map and identify where each tree was found. You could also make a chart to record how many of each tree you saw.
You may need tools or equipment to conduct your experiment. If you are testing water, for example, you will need a water-testing kit. You might also need a thermometer to test the temperature of the water and the air. If you are taking measurements, you will need a tape measure. Field guides will help you identify plants and animals. Binoculars are also useful. Prepare all necessary items before visiting your site. See Plan an Experiment.
How many times should I visit my site?
The number of times you visit the site or sites you select will depend on the type, nature and amount of the data you need to collect. You want enough data in order to analyze it properly and come to solid conclusions. Remember that the natural world is dynamic. Changes occur daily and throughout the seasons, so most often more than one visit will be needed. Each time you visit, bring along a journal and any other research tools you may need.
How can I record data?
Keeping a field journal is a helpful way to record your expedition activities, observations, and questions. You may also use your journal to make drawings or to record data in charts to help keep your information organized. Photographs of your site or of the specimens you find is another good way of collecting data.
When writing your essay, use drawings and photographs to further the reader's understanding of your research topic and findings. When you do an illustration, make sure it is detailed, neat, and labeled. The drawing should reflect some aspect of your research. For example, you might notice that a squirrel flattens itself against a tree as a way of camouflaging itself. Draw a careful and detailed picture of the squirrel on the tree. Do not re-create illustrations you find in books or on the Internet.
Photographs are another good way of providing information to your reader. Do not take a series of random shots. Plan each photograph. Make sure the object you want to highlight is centered and in focus. Choose to include only those photos that illustrate the points you are trying to make. Write meaningful captions that connect the photo or illustration to your research. For more information, see How to Keep a Field Journal.
Do I need to do more outside research?
Sometimes the information you collect at your site will not provide you with all the information you need. You should expect to return to the library or go on the Internet to find more information about your topic as you analyze the information you collected during your expedition. This will help you put your observations in context. You can also conduct interviews with experts in the field to gain more knowledge about your topic. It is very important to document the outside sources you use. Write down the title, author, publisher, and publication date of every book you consult. Note the pages that you read. Write down the website addresses of the sites you visit. You will need to cite these sources in your bibliography. For more information, see How to Write a Reference List.
What do I do after I've collected all my data?
The next step is to analyze your findings. When your expedition is concluded, look at your data: your observations, measurements, sketches, photographs, notes, and the information you gathered from outside resources. Use all this information to decide whether or not it supports or rejects the hypothesis you formulated. For example, suppose that you hypothesized that a nearby factory was polluting a lake. If your data showed the factory as the polluter, your hypothesis is supported and you would then look for more data to strengthen your case.
Suppose however that your data showed that the factory was not the polluter. In that case your data rejects your hypothesis and would lead to further questions about who or what the polluter is. This shows that rejecting a hypothesis is just as valid as supporting one. When you reject a hypothesis your findings are conclusive and you can rule out that explanation. If you reject your hypothesis, you might review your procedures to see if they were flawed. Then, think about how you would refine your research methods. You should also think about any new questions that arose during your investigation.
How Do I Present My Findings?
Present your findings in a narrative essay. In this scientific narrative essay, combine the story of your personal expedition with sound facts, detailed observations, and insightful questions. Take the reader along with you as you explore your topic. See Essay Checklist.
Your essay may also include excerpts from your field journal. Now you are ready to share your data, experiences, and findings. As you write your essay, keep the following points in mind:
Over the last 100 years, our understanding of the world has evolved tremendously. Much of what we've learned has come from scientists who have had questions about the world and the way things worked. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Alfred Wegener questioned whether the continents had once formed a single land mass and then drifted apart, astronomers wondered if the Milky Way galaxy was the entire universe, and Theodore Roosevelt pondered whether setting up a national park system would help to preserve America's natural beauty.
Today, we know that plate tectonics is a major force that shapes Earth's surface, that the universe stretches far beyond our galaxy, and that our national parks not only preserve America's natural beauty but also the plants and animals within.
Each year our Museum scientists go on expeditions to pursue the answers to their own questions. They travel across the planet to places as far away as the island of Madagascar and as close as Central Park in New York City. These scientists observe, hypothesize, gather data, and document what they find. They record their data and refer to it again and again. With each careful, detailed field study, scientists add to the existing body of knowledge.
You Are Invited!
