Science Fair Project Packetwestsidescience.weebly.com/uploads/4/0/0/8/40082621/... · 2018. 9. 11. · Science Fair Project Packet Project Overview Ideally, your project should be

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Science Fair Project Packet Project Overview

Ideally, your project should be catchy, an “interest grabber,” but you should also described the project well enough that

people reading your report can quickly figure out what you were studying. Pick a topic YOU are interested in learning

more about.

First step: Identify the Question

Probably the most difficult part of the science fair project is coming out with a good subject to research. I suggest to my

students that may think about what INTERESTS THEM and think of a TESTABLE QUESTION about their subject.

If you are doing a project on something that interests you, you will likely enjoy the research more and stick with it long

enough to get some good data.

There are many good sources for science fair project questions. Here is a website that asks you a series of questions and

provides possible science fair project ides for you:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/recommender_register.php WARNING: Use of the above website is to help you think of an idea for you science fair project. However your teacher will rev iew the idea/topic and make sure that it is age and grade level appropriate. Your idea has to be related to chemistry topics including, but not limited to: environmental chemistry, biochemistry,

inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and consumer chemistry (just to name a few). Choose a topic

that sparks your interest. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be appropriate for the class. For example, projects

involving food-tasting, smelling etc. – can be very simple to set up yet also very interesting. “Can blindfolded people

taste the difference between….?” You can also get lots of ideas from science trade books or check with a librarian as

they may give you some ideas.

Next Step: Background or Purpose

Once you have identified your question or subject, your project will need a background section. This is where you

include information that you already know about your subject and/or you tell your project readers why you chose the

project you did. What were you hoping to find out from the project? A solid background for your subject will set the

tone of the entire project.

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Project Planning

The science fair project will be composed of two parts. The first is a 3-panel display board that shows all of your hard

work for the entire project. The display board should easily fit on the table and be at least two feet tall and three feet

wide. The second part consists of a project report consisting of scholarly writing.

Important Deadlines

Date What’s Due… Points

September 24-25 Project Proposal 10

October 8-9 1st Rough Draft 10

October 22-23 Hypothesis, Materials List,

Experimental Procedure 25

Conduct the Experiment

November 19-20 Data Submission 20

December 3-4

December 10-11

Data Analysis and

Conclusion

15

15

Project Board Submission 55

January 7-8 Research Paper Final Draft

Submission 100

Worksheet Guides

The following pages include guides that will help you keep deadlines and provide an organizational tool. You will then

turn in the guide sheet as the various parts are due.

Rubrics/Grading

Each section has an attached rubric. The total points available for the ENTIRE project will be 180 for the whole semester.

Parent’s Note

Parent Involvement is highly encouraged to the extent that you will provide support and encouragement for the

student. Students are required to take this paper home and give it to a parent/guardian to read. Parents are required to

sign below acknowledging that this project will require substantial attention throughout the first semester. Individuals

who miss a deadline are in jeopardy of not completing this assignment successfully which could lead to a failing grade.

An extension will not be given on any of the deadlines. Students are aware of the deadlines provided above and know

that they are able to turn in and portion of the project early so an absence is not an excuse for not meeting the

deadlines so points will be deducted for late work.

Student Name: _____________________________________________ Date: _______________ Parent Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _______________ Teacher Signature: ______________________________________________

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Deadline for Submission: September 24th or 25th

Science Fair Project Proposal Student Name: _____________________________ The Big Question: Write a clear sentence that states the question you will be investigating.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Explain why you chose this question.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Science Subject of this Question (circle one): Physical Science Biological Science Environmental Science Earth Science Engineering Rubric Project Proposal

Developing – 1 pts Mastery – 3 pts Advanced Understanding – 5 pts Question does not reflect age-level chemistry content. Question is either too simple (or too complicated) to be answered in the context of high school chemistry class.

Question is age and content-level appropriate. Hypothesis and experiment can be performed in a controlled environment. Question is unique and reflects individual interests of group.

Question is age and content-level appropriate. Hypothesis and experiment can be performed in a controlled environment. Question seeks an in-depth explanation of a specific subject.

Science subject does not correctly match the question. Chemistry content unclear.

Science subject correctly matches the question and is aligned to one of the California chemistry standards.

Project incorporates multiple science disciplines in order to answer a question and achieve insight beyond the traditional chemistry standards.

