Pasco School District #12013 - 2014

Science Fair Packet

6th through 12th Grades

How to Select a Science Project Topic

Each school has the option to decide if students choose a Science Project based on the Science standards for that grade level, (with a possible STEM focus), or through selecting a topic that interests them. Creating a list of topics based on the standards being taught that student school year would be one avenue that students could choose from. If students are allowed to choose one on their own, then here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a topic:

Choose something you are interested inAsk your family for ideasThink of something you already know a little aboutThink about types of materials you already have at your homeThink about questions you have about the world around you. What are you wondering about?

If a topic still hasn’t come to mind, check out some of the Web sites listed below. Students are allowed to choose any topic they would like as long as it follows these rules:

All projects must follow the scientific method and test a hypothesis. No displays or demonstration projects, for example, no volcano demonstrations.Students may work by themselves, or with one other student from the same grade level. (Only one person from a team may go to the Mid-Columbia Science Fair)A student’s project should reflect his/her age and ability level.All investigations must be supervised by an adult.Glass, flames, live animals, and hazardous chemicals will not be allowed as part of a student’s display.

Once a topic has been selected, you may begin working on the project. Please submit the completed project to your teacher by ________________________.

Where to Find a Topic Science Buddieswww.sciencebuddies.org/Science Fair Topicswww.accessexcellence.org/RC/scifair.htmlSchool Discoveryhttp://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started/idea-finder.htmlAll Science Fair Projectswww.all-science-fair-projects.comThe Ultimate Science Fair Resourcehttp://scifair.org/The NEED Organizationwww.need.org/Science-Fair-Projects

Books with Science Project Topics

Below is a list of books that can help with selection of a topic and frame a project. Some books are subject specific and others are more grade specific. All elementary school libraries in the Pasco School District have at least one science project book. All of these books can be found at local bookstores, and most can be found at public libraries.

*700 Science Experiments for Everyone, Doubleday, 1958,*ISBN 0-385-05275-8*Great Science Fair Projects, Scientific America, Marc Rosner, 2000,ISBN 0-471-35625-5*Science Fair Projects for Dummies, Maxine Levaren, Wiley Publishers, 2003,ISBN 0-7645-5460-3*Sure to Win Science Fair Projects, Joe Rhatigan, Lark Books Publisher, 2002,ISBN 1-57990-238-3*Hands-On Science, King Fisher Publisher, 2001,ISBN 0-7534-5440-8*The Science of Life, Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologist,Frank G. Bottone Jr., 2001, Chicago Review Press,ISBN 1-55652-382-3*The Complete handbook of Science Fair Projects, Revised edition,Julianne Blair Bochinski, 1996, Wiley and Sons Publishers,ISBN 0-471-12378-1*Electron Herding 101, 50 Hands-on Science Experiments That Explore Electricity, B.K. Hixson, 2002, Loose in the Lab, Inc. Publisher ISBN 0966096509*Science in Seconds for Kids, Over 100 science experiments you can do in tenminutes, Jean Potter, Wiley and Sons publisher, 1995,ISBN 0-471-04456-3*Mad Professor – Concoct Extremely Weird Science Projects,Mark Frauenfelder, Chronicle Books, 2002, ISBN 0-8118-3554-5*Strategies for Winning Science Fair Projects, Joyce Henderson andHeather Tomasello, Wiley and Sons, 2002,ISBN 0-471-41957-5

* This is a 1950s golden oldie. We like how it demonstrates building science equipment using regular household items.

How to Make a Science Project

All projects must follow each step of the grade level appropriate scientific method. See “What goes in each section of my science project section for the step-by-step description of the scientific method and what students need to do for each part. All projects need to be displayed on a presentation board (suggested size 48”x36”). Student’s name, teacher’s name, date and school name must be located ON THE BACK of the board. Science presentation boards may be supplied by the school you are enrolled in or can be purchased at office supply or craft stores. Each 6th -12th student’s presentation board should have 12 sections and follow this format:

Notes:• Make sure your backboard is error free.

