3000 L ANDERHOLM C IR . SE, B ELLEVUE , WA 98007 Bellevue College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race or ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp. Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2013 Student & Teacher Guide For High School Students in King and Snohomish Counties March 9, 2013 at Bellevue College www.bellevuecollege.edu/sciencefair
33
Embed
Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair · 3/9/2013 · Selecting a science or engineering fair topic is often the most difficult part of the entire process. The key to
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
3 0 0 0 L A N D E R H O L M C I R . S E , B E L L E V U E , W A 9 8 0 0 7
Bellevue College reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race or ethnicity, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit www.bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp.
Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2013 Student & Teacher Guide For High School Students in King and Snohomish Counties March 9, 2013 at Bellevue College
Part II: Starting with the Basics ................................................................................................................... 5
Start with the Basics: How do I choose a topic? .............................................................................. 5
Part III: Planning Your Project ...................................................................................................................... 9
Planning Your Project: Background Research .................................................................................... 9
Science Project Guide: Developing a Hypothesis ........................................................................... 11
Science Project Guide: Planning your experiment ........................................................................... 12
Science Project Guide: Writing Your Experimental Procedure .................................................... 14
Part IV: Putting it All Together: .................................................................................................................. 23
Data Analysis .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Part V: Making your project Stand out! ................................................................................................... 26
Completing Your Project ............................................................................................................................ 26
IntroductCongratulatiEngineering and seeing aparticipationyou in both a
This guide is executing scalmost any tyou!
This guide wprojects requ
As you go thmportant in
f you have athe fair webs3055.
tion ons on acceFair on Marc project to cn provides yoacademic an
designed toience and enopic imagina
ill take you tuire careful
rough the guformation.
StoThebe do
ExaReathr
KeyDobox
CheThetheque
any questionsite at http:/
pting the chch 9, 2013! Tcompletion cou with pricend real‐world
o help studenngineering pable. This is
through the planning and
uide you wilThe legend
op! e stop sign icocompleted Bnot follow th
amples ad a section arough specific
y Info n’t have timexes will provid
ecklists e checklists atemselves on testion before
ns about the //www.belle
allenge of pThe experiencan be a lot oeless experied situations.
nts, teachersprojects. A sYOUR oppo
science faird dedication
l see a numbbelow descr
on is found neEFORE studehese instructio
and still confuc examples, st
e to read the ede a short su
t the end of etrack. Studene moving on t
CSRSEF or wevuecollege.
articipating nce of conduof fun and isence in the s
s, and parencience or enrtunity to ta
process fron on your pa
ber of icons ribes each ic
ext to importnts can contions will be di
used? The blutep by step.
entire manuammary of eac
each section ants should be o the next se
would like adedu/science
in the Centructing reseas also an excscientific pro
nts understangineering reake a deeper
m start to firt.
that you wicon and how
tant steps andnue their prosqualified fro
ue example b
al? That’s OKch section.
allow studentable to answction.
dditional copefair or conta
ral Sound Rearch, carryingcellent learnocess and th
nd the proceesearch projr look at a to
nish. Reme
ll help directw to use each
d steps that Mojects. Studenom the CSRSE
boxes will wal
K, these key in
ts to keep wer “yes” to e
pies of this gact the fair d
3
egional Scieng out an exping experienhese skills wi
ess of plannject can be bopic that inte
mber, the b
t you to the h section.
MUST nts who EF.
lk you
nfo
ach
guide, pleasedirector at 4
| P a g e
nce & periment, nce. Your ll help
ing and based on erests
est
most
e visit 425‐564‐
4 | P a g e
Part I: Science and Engineering Fair Overview
Suggested Project Timeline
Good science and engineering fair projects take time. Below, you’ll find a 9‐week timeline to help keep you on track as you work your way through your project. Keep in mind it is always better to start early! Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Week 1 Jan 6‐12
Decide whether to do a team or an individual project
Brainstorm 3 topic ideas
Develop 3 research questions and share them with an adult
Think about how you would test each research question
Choose a testable research question and decide on a project category
Week 2 Jan. 13‐19
Make a list of questions you have about your topic
Spend some time in the library reading and taking notes about your topic
Develop your hypothesis or design
criteria
Finalize your hypothesis or design
criteria
Week 3 Jan 20‐26
Identify your adult sponsor
Develop your research methods
Make a rough draft of your materials and
experimental procedure
Register for the CSRSEF and submit the required forms
Complete the ISEF form wizard at
www.bellevuecollege.edu/sciencefair and submit any additional
forms. Week 4 Jan 27‐Feb 2
Wait for SRC/IRB approval from the CSRSEF (if working with humans, vertebrates, potentially hazardous biological agents, etc.)
Write the introduction and
background sections of your research
paper
Format the references page for
your research project. Be sure to have at least 3
sources!
Week 5 Feb 3‐9
Finalize your experimental
procedure/prototype designs
After IRB/SRC approval, conduct experiments/build
prototypes
Repeat your
experiments/test your prototype
Week 6 Feb 10‐16
Conduct more experiments to fill holes in your data or
modify your prototype
Analyze your raw
data into graphs and charts
Week 7 Feb 17‐23
Redesign your engineering product and conduct more
testing
Finalize all graphs and charts for your
display board
Week 8 Feb 24‐Mar 2
Write the experimental
procedure, results, and conclusion sections of your research paper
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR the CSRSEF: February 27 www.bellevuecollege.e
du/sciencefair
Write your official 250 word abstract on the official ISEF
form
Week 9 Mar 3‐9 Proofread your
research paper Create your display board
Practice talking about your project to
friends and family!
….and take your project to the CSRSEF on Saturday, March 9, 2013!
5 | P a g e
Part II: Starting with the Basics
Start with the Basics: How do I choose a topic?
Selecting a science or engineering fair topic is often the most difficult part of the entire process. The key to completing a successful project is to think about it early and think about it often! Some questions you’ll want to start asking yourself now are:
1. Should I work on my project by myself or work with a team? 2. How do I choose a project topic? 3. Is my project a science project or an engineering project? 4. Which category is most appropriate for my project?
Part I of this guide will walk you through the steps to answer these important questions. Keep in mind that it is up to YOU to make your project a success!
1. Should I work on my project by myself or work with a team? Before you choose a topic, you need to decide if you will work on your CSRSEF project by yourself or if you will work with a partner. Working with your BFF may seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that a big part of the team judging is how well you worked with your teammate. If you think that you will have problems working with someone or if it will be difficult for you to schedule time to work with your partner, it may be a good idea to stick with an individual project.
2. How do I choose a project topic? Choosing a science and engineering fair topic is often the hardest part of your research project, so start thinking about topics early! Use your research journal to keep track of topics that interest you. Pay special attention to things covered in school, conversations with friends and family, and activities that you‘d like to explore further. Think about questions you have that you might be able to answer by doing a research project. See the Example on the following page for more information about how to choose a science and engineering fair topic.
SyqbWt
Start a projectyou have a lisquestion that by watching cWashington Stestable and a
t notebook (at of specific, tyou have the
cartoons may State! Ask yoappropriate.