Total Points Possible 10 pts Points received ______

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Deadline for Submission: October 8th or 9th Science Fair Project Background Research Paper 1st Rough Draft

Background Information

The background section of the report is sometimes called the RESEARCH section. It is written is essay form of the

information you collect about your topic and your variable. These sources include books, encyclopedias, internet

articles, textbook and/or personal interviews. The background research also acts like an introduction to your experiment

because it defines what you are testing and explains what you are trying to discover. You will need to write a minimum

of THREE or more pages for your background information which includes 5 DIFFERENT sources. You may have up to 2

internet sources.

General Format

1. Introductory paragraph

2. Discussion of variables in the experiment

3. Explanation of what you are trying to do and why. (What are you trying to discover)

Detail Format

Paragraph 1: You will need a general discussion of your topic. What is it? How does it work? Give a brief overview of

your topic.

Paragraph 2: Discuss and define your variable. This is general information about your variable, but there will be some

overlap from the paragraph #1. You may need to explain why the variable is important to answering your question.

Paragraph 3: Discuss other research which relates to your project. Has other research been done on this project or

something similar to it? Explain briefly how your research differs and/or what you are attempting to do. This is the

introduction to your experiment. It needs to explain what you are trying to discover.

**Your paper does not end at 3 paragraphs this is just a starting point to help you begin your paper.

Rubric Project Background

Developing – 3 pts Basic – 6 pts Mastery – 8 pts Advanced Understanding –

10 pts

Background information does not meet the three paragraphs and 3 page minimum and uses 5 sources. Text is poorly written with many grammar and punctuation errors. There are no grammar or punctuation errors. Sources are not cited or incorrectly cited. Revision required

Background information meets the three paragraphs and 3 page minimum and uses 5 sources. Text is poorly written with some grammar and punctuation errors. There are no grammar or punctuation errors. Sources are incorrectly cited. Revision required

Background information goes beyond the three paragraphs and 3 page minimum and uses more than 5 sources. Information reflects deep understanding of project goals and clearly shows the value of the outcome. There are minimal grammar and/or punctuation errors. Sources are correctly cited.

Background information goes beyond the three paragraphs and 3 page minimum and uses more than 5 sources. Information reflects deep understanding of related topics to the project and can compare and contrast similar research to the project. There are no grammar or punctuation errors. Sources are correctly cited.

Total Points Possible 10 pts Points received ______

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Deadline for Submission: October 22nd or 23rd

Science Fair Project Hypothesis, Materials List, Experimental Procedure Hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess that can be tested. It answers your question. It is okay for your hypothesis to be proven wrong/incorrect. Being wrong means that you have eliminated an answer. It may lead to you developing a new hypothesis and experiment. Your hypothesis must be written in the If-then format. Example: If [variable x changes], then [variable y] will happen. Write a clear hypothesis statement __________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials List List the materials needed, who will get them and where you will get them from. Be detailed. List ALL materials including how much of each you will need. Use the table below to organize the information. You may attach additional sheets if necessary.

Materials Needed Who will get it Where will you get it from

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Check list for Materials o Does my material list include everything needed for the experiment? o Are the amounts needed listed in front of each item? o Is it formatted into a bullet list? (not numbered or lettered)

Procedure The procedure refers to the directions needed to complete your experiment. List all of the steps of your experiment in the order in which you will do them. Be specific, but try not to make it COMPLICATED. The experiment should be repeatable. And all of your results should be able to be duplicated. Your experimental procedure needs to clearly state the control and the experiment. Procedures should be typed on a separate page and listed as step 1, 2, etc… Control: In every experiment there is a control group. The control group has no variable added. You use this information with which to compare your experimental results. Variable: Anything in your experiment that you have changed in order to answer your question is a variable. You should only have ONE variable that is different from the control. Check list for Procedure

o Is the procedure detailed enough that anyone can follow it? o Does the procedure include a control and variable? o Is the procedure numbered step-by-step? (Step 1, Step 2 etc…) o Are measurements and/or units included where appropriate? o Is the procedure written in third-person point of view?

Rubric Project Hypothesis/Materials List/Procedure

Developing - 10 Basic - 15 Mastery - 20 Advanced - 25

Hypothesis is clearly written but may not be testable. Materials list is missing details, or unobtainable. Experiment does not answers question and adequately tests the hypothesis. Procedure may not be detailed enough to be repeated Formatting does not follow the suggested parameters.