• Try to include pictures of your investigation.

• Make your backboard follow the scientific method order. The list below is in order, you can vary the order if you would like, but a general logical order is needed.

• 6th through 12th grade: Your abstract cannot exceed 250 words. This is a summary of your project from beginning to end.

• Label each part of your investigation on your backboard. For example, when you include your procedure on your backboard make sure to label that area “Procedure.”

• When attaching your items to your background try to use doubled sided heavy duty tape, glue guns, rubber cement, etc. Glue sticks tend not to work as well.

• Projects in Grades 6-8 must be no more than:• 30 in. deep (front and back)• 36 in. wide (side to side)• 42 in. high (only for table display)

When creating your Science Fair Backboard, please use this design and checklist as a guide:

1. AbstractSummary of the Project

5. Title 9. ResultsExplanation of your findings.

2. HypothesisWhat you thing will happen based

on your research.

2. Question

6. Data and VariablesThe data you gathered while completing your experiment.

The manipulated, responding, and controlled variables must be identified and put in this section.

10. ConclusionWere you correct in your

hypothesis? What can you do differently next time to make the

experiment better? Did you include a summary of your data?

3. MaterialsList the items you need to perform

the experiment,

7. GraphsGraphs showing the data you collected. BE SURE TO: label them correctly and have a key that explains your

information, a short summary can also help.

11. ResearchSummary of the information you

found when starting the experiment.

4. ProceduresStep by step directions explain how

you completed the experiment.

8. PicturesPictures of your project as it progresses, no pictures of you

are allowed.

12. BibliographyReferences used for research.

Title Question

Hypothesis Materials

Procedure Data

Results Conclusion

Abstract Bibliography

Research Graphs

Pictures Variables

What goes in each section of the science project?

Section One: Abstract and Hypothesis/Question Statement

1. What is an Abstract?

An abstract is an abbreviated version of your science fair project final report. For most science fairs it is limited to a maximum of 250 words. The science fair project abstract appears at the beginning of the report as well as on your display board.

What must be included in this section?

Scientists and Engineers agree that an abstract should have the following five pieces: Introduction. This is where you describe the purpose for doing your science fair project or investigation. Why should anyone care about the work you did? You have to tell them why. Did you explain something that should cause people to change the way they go about their daily business? If you did an investigation or developed a new procedure, how is it better, faster, or cheaper than what is already out there? Motivate the reader to finish the abstract and read the entire paper or display board.

Problem Statement. Identify the problem you solved or the hypothesis you investigated.

Procedures. What was your approach for investigating the problem? Don't go into detail about materials unless they were critical to your success. Do describe the most important variables if you have room.

Results. What answer did you obtain? Be specific and use numbers to describe your results. Do not use vague terms like "most" or "some."

Conclusions. State what your science fair project or investigation contributes to the area you worked in. Did you meet your objectives? For an engineering project state whether you met your design criteria.

2. What is the Hypothesis Statement or Question?

The Hypothesis Statement or Question is the statement or question you are trying to answer with the project, the reason for doing the investigation.For example: “Which type of bread will grow mold the fastest?” or “I think the white whole wheat bread will grow mold the fastest.”

What must be included in this section?This section only needs to be one sentence long, but must be in the form of a question or statement.

Tips:Make sure the Hypothesis Statement or Question is only testing one thing. For example, aninvestigation should not test which type of bread will grow mold the fastest and which type will grow mold the slowest. That would be doing two investigations in one and could confuse the results.For example, if someone is testing different types of bread and the hypothesis says thatsourdough bread will grow mold the fastest and wheat bread will grow mold the slowest, it will be a problem if one part comes true and the other doesn’t. When it’s time for the last section of the scientific method, they will not know whether to accept or reject the hypothesis.Remember to title this section “Hypothesis Statement or Question.”

Section Two: Materials/Procedures/Safety Concerns

3 and 4. What are the Materials/Procedures/Safety Concerns?The second section of the scientific method is the Materials/Procedures/Safety Concerns. List all of the materials needed. Outline the steps to prove the hypothesis.

