Bpa 2013 14 sf science fair comprehensive packet

Science Fair Handbook

B.P.A.

Information Compiled By Mr. Evans & Mr. Sattar

Table of Contents

Parent Letter

Due Dates

Research Plan

Rules and Display Basics

Vocabulary and Sci. Method

Hypothesis

Background Research

Bibliography Checklist

How to Write Bibliography Entries

Log Book

Experiment Reminders

Data Collection and Presentation Pointers

Project Report

Template for Project Report

Abstract and Template

Display Board Reminders

Be Prepared for Judging – Oral Presentation

Expectations ISEF Judging Criteria

B.P.A. Class Rubric

Science Fair Note / Fall

Dear Parents,

During the next few months your child has expressed a desire to compete in our annual science fair and if you agree with their decision, they are thus required to complete a science fair project which uses the scientific method to solve answer a question. Science projects are primarily independent study assignments involving experimentation on a topic of individual interest. The educational benefits are numerous and include development of many skills such as writing, oral presentation, creative thinking and problem solving.

Students have been given directions during class and will continue to receive instructions for the various steps of his/her project. Most of the work will be completed at home, and students will receive a calendar noting due dates for each part of the project. Hopefully, this close supervision will help your child develop good time management skills and will ultimately result in a quality project.

Your child may need you to monitor his/her progress and provide encouragement. Your support is one of the keys to a successful project, but please do not allow your involvement to extend any further than that of monitor in order to assure equity and promote student learning! Also, be aware that a prize winning project can be completed for under 200.00 AED.

We are including a pamphlet of information that you will find useful. Please take time to read this information carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Science Dept. Leave a message with the front office (001-555-5555), and we will return your call as soon as possible. You may e-mail us at [email protected]

You can find more science fair information on one of the several websites we support. Go to www.sattaroc.com and then go to the Science Fair tab. You can read the detailed International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) rules, look for ideas, and find other helpful tips.

Sincerely, Mr. Evans & Mr. Sattar

Science Fair Project Due Dates…2013-2014**If you want BPA to purchase your board, 60.00 AED for your board is due before Nov. 5**

Need Ideas? www.sciencebuddies.org then Science Fair Project Guide

Each assignment is a test grade. Remember to keep a daily log book.

KEEP A COPY OF EVERYTHING YOU DO!

KEEP A COPY AT HOME AND BRING A COPY TO SCHOOL

HANDWRITE THE COPY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A PRINTER

Mark Your Calendar!!!

1. Research Plan AND Parental Permission forms (1A and 1B) due Wednesday, October 31, 2013.

Topic Problem /Question Hypothesis Materials list Procedure plans – step by step Data analysis plan Safety Precautions and Name adult supervisor If conducting a survey, attach survey to Research Plan

2. If you would like the school to purchase a board for you, your money is due by November 5, 2013 The price is 60.00 AED.

3. Note card / Note check will be Sunday, November 10, 2013. Keep note cards in an Envelope with information from each source bound with rubber bands. At least 5

October 31, 2013

November 5, 2013

November 10, 2013

November 17, 2013

December 9, 2013

January 5, 2014

January 12, 2014

January 19, 2014

January 23, 2014

January 26, 2014

January 30, 2014

February 1, 2014

sources are required.

List source information for your bibliography on one side List facts found from the source on the other

4. Rough Draft of Report (Literary Review) and Bibliography due Sunday, November 17, 2013. The report is to be written by hand – NOT TYPED. The bibliography needs to be typed if possible. Six references required. The report should be about 10 paragraphs or 4 pages. Do not exceed 15 handwritten pages.

Report about background information on your topic (handwritten) Bibliography of references / Literary Review (Type with size 12 Times New

Roman font, using correct APA format)

5. Final Copy with corrections, additions, and deletions; and all additional forms due December 09, 2013 (Type with size 12 Times New Roman font)

Human Consent forms if giving a survey or using a human in an approved way Safety forms if committee deemed a need for extra safety precautions Expert advisor forms if committee deemed necessary Disposal of waste forms if committee deemed necessary Any other form deemed necessary by committee

6. Abstract and Report of Question, Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures, Experiment data, Results, Charts or Graphs Conclusion, and are due Sunday, January 19, 2014

REMEMBER TO KEEP A COPY AT HOME FOR THE SCIENCE FAIR – SAVE IT ON YOUR COMPUTER AND FLASH DRIVE!**THIS IS MR. EVANS’ AND MR. SATTAR’S COPY for GRADING- We may write on it if corrections are needed – Bring corrected

copy to the Fair ABSTRACT on separate page - 250 words or less – summary of your project

