YOU ARE DOWNLOADING DOCUMENT

Please tick the box to continue:

Transcript
Page 1: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Student Name:

STUDENT’S PACKET

FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Table of Contents

Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and Steps for Completion Page 6. Science Fair Topics Page 7. Science Fair General Rules Page 8. Project Steps Page 9. Oral Presentation Page 10. Planned Project Overview Page 11. Research Plan Checklist Page 12. Abstracts Page 13. Laboratory Notebook Page 14. Project Display Page 15. Notes

Page 2: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

MacArthur 9th Grade Science Fair Parent Information All students enrolled in biology are invited to participate in the Science and Engineering Fair, however all students in the GT Biology course at MacArthur 9th grade are required to produce a science fair project to earn credit in the course. The science and engineering fair is an opportunity for students to design, conduct and analyze the results of an experiment that is judged in a school-wide competition. Students can qualify to move on to compete at district, regional, state, and international levels. Students will be given notices and forms throughout the school year. Submissions will be through Google Classroom Timeline (TBD)

● Topic Submission and Planned Project Overview Due- Late September ● Research Plans Due- Early October ● Experimentation Begins- Early October ● Science Fair Project Forms Due - Early October ● Experiments Ends- Late November ● Abstracts and Display Due- Late November ● MacArthur 9th Science Fair- Early December (TBA) ● District Science Fair- Late January (TBA) ● Regional Registration Due - February ● Regional Science Fair- Late February (TBA)

*All available information about the science fair can be accessed at Ms. Raeon’s Biology website (raeonbiology.weebly.com/science-fair.html). This is online and something that all students can access everyday. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, Ms. Elissa Raeon MacArthur 9th Grade School Pre-AP/GT Science Teacher [email protected] (832) 291-2364 Please sign and return the bottom portion only.

I understand that my child will be participating in Science Fair for the 2016-2017 year. My child will be responsible for completing assignments and documents as required. _______________________________ ____________________ Parent Signature Date _______________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

(Science Fair Acknowledgement Slip)

Page 3: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

MacArthur 9th Grade Science Fair - Guidelines and Steps for Completion Requirements As a requirement for GT credit in Biology each student must design and implement a science fair project. Projects may be conducted individually or in teams of two members. Any student going to Mac 9 is eligible for participation to the science fair. All science fair projects will be presented in the Mac 9 library during our school science fair. The best science fair projects will be chosen to participate in the district science fair. All students that are chosen must attend the district science fair. Important Dates (TBD)

● Topic Submission and Planned Project Overview Due- Late September ● Research Plans Due- Early October ● Experimentation Begins- Early October ● Science Fair Project Forms Due - Early October ● Experiments Ends- Late November ● Abstracts and Display Due- Late November ● MacArthur 9th Science Fair- Early December (TBA) ● District Science Fair- Late January (TBA) ● Regional Registration Due - February ● Regional Science Fair- Late February (TBA)

Grading (attached in packet)

▪ The Research Plan will be counted as a major grade for the 1st 9 weeks grading period. ▪ The Abstract, Lab Notebook/Journal, Presentation to Judges and Display will be counted

as a major grade for the 2nd 9 weeks grading period. Steps for Completion

I. Topic Selection II. Research III. Problem IV. Hypothesis V. Design Experiment VI. Design Data Analysis Methods VII. *Subject Specific Guidelines Followed VIII. Type and turn in Research Plans IX. Conduct Experiment & Record Results X. Create Abstract and Display *Only required for projects that involve: (must complete appropriate forms via Scienteer)

▪ Human Subjects ▪ Vertebrate Animals ▪ Potentially Dangerous Biological Agents ▪ Dangerous Chemicals, Activities and Devices

Page 4: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Topic Selection Select a topic or theme for your project. This could be something very broad like Global Warming or Paleontology, but you will need to be able to narrow down your focus to an aspect of the topic. This will be done in the next step. Use the given topics handout if you need help. Avoid topics that are deemed “cookbook labs”, topics that could be done for elementary or middle school science projects. Try to choose something interesting or important to your life. Research Once you choose a topic you will need to research as much as possible. Gather facts about the topic to help you narrow down your topic to the problem you will conduct your experiment to try and solve. When you find information that you will use in deciding on a problem, hypothesis or experiment you will need to write the information down and record the citation for your research plan. Use the provided resources for help. You will need to include an annotated biography. Problem As you research, you will narrow down the focus of your project to one problem that you can create a hypothesis for and create an experiment to test that hypothesis. This should be a specific question. For example, in our class we tested this problem, ”How does the amount of water affect water bottle rotation?” Hypothesis Once you have decided on a problem to test create a hypothesis for that problem. This hypothesis must include the variables you intend to test and must be testable. A hypothesis can vary but should be an educated guess to:

▪ The answer of the problem ▪ Expected Outcomes of the experiment ▪ Goals for the experiment

Design Experiment This is the procedure that you will use to conduct the experiment and collect data. The steps of the experiment need to be absolutely specific. This will include all materials used, amounts used, step by step procedures, and means that you will do everything that you have in your procedures and do nothing else. Design Data Analysis Methods This is the method(s) that you will use to analyze the data that answers your problem or proves your hypothesis. This includes your measurement techniques, as well as how you will collect and organize your data.

Page 5: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Subject Specific Guidelines (**must obtain appropriate forms on Scienteer**) If you have a problem that requires you to test any of the topics listed below, then you will need to follow the guidelines:

a. Human participants research: ▪ Participants. Describe who will participate in your study (age range, gender,

racial/ethnic composition). Identify any vulnerable populations (minors, pregnant women, prisoners, intellectually disabled or economically disadvantaged).

▪ Recruitment. Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate? Broad recruitment is a good idea.

▪ Methods. What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? What is the frequency and length of time involved for each subject?

▪ Risk Assessment o Risks. What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time

involved, social, legal etc) to participants? How will you minimize the risks? o Benefits. List any benefits to society or each participant.

▪ Protection of Privacy. Will any identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birthdates, email addresses) be collected? Will data be confidential or anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected anonymously. If not anonymous, what procedures are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will the data be stored? Who will have access to the data? What will you do with the data at the end of the study?

▪ Informed Consent Process. Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what the will be asked to do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.

b. Vertebrate animal research: ▪ Briefly discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present a

detailed justification for use of vertebrate animals. ▪ Explain potential impact or contribution this research may have ▪ Detail all procedures to be used

o Include methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain and injury to the animals during the course of experimentation

o Detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages ▪ Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc

o Include justification of the numbers planned for the research ▪ Describe housing and oversight of daily care ▪ Discuss disposition of the animals at the termination of the study

c. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents. ▪ Describe Biosafety Level Assessment process and resultant BSL determination ▪ Give source of agent, source of specific cell line, etc. ▪ Detail safety precautions ▪ Discuss methods of disposal

d. Hazardous Chemicals, Activities & Devices: ▪ Describe Risk Assessment process and results ▪ Detail chemical concentrations and drug dosages ▪ Describe safety precautions and procedures to minimize risk ▪ Discuss methods of disposal

Page 6: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Type and Turn in Research Plan - Submit in Google Classroom Once you have completed all the steps above, then you are ready to type your research plan. The research plan includes all the information that you have gathered up to this point. The research plan requires the following criteria:

A. Name on each page B. Title C. Question or Problem addressed D. Goals/Expected Outcome/Hypothesis E. Description in detail of method or procedures

a. Procedures for Experimentation b. Procedures for Data Analysis

F. Bibliography (At least 5 major references, books, journal articles, internet sites) Conduct Experiment and Record Results This is very obvious, but you will carry out the procedures that you detailed in your research plan. As you conduct you science fair project you will keep a laboratory journal. Use the laboratory journal handout for help. Create Abstract and Display After you have conducted the experiment, collected data, completed the journal, analyzed the data then you will write an abstract. The abstract is a kind of summary of the entire experience. Finally display your project following the display guidelines. See the abstract and display handout for help. Prepare for the Science Fair You will need to give an oral presentation of the project to each judge that comes to see your display. Practice explaining what you will say to family members and friends. Props are a nice idea, but many are not allowed in the fair, check with me first. Tips for Science Fair Success

1. If you want to work with a partner, choose wisely!!!! If you work with someone your fate and grade is tied to that person!!!!!!

2. Plan ahead! Think about where you will be able to do the project. How much time it will take? What do you need to do it? How much will it cost? A good idea means nothing if you can’t get it done!

3. Be prepared! Nothing is more embarrassing that saying, “I don’t know” to a judge when they ask you a very basic question. Think about what you may be asked so you will have an answer (see attached page in packet).

4. Be serious! I know that you are a teenager, but you will have a great and worthwhile experience if you work hard and do a great job rather than if you give little effort. Some students have said in the past that the science fair was a waste of their time, and I completely agree. If you are not serious you will not get any worth from the time you spend…this is a valuable lesson you will learn in time.