What must be included in this section?This section must include three parts:1. A list of all materials needed to conduct the investigation.2. A step-by-step procedure that will be followed to conduct the investigation.3. A list of all safety concerns surrounding this investigation. The list should also be recorded in the Science Notebook. (Not all projects have safety concerns, this is a precautionary section)

Tips:Make sure the step-by-step procedure is detailed enough so anyone could gather the materials from the list, follow the procedure, and get the same results. Also, there are always safety concerns when conducting investigations. Make sure to include these in your science notebook! Remember to title these sections “Materials and Procedures and Safety Concerns.”

Section Three: Title, Data, and Variables5. Title of Project: Your title should be large enough to be seen from a distance, but not so big that it takes up half of your center board section.6. What is data? Data is all the information you gathered while doing your project. All your data should be recorded in a science notebook that you can also be display with your board. The data can be condensed down to information that best supports your project title and hypothesis.

6. What are Variables?Variables are changed or changing factors used to test a hypothesis or prediction and may affect the results of an investigation. Variables must be listed in your investigation in your Science Notebook.

What must be included in this section?This section must have three types of variables listed:1. The Manipulated Variable. This is what is changing during the investigation. When testing the effect of music on plant growth, a manipulated variable could be the type of music played to each plant.2. The Responding Variable. This is what is being measured. It is the response to themanipulated variable. In the plant investigation, the responding variable would be the amount of growth for each plant.3. The Controlled Variables. This is what will be kept the same. For example, if someone is testing the effect of music on plant growth, the controlled variables would be the amount of sunlight, water, and temperature of the plants. All of these things will be kept the same so the only difference between the variables is the type of music played to each plant.

Tips:This section should look something like this:Manipulated Variable = type of music played to plantsResponding Variable = amount that each plant has grownControlled Variables = sunlight, water, temperature, location of plants, length of time exposed to music. Remember to title this section “Variables.”

Section Four: Graphs and Pictures7. Why graphs?Graphs are used to display the results of all the trials a person does during their investigation. If possible they should be done on a computer as they are much easier to read. Well hand done graphs are also acceptable. Graphs can be a bar type, line type, or pie chart type. They should be labeled correctly and display information that enhances the investigation.

Tips:Graphs done in color, draw a person’s eye to them.X and Y axis labels should be larger than other print and be bold.Graphs should display data that supports your investigation.

8. Why pictures?Pictures are documented proof of your work. They should show a progression of events that lead up to the end of your investigation. The students face should never be included in the picture, although their hands can be a part of those pictures. They are not required, but do enhance the presentation.

Section Five: Results and Conclusion9. What are the Results?The results section of your investigation is a summary of the data. What did you discover? What parts of the procedure supported or dismissed your hypothesis? Was the data complete enough for you to be able to make a firm decision?10. What is the Conclusion?This is the last section of the scientific method. The Conclusion is where you decide to accept or reject your hypothesis, and explain what you have learned. (These need to be in your Science Notebook.)What must be included in this section?This section must include two parts:1. A complete sentence claiming whether you accept or reject your hypothesis and why.2. A few paragraphs to explain what you have learned, how other people can learn from your investigation, and how others can put your results to work in real situations.Tips:To decide whether to accept or reject the hypothesis, you will need to compare it to the Data section. If what you thought was going to happen really did happen, you should write: “I accept my hypothesis,” however, if what you thought would happen did not actually happen, you should write: “I reject my hypothesis.” Include why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis.Use your data to support your findings.Many more scientists end up rejecting their hypothesis than accepting it; so don’t feel badly if you end up rejecting a hypothesis. Whether you accept or reject your hypothesis will have absolutely no effect on the judging. Remember to title this section “Conclusion.”

Section Six: Research and Bibliography11. What is included in my Research report?Your research report is a summary of the information that you attained before you started your investigation. There should be a small paragraph for each Bibliography/Reference that you used to obtain information for your project.