(Type with size 12 Times New Roman font) Report (Type with size 12 Times New Roman font) – Do this after your experiment is

completed. Question Purpose Hypothesis Actual material list Actual procedures – step by step Data (refined and written on table or chart) OR summarized – NOT RAW DATA Results – summarized Charts, graphs, pictures – Organized visual representation of results Conclusion – State whether you proved or disproved your hypothesis AND tell why

7. Oral Presentation Due – Sunday, January 23, 2011 (write out what you will practice saying)

8. Total project with board, log and all the parts due Sunday, January 26, 2013 by 8:30 a.m.!

9. Judging – Tuesday and/or Wednesday. Be prepared to tell the judges about your project.

10. Judging – Vertical 1-5 grades/ 6-8 grades/ 9-12 grades Thursday AM.

11. Judging – Overall Competition 1-12 grades Thursday PM.

12. Parent Night Thursday, January 30, 2014. Win Ribbons will be on projects for parent night.

13. Pictures for the Newspaper on Wednesday or Thursday. Take projects home Sunday afternoon.

14. Regional Science Fair for U.A.E. first through third place winners. Date to be announced.

Science Fair Project Research Plan

Name: ________________________________ Class Period_____ Date _________ PROJECT TITLE: ______________________________________________________Topic: Circle the category you think your project would be in.Animal Sciences Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Biology Microbiology Earth and Planetary Science Chemistry Plant Science Computer ScienceBehavioral and Social Sciences Physics Medicine and Health Science Physics and Astronomy Environmental Management Engineering (Electrical and Mechanical) Energy and Transportation Engineering (Materials and Bioengineering) Environmental Sciences Mathematical Sciences

If conducting a survey, attach draft of survey to this research plan.

If all your information will not fit in space provided, staple it to the paper.

Purpose (What do you want to learn): The purpose of this project is to learn…

Question/Problem being addressed:

Hypothesis: If / Then statement that can be tested.

Materials: List all of the materials you plan to use.

Procedures – Step by Step: Like a good recipe – include amounts. How do you plan to do your experiment? Write the steps you plan to follow. Remember others should be

able to duplicate the steps. (If using a survey, attach a copy of your survey to this form).

How will you provide a control for your test? What will you do to provide a control trial that is not altered by the independent variable? This is done so that a “normal” outcome can be established for your experiments to be compared to?

How many sets of trials will you test?

What variables are you keeping constant? List the variables you have to keep the same to make sure you are only testing one variable.

What steps will you take to make sure only the independent variable is being tested?

Independent variable(s): What one factor are you changing in each trial? As the scientist, “I” am changing this.

Dependent variable(s): What factor will be changing as a result of your independent variable?

Data Analysis - Circle one: Quantitative Data (counted or measured) or Qualitative Data (described with words)

Make the chart or table you will use to record your data in an organized way. Attach it to this packet.

How will you display the results: circle all that apply

Pictures line graph pie graph bar graph other: ____________

*Remember to put the independent variable on the x axis and the dependent variable on the y axis.

Safety Precautions: What safety measures will you take? How will you dispose of materials when you finish? Which adult will oversee your work?

The Science Fair will be at the end of Januarywww.sciencebuddies.org then Science Fair Project Guide

Bring your projects to school that morning. Do not bring before Sunday – January 26th

morning.

With your board, bring all your reports, log book, and forms, but keep a copy at home.

Some Science Fair Rules – Official Guidelines: http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines

1. No glass, water, dirt, waste, food, sharp items, controlled substances, dry ice, fire, tanks, unshielded machinery , lasers, heat, or chemicals. These may not be displayed under any circumstances. DISPLAY PICTURES INSTEAD.

2. No electricity. Batteries may be used. No car batteries!

3. You may experiment with invertebrates, but not vertebrates. Human subjects may only be used in surveys, and if used, a Human Subject Form must be completed for each person involved.

4. Remember: safety first. All project plans must be approved by your teacher and the science fair committees.

5. You must have a backboard! You can make one from a cardboard box if you have to. Standard tri-fold boardscan be purchased at school for 60.00 AED before November 5th, or at local Teacher Supply Stores, Lulu’s, Carrefore. Please use attractive lettering and correct spelling. Be creative! The board may be a color other than white.

Project Display Basics

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This is how your backboard needs to be set up.

Do not write your name on the front of the board.

