Areas of Scientific Research

The following disciplines are suggested to get students thinking about general areas of study. The student's grade, background, and previous experience will guide what might interest them. There are many possible areas in which to do research. Some of the best research projects are based upon what interests the student. This list is designed to get you thinking.

While Iowa Junior Academy of Science student research is not expected to be original some experienced student researchers conduct original research and occasionally make new discoveries. As students gain experience they become more confident about their work. IJAS provides hands-on science experiences and opportunities to meet and benefit from contact with Iowa scientists and science educators.

1. ANIMAL & HUMAN SCIENCES – The study of all animals and animal life (including humans), and the study of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. This includes the studies of cells, cell processes and genetics. This also includes the study of the behavior of animals. It does not include the study of human behavior. See Human Behavior below.

2. BOTANY – The study of plants. This includes all aspects of genetics that involve plants or plant cells.

3. CHEMICAL SCIENCE – The study of matter, its properties and the changes it undergoes.

4. CHEMISTRY – The study of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.

5. ECOLOGY/EARTH SCIENCES – The study of the environment alone and/or the interactions of living things with the environment and the study of the earth, structure of the earth and sciences related to the earth.

6. ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS – The study of the practical application of the design, materials, construction, and operation of physical systems, and any study relating to mathematics, statistics or computer programming.

7. ENGINEERING – The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, materials, construction, and operation of efficient and economical physical systems.

8. ENVIRONMENTAL & EARTH SCIENCE – The study of the effects resulting from the natural and/or man-made environment or effects from pollution factors. This also includes the study of the history of the earth, structure of the earth and its environment including archeology, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and paleontology.

9. HUMAN BEHAVIOR – The study of all aspects of learning and behavior of humans.

10. MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE – The studies of problems in all mathematical areas; pure and applied statistics; and computers, computer programs, and programming.

11. MEDICINE & HEALTH – The study of the various sciences related to structure, function, and diseases of humans and laboratory animals.

12. MICROBIOLOGY & CELL BIOLOGY – Any aspect of the study of microorganisms (bacteria, protozoans, algae, and fungi); and the study of the cellular and subcellular levels involving chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.

13. PHYSICAL SCIENCE – The study of matter and energy and the interaction between the two. This does not include chemical change and does include astronomy.

14. PHYSICS – The study of inanimate matter and energy relationships exclusive of chemical change. This also includes astronomy, the study of the science of the stars, planets, galaxies, and all other heavenly bodies, including the exploration of space by manned and unmanned spacecraft. 16. PSYCHOLOGY (PSY) – The study of all aspects of human thought processes and behavior.

15. PLANT SCIENCES & MICROBIOLOGY – The study of plants and plant life and the study of microorganisms. This includes the studies of cells, cellular processes and genetics as they pertain to plants or microorganisms.

16. ZOOLOGY – The study of invertebrates and vertebrates except for microorganisms. This includes animal but not human behavior and all aspects of genetics that involve animal or animal cells.

Possible Research Projects

The ideas below come from several sources and may or may not be suitable as a final research project. Use them to develop your own questions, hypothesis, and investigations. IJAS members have access to Iowa scientists and science educators for comments and suggestions regarding their projects. Be sure to follow the STARR Research Proposal process as outlined in the IJAS Online Handbook. Each idea is linked to a more detailed explanation.

Areas of Scientific Research

Possible Research Projects

Electricity