Tips: Carefully read the research material that you have chosen to help you with your investigation. If possible, highlight the important facts that help you understand your project better. Use that information to write a short summary for the Research report.

12. Definition of BibliographyGrades K – 2 One or two references are listed. References can be books, magazines,encyclopedias, personal interviews and Web sites. (Wikipedia is not a reliable science source and should not be used). Students in K-2 should include author and title. Please include references in the journal but not on the display board.Grades 3 – 5 Two or more references listed. The project reflects use of a variety of reference books, interviews, magazines and Web sites. (Wikipedia is not a reliable source and should not be used). A list of handwritten references is present and includes author, title, publisher and date

for grades 3-4 and for 5th grade use of the MLA format. Include references in your journal and on the display board.MLA (Modern Language Association) format example: Last name, First name. Title(Underlined). Place of Publication. State: Publisher and copyright date.Grades 6-12 Three or more references listed. The project reflects use of a variety of reference books, interviews, magazines and Web sites. (Wikipedia is not a reliable source and should not be used). A list of handwritten references is present and includes author, title, publisher and date for grades 6-12 using the MLA format. Include references in your journal and on the display board.

Writing a Bibliography: MLA Format

Below are standard formats and examples for basic bibliographic information recommended by the

Modern Language Association (MLA). For more information on the MLA format, see

http://www.mla.org/style_faq.

Basics

Your list of works cited should begin at the end of the paper on a new page with the centered title, Works

Cited. Alphabetize the entries in your list by the author's last name, using the letter-by-letter system

(ignore spaces and other punctuation.) If the author's name is unknown, alphabetize by the title, ignoring

any A, An, or The.

For dates, spell out the names of months in the text of your paper, but abbreviate them in the list of works

cited, except for May, June, and July. Use either the day-month-year style (22 July 1999) or the month-

day-year style (July 22, 1999) and be consistent. With the month-day-year style, be sure to add a comma

after the year unless another punctuation mark goes there.

Underlining or Italics?

When reports were written on typewriters, the names of publications were underlined because most

typewriters had no way to print italics. If you write a bibliography by hand, you should still underline the

names of publications. But, if you use a computer, then publication names should be in italics as they are

below. Always check with your instructor regarding their preference of using italics or underlining. Our

examples use italics.

Hanging Indentation

All MLA citations should use hanging indents, that is, the first line of an entry should be flush left, and

the second and subsequent lines should be indented 1/2".

Capitalization, Abbreviation, and Punctuation

The MLA guidelines specify using title case capitalization - capitalize the first words, the last words, and

all principal words, including those that follow hyphens in compound terms. Use lowercase abbreviations

to identify the parts of a work (e.g., vol. for volume, ed. for editor) except when these designations follow

a period. Whenever possible, use the appropriate abbreviated forms for the publisher's name (Random

instead of Random House). Separate author, title, and publication information with a period followed by

one space. Use a colon and a space to separate a title from a subtitle. Include other kinds of punctuation

only if it is part of the title. Use quotation marks to indicate the titles of short works appearing within

larger works (e.g., "Memories of Childhood." American Short Stories). Also use quotation marks for titles

of unpublished works and songs.

Format Examples

Books

Format:

Author's last name, first name. Book title. Additional information. City of publication: Publishing

company, publication date.

Examples:

Allen, Thomas B. Vanishing Wildlife of North America. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society,

1974.

Boorstin, Daniel J. The Creators: A History of the Heroes of the Imagination. New York: Random, 1992.

Hall, Donald, ed. The Oxford Book of American Literacy Anecdotes. New York: Oxford UP, 1981.

Searles, Baird, and Martin Last. A Reader's Guide to Science Fiction. New York: Facts on File, Inc.,

1979.

Toomer, Jean. Cane. Ed. Darwin T. Turner. New York: Norton, 1988.

Encyclopedia & Dictionary

Format:

Author's last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of Encyclopedia. Date.