Include the following on the back of your board:

Name

Grade

Mr. Evans

Period for science

Bradenton Prep. Academy – Sports City, Dubai

Backboard Size: - 30" front to back (deep)- 48" side to side (wide)- 108" floor to top of your display Measure from floor with project on a card table.Table height may not exceed 36”

Model

Procedures

Title of Project ResultsQuestion

Materials

No more than 48” wide

Log

Book

Photographs(No Faces)

OrOther information

Data

(Graphs & Charts)

Folder: Forms

ConclusionAbstract

Hypothesis

Folder with:Background

ResearchExperiment

Report Bibliography

Purpose

Parts of a Science Fair Project and Scientific Method Diagram

1. Title – Choose a catchy title. Be specific!

2. Purpose – What exactly are you trying to discover by completing this project?

3. Hypothesis – Tell how you will test your prediction, then based on what you know, try to guess an answer for your question. Make a prediction of what will happen as a result of your experiment, and write it as a statement that can be tested. If _________, then________.

4. Procedure – Explain step by step what you plan to do, or what you did, in order to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Remember to follow safety rules when doing your experiment. Make a list of the materials you use. Include all tools and items. Write the amount of each item used, and remember to use metric measurements. Like a good recipe, others should be able to replicate it.

5. Results – Explain what happened when you performed your experiment. Record this regularly in log book, and then write as an official report in the result section of your presentation. Use charts.

6. Conclusion – Explain what you learned as a result of your project. This can tell if your hypothesis was supported or not supported.

7. Model – on table A 3-D representation of your project. Check list of rules about allowed items.

8. Abstract – on table A summary of your project. It should be no more than 250 words (one side of a page). Be brief. Include your hypothesis, procedures and your conclusion.

9. Report – on table A written report of information pertaining to your project title. Use research materials such as books, magazines, the internet, etc. Be sure to cite the source of your information and do not copy information word for word. Citing your sources means telling people where you got your information. At least 6 sources should be cited in the bibliography.

10. Science Log Book or Journal - on table A daily record of the work on your project kept in book.

11. Data – You need to include graphs and/or charts to show a visual picture of your data.

12. Pictures – optional You may include pictures of your experiment, but not of yourself. No sensitive photographs! No faces in the pictures.

No more than 30” deep.

Your abstract, log book, and report, along with copies of all your forms, must be on your table in front of your board.

REMEMBER TO USE THE SCIENTIFIC

METHOD.

HYPOTHESIS

An If / Then Statement About what you will do and what you think will happen

Change your question to an “If/Then” statement. Use the knowledge you gained from your literary review (background Research) to make an educated guess about what will happen.

Developing your Hypothesis.

1. Make your hypothesis an IF/THEN statement to show exactly what you are testing and what you expect the result to be.

2. Make your hypothesis a TESTABLE statement. At the end of your experiment you want to be able to say, “My hypothesis was supported” or “My hypothesis was not supported.”

3. NEVER change your hypothesis after experimenting. Remember, it is just an educated guess. The reason for a hypothesis is to remind you of the goal of your investigation. It forces you to think and plan before you begin. If the prediction stated in the hypothesis does not match the actual outcome, it is ok.

4. Your hypothesis should include the reasoning behind your prediction. Support your point of view with expert information.

WRITE THIS:Based on the information I learned from my background research, I have formed the following hypothesis. If _______________________, then _____________________________________________________.

OR WRITE THIS:My hypothesis states that if ______________________, then ____________________________. This hypothesis is based on ____________(tell why you think this is going to happen)_________________.

For more information: www.putnamscienceonline.com – Science Fair Pagehttp://sciences.unlv.edu/engineeringfair/2009/pdf/Science_Proj_Guidel2009.pdf

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Study everything known about your topic & cite resources!

SEARCH OUT INFORMATION

1. Go to the library and record the topic information gathered and bibliographic information into your log book.

2. Talk to professionals in the field, take notes and record their address, occupation, etc. into your log book.

3. Write to companies for information or visit their websites.

4. Be on the lookout for areas of the topic that are not well understood. This may lead to NEW information with your research. Define words that are needed to understand your project. Explain the main ideas driving your experiment.

Organizing your Information:5. Use a note taking technique. Put facts and bibliography information on the same page.

6. Organize everything you have learned about your topic with an outline.

Your

Topic

Independent VariableDependent Variable

Other Related

information

Usefulness

Concerns or Benefits for Humans

Information that explains how the two variables are related

Main Ideas

Vocabulary / Concepts

People / History

Main Ideas

Vocabulary / Concepts

People / History

How things work

Vocabulary / Concepts

People / History

7. Narrow your information by focusing on one particular idea at a time.

8. Write about your topic. Define and explain things. Stick to your topic.

Bibliography Worksheet – Record this information as you read about your

topic!!! 6 References are required!!!!