You may bPeople ElectricitySolar EnerInventing A list like broad. Yothat is intephrasing y
••••
Once you the questmakes a pcompare tRemembeexact if it’ Need morto turn yo
H C H H H W
a compositiontestable quese means to insound like a ur teacher, pa
Example: HoStill stuck? Uto keep track
be interested i Disease
y Rocks rgy Music Things (there
this is a great ou need to get eresting to youyour ideas in th
• What makes • How can plan• How does we• How does sic
have a list of ion to make itperson an adultto adults?” Liter to be as specs going to mat
re help? Use thour interests in
How can plants becomes Can companion
How does wea becomes How do cloud f
How does sickn becomes What influence
n notebook wstions, you arvestigate. Fogreat topic, barents, or an
ow do I choosUse the examplof project idea
in: es Animals
are infinite pos
start, but the more specific u. What do youhe form of que
a person an adnts be protecteeather change?kness affect pe
broad questiot testable. For t?” You may wttle changes likcific as you cantter.
he examples bto testable que
s be protected
n planting pro
ther change?
formations pre
ness affect peo
es the rate of r
works well!) ae ready to chor example, stbut is probablexpert in the
nd keep trackhoose a reseatudying whetly not a goode field to mak
topic? lp you brainstoarch journal!
Plants Space Computers
elves are muchhat it is about to know about?
ts?
ut how you canead of asking, How do eighth gake a big diffenformation mu
better idea abo
s?
m beetles?
?
the common c
k of off of yourch question.ther children choice for soke sure your r
orm topic idea
h too the topic ? Try
n rephrase “What graders rence. ust be
out how
cold?
6
ur project ide. Be sure to cin China learnomeone who esearch ques
s. Remember
| P a g e
eas. Once choose a n English lives in stion is
Is
Wsuth
Wta
Hthg
3. Is my Now tproble Scienproje In reaoften designprogrengin Howealgori
Topic C
What Mak
your science o
Will you be ableupplies that yohe fair?
Will you be ableakes place on M
Helpful Hint: hat promise qeneric ideas d
y project a s
that you’ve foem in science
nce projects ects focus on
al life, the bouengineer toon their produammers creaeering, and t
ever, if the obithm, then it
Checklist
kes a Good Sci
or engineering
e to investigateu already have
e to investigateMarch 10, 2012
The internet quick and easdownloaded
science proje
ormulated a re or if it addre
focus on REn DESIGN an
undaries betwols to do theircts. Much of ating new prohat's OK. Ma
bjective of yomay make se
ence and Engi
topic a specifi
e your questione or that you w
e your question2?
can be a greasy science fairfrom a websi
ect or an en
research quesesses a proble
SEARCH andd producing
ween science r work, whilewhat we ofteducts. Your pny projects ca
our project is ense to follow
neering Fair To
c, testable que
n of interest wiwill be able to g
n before the CS
at resource for projects. Teaite!
gineering pr
stion, you neeem in enginee
d producing g a PHYSICAL
and engineerengineers often call "compproject may faan and should
to invent a nw the enginee
opic?
estion?
ith get before
SRSEF
or brainstormachers and sc
roject?
ed to determering.
KNOWLEDGL PRODUCT.
ring projects ten use the sputer science"all in the grayd use the scie
new device, pering process
You Should"Yes" to Ever
Yes /
Yes /
Yes /
ming ideas, bucience fair jud
mine if your qu
GE about the
are not alwaycientific meth" is actually ey area betweeentific metho
procedure, cos.
7
d Answer y Question
No
No
No
ut beware of wdges can easi
uestion addre
e world. Eng
ys clear. Scienhod to help thngineering ‐‐en science and.
omputer prog
| P a g e
websites ly spot
esses a
ineering
ntists hem
d
gram, or
IfC
4. Wh Now tenginprojecdescr(http: ScienAnimaCellulaEarth &EnviroMicro EnginEngineEngine
f you are stillCSRSEF direct
E
Science Q• H• H• W• W• D
Engineer
• H• W• W If youparen
hich category
that you’ve ceering projecct. If your proiptions of eac//www.belle
ce Categoriesal Sciences ar & Molecular& Planetary Sconmental Scienbiology
neering Categeering: Electriceering: Materia
unsure aboutor for more h
Examples of
Questions: How long does How rapidly doWhat is the besWhich method Does listening t
ing QuestionHow can you reWhat can you dWhat is the bes
are unsure whnt for help.
y is most ap
hosen a reseact, you need toject is an ench category cavuecollege.ed
s:
r Biology cience nces
gories: cal & Mechanicals & Bioengin
ut which categhelp.
Science Que
it take the heaes a plant makst insulator to kof cooking desto music while
s: edesign a sanddo with a swimst propeller de
hether your pr
propriate fo
arch questionto determinegineering proan be found odu/sciencefai
Behavioral &Chemistry Energy & TraMathematicaPhysics & Ast
cal eering
gory is most a
estions vs. E
art to return toke starch? keep ice from stroys the mosyou study affe
bag to better pm cap to optimisign for a wind
roject is a scien
or my projec
n and determwhich categooject, you muon the CSRSEir).
Social Science
nsportation al Sciences tronomy
appropriate fo
Engineering
o normal after
melting? st bacteria? ect your ability
protect homesze its ability tod generator?
nce or an engin
ct?
ined whetheory at the CSRust enter it intF website
es BiochCompEnviroMedicPlant
or your proje
Questions:
exercise?
y to memorize
s during a floodo decrease drag
neering project
r you’ll be doRSEF is most ato an enginee
emistry puter Science onmental Mancine & Health SSciences
ect, ask a teac
8
facts?
d? g in water?
t, please ask a
oing a scienceappropriate fering category
nagement Sciences
cher or contac
| P a g e
teacher or
or for your y. Full
ct the
9 | P a g e
Part III: Planning Your Project
Planning Your Project: Background Research
Before you start designing your science experiment or engineering product, you will need to learn as much background information as you can about your topic. Remember, you are probably not the first person to be interested in your science fair topic! It is important to learn from the work of others and to design your project so that it builds on their research. Use the tips below to get started!
Key Info: Background Research
Background research is necessary for both science and engineering projects. To gather background information for your project, follow these steps:
1. Identify the keywords in the question for your science or engineering project. Brainstorm synonyms, keywords, and concepts to investigate further. For example, if your project is about overcoming the common cold, you would want to learn about what causes the common cold, common remedies to help people get over a cold, and the types of experiments that others have done to see if these remedies actually work.
2. Only use information from reputable sources! Peer‐reviewed journals, university and government websites, and reference materials are generally good sources. Don’t be tempted to use open source material (like Wikipedia) to find background information! If you aren’t sure if a source is trustworthy, ask a teacher or parent for help.
3. Determine how researchers in your field of study interpret their data. Take note of any mathematical formulas or equations that you will need to describe the results of your experiment (science project) or information that you will need to build your prototype (engineering project).
4. Become familiar with the history of similar experiments or inventions.
5. Talk with a mentor, your parents, and teachers. Ask them: "What should I study to better understand my science or engineering project?"
Background research is important to help you understand the theory behind your experiment or product. Science fair judges like to see that you understand why your experiment turns out the way it does.
