Many times just knowing the tools, instruments, or tests that are available to study certain topics can spark an idea for a research project. Use the list in Table 1.1 (pp. 6-7) to consider entities within STEM fields that you might study. Though you may think you have limited access to some of the equipment listed here, do not underestimate your ability to improvise. You may be able to design an instrument to measure what you want. And there are technologies you already have that you might use, such as your graphing calculator or cell phone. A calculator-based laboratory (CBE) system or calculator-based ranger (CBR), along with probes, might be easy to obtain from various departments at your school. Smart phones with inexpensive applications (apps) may also help you measure something if you do not have access to more expensive equipment.
Once you have a general topic, start asking yourself questions. Let your natural curiosity lead you to possible ideas to study. However, stay away from "why" questions—for example, "Why do more algae seem to grow in slower moving stream water?" They tend to be too broad and worded in such a way that they are not testable. Instead, you can rephrase a question to break it into smaller parts, which are scientifically testable—e.g., "Which stream velocities encourage more growth of algae?" That question is now a measurable and, therefore, testable question. Note: Testable questions often begin with How, What, When, Who, or Which. Write several questions that you might be interested in studying. The Southwest Center for Education and the Natural Environment has an inquiry tutorial that can help you write some preliminary research questions (http://scene.asu.edu/habitat/inquiry.html). Chapter 1
7 STEM Student Research Handbook