Resources to consider: Library – encyclopedia, books, journals and professional magazinesSchool – textbook, school libraryReliable Internet Resources – colleges and universities, government agencies, museums, botanical gardens, magazine publishers – Discover, National GeographicCommunity interviews – Experts in fields related to your topic, college and university professors, questions to internet scientists at NASA and other reliable placesBusinesses and Agencies - ask government agencies or businesses for brochures and informationCollect this information for each Printed Source:

author name

title of the publication

title of the article if it's a magazine or encyclopedia

date of publication

place of publication of a book

name of the publishing company of a book

the volume number of a magazine or printed encyclopedia

the page number(s) the information you are using is from

Collect this information for each Website:

the Web address for the page (called a URL)

author and editor names (if available)

title of the website

title of the page (if available) or video

the company or organization who posted the webpage

date published

volume number if an electronic newsletter or magazine

publication

date you looked at the page to write information

Collect this information for each Interview:

first and last name

occupation and employer

professional degrees or certificates

number of years in the field of expertise

person’s address

date of interview

Computer Internet Search Guide

1. Log on to computer and open the Internet. Go to www.putnamscienceonline.com and go to Computer Lab Link.2. Watch this video: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2009/01/teaching-internet-search-strategies.html

3. Get started by using a search engine below. Remember to write all information needed for bibliography.

List your Key Words: _______________________, ____________________________, ____________________________,

________________________, ________________________, _____________________________, __________________,

_______________________, ________________________, ___________________________, ______________________

Boolean SearchLanguage

AND OR Minus sign before words to leave out

“Quotation Marks”

around words that should be together

For each website you record facts from, record the following information on your notes.

Author:

Title:

Web address:

Copyright date:

Date found by you:

Ask the Right Questions

How do (independent variable) and (dependent variable) relate to each other?

What is the relationship between (independent variable) and (dependent variable)?

Who discovered __________? Who invented _____________? When was ___________ invented or discovered?

What is __________ used for?

How does __________ help people? How can ___________ harm people?

Use a Search Engine from the list below.

For Kids Metasearch Engine Metasearch Engine Uses pictures

http://www.kidsclick.org/ http://www.zuula.com/ http://www.webcrawler.com/ http://spezify.com

http://www.sweetsearch.com/ https://www.ixquick.com/ http://www.search.com/

http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/ http://www.mamma.com/ http://www.dogpile.com

http://www.askkids.com/ http://www.beaucoup.com/ http://fefoo.com/

Online Encyclopedias

Fact Monster / choose encyclopedia: http://www.factmonster.com/

Encyclopedia Search: http://www.encyclopedia.com/

Columbia University Press / Encyclopedia: http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/

Other websites for searching science topics

Government Agencies for Kids: http://www.kids.gov/

Science Kids: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/

Search Government Agencies for Science: http://www.science.gov/

Smithsonian: http://www.si.edu/

Archived “Ask a Scientist” questions – Michigan State University: http://www.pa.msu.edu/sci_theatre/ask_st/date_index.html

Science Bob - General Science Categories: http://www.sciencebob.com/research/index.php

Government Science Information byTopic: http://www.science.gov/browse/w_133A.htm

Discovery Education - Scroll Down to Web Resources for Science: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/homeworkhelp/science/science_homework_help.html

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/homeworkhelp/science/web-resources.html

Reference Desk: http://www.refdesk.com/science.html

Museum of Science and Industry Chicago: http://www.msichicago.org/

People in Science – Biography Site: http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/

Rader's Network of Science and Math Sites: 4Kids…: http://www.kapili.com/index.html http://www.kapili.com/topiclist.html

Sites Listed by Science Topics: http://www.beaucoup.com/1scieng.html

How to Write BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRIES…6 MAJOR REFERENCES ARE REQUIRED!!!!!!

You must write a Literary Review or a Report of Background Research. This is research on your topic which you will summarize into a written report. All your resources must be listed in your Bibliography or Reference List.

References/Bibliography: Your bibliography or reference list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e. books, journal articles, websites, brochures, interviews, etc.).

USE RELIABLE RESOURCES! DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA! USE: Encyclopedias, Universities, Government Agencies, Experts, Books, Magazines

Use APA style. Bibliography is alphabetical and not numbered. The first line is at the margin and the second line of same reference is indented.

*List the sources in alphabetical order using the author's last name. If a source has more than one author, alphabetize using the first one. If an author is unknown, alphabetize that source using the title instead.

Article from a magazine Shultz, F.B. (1973). Spiral Structures, Dust Clouds, and Star Formations. American Scientist, 61, 524-536.

Author. (year). Article title. Magazine title, volume number, page numbers.

Book with an author Peebles, J.B. (1980). The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe. New York: Princeton University Press.

Author. (year). Book title. Location: Publisher.

Chapter or portion of a bookThompson, R.L. (1986). The History of Earth. (pp. 238-250). New Orleans: Putnam Publishing Company.

Author. (year). Book title. (pages read). Location: Publisher.