Have yoquestio
Do youscienceand dev
Backgrou
What Make
ou identified aon?
have enough e experiment avelop your eng
If you arp. 12. IfGuide on
nd Research
es a Good Bac
ll the keyword
background innd predict thegineering prod
re working of you are won p. 20.
h Checklist
kground Resea
ds in your scien
formation to he outcome, or tuct?
on a Scienceorking on an
arch Plan?
nce fair project
help you designto help you des
Project, con Engineering
For Plan
t
n yoursign
ntinue on tog Project, sk
a Good Backgn, You Should A
Every Qu
Yes /
Yes /
o “Developinkip to the En
10
round ResearcAnswer "Yes" uestion
No
No
ng a Hypothngineering P
| P a g e
ch to
hesis” on Project
S
At
Taris Yc
Science Proj
After thorougtopic/questio
The hypothesan “If _______researchers shs true or false
Your hypothecomplicated.
ect Guide: D
ghly researchin. This educa
is must be wo___, then ___hould be ablee.
sis should alsBe direct and
Key
A hypothebackgroun
A hypothe
Your hypoother wor
Exam
• If I
• If afert
• If I
• Rai
Not everstate youanswer.
If you areGo back
Developing
ng your sciented guess is c
orded so that_________” se to carry out
so be relatived to the point
Info: Deve
esis is an educand research.
esis is often wr
othesis should rds, you need t
mples of Hyp
open the fauc
plant receivestilizer.
put fenders on
sing the tempe
ry question canur question as
e having a hardto p.8 to see a
a Hypothesi
nce topic, youcalled a hypot
t you can teststatement. Inan investigat
ly simple andt.
loping a Hyp
ated guess abo
itten as an "If _
be something to be able to m
potheses:
cet, then the fl
s fertilizer, the
n a bicycle, the
erature of a cu
n be answered a testable hyp
d time generat list of criteria
is
u should havethesis.
t it with your n science, hyption and obta
d concise. Do
pothesis
out how things
_____, then __
that you can ameasure both "w
ow of water w
n it will grow f
en the rider wil
up of water wil
by the scientifothesis, then y
ting a hypothesfor an enginee
e some educa
experiment. potheses musain evidence t
n’t make you
work that is b
____." stateme
actually test; wwhat you do" a
will increase.
faster than a pl
ll stay dry whe
l increase the
fic method. Thyou can use th
sis, you may beering project.
ted guesses a
The easiest wst be testablethat shows w
ur hypothesis
based on inform
ent.
what's called a tand "what will
lant that does
n riding throug
amount of sug
he hypothesis ise scientific me
e working on a
11
about your pr
way to do thise. This means hether the hy
overly long a
mation found t
testable hypotl happen."
not receive
gh puddles.
gar that dissolv
s the key. If yoethod to obtain
an engineering
| P a g e
roject
s is to use that ypothesis
and
through
hesis. In
ves.
ou can n an
g project.
12 | P a g e
Science Project Guide: Planning your experiment
Now that you have decided on a hypothesis, you’ll need to develop one or more experiments that will test to see whether your prediction (hypothesis) is correct. You must carefully plan your experiments so that you are only manipulating one thing, or variable, at a time.
Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to change in a way that can be measured.
These changing quantities are called variables. A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled.
Controlled Variables
All experiments contain variables that can unintentionally affect your experiment. These variables must be controlled by the scientist (YOU!) to make your experiment credible. These variables, called controlled variables, or constant variables are traits that a scientist keeps constant throughout the experiment. For example, if we want to measure how much light is released by different light bulbs, it is important to make sure that the voltage or the amount of energy that goes to each light bulb is held constant. That's because both the voltage and the light bulb have an impact on how much light is emitted. If we change both of them at the same time, we can't be sure how much of the change in light is due to the change in light bulb and how much of it is due to the change voltage. In other words, it would not be a fair test.
Independent and Dependent Variables
The second type of variable, the independent variable or manipulated variable, is the one that is changed by the scientist. A good experiment has only ONE independent variable. As the scientist changes the independent variable, he or she observes what happens.
The scientist focuses on the dependent variable or responding variable to observe and measure how it changes in response to manipulations of the independent variable. By definition, the dependent variable depends on the independent variable.
See the example on the following page for more help in understanding variables.
relatio
Take t
If I ad
The CoContromanip
For exNOT bhave g
Otheretc eais sole
The Inthe ad
ThIndVais tareexp
ThVathesamthasamIDEstathevar
Exam
Variabonship betwee
the following h
dd fertilizer to
ontrolled Variaolled variablespulations you m
xample, if the pbe able to makgrown taller be
r variables thatach plant receively due to the a
ndependent Vaddition of fertil
e fertilizer is thdependent ariable becausethe trait that Ye changing in tperiment
e Controlled ariables are kepe same in all mples. This meat all of your mples are ENTICAL beforeart manipulatine independentriable.
mple: Under
bles can be touen controlled, i
hypothesis as a
a houseplant,
ables are the vs allow you to cmade, and not
plants in your ee the claim thaecause it receiv
t must be contrves. Controllinaddition of fert
P
ariable is the vlizer to your ex
he
e it YOU he
Fertilizer
pt
eans
e you ng
rstanding Va
ugh to understindependent, a
an example:
then it will gr
variables or coclaim that the edue to extern
experiment thaat an increase ved more wate
rolled are the sng these variabtilizer.
A
Plants are grow
variable that yoxperimental pla
A
Plant A gets f
ariables.
and. Let’s useand dependen
row taller than
nditions that aeffect you see al factors.
at received ferin the plant’s her. This is an e
soil conditionsbles ensure tha
A
wn under the s
ou plan to chanant.
A
fertilizer. Plan
a simple examt variables.
n a plant that d
are kept the sain your experi
rtilizer also recheight was becexample of a va
s for the plantsat any change
B
same condition
nge in your exp
B
nt B does not.
mple to better
does not receiv
ame in all of yoiment is becau
eived more wacause you addeariable that mu
s and the amouyou see in the
ns
periment. For
13
understand th
ve fertilizer.
our samples. se of the
ater, you wouled fertilizer; it ust be controll
unt of water, lige height of the
this example,
| P a g e
e
d may ed.
ght, plant
it is
S
Oo
The Dscientvariabin resp
Plant manipfertilizcompa
Defi
Science Proj
Once you havout your expe
1. Make
2. Writeproce For exis mu
3. DefinRemedepen
T
d
ependent Vartist observes anble. In this caseponse to the a
B in this examppulated. In thiszer (the indepeare your exper
ning variables
ect Guide: W
ve determinederimental pro
e a list of the
e the experimedure is so de
xample, “Addch more desc
e you variablember, controndent variabl
The height of tplant is the dependent vabecause it charesponse to thindependent v(the fertilizer).
iable(s) are thend/or measuree, the height oddition of the
ple is what is cs case, plant B endent variablerimental group
can be a trickyas
Writing Your
d what your ccedure. Use
Materials yo
mental procedtailed and co
d baking soda criptive and w
les. Include aolled variablees respond to
the
riable nges in he variable
e variable(s) thes the dependeof the plants is fertilizer (inde
Plant A gets f
called a controwas grown une was not manp to a sample th
y business. If yosk a teacher, p
r Experimen
controlled, indthe steps bel
u will need to
dure like a steomplete that i
to vinegar” iwould allow so
a description s are kept theo changes in t
hat change in rent variable to the dependentpendent varia
A
fertilizer. Plan
l group. A connder the same cnipulated). Thehat you didn’t
ou are having parent, or othe
ntal Procedu
dependent, alow to guide y
o conduct you
ep‐by‐step reit lets someon
sn’t very specomeone else
of your contre same, indepthe independ
response to the see how it rest variable becable).
