Science Fair Project Booklet - Chandler Unified School … Science Fair Project Timeline 2012 Date Date Date Due Started Completed 1 Select a Topic December 2 Propose a question. Relate

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Science Fair Project

Introduction

Below are the guidelines for preparing your science fair project.

Read them carefully. Make sure you understand the

expectations. Remember, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!

1. You will do your own project.

2. The project you choose must be inquiry-based. You will follow the

scientific method and collect measured data.

3. The project you choose must coordinate with your grade level

standards. The question you present must be approved prior to

beginning any research and experimentation.

4. Follow the steps included in this booklet to guide you through the

scientific method as you complete your report and display board.

Keep all information in your science Folder; you will need to

reference the material often through this process.

5. There must be at least three trials. When you choose your project,

keep in mind the availability of supplies and time.

6. You must keep a log book of your whole science project process.

7. Even if you are absent on the due date, your project is due. Late

projects lose 10% per day.

Project Due Date:

Friday, January 20, 2012

Student Signature____________________________

Parent Signature_____________________________

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Science Fair Project Timeline 2012

Date Date

Date Due Started Completed

1 Select a Topic December 2

Propose a question.

Relate topic to a real life situation

2 Hypothesis December 13

Write a paragraph stating your

hypothesis, supported by your

research.

4 Design an experiment December 21

List materials in detail

List procedures step by step

Include measurements.

Define the variables:

Independent: what you are changing

Dependent: what you are measuring

Include a control

5 Conduct your experiment January 9-13

Keep detailed log of each experiment.

Include observations and measurements

Have a sufficient number of test subjects

or repeat the experiment 3 times or more

6 Examine your Results January 17-20

Analyze your data.

Make graphs and charts.

Write your results in detail. Discuss.

Write your conclusion.

7 Construct Display January 17-20

To be done in class.

Typing may be done at home and brought

to school .

8 Completed Project Due January 20

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Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic for a science fair project is often the most

difficult part of the entire scientific process. Here are some

thoughts to help guide you:

1. The best idea is one in which you develop. It should be a

subject you are interested in researching.

2. Look around your world, make observations and ask

questions. See how your questions relate to real-life events

or situations.

3. Spend some time thinking about the whole project idea.

a. What is being measured? How will it be measured?

b. Is the topic or idea workable?

c. Will I be able to get the materials I need?

d. Are all materials readily available?

e. How long will the experiment take to get results? Do I

have enough time?

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Problem Statement

The next step is to turn your topic into a problem statement for

the project. This is what you are going to answer or solve. The

problem statement can be a statement or a question that

identifies the independent variable and the dependent variable.

independent variable: The variable or factor that you will

change: the cause.

dependent variable: The effect that you measure as a result

of the independent variable.

Example: How does the amount of water effect the

height of the plant?

independent variable: amount of water

dependent variable: height of the plants

Try using the following patterns to help write questions for the

6th grade topics on the following page.

1. What is the effect of ______________________ on

____________________________?

2. How does the ____________________________ affect

___________________________________?

3. Which __________________________ (verb)

________________________________?

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6th Grade Science Topics to Explore:

Atmosphere- air pressure/temperature

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Hydrosphere- ocean currents/buoyancy/water pressure/ rates

of evaporation/salinity

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Water Cycle: evaporation/condensation/precipitation/

groundwater

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Weather Systems: fronts/humidity/wind currents/heating of

land and water

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Violent Weather Systems: hurricanes/ tornados/sandstorms/

flooding

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Energy: kinetic/ potential/ thermal /mechanical

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Generating Electrical Energy with renewable sources or

nonrenewable sources (batteries?)

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Technology’s/ Mathematics’ influence in science

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Cell theory: plant cells/ cell membrane/diffusion or osmosis

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Systems: digestion/respiration/circulation/locomotion

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Plants: transpiration, photosynthesis, absorption/ tropisms

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Sun’s energy: ultraviolet light

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Choose one possible problem statements from those statements

written for the topics listed above. Write it here.

Problem statement ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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Hypothesis

The hypothesis is one sentence that states what you think

answers your problem statement based on your research.

� The sentence should indicate what your expect the

dependent variable ( the effect) to be on the independent

variable (the cause) and why this effect will happen

(because).

� Give reasons to support your hypothesis.

� Do not use personal pronouns- no I, me, my, we…

� Do not use “My hypothesis is…”

Sample formats for writing a hypothesis: 1. It is hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between

______________________ and ________________ because

____________________ __________.

2. The hypothesis for this research project is that

________________ will cause __________________ to

happen because________________________________.