Book with an editor Andrew, B.H. (Eds.). (1980). Interstellar Molecules. San Francisco: D. Reidel Publishing Company.

Author. (editor). (year). Book title. Location: Publishing co.

Book with no author or editor

Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (11th ed.). (2005). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Title of book (edition number). (year). Location: Publisher.

EncyclopediaBergmann, P.G. (1993). Spiders. In The new encyclopedia Britannica (Vol. 26, pp. 501-508). Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica.

Author. (year). Title. Name of encyclopedia (volume number, pages used). Location: Publishing Company.

Electronic book with no authorHeuristic. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from http:www.m-w. com/

dictionary/heuristic

Television SeriesHarrison, J. (Producer), & Schmiechen, R. (Director). (2000). You Can Count on Me [ Motion picture]. United States:

Paramount Pictures.

American Psychological association (Producer). (1992). Biodiversity Matters [Motion picture]. (Available from Changing Our Minds, Inc,., 170 West End Avenue, suite 25R, New York, NY 10023)

Name or producer or director. (tell whose name it is – producer or director). (year film made). Title of movie or tv series) [tell whether movie or television show]. (how to get movie)

Online Website Robertson, J. (2000). Planning for College. The College Board. Retrieved June 7, 2000, from http://

www. collegeboard.org/features/parenting/html/academic.html

Author. (date written). Title of article. Title of website. Retrieved date, from URL address

BrochureResearch and Training Center for Science Fairs. (2009). Guidelines for presenting a science fair project (3rd ed.)

[Brochure]. Meridian, MS: Putnam, S.

Author. (date). Title ( edition) [Brochure]. Location: Publisher.

InterviewSmith, J. Veterinarian. 611 Owens Street, Columbia, MS 39429. (August 15, 2009).

Person, Occupation, Address, Date interviewed or contacted

More about an InterviewBecause this is not recoverable data, it is not supposed to be included in the bibliography. It should be cited within the report, but for all grade leel purposes, we will list it in the bibliography.Include a summary of the interview in the log book or journal you kept of the work you did on your science fair project.

*Bibliography: List the sources in alphabetical order using the author's last name. If a source has more than one author, alphabetize using the first one. If an author is unknown, alphabetize that source using the title instead.

Your log book should contain accurate and detailed notes of everything youdo for your research project. Good notes will show you are consistent andthorough. It will also help you when you write your ABSTRACT, RESEARCH PAPER, and DISPLAY.

1. Use the logbook like a diary or journal. Date everything and record everything about your project and results.

2. A log book is a notebook that must be bound with stitching or glue so that the pages are not removable.

2. Your log book should be written in ink only. Do not use pencil or printouts from a computer (except graphs and charts).

3. Put your name and school on the back of your log book. Put the title of your project on the front.

4. Include notes on readings and bibliographic information.

5. Include your thoughts, ideas, and trials.

6. Include your raw data (all of the measurements you collect during your experimental trials).

7. Staple in copies of graphs or charts.

8. Attach photos and label them.

9. Date every entry and enter each science activity you do.

10. Do not try to make your log book neat. It should be readable, but you may cross out information you don’t want as you work. Never remove pages from your logbook and never use white out.

*****************************************************************************************************************

Write about your topic in your log book.

Write all of your thoughts, ideas, what you know already about your topic.

Remember to date the pages.

Write in your log book at least two times a week.

You can start looking up information about your topic.

Web sites and reference books are a good start. If you can, contact someone who works with anything to do with your topic.

This is a great source of information and a possible way to work with an expert.

Your Log Book

LogbookProject

Title

ProjectTitle

Add any information you gather into your log book.

EXPERIMENT

DO NOT START YOUR EXPERIMENT BEFORE THE SCIENCE FAIR COMMITTEE APPROVES YOUR PROJECT!!!

REMEMBER: SAFETY FIRST

Parental Supervision is required if using sharp objects or fire.

Wear Protective Eye Wear if there is a possibility of splashing or flying materials.

Follow your project plan carefully. Do not change it unless you get permission to do so. Remember it has been approved.

Keep detailed log book notes in ink of every experiment, measurement, and observation you do. Be sure to include things that don’t work as well as the ones that do. You will use all of this information later, so take good notes.

Keep your procedure controlled and exact. Think about what you are doing and how you might explain to someone else so that they can do it exactly the same to get the same results.

Only test 1 variable at a time.

Remember to include the following in your experiment:

Control Group This is the set of test items that are treated normally. It is a parallel experiment omitting the procedure being done to the other trial. It is used as a standard of comparison in judging effects.

Experimental Groups Sets of test items that undergo the various manipulations of variables.

Large Sample Size Use at least 5 test items per experimental group. The greater the number used the better.