B
nt B does not.
ntrol group is aconditions as pe addition of a mess with.
difficulty definr adult for help
ure
and dependenyou.
ur experimen
ecipe for yourne else duplic
cific. “Add 2 to repeat the
rolled, indepependent variadent variable.
e independentsponds to the iause the heigh
a sample that hplant A, but didcontrol group
ning your expep.
nt variables a
nt and be spec
r science expcate your exp
tsp. baking soe step exactly
endent, and dables are man
14
t variable. A independent t of Plant A ch
has not been d not receive allows you to
rimental variab
re, it’s time t
cific!
periment. A goperiment exac
oda to 1 cup vy.
dependent vanipulated, an
| P a g e
anges
bles,
to write
ood ctly.
vinegar”
ariables. d
4. In mo
groupThis a For eximporcompfertili If youplease
5. Latheconduansweto increpeais eve If youplants If yourepeayour r
ost, if not all ep is the groupallows you to
xample, if yourtant to includparison, and ezer and not b
are not suree ask a teache
er, rinse, repeuct experimener to your quclude how maat your experen better, and
are doing sos in separate
are doing anat the experimresults are re
Ke
• An experimexperimproject,your res
• Your expehow you
• Your expe
• Your expeexperim
• A good ex
experiments, that you macompare you
ur hypothesisde one or moensure that anby something
if your projeer or other ad
eat! Another nts multiple testion is not jany times youriment a minid may be requ
omething like pots (that's t
n experiment ment three timliable. You w
ey Info: Plan
mental procedment. Think abo and record exsearch notebo
rimental proceu will measure
rimental proce
rimental procement, so that yo
perimental pro
BEFORE YOChecklist fowizard at ht
, it is importanipulate, whiur experiment
s was: “Whenore plants thany changes yoelse.
ct should incdult.
important patimes to verifjust an accideu will repeat yimum of threuired to meas
growing planhe same as d
that involvesmes, but you ill almost alw
nning your Ex
ure is a step‐bout all the stepxactly what neeook!
edure must exp the change in
edure should e
edure should sou can verify th
ocedure enable
U CONTINUEr Adult Sponsttp://apps.so
ant to includele the controtal group to a
plants receivat receive no fou see when y
lude a contro
art of your pry that their reent. When wryour experimeee times. Repesure very sma
nts, then you oing the expe
s testing or suwill need to t
ways need ma
xperimental P
by‐step list of eps that you willeds to be done
plain how you the dependen
explain how the
specify how mahat your result
es someone el
, you MUST rsor Form, Appcietyforscien
e a control grol is a sample a sample that
ve fertilizer, tfertilizer. Theyou add ferti
ol group or wh
oject is repeaesults are conriting your exent. Most teaeating your eall changes in
should do theeriment three
urveying diffetest or surveyny more than
Procedure
everything you l need to go the in each step.
will change yont variable.
e controlled va
any times you ts are reproduc
lse to duplicate
register for thproval Form, ce.org/isef/st
oup/sample.that has not t you did not
they grow tallese plants prolizer are in fa
hat your cont
atability. Sciensistent. This xperimental pachers and juexperiment m some experi
e experimente times).
erent groups, y enough peon three partic
must do to pehrough to gathe This list shou
our independe
ariables will be
intend to repecible.
e your experim
he CSRSEF, suand complettudents/wiza
15
. The experimbeen manipumanipulate.
ler,” it would ovide a basis fct caused by
trol group sho
entists ALWAshows that t
procedure, maudges want yomore than threments.
t on at least t
you won't neople to insurecipants!
erform your er data for yould be made in
nt variable and
e maintained.
eat your
ment exactly!
ubmit the te the Intel ISard/index.asp
| P a g e
mental ulated.
be for the
ould be,
YS he ake sure ou to ee times
three
eed to that
ur
d
SEF form !
Ex
Have you incl
Have you incl
Have you deswill measure t
Have you expvalue?
Have you spebe at least thrreliable data?
The ultimate texperimental
xperimental
What Ma
uded a descrip
uded a specific
cribed how to that change?
lained how the
cified how maree times), and?
test: Can anothprocedure you
BEFORE Checklishttp://a
Procedure C
kes a Good Ex
ption of your ex
c, step‐by‐step
the change yo
e controlled va
ny times you ind is that numbe
her individual du have written
YOU CONTINt for Adult Sppps.societyfo
Checklist
xperimental Pr
xperimental an
p list of all proc
our independen
ariables will be
ntend to repeaer of repetition
duplicate the e?
NUE, you MUponsor Form, orscience.org/
ocedure?
nd control grou
cedures?
nt variable and
maintained at
at the experimns sufficient to
experiment ba
UST register foApproval For/isef/student
ups?
d how you
t a constant
ent (should o give you
sed on the
or the CSRSEFrm, and compts/wizard/ind
For a GProcedure
"Yes" t
F, submit theplete the Inteex.asp !
16
Good Experimee, You Should Ato Every Ques
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
e el ISEF form w
| P a g e
ental Answer tion
wizard at
S
D
Itaoia
Tc
Science Proj
SomeMUST(SRC/(http:SRC/ISRC/I
During the
t is very impoaddition to yooccur, anythinnteresting ocanalyze your d
Take care to ocontrolled var
ect Guide: E
e experimentT be approve/IRB) BEFORE://apps.societRB approval aRB approval,
• If you haobser
• Create ahappe
• Think ab(glove
• Read th
• Follow yoften
• Take me
• Take pic
e Experime
ortant to takeour data, recong you do thaccurrences. Bedata and draw
only manipulariables consta
Experiment
s, including ted by the CSRE you begin yotyforscience.and submit ayou MUST W
Key Info: C
BEFORE YOChecklist fform wizahttp://app If SRC/IRByour expe
aven’t already,rvations during
a data table to en.
bout any safetyes, goggles, lab
rough your exp
your experimedo), make not
easurements a
ctures of your e
ent
e very detailedord your obseat is different e on the lookw conclusions
ate your indeant.
time!
those that invRSEF’s Scientifour experimeorg/isef/studll of the appr
WAIT FOR APP
Conducting Yo
OU CONTINUfor Adult Sponrd at ps.societyfors
B approval is eriment!
, start a researg your experim
help you orga
y concerns. Mb coat, etc.).
perimental pro
ntal procedurete of the chang
and notes as ac
experiment to
d notes in yoervations as ythan what yoout for the uns.
pendent varia
volve human fic Review Coent. Use the ents/wizard/opriate formsPROVAL befo
our Experime
UE, you MUSTnsor Form, Ap
science.org/is
required, you
rch notebook tent.
nize measurem
Make sure you u
ocedure BEFOR
e EXACTLY. If yges in your rese
ccurately as po
put on your d
ur project noyou perform tou wrote downexpected. Yo
able. Remem
subjects, aniommittee andIntel ISEF for/index.asp) tos to the fair dre beginning
ent
T register for pproval Form
sef/students/
u MUST wait
to keep track o
ments and oth
use the proper
RE you start.
you need to mearch noteboo
ossible.
isplay board.
tebook as yothe experimewn, and any idour observat
mber, it is up t
imals, and had Institutionam wizard o determine idirector. If yoany part of y
the CSRSEF am, and comple
/wizard/index
for approval
of your method
er observation
r safety equipm
ake changes (sok.
u conduct yont. Write dowdeas that comions will be u
to you to kee
17
azardous matal Review Bo
f your projecour project reyour experime
and submit thete the Intel
x.asp.
l before start
ds and
ns as they
ment
scientists
our experimenwn any probleme to mind, ouseful when y
ep all of your
| P a g e
terials, ard
t needs equires ent!
he ISEF
ting
nts. In ems that or ou
Ife
R(
Tpnp
Re
Ni
f possible, takexplain your e
Remember tonot numerica
Try to be as exprocedure EXAnotebook. Faiplanned the f
Remember toexperiment. K
E
Did you takeyou did in yo
Were you comeasuremen
Were you abyour indepen
If you ran intprocedure acnotebook?
