Elementary Science Fair Projects The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project.

Elementary Science Fair Projects

The Steps for a Successful

Science Fair Project

The Scientific Method

You should always follow the steps of the scientific method when doing a science project to be successful.

Step 1: Select a Topic

What are my interests?What would I like to learn about?Do I have a question about something?

Where to look for topics? Science Fair books

Internet

Teacher

Does my project meet the rule requirements?

Step 2 Identify the Question

This is a sentence or question about the problem.

Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer?

Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.

Check with Mom and Dad

Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow?

Is it too expensive?Do we have a timeline for the experiment

to be done on time?Can we meet the deadlines of the teacher?

Data/Project Log - REQUIRED

The log starts on the date you select and it is approved by the teacher

Each new entry must be datedThis log is HANDWRITTEN – not typedALL observations and measurements are

to be recordedRemember all measurements are metric

Step 3 Collect Background Information

RESEARCH about Project Media Center

Minimum of 3 references

BOOKS: Encyclopedias

Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers

Science Book

INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic

CD ROM: Grolier

Compton

Research Notebook - REQUIRED

Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer.

– Research your topic in books and online– Make notes as you do the research– Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words– Research paper may be typed or handwritten– You are to have a minimum of three sources– Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct

format

Step 4 Form a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done.

Do not start with “I think.”

Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR

“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

Step 5 Design an Experiment

Materials List:

All materials needed to conduct the experiment:

Paper

Pencil

Ruler

Measuring cup

Etc.

Procedure: The procedure is a step

by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metrics.

Step 1 – gather all materials

Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment

Etc.

Step 6 During Experiment

During the

Experiment

Observe: Watch

Look

Record: Notes

Journal/Log Results

Analyze Data: What have I

learned from the results?

Step 7 Repeat the Experiment

The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times.

This is done in order to prove the results as true.

Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion

This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment?

Example: The can kept the soda cooler longer than the glass bottle.

Step 9 Application

What could the results be used for?How could I use the knowledge I have

gained from the experiment?How will I use what I have learned?How could others use the information I

have gained from the experiment?

The Display Board

Title/Question

Graphs

Charts

Pictures

Hypothesis

Procedure

*Abstract

Optional

Data/

Results

Conclusion

Application

Notebook and Log

Required

1

2007 - 2008 Websites

1)      Science Fair Center www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#12)      Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents – www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=112499281739133923)      What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html 4)      Discovery School .com http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/?pID=fair5)      Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html6)      Science Projects 13.01 - http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N427)      IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/8)      Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html9)  Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html10)  Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) - www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html11)  Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html12)  Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects - http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm13)  Lycos Search - http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=114)  Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html15)  Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm 

Good Luck

You are able to be successful!