Repetition Repeat your trials many times to collect enough data to average and to demonstrate the validity of your method.

Re-Do or Extend the Experiment If the experiment is flawed or leads to other needed information, be prepared to revise or extend the experiment until an answer can be deduced.

Seek to Understand your Data Record Data as you perform the experiment. When finished, evaluate your results:

Fill in the data tables and use the data to create graphs. Collect and prepare other forms of data-recordings, photos, drawings-that will support your

hypothesis. Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models. Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions

Record Results and Analyze Data

Use tables and charts to Use graphs to visuallyorganize data as you do display your final data.your experiment. On your BOARD.Keep this in the Logbook.

title

Trial # Measurement

Car 1 Car 2 Car 3

A good data table includes a title that describes the information being collected, and it identifies the variable and the unit being collected on each data line.

Variable (unit):

Time (seconds) / Distance (meters) / Electricity (volts)

title

Dist

ance

(m)

Growth of mutant tomato plants

Time (days)

PIE GRAPH

Used to show the relationship between groups.

All data is totaled and a percentage is determined for each

group.

BAR GRAPH

Used to compare data.

Height (cm)

Line Graph

Used to show data results over a period of time. Determine the Boiling Point of Substance x

Time(min.)

0 min. 2 min. 4 min. 6 min.

Temp.Degrees CGraphs from University of Southern Mississippi,

Science Fair PowerPoint: A Guide to Science Fairs, Science and Math Education Outreach Program

http://www.usm.edu/outreach/msef.html

REPORT - Science Fair PROJECT ReportWrite a full and complete explanation of your science story. Use formal language.

For your Science & Engineering Project you will write a report about your total experience. Most of this is already written in your

Research Plan!

Just add a few more explanations about how it actually happened and include graphs, charts, and photos.

Check your sentence structure and spelling.

Write as if you are someone on the outside looking in.

Contents of the Report:

Title Page - include project title

Table of Contents - number each section and list here. Do this last.

Introduction - use background information, question, purpose, and hypothesis.

Materials & Procedures - write detailed material lists and step-by-step procedure instructions

Results, Photographs, Drawings -- present results in tables and graphs, and explain in words. Do not use raw data. Discuss problems or errors that may have happened. Show pictures.

Conclusions - summarize results and share your conclusion. Tell whether or not data supported the hypothesis .

Acknowledgments/Credits - thank those that helped: mentors, parents, teachers, etc.

Bibliography - list the reference materials used in alphabetical order: books, websites,papers, journal articles, and communication with experts.

Type your report on the computer and print out a nice copy, or neatly write by hand.

SAVE YOUR WORK ON YOUR COMPUTER AND ON AN EXTERNAL DRIVEAND

KEEP A PAPER COPY FOR YOURSELF

Put the copy in a notebook along with completed necessary forms and any other written material you want the judges to

see.

Remember to save you work Always Project Report Template Title of Your Project

Question

…State the question you wanted to answer

Purpose

…not because your science teacher told you to

…Write about why you were interested in this topic and what you hoped to learn.

Hypothesis

…a statement that is testable. If ____________________, then ____________________.

Variables

Independent variable (IV): the one factor being tested (changed in each trial)

Dependent Variable (DV): the result

Constants: the factors that must be kept the same to ensure that only the IV is causing the result

Materials

…list the materials you used

Procedures

…tell steps in a way that others can replicate the experiment…include the variables and control …tell how many trials you performed and observed…IF YOU HAVE TO START OVER, EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED SO WE UNDERSTAND WHY

Safety Considerations

Results

…State your findings – what happened as a result of your experiment

Data: Charts / Tables

… Show the numbers

Graphs or Pictures showing sequence of events if data is qualitative

Conclusion

…state whether your hypothesis was supported or not

… state why or what makes you draw this conclusion

Other Notable factors …ways you could make your experiment better, things that happened that affected the outcome of your experiment

Acknowledgements …Thank people who helped you and give credit to those who deserve it

Writing an AbstractAn abstract is a short summary of your complete project. It is limited to 250 words or less.

Writing your abstract.

Most of the information has already been written into your log book and project report. The purpose of an abstract is to allow someone to quickly understand what your project was about and what the result was.

You should include:TITLE Keep the title brief and descriptive. Think of someone reading just the title and having a verygood idea of what your project is all about.

QUESTION / PROBLEM Look at the copy of the Research Plan. Can you make a short sentence or two saying thesame thing?

PURPOSE Again, look at the copy of the Research Plan. Can you make a short sentence or two saying the same thing?

HYPOTHESIS RULE! Even if your result did not match your hypothesis, Do NOT re-word your hypothesis. You should use it just the way you wrote it in the Research Plan.

