Pasco School District #12013 - 2014

Science Fair Packet

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades

How to Select a Science Project Topic

Sometimes one of the hardest things about a science project is selecting a topic! 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.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 ________________________.

*What does the Scientific Method look like?

The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and

answer questions. Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect

relationships in nature. In other words, they design an investigation so that changes to one item

cause something else to vary in a predictable way.

Just as it does for a professional scientist, the scientific method will help you to focus your

science fair project question, construct a hypothesis, design, execute, and evaluate your

investigation.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Ask a Question: The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? And, in order for the scientific method to answer the question it must be about something that you can measure, preferably with a number.

Do Background Research: Rather than starting from scratch in putting together a plan for answering your question, you want to be a savvy scientist using library and Internet research to help you find the best way to do things and insure that you don't repeat mistakes from the past.

Construct a Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work:"If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen." You must state your hypothesis in a way that you can easily measure, and of course, your hypothesis should be constructed in a way to help you answer your original question.

Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Investigation: Your investigation tests whether your hypothesis is true or false. It is important for your investigation to be a fair test. You conduct a fair test by making sure that you change only one factor at a time while keeping all other conditions the same. You should also repeat your investigations several times to make sure that the first results weren't just an accident.

Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion: Once your investigation is complete, you collect your measurements and analyze them to see if your hypothesis is true or false. Scientists often find that their hypothesis was false, and in such cases they will construct a new hypothesis starting the entire process of the scientific method over again. Even if they find that their hypothesis was true, they may want to test it again in a new way.

Communicate Your Results: To complete your science fair project you will communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional scientists do almost exactly the same thing by publishing their final report in a scientific journal or by presenting their results on a poster at a scientific meeting.

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 3-5 Science Project.All projects must follow each step of the grade level appropriate scientific method. See “What goes in each section of the science project, 3-5 Section” for the step-by-step description of the scientific method for grades 3-5 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. Presentation boards can be purchased at office supply or craft stores. Large pieces of cardboard also work well. Each 3-5 student’s presentation board should have six sections and follow this format:

(Side #1) (Middle Section) (Side #2)

• The project must have a title, and each section must be labeled as shown above.• The spacing demonstrated on the example is only a suggestion. The size of each section may vary; however, their order and location must be as shown.• Student’s name, teacher’s name, date and school name must be located in permanent ink ON THE BACK of the board.• For safety purposes, no items or parts of your investigation are allowed in front of your board on the day of the fair. All items must be attached to the board.• Pictures of student conducting the investigation are encouraged for section #4Graphs and Pictures.• Do not use product brand names when comparing products; use brand “x” and “y”.

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.• No 3rd Grade Abstract needed.*4th grade Your abstract cannot exceed 150 words. This is a summary of your project from beginning to end.• 5th 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 K-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

What goes in each section of the 3-5 science project.

Helpful Reminders:• Use a science notebook to collect data. A completed Science Notebook must be submitted with your science project in order to be considered for an award. • Complete all six sections above and title each section. Include a title for the project.• The entire project can be handwritten. Good science does not require a computer. Weencourage all graphs and charts to be drawn by the students. If students in the fourth or fifth grade choose to use a computer, they must do their own computer processing.• Student’s name, teacher name, date and school name must be written in permanent ink on the back of the board.Individual students are scored in three categories:1. The scientific process/presentation board: Is the project grade level appropriate? Does the project contain a testable original idea? Does the project promote analytical thinking? Does it demonstrate scientific thinking? Is the student’s growth and learning evident? Does it contain all the grade level appropriate sections? Is the handwritten material neat and legible? Is there a title?2. The oral presentation: Can students communicate their findings? Can students answer questions pertaining to their project? 3. The Science Notebook: A handwritten Science Notebook that includes all of the student’s original data. A completed notebook must be submitted with your science project.

ExpectationsProcess Display Board

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. Make sure it is also in your Science Notebook.

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 invention. 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 made an invention 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 invention 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 journal. (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 experiment. Variables must be listed in your investigation.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.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 experiment, and how others can put your results to work in real situations.

Attributes of a ConclusionConclusive statement correctly answers the investigative question (or correctly states whetherthe hypothesis/prediction was correct (accept) or incorrect (reject): The higher the starting temperature of water, the faster the water boiled.Attribute Notes:1. A vague conclusive statement (e.g., the starting temperature of water did affect the time for the waterto boil) cannot be credited for this attribute, but other attributes can be credited.2. A response with an incorrect conclusive statement or no conclusive statement may not be credited anyattributes.3. A response with both a correct and an incorrect conclusive statement (e.g., the prediction wasincorrect…the can A water boiled fastest) cannot be credited for this attribute but other attributes canbe credited, if separate from any contradictory statements.Supporting data should at least be over the entire range of the conditions investigated. Thus theminimum reported data are the lowest and highest conditions of the manipulated variable forquantitative data (responding variable when manipulated variable information is descriptive).