Now that younformation a
ke pictures ofexperiment at
o use numerical), then take
xact as possibACTLY. If youilures and misirst time.
o stay organizKeep your sup
Experiment
What M
e detailed noteour project not
onsistent, carefnts?
ble to keep conndent variable
to any unexpecccordingly and
have complebout how to
f your experimt the fair.
cal measurema photo or m
ble about theu need to makstakes are pa
zed and be sapplies within
Checklist
akes a Good S
s about your otebook?
ful, and accura
ntrolled variabl?
cted problemsd make note of
eted your expanalyze your
ment along th
ments as muchmake a sketch
e way you conke changes alrt of the learn
afe! Keep youreach. Use pr
cience Experim
observations an
ate when you m
les constant an
, did you adjusf any changes i
periment and data, write y
he way. You
h as possible. to put on yo
nduct your exlong the way,ning process,
ur workspace rotective gear
ment?
nd record ever
made your
nd only manipu
st your experimn your project
collected youyour research
can use these
If your experur display.
xperiment, an, be sure to n so don't get
clean and orgr and adult su
F
rything
ulated
mental
ur raw data, ch paper, and c
e on your dis
riment also h
nd follow yournote them in ydiscouraged
ganized as youpervision as
For a Good ScieShould Answ
Q
Y
Y
Y
Y
continue on tcreate your d
18
play board to
as qualitative
r experimentyour researchif things do n
ou conduct yoneeded.
ence Experimewer "Yes" to EQuestion
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
to p. 24 for isplay board!
| P a g e
o help you
e data
al h not go as
our
ent, You Every
E
Wnf
Te
Engineering
While scientisneed. Becausfollow a differ
This guide wilengineering fa
2
3
4
5
6
7
Project Guid
sts study howse engineers arent process t
l describe theair project.
K
1. Define a Nmet. This that has mcombinati
2. Do Backgrinformatio
3. Establish Dto make dbat that hweight.
4. Prepare Pprototypedesigns onpoints andyour best
5. Build and it from theall your decriteria.
6. Redesign &overlooke(and geneimprove itretesting a
7. Present Remanufactudisplay bo
de: Bigger,
w nature workand computeto do their wo
e engineering
Key Info: Ov
Need: Think of is called defin
more speed, ligon of features
round Researcon that will hel
Design Criteriaecisions aboutas design crite
reliminary Dese, or functionaln paper befored some bad. Asideas until you
BEFORE YOUChecklist forwizard at ht
Test a Prototye preliminary design criteria a
& Retest as Ned, and design frate data) to dts flaws, and thand should be
esults: Engineeuring so that ooard and descri
Faster, Stro
ks, engineers r programmeork.
g process in d
verview of the
something thaing a need. Dohter weight, os that has neve
ch: Investigate lp you design y
a: Design critert how to build ria calling for t
signs: Good en model, of youe actually builds you continueu have designe
U CONTINUE,r Adult Sponstp://apps.soc
ype: A prototypdesign that besnd you need to
ecessary: Almofeatures that ddetermine howhen submit thedone several t
ers working in thers can buy ibe how you de
nger!
and computeers have diffe
etail and high
e Engineering
at YOU can mao your target cr lower cost? Or been seen be
what others hyour invention
ria are requiremyour product. the same stren
ngineers look aur finished proding something to generate nd a product th
, you MUST ror Form, Appcietyforscienc
pe is a full‐scalst meets your do choose a des
ost every protodid not work thw well their proem to a new rotimes.
industry preseit. For the CSRSetermined the
er programmerent objectiv
hlight how it c
g Process
ake that will fillcustomers needOr, do you neeefore?
ave already lea. Don't reinven
ments you choFor example, yngth and size a
at a number ofduct. It's muchg. Each preliminew designs yohat best meets
egister for thproval Form, ace.org/isef/st
le and functiondesign criteriasign that fulfills
otype has unanhe way you intoducts work. Tound of tests. T
ent their resultEF, you will sho best design fo
ers create nees than those
can be applie
l a need that isd a new versioed to design a n
arned about yont the wheel.
oose for your dyou might set os an aluminum
f designs beforh faster and chnary design is lu will incorporyour custome
he CSRSEF, suand completetudents/wizar
nal model of yo. Many times its most, but not
nticipated flawended. EngineThen, they redeThis process is
ts by putting thow your engineor your produc
19
w things thate of scientists
ed to a CSRSE
s not currently on of an existinnew product w
our idea. Gath
design that willout to design am bat, but half
e moving createaper to evalulikely to have srate more and er’s needs.
ubmit the e the Intel ISErd/index.asp
our invention. t is impossible t all, of your de
ws, things you eers test their pesign their pros called redesig
he product intoeering processct.
| P a g e
t fill a s, they
F
being g product
with a
er
l be used a baseball the
ting a uate some good more of
EF form !
You build to meet esign
products ducts to gning and
o s on a
E
Ifrns
Engineering:
f you have chresearch just need to ask adscience of how
1. Definthat b ‐ Ag ‐ Ge ‐ Oc ‐ Ho
2. Researesea
Remecan!).possib
3. Deteryour pthem,marke
Wdoab
: Where to
hosen to do alike if you wedditional quew your invent
e your targetbelong to youge ender ccupation obbies/Intere
arch what alrrch to determ
ember, there . It is perfectbilities are en
rmine your deproject noteb, and what it et.
Exa
Cost ‐ Cost to pu Physical ch‐ Weight Inputs ‐ Energy co How it look
Performanc ‐ Accuracy
Environmen ‐ Resistance
WARNING: Thisozens of otherbout your crite
Start?
n engineeringere doing a scestions while ction will work
t user or custr ideal custom
ests, etc.
eady exists tmine if a prod
is no need toly acceptablendless!
esign criteriabook, make a is about your
ample: Desi
urchase
aracteristics ‐ Density
nsumption
ks (we call this
ce characterist ‐ Reproduci
ntal requiremee to corrosion
s is just a briefr criteria that meria to make su
g project, youience projectconducting yok, you will also
tomer. Think mer. These c
o fill the neeuct you are in
start from sc to think of w
. Think aboulist of the critr product that
ign Criteria
y ‐ Elas
‐ Fuel con
s aesthetics)
ics bility
ents ‐ Comp
f list to get youmay be importure you didn’t
u should decidt. However, iour backgrouo need to:
about who wan include yo
d you definednterested in d
cratch and creways that you
ut your customteria (or attrit will be diffe
‐ Cost to use
sticity ‐ H
nsumption
patibility with _
u thinking abotant for your et miss any!