You too can join scientists in exploring the world around you. The Young Naturalist Awards program invites you to plan and conduct your own scientific investigation, one that will include questions, hypotheses, and trips into the field to gather data. You are not expected to make a new scientific discovery. However, your investigation should provide you with a new understanding about your question. Tell us about your investigation in an essay that includes artwork and/or photographs that help illustrate your findings. To learn more about the project you can do, see Selecting and Planning a Project.
Essays must be mailed to the Museum between December 1, 2008, and March 2, 2009. A panel of judges will review each essay, and twelve winners, two from each grade, will be chosen. Winners will receive cash awards. In May 2009, they will be invited, along with a parent or guardian, on an expense-paid trip to New York City to attend an award ceremony at the Museum and to take a behind-the-scenes tour. In addition, their essays will be published on the Museum's website. For more information regarding the awards and eligibility see Rules and Regulations.
Selecting and Planning a Project
Plan your own investigation!
You can plan your own scientific investigation no matter where you live. You can investigate a local area, such as a park, lake, stream, beach, or woodlands. You can conduct your investigation in your own backyard, or travel through the lens of a telescope by looking at the planets and stars. Your investigation should be a journey into the natural world where you will research a question that you have or a question that you may uncover. You may also conduct experiments that will help you answer a question and support a hypothesis. To get ideas, read the essays of past winners on this website and learn how they conducted their investigations. Choose a topic in one of the following areas: biology, ecology, Earth science, or astronomy. Use the Key Steps to Scientific Inquiry to help you plan and conduct your research.
Key Steps to Scientific Inquiry
Like most scientists, you can use an organized series of steps to investigate a question.
- Observe. Go to a natural area—a park, a stream, or a backyard. Look closely; listen carefully. What do you notice? What things spark your curiosity?
- Question. Formulate a question you have about the natural world. See What Makes a Good Scientific Question?
- Hypothesize. A hypothesis is a possible answer to your question—like a good guess. Base your hypothesis on the research you do and observations you make.
- Gather Evidence. Evidence (such as data or information) can be used to support your hypothesis. You can do testing, conduct an experiment, make a model or make observations and record what you see. Sometimes the evidence will lead you to change your hypothesis.
- Analyze the Evidence. Look at the evidence you collected. Identify patterns. Decide whether or not it answers your question.
- Draw Conclusions. Decide whether the evidence clearly supports or rejects your hypothesis. If the results are not clear, you may have to collect more evidence or rethink your procedure. Remember, a rejected hypothesis is just as valuable as one that is supported.
- Present your Findings. If your results are clear, write about your investigation and your results to share with others. Include any new questions that came about as the result of your investigation.
We want our participants to explore the natural world around them. If you can relate an indoor experiment to an investigation in the natural world, then that is acceptable. If you have questions regarding this, contact the Young Naturalist Awards Administrator.
How do I begin investigating my topic or question?
Once you have a topic or a good question, do research to learn more about it. Go to outside sources such as books, science magazines, and websites. (In gathering information do not rely solely on websites. Find out all you can about your topic or question. Make copies of important information so you can refer back to them during your research. If possible, find an expert in the field who can give you information on your topic. This will give you information you can use to guide your investigation. See Researching a Question.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable statement in response to a question. A hypothesis should be based on your initial research and observations, and should predict what you think you will find. For example, suppose you are interested in how many different species of trees there are in your neighborhood. Through your initial research you find that five species of trees are typically found in your area. In response to your question: "How many species of trees will I find in my neighborhood?" you might state the following hypothesis: "Given where I live, I predict that I will find five species of trees in my neighborhood." Once you have your hypothesis you can plan a way to test it.
Do I have to state a hypothesis before going on my expedition?
Sometimes you do not have enough information to state a hypothesis. In that case do research and make observations that will add to your body of knowledge about your topic. As you gather more information you should be able to formulate a hypothesis at some point during your investigation.
Can my hypothesis change?
As you learn more you may want to change your initial hypothesis. At that point you can formulate a new hypothesis based on your new information.
How do I test my hypothesis?
Start by making a plan. Once you have a testable hypothesis, plan how you will investigate it. Think about what you've already learned through research and observations. Decide what information you will need, how you will collect the information, and how you will record it. Can you record information in a chart? A table? A list? Can you document your information using photographs? Suppose you were looking for the number of species of trees in your neighborhood. You would need to decide the boundaries of the area you are investigating. You might make a map and identify where each tree was found. You could also make a chart to record how many of each tree you saw.
You may need tools or equipment to conduct your experiment. If you are testing water, for example, you will need a water-testing kit. You might also need a thermometer to test the temperature of the water and the air. If you are taking measurements, you will need a tape measure. Field guides will help you identify plants and animals. Binoculars are also useful. Prepare all necessary items before visiting your site. See Plan an Experiment.