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.MLA (Modern Language Association) format example: Last name, First name. Title(Underlined). Place of Publication. State: Publisher and copyright date.

Oral PresentationIn the oral presentation portion of your science project the judges (optional) are looking at how well a student communicates clearly and effectively using appropriate speed, volume and expression.The judges (optional) have about 5 minutes to talk with each student. Therefore, it is important topractice your oral presentation to ensure you are prepared and can cover the neededinformation in the allotted time. Students should not cover the entire scientific process, but rather summarize what they have learned. Students should focus on communicating their question, prediction, conclusion and what they have learned. Students in grades 3-5 also need to include their variables. Remember to make eye contact with the judges (optional) and speak directly to them. Students should be prepared to answer science-based questions related to their project.

Science NotebookYour Science Notebook should include all parts of the ‘Meets Standard’ section. Make sure that you have documented all the dates for your investigation. If you type sections of your Science 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 grade level format mentioned under Bibliography (MLA style). A completed Science Notebook must be submitted with your science project.

What criteria will be used to judge the projects?

The judging panel, using the attached appropriate grade level “Science Project Scoring Rubric,” will review all projects. A minimum score of a 3 in each section means the student has met the minimum standards and could be considered for a prize. The judging panel will 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) as the minimum standard?√ Is the project centered around a testable idea?√ Does it demonstrate scientific creativity?√ Is the student’s growth and learning evident?√ Does the presentation board contain all sections?√ Is the board neat and legible?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 – We encourage all K-2 work to be handwritten and dated.√ Does it include all the students’ original thoughts, ideas, and data?√ A completed Science Notebook must be submitted with your science project in order to beconsidered for an award.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.Parents may assist with computer-generated work for students in grades K-3 only. Weencourage all K-2 work to be handwritten. All graphs, charts, and word-processing, must be student generated for projects in grades 4-5.

Student: _________________________________________ Science Fair Project (3-5)

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:Question/Problem investigated.Prediction or hypothesis formed.Tested the prediction using measurement.A list of materials, observations and measurements were recorded.Variables are clearly stated with multiple trials.Data was accurately collected and analyzed using graphs and/or charts.Multiple trials were run.A conclusion was drawn and your hypothesis was clearly accepted or rejected and why.Display board is sturdy and neat, with an attractive and colorful layout. It has a title.Spelling and grammar are accurate.All safety issues are addressed.

2Does not meet

standard

One or two components are

missing or incomplete.

1Does not meet

standard

Three or more components are

missing.

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 and maintains eye contact.Thoroughly explains their question, prediction, variables, conclusion, what they learned and the significance of their project.Answers 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.

Journal - 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

Scientific notebook includes:ResourcesBackground research and information.Explains the hypothesis, procedures, and materials used.Contains complete notes and record of all tests and data.Project is explained clearly, using proper spelling and grammar.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

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

Is the problem statement in the form of a question?

Prediction / Hypothesis: Yes No

Does the hypothesis only have one outcome?

Is the hypothesis written as a cause and effect statement?

Bibliography: Yes No

Are resources listed?

Variable: Yes No

Area all three types of variables identified?

(manipulated variable, responding variable, controlled variable)

Materials / Procedures: Yes No

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

Is there a written explanation of what happened?

Is there a chart or graph of the data?

Are there pictures or drawings of the experiment?

Conclusion / Summary: Yes No

Is the hypothesis clearly accepted or rejected?

Does the summary explain what the student has learned?

Abstract

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

The Board Yes No

See Science Fair Backboard design and checklist.

The Oral Process Yes No

Communicates the project idea clearly to the teacher, observer, or judge.

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.

This section is for 4th and 5th Grades only:

SUGGESTIONS for WRITING an ABSTRACT

An informative abstract must be on display with each exhibit entered in the Mid-Columbia Regional Science and Engineering Fair. An abstract is a short summary giving the most important information about your exhibit. 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 exhibit. 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.

Write conclusion and discussionStart finalizing your report

Work on writing your report and your 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 Science 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 For in-class project-presentations will start the following week. Science Fair –bring your board to school on Thursday Feb 7 - set

up will be during Enhancement class or after school.

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

Parent Night- Come view 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.

Ask a Question

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.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 investigation is testing your hypothesis.o The reason is why you think your hypothesis is going to occur.

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

Materials variable embedded, but DO NOT label or underline them.o Make sure to put this information in your Science Notebook.

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 experiment 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. All this information needs to be in your Science Notebook.

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.o All this should also be found in your Science Notebook.

Conclusion

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

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.o Research and Bibliography should be in your Science Notebook.

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, experiment, 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 an accurate and detailed notation 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 the research and investigation.

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

o The abstract also needs to be in your Science Notebook.

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 Paperso If you choose to do the Science Fair, there is paperwork that needs to be filled out.

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).