Note: If the dictionary or encyclopedia arranges articles alphabetically, you may omit volume and page

numbers.

Examples:

"Azimuthal Equidistant Projection." Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. 1993.

Pettingill, Olin Sewall, Jr. "Falcon and Falconry." World Book Encyclopedia. 1980.

Tobias, Richard. "Thurber, James." Encyclopedia Americana. 1991 ed.

Magazine & Newspaper Articles

Format:

Author's last name, first name. "Article title." Periodical title Volume # Date: inclusive pages.

Note: If an edition is named on the masthead, add a comma after the date and specify the edition.

Examples:

Hall, Trish. "IQ Scores Are Up, and Psychologists Wonder Why." New York Times 24 Feb. 1998, late ed.:

F1+.

Kalette, Denise. "California Town Counts Down to Big Quake." USA Today 9 21 July 1986: sec. A: 1.

Kanfer, Stefan. "Heard Any Good Books Lately?" Time 113 21 July 1986: 71-72.

Trillin, Calvin. "Culture Shopping." New Yorker 15 Feb. 1993: 48-51.

Website or Webpage

Format:

Author's last name, first name (if available). "Title of work within a project or database." Title of site,

project, or database. Editor (if available). Electronic publication information (Date of publication or of

the latest update, and name of any sponsoring institution or organization). Date of access and <full URL>.

Note: If you cannot find some of this information, cite what is available.

Examples:

Devitt, Terry. "Lightning injures four at music festival." The Why? Files. 2 Aug. 2001. 23 Jan. 2002

<http://whyfiles.org/137lightning/index.html>.

Dove, Rita. "Lady Freedom among Us." The Electronic Text Center. Ed. David Seaman. 1998. Alderman

Lib., U of Virginia. 19 June 1998 <http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/subjects/afam.html>.

Lancashire, Ian. Homepage. 28 Mar. 2002. 15 May 2002 <http://www.chass.utoronto.ca:8080/~ian/>.

Levy, Steven. "Great Minds, Great Ideas." Newsweek 27 May 2002. 10 June 2002

<http://www.msnbc.com/news/754336.asp>.

Oral PresentationIn the oral presentation portion of your science project the judges are looking at how well a student communicates clearly and effectively. The judges have about 5 minutes to talk with each student. Therefore, it is important to practice your oral presentation to ensure you are prepared and can cover the needed information in the allotted time. Students should focus on communicating their question, prediction, conclusion and what they have learned. Students should not cover the entire scientific process, but rather summarize what you have learned. The oral presentation should include your problem statement, hypothesis, variables, and your conclusion. Remember to make eye contact with the judges and speak directly to them. Students should be prepared to answer science-based questions related to their project.

Science NotebookYour Science Notebook should include your data, notes, questions and research. If you type sections of your notebook, you may paste them into your notebook. Please record background research you do prior to beginning your project. Good sources for information may include the Internet, library, and special person or mentor. If you search the Internet, note which sites are helpful and which aren’t and explain why. If you visit the library to look at books containing science projects etc., indicate what books you look at and what led you to choose those books. Please include other sources you may use such as science journals and magazines. All of your sources should be recorded in the proper MLA format as described in the Definition of Resources. A completed Science Notebook must be submitted with your science project.

What criteria will be used to judge the projects?

6th – 12th GradesThe judging panel, using the attached appropriate grade level “Science Project Scoring Rubric,” will review all projects. To be considered for a prize, projects must receive a score of 3 in each section. The judging panel will then revisit all projects that meet these criteria and make their award decisions based on the following:The Scientific Process/Presentation Board:√ Does the project promote analytical thinking (grade level appropriate)?√ Is this project centered around a testable question or original idea?√ Does it demonstrate scientific creativity?√ Is the student’s growth and learning evident?√ Is the board neat and legible?√ Does the presentation board contain all sections?√ Is it attractive with a colorful layout?The Oral Process:√ Can the student verbally explain all aspects of their project?√ Is the student’s growth and learning evident?√ Can the student answer questions pertaining to their project?The Science Notebook:√ Handwritten with dates – (Work that has been typed and dated can be taped into your notebook.)√ Does it include all the students’ original thoughts, ideas, and data?√ A completed notebook must be submitted with your science

Certain aspects of science project judging can be subjective. In an attempt to remove conflicts of interest, parents and teachers will not be allowed to function as judges for any category in which their child or one of their students is competing.