DESIGN AND TESTING CRITERIA For Engineering projects, include a brief description of your criteria.

PROCEDURES You do not need to list the materials in an abstract. Summarize the procedures by being less specific than in the Research Plan. Some details may be necessary in order to explain the process best.

RESULTS Make this a short summary of results, using medians, means, and modes.

CONCLUSIONS Tell what the results mean and whether or not the hypothesis was supported.

Rules for Abstracts • Abstracts must be typed or printed from a computer

• Limited to 250 words or less

• The abstract must be present in front of your display as a single document. Do not glue it to the board or put it in the binder with the other reports and information

• Do not include cover sheets, graphics, or pictures

Abstract Template

Title of Your Project

My hypothesis stated that _______________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

To test my hypothesis I _________________(summarize your procedures)_______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________.

In conclusion, my hypothesis was (supported or not supported) because _______________________________________.

DISPLAY REMINDERS:

No Faces in pictures

Do not put your name on anything except the back of each item

Use your title as your identifying name and use it on everything

Keep a copy of everything at home

ON THE BOARD: Title Question, Purpose, Hypothesis Materials, Procedures Results, Charts / Graphs Conclusions Photos, illustrations

IN FRONT OF THE BOARD: Logbook Folder or Notebook including

o Background Research Reporto Project Report o Bibliography

Forms Abstract Model

ON BACK OF BOARD: Name Title of Project School Name Teacher

Your display should SHOW and TELL. Make it visual, easy to follow, and informative.• Keep it simple. Use a large colorful title and subtitles. Use bullets instead of paragraphs to discuss your project under each subtitle.

• Use photos. You must have written permission from any individuals other than yourself in photos used on the display. Have someone take photos of you during experimentation. Take pictures of your results, too. Do not include faces in your photos. Do not include any disturbing photos.

• Be organized. Your display should be logically presented and easy to read. Follow the path of the Scientific Method or Engineering Method from left to right, top to bottom.

• Have a Good Title. Simply and accurately represent your research. Use the same title on all your forms.

• Easy to Read. Your font size should be readable from at least 3 feet away. Your title should be in large letters, but not overwhelm the board. Your subtitles should stand out and be easy to find.

• Follow the Rules. Your display is restricted by certain size, safety rules and what can be displayed. Please read the Rule Book for details. Display all required and completed forms in your project notebook on the table in front of your display.

Practice for the Judging Process….I DO Say PRACTICE!The Judging at a Science & Engineering Fair is usually done by professionals in the field, teachers, and professors. The style of questioning is informal and personal. Have others pretend to be the judges to help you prepare.

Science Fair Checklist: Make sure you have all the parts of your project. Dress nicely. Use the restroom before judging. DO NOT leave your project area until the Science Fair

Coordinator announces your dismissal.

Usually 1 to 3 judges will come to you. They want to talk to you about your project. They want to know if you learned anything new and if you did your project yourself.

Prepare a One to Two Minute Oral Presentation Ahead of Time:Hello. My name is _________________________. I am a ________ grade student at _________________School. The title of my project is ____________. The question I tried to answer was _____________________. I got interested in the topic because _____________________________. My hypothesis was ___________________. I investigated the works of ______________________ and _______________ to learn what they found about the topic. The procedure I used to test my original hypothesis was to _________________. As a result of my first investigation, I learned _________________________________. I then changed my procedure to include ______________________. My results, shown on these charts, graphs and in my paper, are _________________. As a result of my investigation, I proved ________________________, but in the future, I’d like to try _______________________ as a slightly different investigation. To me, my project is a very valuable one because I can use the results in my everyday life when I ________________________. Do you have any questions about my study? Thank you for judging my project. Some of the questions judges might ask:

How did you get interested in this topic?

Where did your idea come from?

What question did you ask?

Why did you choose this project?

What was the hardest thing you had to do?

What experiment did you do to try to answer your question?

What did you think was going to happen in your experiment?

What happened? Were you surprised by the results? Did anything else surprise

you?

If you were going to do the experiment again, would you change anything?

What was most interesting to you about your project?

What part did you do? What did you get help with?

What did you learn?

EXPECTATIONSBe Competitive

JUDGING – ISEF CriteriaI. Creative Ability (Individual—30)1. Does the project show creative ability and originality in the questions asked? • the approach to solving the problem?, the analysis of the data?, the interpretation of the data? • the use of equipment?, the construction or design of new equipment? 2. Creative research should support an investigation and help answer a question in an original way.3. A creative contribution promotes an efficient and reliable method for solving a problem. When evaluating projects, it is important to distinguish between gadgeteering and ingenuity.