3. It is hypothesized that _________________ will result in

______________________ since _________________.

It is often suggested that a hypothesis be written as an if–

then statement. This is another option to use.

If __________________(independent variable) _____ then

_________________(dependent variable)___________

because _________________________________.

HYPOTHESIS ___________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

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Experimental Procedures

Materials

List all materials, supplies, equipment, tools, etc. you will need

for your project. Be sure to be specific to amounts, types of

tools, brand names if applicable and quantities. ( EX: 50 ml of

tap water; 100 ml graduated cylinder; 25 sheets of Bounty

paper towels.) Use metric units.

Add or delete items from the list later when you perform your

experiment so the list you include in your project is correct.

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Variables

Write the variables for the project.

Independent variable is what you are changing.

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Unit of Measurement______________

Tool used for measuring______________

Dependent variable is what you are measuring or observing as

a result of the change

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Unit of measurement_____________________

Tools used in measuring___________________

Constant Factors are all things in each test that must remain

the same. Make a list of all the factors and tell how you will

keep them constant.

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Procedures

Write a list of all the steps you will need to follow to carry out

your experiment.

� Write your procedures in numbered step format with

complete sentences.

� Make sure each step is clearly written so that another

person could follow your procedure without ever having to

talk to you.

� Be very detailed in your explanations.

� DO NOT copy procedures from another experiment.

Your procedures must be written in your own words.

1._______________________________________________

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2._______________________________________________

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Collecting Data

Recording data: Data Table

You must have a data table drawn before you experiment so that you have a

place to record your observations neatly. It is difficult to draw one sample

data table as an example, since yours will depend on the type of experiment

you choose, but the one below may help you get started.

Guidelines: 1. Label each data table with a number and title.

2. Each column should have a heading with units if

appropriate.

3. All 3 trials for each group should be shown.

4. The average for the trials in each group should be

calculated.

Table 1: Growth of Marigolds (in cm) with Different Amounts of Water

(in mL)

Date Amount of

Water (mL)

Height of Plants (cm)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Average

Sketch your data table in your log book, and use it as a rough draft for your

experiment.

Record and Analyze Data - Graph Guidelines: 1. Use graph paper or a computer.

2. Decide whether a line graph or a bar graph is better for your data.

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3. Label the top of the graph with a title.

4. Remember to label the x and y axis with a title and metric

measurement.

This will be attached to your display board. Make sure it is accurate!

Results

In the results you discuss your work. This is written in

paragraph form. The information for your results comes from

the analysis of the data collected in your experiment. Let the

reader know exactly what you did and what happened. Be sure

to give specific numbered data. Do not just say “more” tell

how much more.

Compare your data to other known findings and expected

results.

Discuss possible errors and how these may have affected your

results.

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Conclusions The conclusion will be another mini-report that summarizes the experiment

and relates it to the research and hypothesis. In addition, you need to think

about how the experiment might be improved upon. Before writing a rough

draft of your conclusion, fill in the information in each area below. These

are the things you will organize and summarize in the conclusion.

1. What was the answer to the question?

2. Was your hypothesis supported or not?

3. List data averages that will defend your answers to #1 and #2.

4. List at least 3 errors that might have happened and explain how they

affected your results. (Do not include “I might have written down the

wrong number,” or “I might have calculated wrong,” etc.)

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5. What could be done differently if you repeated this experiment (either

to minimize errors or help clarify your results)?

6. What is the importance of this experiment? What impact could the

results have?

Future Research

Discuss any changes you think will help your experiment. What

improvements could you make? What changes did you

discovered during the experimental process that you would

recommend to others who want to try this project?

How might you address any research you might want to

conduct in the future? Discuss any questions that were

introduced because of your research and experimentation.

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Abstract

This is an extremely important piece of your science fair project. Make sure

to read over the examples very carefully.

Remember:

– Do NOT use personal pronouns. ☺

– Write in the past tense

– Must be between 150 – 250 words

– Use science words – checked, observed, monitored, watched, conclude,

conducted, etc

4 Areas Your Abstract Must Include:

1. Purpose of the Experiment

� An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic.

� A statement of the hypothesis being studied.

2. Procedures Used

� A summary of key points and an overview of the investigation.

� Include only the procedures you completed.

3. Observation/Data/Results

� This section should provide key results which lead directly to the

conclusions.

� Do NOT give too many details about the results.

� Tables or graphs are NOT included here.

4. Conclusions

� Describe your conclusions briefly.