Hypothesis is clearly written and testable. Materials list is thorough and includes measurements. Experiment answers question and adequately tests the hypothesis. Procedure is reproducible, without questions. Formatting does not follow the suggested parameters.

Hypothesis is clearly written and testable. Materials list is thorough and includes measurements. Experiment answers question and adequately tests the hypothesis. Procedure is reproducible, without questions. Formatting is followed in both materials list and procedure.

Hypothesis is clearly written and testable. Materials list is thorough and includes measurements. Materials list matches the procedure. Materials are obtainable. Experiment answers question and adequately tests the hypothesis. Procedure is reproducible, without questions. Formatting is followed in both materials list and procedure. Microscale procedures and/or “green chemistry”, recycled materials are used.

Attach your procedure to this page when submitting the assignment Total Points Possible 25 pts Points Received ____________ Comments:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Deadline for Submission: November 19th or 20th

Science Fair Project Data Submission Data Keep a record of all the information you have gathered in your experiment. Use graphs, charts, and photographs to help others understand your project. Your documentation will be used for both the report and the display board. Photographs should be taken throughout the entire experiment. Data should consist of qualitative (observation) and quantitative (numerical). Observations are factual statements of things that can be observed using your senses – things you see, smell, hear, taste, or feel. Quantitative data is to be included in a table format. Charts and/or graphs provide further visual clarification and can accompany a data table. Quantitative Data Details Once the data is collected, they must be organized and summarized so that the scientist can determine if the hypothesis has been supported or negated. Tables and graphs have two primary functions. They are used to (1) help you analyze and interpret your results and (2) enhance the clarity with which you present the work to a reader or viewer. They are also useful to display several dependent variables at the same time. A dependent variable is a variable dependent on another variable; the independent variable. In simple terms, the independent variable is said to cause an apparent change in, or simply affect, the dependent variable. Check list for Data

o My project has both qualitative and quantitative data

o Is the data table clearly labeled with units and has a title?

o Are charts/graphs properly labeled and clear as to their purpose?

Rubric Project Data

Developing - 13 Basic - 15 Mastery - 17 Advanced - 20

Either qualitative or quantitative data are missing. Progressive photos are inadequate or missing. Data table(s) are not accurate and improperly labeled.

Both qualitative and quantitative data are included. Progressive photos are present but are not properly labeled. Data table(s) that are accurately labeled with units and titles.

Both qualitative and quantitative data are included. Progressive photos that represent how the experiment progressed and are properly labeled. Data table(s) that are accurately labeled with units and titles. Data is easy to follow.

Both qualitative and quantitative data are included. Progressive photos that represent how the experiment progressed and are properly labeled. Data table(s) that are accurately labeled with units and titles. Data is easy to follow. Graphs and/or charts are used as an alternate visual presentation of data. Graphs and/or charts are clearly labeled.

Attach your data/photos to this page when submitting assignment Total Points Possible 20 pts Points received ______

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Deadline for Submission: December 3rd and 4th

Science Fair Project Data Analysis and Conclusion Analysis Using your data and observations, state your findings. Explain your data in words. DO NOT interpret your findings; this is

saved for the conclusion section.

Conclusion Begin with a statement on whether or not your results agreed or disagreed with your hypothesis. Restate your

hypothesis. Restate the question as a statement. State any problems that occurred that might have affected the results.

All other findings should be included in this section. Interpret the findings based on your analysis section. Refer to

tables/graphs/carts to make your conclusion. At the end of the conclusion, you should state how your project will

contribute to a better understanding of the science subject you stated at the beginning of the project. Your conclusion

should not be more than one page.

Rubric Project Data

Developing - 19 Basic - 22 Mastery - 26 Advanced - 30

Analysis details findings of experimental qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis explains data in words. Write up is riddled with punctuation or grammatical errors. Conclusion write up simply summarizes data.

Analysis details findings of experimental qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis write up includes correct references to data tables/graphs/charts. There is moderate punctuation or grammatical errors in the write up. Conclusion write up interprets qualitative and quantitative data.

Analysis details findings of experimental qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis write up includes correct references to data tables/graphs/charts. There is some punctuation or grammatical errors in the write up. Conclusion write up interprets qualitative and quantitative data. Conclusion discusses possible sources of error. Conclusion describes the science behind the results.