Parental assistance defined.All projects must be the work of the student; however, parents may assist students with certain aspects of the project. Parental assistance may include the following:Parents may help establish the idea of the project.Parents may help gather materials.Parents may help by answering questions and guiding students through the scientific method.

Student: _________________________________________ Science Fair Project (6-10)

Project Title: ______________________________________ Scoring Rubric

Process and Display Board

- Applies the skills and processes of scientific inquiry- Uses scientific concepts and principles to understand systems- Writes clearly and effectively using related vocabulary- Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes

4Exceeds Standards

Exceeding standards by expanding, extending or showing creativity and

originality

3Meets Standards

Includes the following components:Problem investigated.Hypothesis with reason.Test using measurement performed.A list of materials and procedure.Variables are clearly stated with multiple trials.Data was accurately collected and analyzed using data charts and clearly labeled graphs.Multiple trials were run.A conclusion was drawn based on observation and data.Display board is sturdy and neat, with an attractive and colorful layout. Spelling and grammar are accurate. All safety issues are addressed.

2Does not meet

standard

One or two components are

missing or incomplete

and/or data was not analyzed or

the conclusion is incorrect.

1Does not meet

standard

Three or more components are missing and/or the conclusion

is not proven by the

investigation.

Oral Presentation - Communicates clearly and effectively4

Exceeds Standards

Exceeding standards by expanding, extending or showing creativity and

originality

3Meets Standards

Uses appropriate speed, volume, and expression. Maintains eye contact.Thoroughly explains their question, prediction, variables, conclusion, what they learned and the significance of their project.Accurately answers science based questions pertaining to their project.

2Does not meet

standard

One component is not fully

demonstrated

1Does not meet

standard

Two or more components are

not fully demonstrated.

Science Notebook - Writes clearly and effectively- Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences/purpose.

4Exceeds Standards

Exceeding standards by expanding, extending or showing creativity and

originality

3Meets Standards

Majority is Hand Written evidenceScientific notebook includes:ResourcesBackground research and information.Explains the hypothesis, procedures, and materials used.Contains complete notes and record of all tests and dataA clear explanation of the project.Project is explained clearly. Proper spelling and grammar are used.Includes safety concerns.

2Does not meet

standard

One component is not fully

explained, and/or some

explanations are unclear.

Numerous errors in spelling,

grammar, and punctuation.

1Does not meet

standard

Two or more components are missing and/or

explanations are unclear. Errors

in spelling, grammar, and punctuation

make reading difficult.

Name:______________________ Room:______________ Teacher:_________________

Science Fair Project Feedback Form

Overall: Yes No 2 3 4

Does the project have a title?

Does the project have all six sections of the scientific method?

Does each section have a title?

Is the project/topic grade level appropriate?

Is the project neat, organized, and precisely written?

Question / Problem Statement: Yes No 2 3 4

Is the problem statement in the form of a question?

Prediction / Hypothesis: Yes No 2 3 4

Does the hypothesis only have one outcome?

Is the hypothesis written as a cause and effect statement?

Bibliography: Yes No 2 3 4

Are resources listed?

Variable: Yes No 2 3 4

Are all three types of variables identified? (manipulated variable, responding variable, controlled variable)

Materials / Procedures: Yes No 2 3 4

Is there a list of materials needed?

Is there a list of safety concerns? (if applicable)

Is there a step-by-step procedure listed?

Data / Analysis: Yes No 2 3 4

Is there a written explanation of what happened?

Is there a chart or graph of the data?

Are there pictures or drawings of the investigation?

Conclusion / Summary: Yes No 2 3 4

Is the hypothesis clearly accepted or rejected?