de on a topic n order to deund research.
will use your pour customer
d. Once you’vdesigning alre
eate an entire can modify a
mer and whabutes) that werent from pro
Hardness
___________
out design criteengineering pro
and begin yoesign a succesIn addition to
product, and r’s:
ve defined yoeady exists.
ely new proda product to m
at they want will make youoducts that a
‐ Strength
eria. Keep in moject. Be sure
20
our backgrounssful product,o understand
make a list of
our customer,
uct (althoughmake it bette
from a produr product appre already on
mind that there to talk to oth
| P a g e
nd , you will ding the
f traits
, do
h you er. The
uct. In pealing to n the
re are hers
4. Rank
your pbuild parenviolatsituat
Too feyou dfor thpeopl
5. Consi"fightbat ligand thtradesome
6. Makeprojecmake
A preincludcompyour dsatisfydeterthe pr
Somebe apBEFO(http:SRC/ISRC/I
7. Build functispecifproce
8. After the dethat h
your design cproduct. If yoa product. Imnts. Such an imting one of thtion.
ew design criton't really wae prototype. le.
der your dest each other" ghter in weighhe lowest cosoff between .
e a Materials cts probably ds more sense
liminary desigde the dimensponents, and adrawing as a y different demine which oreliminary de
e projects, incpproved by thRE you begin://apps.societRB approval aRB approval,
& Test a proional model, fications you ess, make a no
you build yoesign criteria has the same
criteria. Oncou have too mmagine havingmaginary friee rules. Havin
teria can alsoant. Let's say A baseball ba
ign tradeoffsor tend to mht are probabst at the samecost and weig
List & Prelimdon't. While e to prepare s
gn is a detailesions of the fany other detguide. Try to esign criteria. one meets theesign that you
cluding thosehe CSRSEF’s Sn your experimtyforscience.and submit ayou MUST W
totype. Afteor prototype,have definedote of it in yo
our prototypeyou outlinedstrength and
e you have yomany design cg a friend whond might havng too many d
o be a problemyou design aat that costs m
s. What's a deove in opposbly more expee time; therefght. Design t
minary Designboth engineeseveral prelim
ed drawing ofinished produtails that woucreate a num Once you hae most of youu will use to b
e that involveScientific Reviment. Use thorg/isef/studll of the appr
WAIT FOR APP
r you decide , of your prodd in your preliur research n
e, it is time to for your pro size as an alu
our list, decidcriteria, it canose parents hve difficulty dodesign criteria
m. If you havelightweight, more than a c
esign tradeofite directionsensive the ligfore, when wradeoffs are v
s. Engineerinering and progminary designs
f the finisheduct, materialsuld allow sommber of prelimave several idur design criteuild a full size
e human subjiew Committhe Intel ISEF fents/wizard/opriate formsPROVAL befo
on a preliminduct. Make sminary designotebook.
o test it with sduct. For exauminum bat b
de which desin become verhave set ten toing things ba (criteria are
e too few crithigh‐strengthcar would on
ff? Sometimes. For examplehter they are
we design our very, very com
ng projects hagramming pros at this stage
product. Eas used, a descmeone else to minary designdeas, carefullyeria with the e model of yo
jects, animalstee and Institform wizard /index.asp) tos to the fair dre beginning
nary design, itsure you buildgn. If you mak
some of your ample, if yourbut half the w
gn criteria arry difficult to imes as manyecause he or e a type of "ru
teria you mighh baseball baly be marketa
es you will have, materials te. You can't habat we will hmmon. Almo
ave a materiaojects could he of the proce
ch preliminarcription of anbuild your pr
ns that incorpy evaluate eafewest desigour project.
s, and hazardtutional Revie
o determine idirector. If yoany part of y
t is time to bud your prototke any chang
r targeted user goal was to weight, you w
21
re most imporactually desigy rules as youshe would alule") creates
ht get a result, but it cost $able to a few
ve design critto make our bave the loweshave to make st every proje
als list, prograhave a procedess.
ry design shoy mechanicalrototype usinorate featurech design andn tradeoffs. T
dous materialew Board (SR
f your projecour project reyour experime
uild a full‐sizetype to the exes during the
ers to see if it design a base
would want to
| P a g e
rtant for gn and ur lways be a similar
t that $10,000 wealthy
teria that baseball st weight a ect has
amming dure, it
uld l ng only es that d This is
ls, MUST RC/IRB)
t needs equires ent!
e xact e building
meets eball bat o compare
Na
the sttests wcriter
9. Redesdesignenginthat yprotoprotoof you
This pthrouthat tof youretest
E
Have you resdesign criter
Did you mak
Did you build
Did you test collected enocriteria?
Have you redmajority of y
Can you descencountered
Now that youanalyze your d
trength, size, will provide dia.
sign & Retestn criteria as yeer a chance your prototypotype to use liotype to see ifur design.
part of the engh multiple che data that ur final CSRSEting in charts
Engineering
What M
searched the nria?
ke several preli
d your prototy
your prototypough data to s
designed and ryour design crit
cribe any unexd while building
have successdata, write yo
and weight odata that you
t. After testinyou had expecto redesign t
pe is much heghter materif you were ab
gineering procycles of redeyou generateEF display. Alor graphs. Se
Project Che
Makes a Good E
needs of your u
minary design
pe to the exac
e to see if it mhow that your
retested your pteria?
xpected resultsg your product
sfully engineeour research
of your prototcan use to sh
ng your first pcted. This is atheir prototypavier than yoals. Once yoble to fix the f
ocess is calledsigning and re during this pmost always,ee more abou
ecklist
Engineering Pr
users and selec
s before buildi
t specification
met your design prototype me
prototype so th
s or design tradt?
ered a new prpaper, and cr
type to the sthow whether
prototype, yoa natural partpe to fix any uou had anticipou have modifflaws of your
d "Redesigninetesting befophase of your, you will wanut graphs and
roject
cted the appro
ng a prototype
s you outlined
n criteria? Haveets your desig
hat it meets th
deoffs that you
roduct, continreate your dis
trength and wr or not your p
u may find out of the enginunanticipatedpated, you mafied your desproduct whil
ng and Retestiore they settler engineeringnt to present d data analys
F
priate
e?
?
ve you gn
he
u
nue on to p. 2splay board!
weight of an aprototype ha
ut that it is noneering proced flaws. For eay decide to rign, you shoue maintaining
ing." Engineee on a final p project will bthe results ofis on p. 24.
For a Good EngShould Answ
Q
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
24 for inform
22
aluminum bats met your de
ot meeting yoess, and gives example, if yoredesign youruld retest youg the positive
ering typicallyroduct. Keepbe an importaf your testing
gineering Projewer "Yes" to EQuestion
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
Yes / No
ation about h
| P a g e
t. These esign
our the
ou find r ur e aspects
y go p in mind ant part g and
ect, You Every
how to
23 | P a g e
Part IV: Putting it All Together:
Data Analysis
After you have completed your science experiments or designed and redesigned your engineering product, take some time to carefully review all of the data you have collected and make sure that you have enough data to come to a conclusion about the validity of your hypothesis. Often, you will need to perform calculations on your raw data in order to get the results from which you will generate a conclusion. If you are using a mathematical formula to analyze your data (for example, PV=NRT or E=MC2) make sure that all of the units for a measurement are on the same metric scale– (keep L with L and mL with mL, do not mix L with mL!).