5. DO NOT WAIT TILL THE LAST MINUTE!!!! It may seem that you have a lot of time, you don’t. As you grow older you will need to be able to accomplish a complicated task in a given amount of time. This project will be one of many chances for you to learn how…

Page 7: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

MacArthur 9th Grade Science Fair - Topics Handout *Before reading the list, is there anything that you are interested in trying to do a science fair project about? Choose topics that you are interested in and know something about. Those are going to be much more successful than those you choose at random.

**ALL TOPICS MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE EXPERIMENTATION CAN BEGIN** Here are some basic topics that your could research to find a problem for your project. You are not limited to the ideas listed.

▪ Human Behavior and Social Science, Examples: Eating Disorders, Smell, Memory, Vision, Illusions, Handwriting Analysis, Stress

▪ Biochemistry, Examples: Spontaneous Generation of Life, DNA, Metabolism, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration

▪ Botany (study of plants), Examples: Seed Germination, Fertilizers, Flowers, Plant Growth

▪ Chemistry, Examples: Water, Chemical Reactions, Fire, Rusting, ▪ Computer Science, Examples: Computer Programs, Voice Recognition, Virtual

Simulations, Internet Programs, Artificial Intelligence ▪ Earth Science & Geology, Examples: Weather, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis,

Plate Tectonics, Pangaea, Global Warming, Rocks and Minerals, Gems, Fossil Fuels ▪ Environmental Science, Examples: Oil Spills, Pesticides, Garbage, Compost,

Ecosystems, Recycling, Global Warming, Photosynthesis ▪ Evolution & Genetics, Examples- Mendelian Inheritance, Genetic Disorders, Natural

Selection, Microevolution ▪ Math, Examples: Probability, Geometric Shapes, ▪ Medicine and Health, Examples: Sunscreens, Vision, Medicines, Antioxidants, Vitamins,

Taste, Smell, Touch, Reflexes, Heart Rate, Exercise, Diseases ▪ Microbiology, Examples: Bacteria, Viruses, Microorganisms, Algae, Mold, Spores,

Fungus, ▪ Physics & Engineering, Examples: Color, Light, Electricity, Magnets, Plastics & Rubber,

Metals, Sound & Music, Robotics, Coding, Raspberry Pi ▪ Space Science, Examples: Solar System, Aurora Borealis, Telescopes, Big Band

Theory, Black Holes, the Universe, the Sun ▪ Zoology, Examples: Animal Behavior ▪ ……….many, many, many more, examples: anything that you observe about the world

around you may be a possible topic, if you’re interested in something go for it!

Page 8: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

SCIENCE FAIR GENERAL RULES (see rules packet for International Rules)

1. Number one rule. . . think safety first before you start. Make sure you have recruited your adult sponser to help you.

2. Never eat or drink during an experiment. Always keep your work area clean.

3. Wear protective goggles and other safety equipment when doing any experiment that could

lead to personal injury. Record this in your lab journal. 4. Do not touch, taste, or inhale chemicals or chemical solutions (this include food substances

being used in the experiment). 5. Respect all life forms. Do not perform an experiment that will cause intentional

harm to a person or creature. See section regarding appropriate forms, consent, and ethics.

6. If your experiment involves vertebrate organisms, the experiment must be

immediately stopped if an organism unexpectedly dies during the experimentation. 7. All experiments should be supervised by an adult.

8. Always wash your hands after doing the experiment, especially if you have been handling

chemicals. 9. Dispose waste properly.

10.Any project that breaks district policy, and/or local, state, or federal laws are NOT permitted.

Check my website for the complete list of rules for 2018. We will follow all international rules.

11.Use safety on the Internet! NEVER write to anyone without an adult knowing about it. Be

sure to let an adult know about what websites you will be visiting, or have them help you search. Practice good digital citizenship.

12. If there are dangerous aspects of your experiment, like using a sharp tool or experimenting

with electricity, please have an adult help you or supervise you while you complete the experiment.

Page 9: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

SCIENCE PROJECT STEPS: Use with Project Overview and Research Guide 1. Choose a topic. Be sure it interests you. Don’t pick one because you think it will be easy. Talk

it over with your parents and when you have decided, inform your teacher, and do not ask to change your topic later. Fill out Topic Approval Form in Google Classroom.

2. State your purpose as a question. What is it that you want to find out by doing this project?

3. Research your problem. Look at any books/websites that might help you, make observations by simply looking at things, talk to people, and find out as much as possible about your topic. Write down any ideas you have and where you got them. Also, keep note of all information needed for citing your resources. You will create an annotated bibliography.