Does the summary explain what the student has learned?

Abstract Yes No 2 3 4

Does the abstract summarize a fairly accurate idea of the project?

The Board Yes No 2 3 4

The Oral Process Yes No 2 3 4

Name _______________________ Date ____________________ Class ___________________

Possible Science Fair Investigative questions:

How does the _____________________________ affect the ____________________________?

1. ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

*Pick the one that interests you and fits best. Place the one you have chosen and that’s been approved in your journal.

SUGGESTIONS for WRITING an ABSTRACT

An informative abstract must be on display with each project board entered in the Mid-Columbia Regional Science and Engineering Fair. An abstract is a short summary giving the most important information about your project board. It should not exceed 250 words in length but should contain the following information.

Title:

Objective or Hypothesis: The objective, theme, or central idea of your project board. What is the basic question you had in mind when you started your project? What was your educated guess regarding your investigation?

Methods: A summary of the procedures that were used in the investigation.

Results: Discuss your data. Compare your results with theoretical values, published data and or expected results.

Conclusion: Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Was the hypothesis correct? Was the objective successfully completed?

A good abstract should identify the most important aspects of your project and be written so that the reader knows your basic objective or hypothesis, how you designed your investigation, the results of your study, and the conclusions you have made.

Count Down to Science Fair 2014 Student Time Line

Due Date Activity Description

Read through Science Fair Information Packet with a parent.

  Turn in Science Fair Planning Sheet to your teacher Obtain paperwork If you plan on competing in the Mid-

Columbia Science Fair, and working with people or animals, you will need special paperwork—get it filled in and back as soon as possible

Begin keeping a Science Notebook. You can use a composition notebook or a 70 – 100 page spiral notebook.

Begin researching your topic. Sources include science books, technical journals, and interviews with people in your field of study and even an Internet Search. Keep notes in your notebook. Remember to write down bibliography data as you collect notes.

Keep all information below in Science Notebook. Make sure the plan for your investigation is set: question,

hypothesis, materials and procedure Have a place in your notebook to enter your data (data table)Keep all information below in Science Notebook.

Start your investigation. Remember that you need to do your investigation more than once to verify your data. Collect your data in metric units when possible. Keep data in your Science Notebook.

If you are working with animals or people, you cannot start your investigation until your paperwork has been OK’d and returned to you.

Keep all information below in Science Notebook.

Analyze data collected—make tables and graphs displaying collected data.

Start finalizing your report

Work on writing your report and your conclusion. Work on your display. Present the information you collected in easy-to-read

graphs or tables. Reserve special areas on your display for your Question (Problem), Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, Discussion and Conclusion. If you plan to use photographs allow enough time to have them developed.

Finalize Research Paper: include summary (abstract) describing the problem, procedures, results, conclusions, and bibliography. Keep in your notebook. (see Science Fair Information Packet)

Be prepared to give a 3--5 minute presentation that describes your project.

Bring board and report to school The in-class project-presentations will start the following week. Science Fair –bring your board to school on __________ - set up

will be during Enhancement class or after school.

Science Fair Judging – 7:40am to 11:46am (Judges Only)

Parent Night- Come view student Science Fair Projects in school hallways- PM

Check list to double check that you have everything you need, accomplished:

1. Planning Sheet2. Question3. Hypothesis with Reason4. Materials5. Procedures6. Results 7. Variables listed8. Data tables & Graphs9. Conclusion10. Bibliography11. Abstract 12. Display (Board or Poster)13. Science Notebook14. Report15. Pictures16. Registration & Special Papers (Mid-Columbia)

Planning Sheet o Used to help organize the entire investigation.

o Ask a question to begin your investigation.o The best questions make a comparison that will allow the scientist (you) to control

changes and observe the result of those changes.

Ask a Question

o How does _____ (manipulated variable) affect _____ (responding variable)?o Example: Which marble will travel farther down an incline, a marble with a mass of

10 grams or a mass of 30 grams?