Many scientists use Microsoft Excel to organize their data, run statistical analyses, and make graphs. Think about the best way to summarize your data in graphs and charts to make it easy for the judges to see the results of your experiment. Do you want to calculate the average for each group of trials, or summarize the results in some other way such as ratios or percentages? Or, is it better to display your data as individual data points?
Think about the best way to present your data to make it easy for others to understand. Use charts and graphs to help you analyze the data and patterns.
Did you get the results you had expected? What did you find out from your experiment? Really think about what you have discovered and use your data to help you explain why you think certain things happened.
Key Info: Data Analysis
Take a look at your data.
o Is it complete?
o Do you need to collect more data to support or disprove your hypothesis? Do you need to redesign your product?
o Did you make any mistakes?
• Make your data easy to understand by organizing it into charts and/or graphs. Label each graph clearly with a title and legend, and be sure to label each axis!
• Place your independent variable on the x‐axis of your graphs and the dependent variable on the y‐axis (for science projects).
Graphs are often an excellent way to display your results. In fact, most good science fair projects have at least one graph.
F
Dda
S
Cgh
C
Oc
Yd
For any type o
• Genevariab
• Be sucentim
• If youlegen
Different typedata, visit httanalysis.shtm
Statistics
Competitive Cgraphs and chhttp://www.s
What Ma
Do you haor rejecte
Is your da
Have you
Have you
Have you
Conclusions
Once you havconclusion.
Your conclusiodoing an Engi
of graph:
rally, you shoble on the y‐a
re to label thmeters, liters,
have more td with clear l
es of graphs ap://www.scml.
CSRSEF and Wharts. Check osciencebuddie
Data Analy
kes for a Good
ave enough datd?
ta accurate?
summarized y
analyzed the v
verified that a
ve enough dat
ons will summneering or Co
ould place youaxis.
e axes of you, etc.).
han one set oabels.
are appropriatiencebuddie
Washington Stout Science Bes.org/science
ysis Checklist
d Data Analysis
ta to know wh
your data in gra
validity of your
ll calculations
ta to support
marize whethomputer Scien
ur independe
ur graph— do
of data, show
te for differees.org/scienc
tate Science &Buddies for she‐fair‐project
t
s Chart?
ether your hyp
aphs or charts?
r data using sta
(if any) are cor
your hypothe
er your data nce programm
nt variable on
n't forget to i
w each series i
nt experimence‐fair‐proje
& Engineeringhort tutorials ts/top_resear
pothesis is sup
?
atistics?
rrect?
esis or to eva
supports or cming project,
n the x‐axis o
include the u
in a different
nts. For more ects/top_res
g Fair projecton several corch‐project_d
A
ported
aluate your pr
contradicts yo, then you sho
of your graph
nits of measu
color or sym
help on grapsearch‐proje
s will utilize sommonly usedata‐analysis.
For a Good ChAnswer "Yes" to
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
rototype, it is
our original hould state wh
24
and the depe
urement (gra
bol and inclu
phing your sciect_data‐
statistics in add statistics: shtml
hart, You Shouo Every Quest
/ No
/ No
/ No
/ No
/ No
s time to write
ypothesis. If hether or not
| P a g e
endent
ms,
de a
ence fair
ddition to
ld ion
e a
you are you met
25 | P a g e
your design criteria. You may want to include key facts from your background research to help explain your results. Do your results suggest a relationship between the independent and dependent variable?
Key Info: Conclusions
• Your conclusion summarizes your data and explains how your results support or contradict your hypothesis or how your prototype met your design criteria.
o Be sure to briefly summarize the background data to help explain your results.
• If you can, state the relationship between the dependent and the independent variable.
• Suggest changes in your experimental design and describe new hypotheses to test in the future.
• State the significance of your project. Why is your data important?
If Your Results did not support your hypothesis
If the results of your science experiment did not support your hypothesis, DO NOT change or manipulate your data to fit your original hypothesis. Scientists commonly find that results do not support their hypothesis, and they use those unexpected results as the first step in constructing a new hypothesis. If you think you need additional experimentation, describe what you think should happen next.
Scientific research is an ongoing process, and by discovering that your hypothesis is not true, you have already made huge advances in your learning that will lead you to ask more questions that lead to new experiments. Science fair judges do not care about whether you prove or disprove your hypothesis; they care how much you learned.
26 | P a g e
Part V: Making your project Stand out!
Completing Your Project
Now that you have finished your science or engineering project, it is time to write your research paper and make your display board. A complete Project consists of the following:
1. A Project Notebook (highly recommended, but not required) 2. A Research Paper (highly recommended, but not required) 3. A Display Board with an abstract
Project Notebook: Your project notebook should contain accurate and detailed notes of EVERYTHING you did for your research project. It includes dates, times, activities, notes, drawings, and observations. Good notes will not only show your consistency and thoroughness to the judges and will help you write your research paper. All competitive projects will have a project notebook. Research Paper: Your research paper is your chance to show your teacher and the judges all that you have learned. A big part of science and engineering is being able to write a report and summarize your results. Use the key info box to help your organize your paper. Again, all competitive projects will have a research paper.
Key Info: The Research Report
A good research paper includes the following sections:
• Title page: Project title, name, address, school, and grade • Table of contents: Includes the title of each chapter and page numbers.
o Chapter 1: State your research project. This chapter should give an introduction to your project and give reasons why the project is interesting and/or important.
o Chapter 2: Background Research. This section will describe what the scientific literature says about your topic, what is known, what is not known, and what your project will add to the body of knowledge.
o Chapter 3: Methods. Describe in detail your list of materials and the experimental
procedure you used for your project. Explain how you collected the data and how it was analyzed.
o Chapter 4: Results. Present your data in graphical form and summarize your results in
words. Explain trends, any problems with the data, and how you interpreted the results.
o Chapter 5: Conclusion. Your conclusion summarizes your data and explains how it
supports or contradicts your hypothesis or how your prototype met your design criteria. If your hypothesis was not supported, form a new hypothesis to explain what you saw. Also, explain the significance of your project and what you learned.
27 | P a g e
• References: List all of your sources in alphabetical sources. APA style is encouraged.
• Appendix: Any information that is critical to your project but does not fit into one of the above
chapters. This can include additional information about instruments, additional graphs/tables, etc.
Ask a parent or peer to proofread your paper. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and be sure to cite your sources properly!
Display Board
The display board is a visual representation of your entire project, from hypothesis to conclusion. Typically, a display is created on a tri‐fold display board. According to CSRSEF rules, your display must not be larger than 48 inches wide, 30 inches deep (front to back), and 9 feet tall (from the floor to the top of the display board).
Keep your exhibit neat, uncluttered, and to the point. All photos and illustrations must include captions and photo credits. No living organisms (including plants), taxidermy specimens, preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals, human/animal food, human/animal parts or body fluids, chemicals, or drugs are allowed at the CSRSEF.