Abstract Example #1

Word Count: 166

The purpose of this experiment was to determine what brand of

diaper holds the most liquid. The hypothesis was that if liquid were

poured into the Pampers diaper, then it would hold the most liquid

compared to other diapers. To conduct this experiment 6 different

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diaper brands were taped to a bowl and then liquid was poured into

each diaper. Next, observations were made on how much liquid leaked

from each diaper. This experiment was repeated three times. In

trials 1, 2, and 3 Luvs outperformed the other brands of diapers. The

diapers were checked for the amount of water each diaper would hold.

In the end of the experiment, the average amount of liquid that Luvs

brand held was 520 ml, while all the others held significantly less. It

is concluded that Luvs brand does work the best. Therefore, the

hypothesis was rejected because the Luvs brand worked the best.

Abstract Example #2

Word Count: 160

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if insecticides could

protect lima bean plants from insects. The hypothesis was that if

insecticides were sprayed on lima bean plants, then the plants would be

protected from insects. Sixteen lima bean seeds were planted in 10”

plant pots. All received the same amount of water and sunlight. Group

A, plants 1-8, was the control group and received no insecticide. Group

B, plants 9-16, were sprayed with insecticide twice a week beginning in

the experiment’s second week. As the plants grew, Group A began to

be affected by caterpillars. The insects continued to eat the plants.

By the end of the experiment, all the leaves of the plants in Group A

were eaten, and all but one of the plants had died. The plants in Group

B were alive and free of harm from insects. It is concluded that

insecticide does protect lima bean plants from insects. Therefore, the

hypothesis was correct.

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Abstract Example #3

Word Count: 219

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if farmers can use

the fungicide, sulfur, to control powdery mildew disease on squash

crops. The hypothesis was that if sulfur fungicide were applied to

squash plants, then it would control the disease, powdery mildew. In

the experiment, a yellow squash called “Dixie Hybrid” was used

because it is known to be highly susceptible to powdery mildew disease.

On October 4, 1992, six yellow squash seeds were planted in 10” pots.

All were planted in the same amount of rock, soil, and mulch. They all

received the same amount of water, sunlight, fertilizer, and

insecticide. The control group (plants 1, 2, and 3) received no sulfur

fungicide. Beginning in the third week, plants 4, 5, and 6 were sprayed

weekly with sulfur fungicide. As the plants grew, the number of

powdery mildew was counted. By the eighth week, plants 1, 2, and 3

had a combined total of 420 foci. In contrast, plants 4, 5, and 6,

which received the sulfur fungicide, had a combined total of 115 foci.

It is concluded that the fungicide, sulfur, is effective for the control

of powdery mildew. Therefore, the hypothesis was correct. Sulfur

fungicide does not, however, eliminate the disease completely. Also,

the continuous use of sulfur in too high of a concentration can damage

the plant.

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Checklist for Science Fair Project Report • Double spaced

• 12 font body/ 14 bold font titles

• Pages numbered

____ Title page

_____Table of Contents (1 page)

_____Abstract (1 page)

_____Introduction/Research (2-3 pages)

_____Hypothesis

_____Experimental Procedures (continues after the hypothesis)(1-2 pages)

_____Results (continues after Experimental procedures)(1-3 pages) Includes pictures, charts and graphs

_____Conclusions (1-2 pages)

_____Future Research: (on Conclusions page)

_____Acknowledgement (1 page)

_____Bibliography (1-2 pages)

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Preparing Your Science Display Board

This is one way to arrange your display board. You want to arrange your board in a manner that is neat and attractive to the viewers. Information should flow easily, left to right, allowing the judges, and viewers, to read it in a logical order.

NOTE: � No names or pictures of people allowed on the front of the

board. � Pictures of materials, or of hands, doing the experiment, can

be used. � Pictures showing the results or changes that occurred can

be used. � All pictures should have a caption that explains the events in

the picture. Each picture should have the name of the person who took the picture or the source of the picture.

For students in grade 6 an abstract is required. This model shows the abstract

placed in front of the board. I would recommend putting the

abstract on the board abstract on the board abstract on the board abstract on the board under the Title.under the Title.under the Title.under the Title.

Extra copies of your abstract

can be left on the table for the

judges.

In the Experiment sectionIn the Experiment sectionIn the Experiment sectionIn the Experiment section, include materials, variables and detailed numbered procedures.

Models are optional.Models are optional.Models are optional.Models are optional. Consider all safety rules

before displaying any models.

A journal or experimental log is

required.

Bibliography- Add a small printed

list of all references

used. At least 3

different sources are

required.

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Do's and Don'ts Do use computer-generated graphs.

Do display photos representing the

procedure and the results.

Don't have faces of people on the

boards. Include a caption with a

note of who took the picture and what the picture represents.

