Science Fair Brainstorm with AI

If you’re like me, you probably remember science fair experiments that were not useful. Sure, they introduced students to taking part in the scientific method, but did the students really learn anything? Since science fairs are something that could potentially occur in elementary schools and I like to be prepared, I asked ChatGPT to come up with five ideas for small group science experiments for second and third graders. I specifically asked about experiments that focused on health, so they had the potential of being cross-curricular. Here’s what it came up with:

1. Handwashing Experiment: Test the effectiveness of different handwashing techniques and the impact of using soap and water compared to just water.
2. Germs on Surfaces: Study the spread of germs on commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, and the impact of frequent cleaning.
3. Nutrition and Plant Growth: Investigate how different types of food and nutrients affect the growth of plants.
4. Heart Rate: Measure the impact of physical activity on heart rate and compare the results of different activities.
5. Sleep and Energy: Investigate the impact of different amounts of sleep on energy levels and ability to focus.

Note form ChatGPT: Remember to keep it simple and keep safety in mind while conducting the experiments, and emphasize the importance of handwashing and healthy habits to maintain good health.

I chose one of the experiment topics and asked the AI to create an experimental procedure. Here it is:

Experimental procedure to study the spread of germs on commonly touched surfaces and the impact of frequent cleaning:

Materials:

• 3 petri dishes
• 3 commonly touched surfaces (e.g. doorknob, desk, computer mouse)
• Sterilized swabs
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes

Steps:

1. Collect a sample of bacteria from your hand using a sterilized swab.
2. Inoculate the first petri dish with the hand bacteria and incubate it at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Clean one of the commonly touched surfaces with hand sanitizer.
4. Wipe the surface with a sterilized swab and place it in the second petri dish. Incubate at room temperature for 24 hours.
5. Clean another commonly touched surface with disinfectant wipes.
6. Wipe the surface with a sterilized swab and place it in the third petri dish. Incubate at room temperature for 24 hours.
7. Compare the growth of bacteria on each petri dish and observe the impact of frequent cleaning on the reduction of bacteria growth.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Record the number of colonies of bacteria present on each petri dish after 24 hours of incubation.
• Calculate the percentage reduction in bacterial growth for each cleaned surface compared to the hand sample.
• Draw conclusions about the impact of frequent cleaning on reducing the spread of germs on commonly touched surfaces.

Note from ChatGPT: This experiment is to be conducted under adult supervision and with appropriate safety measures, such as wearing gloves, using aseptic techniques, and following all local lab safety regulations.

In addition, I asked it to generate the above table to help with data collection, but I think a simpler version would be better for the 2nd-3rd grade age group. The overall experimental design might be a bit too advanced for this age group as well, but I didn’t enter in the age range as parameters for the design.

I also used AI to create the featured image. I searched “baking soda and vinegar volcano experiment at an elementary school science fair in a gym” and got the result. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for, but it’s close.

Overall, I think AI is very useful for creating classroom materials, like worksheets, or generating ideas for projects or other assignments. As long as you are specific about what you are looking for, AI can shrink the amount of time you put into planning lessons.