The illustrations below are meant to guide you as you plan your display board. Be creative with your display, but be sure to include all of the important information about your project. Your SCIENCE display board should include the following:
• Title of the Project • Purpose • Hypothesis • Materials • Procedure • Data • Results • Conclusions • Abstract
Your ENGINEERING display board should include the following:
• Title • Engineering Question/ Goals • Design Criteria/Design Process • Materials • Prototype Development • Testing, Redesigning, Retesting • Data Analysis and Conclusion • Abstract
Introduction
Background & hypothesis
Procedure & Methods
Title
Data & Results
Graphs & Tables
Pictures with captions
Analysis
Conclusions
Abstract
Eng. Question
Background
Design Criteria/Design Process
Title
Preliminary designs, prototype building and testing, prototype redesigning and
retesting
Photos with captions
Analysis
Conclusions
Abstract
AI2h Aa
Bh%
P
Tp
Abstract: n order to pa250 word (mahttp://www.s
An abstract isabstract:
• Title • Statem• Purpo• Hypot• Proce• Result
Be brief and chttp://stemed%20HANDOU
What Ma
Does youran abstrac
Is your disand 9 feet
Is your resgrammati
Have you plants), taanimals, hchemicals
Have you on your d
Preparing fo
To make the bproject before
articipate in thaximum) abstsocietyforscie
a short summ
ment of the Pose of the Stuthesis edure/Summats & Conclusi
concise. For md.unm.edu/PTS.pdf.
Final Disp
kes for a Good
r display boardct?
splay less than t tall (from the
search paper ccal errors?
removed prohaxidermy specihuman/animal s, or drugs from
included captiisplay board?
or the scienc
best impressie you arrive a
he CSRSEF anract on the Once.org/Docu
mary of your
Problem udy
ary of the Expons
more informaDFs/TEACHER
play Checklis
d Display Board
d include all of
48 inches wide floor to the to
complete and f
hibited items sumens, preservfood, human/
m your display?
ons and photo
e fair:
on at the CSRat the fair. Pla
d the WashinOfficial ISEF foument.Doc?id
entire resear
periment
ation about coR%20RESOUR
st
d?
the appropriat
e, 30 inches deop of the displa
free of spelling
uch as living orved vertebrate /animal parts o?
o/illustration cr
RSEF, make suan your prese
ngton State Scorm which cand=24 .
rch project. T
onstructing aRCE%20CD‐RO
te sections, inc
eep (front to bay board)?
g, punctuation,
rganisms (incluor invertebrat
or body fluids,
redits for all gr
ure you practentation so th
cience and Enn be downloa
The following
n abstract, viOM/ABSTRAC
FS
cluding
back),
and
udingte
raphics
ice talking abhat it has an i
ngineering Faaded here:
elements sho
sit CTS/Good%20
For a Good DisShould Answe
Que
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
bout your scientroduction,
28
air, you must w
ould be includ
0Abstracts%2
splay Board, Yoer "Yes" to Eveestion
/ No
/ No
/ No
/ No
/ No
ence or engindescription o
| P a g e
write a
ded in an
20‐
ou ry
eering of your
29 | P a g e
project, and a conclusion. Practice in front of your display board and with any additional visual aids. Become comfortable describing your methods, data, and graphs, and try to keep your entire presentation to less than 10 minutes.
Most importantly, have fun! Remember that the judges are real people who are genuinely interested in your project and that they want to help you succeed!
Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you at the Central Sound Regional Science and Engineering fair at Bellevue College on March 9, 2013!
And remember, please visit the website at www.bellevuecollege.edu/sciencefair for the latest CSRSEF updates.
30 | P a g e
Appendix
Selected Resources
Note: the guidelines on these web sites may differ slightly from the CSRSEF guidelines. Be sure to follow only CSRSEF or ISEF guidelines for your project!
American Psychological Association Guide to Psychological Research URL: http://www.apa.org/education/k12/science‐fairs.aspx Provides a guide to Psychological Research as well as mentors for science fair projects. 100 Extremely Useful Search Engines for Science URL: http://www.onlinecourses.org/2009/11/08/100‐extremely‐useful‐search‐engines‐for‐science/ A comprehensive list of science search engines, grouped by discipline. Energy Quest URL: www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/index.html The California Energy Commission’s website with ideas for projects, an explanation of what makes a good project, and links to other useful sites.
Internet Public Library’s Science Fair Project Resource Guide URL: http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/
Science Buddies URL: http://www.sciencebuddies.com/mentoring/science‐projects.shtml Contains project ideas, how‐to section, and information on engineering projects.
Science Fair Central URL: http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/ Discovery Channel’s science fair site that includes a handbook and some project ideas.
Science Fair Projects @ NASA URL: http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/hqlibrary/pathfinders/fairs.htm A list of science fair resources, both books and web sites.
Science Fair Zone URL: www.sciencenewsforkids.com/articles/ScienceFairZone.asp Through Science News for Kids, this site offers info specifically on science fair projects. Includes tips, science fair topics, profiles of students, and winning projects.
Successful Science Fair Projects URL: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html Basics of doing a science fair project following the scientific method.
Links to other WA State Science Fairs: Washington State Science and Engineering Fair: http://www.wssef.org South Sound Regional Science Fair: http://www.plu.edu/~scifair/ Mid Columbia Regional Science & Engineering Fair http://www.mcsf.net Southwest Washington Science & Engineering Fair
31 | P a g e
Judging Criteria
Evaluation Criteria for CSRSEF Category Judging The criteria and questions below are used by the Grand Awards Judges of the Intel ISEF. Please use this as a
guide for category judging at the CSRSEF. Scientific Thought and Engineering Goals are separated into IIa. and IIb. to be used appropriately by category. There are also added questions for team projects.
I. Creative Ability (Individual—30, Team—25) 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? Creative research should support an investigation and help answer a question in an original way. 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, Team—25) For an engineering project, or some projects in categories such as computer science and mathematical sciences,
the more appropriate questions are those found in IIb. Engineering Goals. Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously? Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible approach? Good scientists can identify important
problems capable of solutions. Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution? Are the variables clearly recognized and defined? If controls were necessary, did the student recognize their need and were they correctly used? Are there adequate data to support the conclusions? Does the Finalist or team recognize the data’s limitations? Does the Finalist/team understand the project’s ties to related research? Does the Finalist/team have an idea of what further research is warranted? Did the Finalist/team cite scientific literature, or only popular literature (i.e., local newspapers, Reader’s Digest). II b. Engineering Goals (Individual—30, Team—25) Does the project have a clear objective? Is the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs? Is the solution workable? acceptable to the potential user? economically feasible? Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end product? Is the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives? Has the solution been tested for performance under the conditions of use? III. Thoroughness (Individual—15, Team—12) Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent? How completely was the problem covered? Are the conclusions based on a single experiment or replication? How complete are the project notes? Is the Finalist/team aware of other approaches or theories? How much time did the finalist or team spend on the project? Is the finalist/team familiar with scientific literature in the studied field?
32 | P a g e
IV. Skill (Individual—15, Team—12) Does the finalist/team have the required laboratory, computation, observational and design skills to obtain
supporting data? 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? Was the project completed under adult supervision, or did the student/team work largely alone? 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, Team—10) 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. Does the written material reflect the Finalist’s or team’s understanding of the research? Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner? How clearly is the data presented? How clearly are the results presented? How well does the project display explain the project? Was the presentation done in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets? Did the Finalist/team perform all the project work, or did someone help? VI. Teamwork (Team Projects only—16) Are the tasks and contributions of each team member clearly outlined? Was each team member fully involved with the project, and is each member familiar with all aspects? Does the final work reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members?