Hypothesis with Reason

o The hypothesis is what you think will happen in your investigation. o Your experiment is testing your hypothesis.o The reason is why you think your hypothesis is going to occur.

Materials

o A list of what you need to complete this investigation.o Your list needs to have the manipulated variable, responding variable, and controlled

variable embedded, but DO NOT label or underline them.

Procedures

o The step by step method you will use to do your investigation.o Make sure someone else can follow your procedures.o Don’t forget to repeat and record data for your investigation in your procedures.o A good investigation has at least 3 trials.o Be sure to include the manipulated, responding, controlled variables in your

investigation. They DO NOT have to be labeled or underlined.

Results with Data tables & Graphs

o Record your results in a data table. Label and title your data table.o Average your data for the 3 trials.o Graph your results using your data table. Label and title your graph.

Conclusion

o Answer the investigative question.o Include supporting data from your data table.o Explain how these data support your conclusion.

Bibliography

o Give credit to the books, Internet sites, journals, and people who helped you in your investigation by citing resources properly in MLA format.

o See your Science Fair Packet for examples on how to write a bibliography.

Display Board

o The goal of a display board is to attract and inform spectators and judges.o Display needs to reflect current years work only.o A good title that grabs spectators and judges attention.o Photographs of the experiment.o Logical organization. A judge wants to be able to find the title, investigation, results,

and conclusiono Visually stimulation- use colorful headings, charts, graphs, etc.o Stick to the size limitations and safety rules.

Science Notebook

o A Science Notebook is accurate and detailed notes of your investigation from beginning to end.

o These notes will help you when you write your report. Detail, detail, detail.o I would suggest a composition book for this, but it is not required.

Abstract

o A (maximum) 250 word, one page abstract. This is done after your research and investigation.

o Abstract needs to include: 1)purpose of the investigation, 2)procedures used, 3)data (results), and 4)conclusions.

Report

o Your have basically already done everything for the report. Now it has to be put it together into a report format.

o Report needs to include: 1) Title Page and Table of Contents2) Introduction-sets the scene of your report and needs to include: your hypothesis,

problem or engineering goals, an explanation of your research, and what you hoped to achieve.

3) Materials4) Procedure-describe in detail the procedures you used to collect all the data, make

observations, design apparatuses, etc. Your report needs to be detailed enough that someone can repeat your investigation from the information in your paper. Include detailed photographs or drawings of self-designed equipment.

5) Results- should flow smoothly and logically from your data.6) Discussion-the essence of your paper. Compare your results with theoretical values,

published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or expected results. Include discussion of possible errors. How did the data vary between repeated observations of similar events? How were your results affected by uncontrolled events? What would you do differently if you repeated this project? What other investigations should be conducted?

7) Conclusion-Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Never introduce anything in the conclusion that has not already been discussed.

8) Acknowledgments-You should always credit those who assisted you, including, businesses, and educational and research institutions.

9) References/Bibliography-Your reference list should included and documentation that is not your own (i.e. books, journal articles). See an appropriate reference in you discipline format.

Special Papers

o If you choose to do the Science Fair, there is paperwork that needs to be filled out. o Mid-Columbia Science Fair has its own registration and paperwork that needs to be

filled out, checked and returned to you before you can begin your experiment.o See Mid Columbia website for the complete list. (www.mcsf.net)

Name_____________________ Science Teacher_____________________________Period______

Planning SheetQuestion/Purpose (investigative question I am trying to answer)

Hypothesis/Prediction (what I think the answer to the question is – what will happen, and why)

Materials: (list) Procedures: (steps to be done when I actually DO the investigation – repeatable)

Manipulated Variable: (independent variable – what will change)

Controlled Variables: (what things I will keep the same/constant)

Responding Variable: (dependent variable – what is affected by the change; what I will look for/measure)

Data: (tables of measurements, graphs, observations)

Conclusion: Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect?

Summarize your findings – general statement about what happened. How did the Manipulated variable affect the Responding variable? Use data gathered during your investigation (high/low data averages).