II a. Scientific Thought (Individual—30)1. Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously?2. Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible approach? Good scientists can identify important problems capable of solutions.3. Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution?4. Are the variables clearly recognized and defined?5. If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were they correctly used?6. Are there adequate data to support the conclusions?7. Does the Finalist or team recognize the data’s limitations?8. Does the Finalist/team understand the project’s ties to related research?9. Does the Finalist/team have an idea of what further research is warranted?10. Did the Finalist/team cite scientific literature, or only popular literature (i.e., local newspapers, Reader’s Digest).

III. Thoroughness (Individual—15)1. Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent?2. How completely was the problem covered?3. Are the conclusions based on a single experiment or replication?4. How complete are the project notes?5. Is the Finalist/team aware of other approaches or theories?6. How much time did the finalist or team spend on the project?7. Is the finalist/team familiar with scientific literature in the studied field?

IV. Skill (Individual—15) 1. Does the finalist/team have the required laboratory, computation, observational and design skills to obtain supporting data?2. Where was the project performed (i.e., home, school laboratory, university laboratory)? Did the student or team receive assistance from parents, teachers, scientists or engineers?3. Was the project completed under adult supervision, or did the student/team work largely alone?4. Where did the equipment come from? Was it built independently by the Finalist or team? Was it obtained on loan? Was it part of a laboratory where the Finalist or team worked?

V. Clarity (Individual—10)1. How clearly does the Finalist discuss his/her project and explain the purpose, procedure, and conclusions? Watch out for memorized speeches that reflect little understanding of principles.2. Does the written material reflect the Finalist’s understanding of the research?3. Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?4. How clearly is the data presented?5. How clearly are the results presented?6. How well does the project display explain the project?

7. Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets?8. Did the Finalist/team perform all the project work, or did someone help?

Science Fair Project Judging / Grading Rubric Bradenton Prep. Academy Project Title ______________________________________________________ Board Number ________ Category ________________________________ Extra Credit ______ Score ______ Total Score __________ The Following is a Rubric for Assessing each Part of Your Science Project.

Missing0

Beginning1

Developing2

Accomplished3

Excellent4

Score

Timeliness Did not do a project Late, incomplete Late, all parts present

On time, missing some parts

On time and all parts present:board, log book, forms, report,

abstract.

Plans MissingCannot be replicated

Not used consistently within the project. Did

not include measurements.

Almost complete, but some details are missing.

Complete, replicable, used exact measurements.

Variables and Trials

Missing

Project had too many variables

Or was a display only

Project one trial, but used variables correctly

Participant did more than one trial, and used variables correctly. The test matched

the hypothesis

Participant did many trials and used variables correctly. Methods were explained

clearly.

.

Hypothesis Missing

Written poorly or as a question.

Nonsense.

Written with If or Then, but not both. Not a

complete hypothesis or a question.

Written with if and then, but used pronouns.

Hypothesis makes sense otherwise.

Written correctly and is testable.

Written as an if/then statement.

AbstractMissing

Title or a couple of sentences

only

Messy, did not include all information, incorrect

Does not summarize all activities or too long

States hypothesis, summarizes procedures, and writes

conclusion. Less than 250 words.

.

Log Book MissingLog Book with

less than 5 entries

Incomplete log book, or log book does not make

sense

Log book mostly complete, but not enough details

Log book contains details and is complete

Report MissingMessy,

incomplete, incorrect

Missing parts and does not show full understanding

Missing 1 part, but done correctly. Shows

understanding.

All parts present and correctly done with clearly stated

thoughts which relate to the project. (bibliography graded

below)

.

Display BoardMissing Illegible, messy,

incompleteMissing some categories

Required categories, but does not show correct

understanding

Well organized presentation, all required categories present.

Correctly communicates its intent.

.

Bibliography Missing Title onlyA single reference, incomplete citation

Several references with incomplete citations

At least 6 references, listed in appropriate format (add + if

more).

Oral Presentation / Understanding

MissingDid not

understand the project at all

Could not explain much about the project

Explained project, but could not explain results or

conclusion

Well spoken, explained project’s question, hypothesis,

procedures, data and conclusion

Data and Conclusion

Missing Incomplete Displayed, but not

consistent with project’s intent.

Tables and figures incomplete or with error.

Conclusion not reasonable.

Tables and figures used appropriately.

Logical conclusion was drawn.

Paperwork Missing

Here without signatures

Some paperwork Most paperworkAll forms completed, signed, and neatly placed with project

Effort / Presentation/

NoneLooks last

Project’s parts are not

Project’s parts do not support each other, but

Project’s parts support each other.

All parts of the project represent one thought.

+.

Creativityminute. supportive.

Little effortfollow some logic.

Fair effort.Good effort.

Topic interesting.Great Effort was given.

UNIQUE Topic.