Do use contrasting colors.

Do limit the number of colors used.

Do balance the arrangement of

materials on the science board. This

means evenly distributing the

materials on the board so that they cover about the same amount of space on each panel.

Do use rubber cement or double-sided tape to attach papers. White school glue

causes the paper to wrinkle.

Don't leave large empty spaces on the science board.

Don't leave the table in front of the science board empty. Display your report, copies of your abstract, and your journal here.

Don't make the title or headings hard to read by using uneven lettering, words with letters of different colors, or disorganized placement of materials.

Don't hand-print the letters on the science board. Generate them using the

computer, or cut them out of construction paper or draw them neatly on paper.

Next, back the titles with colored paper and then glue them to the backboard.

Don't attach folders that fall open on the board.

Do attach a large envelope or folder to the back of your science board to hold all

signed papers, your science log/journal and any other required papers.

Don't make mistakes in spelling words or writing formulas. IMPORTANT! PROOFREAD and EDIT.

From Janice VanCleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, Janice VanCleave (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997)

Example of a Bad Display

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Checklist for the

Science Project Display Board

______Large Project Title for Center of the Board

_____Board Titles (Printed and Mounted)

Abstract

Purpose/Question

Research or Background Knowledge

Hypothesis

Experimental Procedures

Materials

Variables

Procedures

Data

Results

Conclusions

Future Research

Bibliography

_____Abstract

_____Hypothesis

_____Experimental Procedures

_____Graphs, Charts and Pictures-Mounted and labeled

_____Results

_____Conclusions

_____Future Research

_____Bibliography (Minimum of 4 references)

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Oral Report Guidelines _____ Prepare for your presentation by reviewing each part of

the experiment so you know it well. Review your research so you speak

intelligently about your topic. _____ Think about the following questions:

What were your results?

Why did you choose this project?

What was the hardest part (or easiest)?

What were the one or two things you learned?

What would you do differently next time? Why? _____ Use note cards for your presentation.

Do not read from your poster. _____ Practice your presentation before you actually present. _____ Prepare a 2 - 4 minute introduction of your project. _____ Speak slowly. Take a deep breath if you get confused. _____ Explain how you tested your hypothesis. _____ Review your major findings. _____ Discuss your conclusions. _____ Prepare a 1-2 minute conclusion to your presentation. _____ Ask if there are any questions.

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Chandler Unified School District #80

Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING PROJECTS

Judges evaluate and focus on 1) what the student did in the current year; 2) how well the student followed

the scientific methodologies; 3) the detail and accuracy of research as documented in the data book; and 4)

whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way.

Judges should look for well thought-out research and scientific skill.

SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT/EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

30 Points 0 1 2 3 4 5 -Is this a relevant question formed from observations?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Is the question testable through an experiment?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Hypothesis presented is based on direct observations.

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Is prior knowledge and multiple sources of research

evident in student development of investigation?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Procedures clearly outline a controlled experiment that

can be easily replicated and will prove/disprove

hypothesis. (no personal pronouns)

0 1 2 3 4 5 - Measurements are designed using appropriate tools

and units of measure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS 35 Points 0 1 2 3 4 5 -Results are communicated accurately through

appropriate charts, graphs or tables.

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Is there evidence of use of a data log/notebook in this

process?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Was there a sufficient amount of data collected as

evidence?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Data is analyzed to identify trends and support

conclusions.

0 1 2 3 4 5 - Other data sources (from previous investigations or

research) are analyzed and compared to current results.

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Reasonableness of the results are evaluated. (Did the

result make sense? Why?)

0 1 2 3 4 5 - New investigations and questions are presented based

on the data analysis.

COMMUNICATION 20 points 0 1 2 3 4 5 -Is there a sensible and easy progression through the

display so that the average person can easily

understand it?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Labels and descriptions are neat, grammatically

correct and sufficiently explained.

Total

/30

Total

/35

Total

/20

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0 1 2 3 4 5 -Are required elements included in the display (title,

hypothesis, materials & procedures, data/results,

conclusions/future research, references (abstract

required for 6th-12

th grade)?

0 1 2 3 4 5 - Appropriate graphs are represented for data (e.g. line

graph, double bar graph, stem and leaf plot, histogram)

SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION 15 points 0 1 2 3 4 5 -Are the use of materials and/or resources ingenious?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Does the experiment present a novel approach to the

topic?

0 1 2 3 4 5 -Does the experiment demonstrate critical and/or

analytical thinking?

0= not presented 1=below standard 2= minimum standard 3=average 4=above standard

5=exceptional/outstanding

Total

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