Analysis details findings of experimental qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis write up includes correct references to data tables/graphs/charts. There is no punctuation or grammatical errors in the write up. Conclusion write up interprets qualitative and quantitative data. Conclusion discusses possible sources of error. Conclusion ties in previous research discussed in the background. Conclusion describes the science behind the results and discusses further questions on research after completing this project.

Attach your data/photos to this page when submitting assignment Total Points Possible 30 pts Points received ______

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Deadline for Submission: December 10th and 11th

Science Fair Project Board Submission Display Board

The display board must have three panels. It should be neat, colorful, ordered and type-written. The print should be

large enough so that that someone standing three feet away can read the content. Group member names and period

should NOT be on the front of the panel. They can be written on the backside. It should have all of these required

sections:

I. Title

II. Purpose/Question

III. Hypothesis

IV. Materials and Procedure

V. Background Research

VI. Data Analysis

(photos/tables/graphs/charts)

VII. Conclusion and Discussion

Other Considerations A visual aid helps to explain the project. No

organisms (alive or not) are to be used in the

display, but you may include a non-organism sample of your results, if appropriate. The content on the board should

demonstrate knowledge of the science behind the project. This display board should have no grammar, spelling or

punctuation mistakes.

Rubric Project Data

Developing - 15 Basic - 25 Mastery - 40 Advanced - 55

Display Board has all required sections that are clearly labeled and laid out in a manner that follows the course of the project from left to right. There are no grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes.

Display Board has all required sections that are clearly labeled and laid out. There are grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes. Display demonstrates an original ideas and conveys scientific rigor.

Display Board has all required sections that are clearly labeled and laid out in a manner that follows the course of the project from left to right. There are no grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes. Display demonstrates an original ideas and conveys scientific rigor.

Display Board has all required sections that are clearly labeled and laid out in a manner that follows the course of the project from left to right. There are no grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes. Display demonstrates an original ideas and conveys scientific rigor. It clearly follows the scientific method and shows a clear experimental control and variable.

Attach your data/photos to this page when submitting assignment Total Points Possible 25 pts Points received ______

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Deadline for Submission: January 7th and 8th

Science Fair Project Report

The Science Fair Report is the culmination of the individual sections that you have completed throughout this assignment. Each section will now be combined together [Report Style] and handed in to your teacher. Make sure that you have formatted you paper correctly. Title Page: See the attached sheet for an example of what your title page will look like. Font: 12pt font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins all around

Sections Points Available Points Earned Overall Format Paper follows the format as listed in the table below

5

Abstract This is a 200 -250 word summary of the entire report

5

Question Was the question of the laboratory investigation effectively communicated?

5

Background Was there at least 3 different sources of information used? Did the background lay a solid foundation for the investigation?

10

Hypothesis Was the hypothesis an educated guess that is testable?

5

Materials Was there a complete and accurate list of materials?

5

Procedure Is the procedure complete and repeatable?

10

Data Was there clearly stated quantitative and qualitative data?

20

Analysis Was the data adequately reviewed in words?

20

Conclusion Does it interpret data and make meaningful conclusions?

15

Total Points Earned 100

Attach this sheet to your report when submitting assignment

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APA Guidelines

Page Margins

1" on all sides (top, bottom, left, right)

Font 12-pt. Times Roman

Spacing Double-spaced

Alignment of Text

Flush left (with an uneven right margin)

Paragraph Indentation

5–7 spaces (Press TAB key ONCE)

End of Sentence

Leave one space after a period unless your teacher prefers two.

Page Numbers

Create a footer that contains only the page number 1. On the Insert

tab, in the Header & Footer group, click Page Number. 2. Click Bottom

of Page 3. Choose a page

number design from the gallery of designs. (Any design will suffice)

Title Page Example on next page

The title page is always the first page. The following need to be centered on their own lines, using upper and lower case:

Paper title (Size 36 font; 15 Spaces down) Your name (Size, 12 font; 10 spaces down from title) Your school (size 14 font; directly beneath Student name )

Section Headings

Should be centered on the page, using upper and lower case.

Binding All papers must be hole punched and placed in a standard 3 hole folder

How to cite my sources

Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) - https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

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Title of research paper

Student name

Westside high school