102 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. an exploratory SAE will include the new information or skills learned, along with the hours you spend learning about your chosen topic. Research Research SAEs are designed for you to use the scientific method to analyze a research question or test a hypothesis. This type of SAE, as shown in Figure 3-5, is a great way to learn more about something you are interested in, and develop your scientific research skills. This type of SAE typically involves only an investment in time. Records are kept related to the hours spent on the research, along with the initial research, procedures, data collected from research, and conclusions that can be made from the project. Placement The third type of SAE is a placement SAE. In placement SAEs, you work for someone else, Figure 3-6. Placement SAEs can occur when you work for an agricultural business, for an individual for wages, or unpaid internships. There is no investment of money, only an investment of time spent working. Records are kept on the hours spent, skills learned, and of any money that has been made through the hours worked. skyfish/Shutterstock.com Figure 3-5. Completing a Research SAE allows you to conduct an experiment based on agricultural products. They are also perfect for competing in the Agriscience Fair program. MJTH/Shutterstock.com Figure 3-6. Placement SAEs involve you working for someone else. These SAEs can be paid or unpaid, and keep track of your investment in time.