How many times should I visit my site?
The number of times you visit the site or sites you select will depend on the type, nature and amount of the data you need to collect. You want enough data in order to analyze it properly and come to solid conclusions. Remember that the natural world is dynamic. Changes occur daily and throughout the seasons, so most often more than one visit will be needed. Each time you visit, bring along a journal and any other research tools you may need.
How can I record data?
Keeping a field journal is a helpful way to record your expedition activities, observations, and questions. You may also use your journal to make drawings or to record data in charts to help keep your information organized. Photographs of your site or of the specimens you find is another good way of collecting data.
When writing your essay, use drawings and photographs to further the reader's understanding of your research topic and findings. When you do an illustration, make sure it is detailed, neat, and labeled. The drawing should reflect some aspect of your research. For example, you might notice that a squirrel flattens itself against a tree as a way of camouflaging itself. Draw a careful and detailed picture of the squirrel on the tree. Do not re-create illustrations you find in books or on the Internet.
Photographs are another good way of providing information to your reader. Do not take a series of random shots. Plan each photograph. Make sure the object you want to highlight is centered and in focus. Choose to include only those photos that illustrate the points you are trying to make. Write meaningful captions that connect the photo or illustration to your research. For more information, see How to Keep a Field Journal.
Do I need to do more outside research?
Sometimes the information you collect at your site will not provide you with all the information you need. You should expect to return to the library or go on the Internet to find more information about your topic as you analyze the information you collected during your expedition. This will help you put your observations in context. You can also conduct interviews with experts in the field to gain more knowledge about your topic. It is very important to document the outside sources you use. Write down the title, author, publisher, and publication date of every book you consult. Note the pages that you read. Write down the website addresses of the sites you visit. You will need to cite these sources in your bibliography. For more information, see How to Write a Reference List.
What do I do after I've collected all my data?
The next step is to analyze your findings. When your expedition is concluded, look at your data: your observations, measurements, sketches, photographs, notes, and the information you gathered from outside resources. Use all this information to decide whether or not it supports or rejects the hypothesis you formulated. For example, suppose that you hypothesized that a nearby factory was polluting a lake. If your data showed the factory as the polluter, your hypothesis is supported and you would then look for more data to strengthen your case.
Suppose however that your data showed that the factory was not the polluter. In that case your data rejects your hypothesis and would lead to further questions about who or what the polluter is. This shows that rejecting a hypothesis is just as valid as supporting one. When you reject a hypothesis your findings are conclusive and you can rule out that explanation. If you reject your hypothesis, you might review your procedures to see if they were flawed. Then, think about how you would refine your research methods. You should also think about any new questions that arose during your investigation.
How Do I Present My Findings?
Present your findings in a narrative essay. In this scientific narrative essay, combine the story of your personal expedition with sound facts, detailed observations, and insightful questions. Take the reader along with you as you explore your topic. See Essay Checklist.
Your essay may also include excerpts from your field journal. Now you are ready to share your data, experiences, and findings. As you write your essay, keep the following points in mind:
- Personal voice: Tell about your expedition in your own words, with your own unique style. While your essay is a scientific paper, we prefer that you do not write it according to a strict scientific style. We are looking for your thoughts and insights as you put into writing the experiences you encountered on your expedition and the knowledge you gained.
- Clarity: Your ideas should follow a logical progression. Your procedures, research, documentation of findings, and conclusions should be presented with a clear and consistent focus.
- Grammar: Check that grammar and sentence structure are correct. Check spelling.
- Proper citing of sources: If you use materials from other sources you must credit them properly. If you quote a source you must use quotation marks and cite the source. For more information, see How to Avoid Plagiarism
- Presentation: All entries must be typed and submitted on 8.5" x 11" white paper. All artwork and photos must be submitted on 8.5" x 11" paper. All artwork and photos must be the student's own work. Artwork or photos downloaded from the Internet or other sources are NOT permissible. All charts and graphs should be clearly labeled and referenced in the text of your essay. (Some maps or charts from other sources may be acceptable. Check with the YNA administrator.) Essays (along with visuals) may not exceed 20 pages. Neatness counts! For more information, see Rules and Regulations.
- Reference Lists: The reference list shows those judging your essay that you have researched your topic thoroughly by consulting a variety of sources. It shows that the findings you have presented in your essay are backed up by solid evidence. The background information that you built upon in your research was based on the ideas of others. These people and their works need to be cited in your reference list.