4. Form a hypothesis. What do you think is going to happen? Based on what you know or found out from step #3, what do you think the results of your experiments will be? After doing the experiments, it may turn out that your guess was wrong. It is okay if this happens.

5. Plan your project. How will you test your hypothesis? What experiments will you do? How will you measure the results? Where will you keep your information? Be sure to keep notes and write down everything you do and what happens.

6. Collect all your materials. Find a place to keep things where others won’t bother them. Let other family members know what you are doing so they do not throw your materials away by mistake.

7. Conduct your experiments. Remember, the more times you do an experiment the more reliable and accurate the results will be. Do each experiment at least three times and get an average of the results for your graph. Use something to measure your experiments: a ruler or yardstick if you are measuring distance, a clock to measure time, etc. Check the measurements to be sure you are correct.

8. Record your data. As you do your experiments, you will want to write down what you saw or found out. Organize this information in an orderly manner. Put the date, time, and any other useful information. Write your measurements clearly.

9. Draw conclusions. What did you learn from your experiments? Have you proved or disproved your hypothesis? Explain what really happened.

10. Prepare your titles, charts, graphs, drawings, and diagrams. Make them large enough to see, neat, and colorful.

11. Construct your science fair display. Get a cardboard display board so you can show all your work and have your hands free to point to sections when you give your presentation. Talk with your teacher if you have trouble obtaining materials.

12. Prepare and practice your presentation. Be able to tell about what you used what you did in your experiments, and what you found out. Expect it to be like an interview.

13. Plan a time line so you don’t leave everything until the last minute. If you need help, tell your parents and your teacher, the earlier the better.

14. Relax and enjoy yourself. You will do a GREAT job!

Page 10: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Your Science Fair Oral Presentation A lot of students are scared of speaking in public or to a teacher/judge. Just imagine they are a fellow scientist who just wants you to share what you learned.

Relax, smile, and have fun. Remember, you are the expert and you had fun doing the project. But if you are a little nervous, here are some things that you need to do during the presentation.

Helpful Hints:

o Look sharp, feel sharp, and you will be sharp. Dress nice that day, be polite, and speak

clearly. You will show that you have confidence. Don’t forget to look at your audience.

o Introduce yourself. Point to the title of your display. Tell your audience why you chose to study this.

o State your problem that you studied (your question.) Tell them about your hypothesis (what you thought might happen.)

o Talk about what you learned while researching your topic.

o Talk about the sources (books, websites, and interviews) that helped you understand your topic.

o Tell about your project and explain the steps you took to conduct your experiment. Be sure to mention all the materials involved and point out the pictures that you may have taken.

o If it applies, be sure to show them that you tested your experiment at least 3 times.

o Show them all of the cool graphic organizers that you made, like your tables and charts. Remember to point out the labeled parts of your graph or table to show that you know what it represents.

o Be sure to explain what your data means. Make sure you can read your graphs and tables. Let them know if you were surprised by the results, or if you know what would happen because you studied about it.

o Make sure you sound like an expert on your topic. Always use the appropriate vocabulary especially by using words from the Scientific Method, like: Problem, Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Conclusions.

Page 11: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Planned Project Overview - Use this as a rough draft for your formal Research Plan After your topic is selected, begin brainstorming how you will go about setting up your project. You will use this overview to keep track of your information throughout your whole process of the experiment. Record all other notes in your lab notebook.

1. Hypothesis Statement:

2. Identify Variables: a. Independent (manipulated): b. Dependent (measured): c. Control(s):

3. Materials Required:

4. Procedures - Step by Step:

5. Results Analysis: How will you be measuring your results, as well as presenting the

results?

6. Conclusions: What do you expect to be able to discuss when the experiment is finished?

7. Abstract: See separate rubric for writing the abstract

8. Bibliography: Add sources to this section as you go

Page 12: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

RESEARCH PLAN CHECKLIST

Parts Criteria Points Missed Score

Completion Criteria

Title matches the title that you will use on your display board the day of the project is due.

4

Name included on each page. 3

Types in 12 pt. font. 3

Question or Problem

Problem or question you plan to answer is described.

10

Description includes specific details. 5

Goals, Expected

Outcome or Hypothesis

The goals, expected outcomes or hypothesis for your problem/question is described.

10

Description includes specific details. 5

Procedure Step by step procedure followed during experiment is described.

15

All steps described in specific detail. This means that during the experiment, you will do exactly these steps and nothing more.

10

Use numbered liste to show steps. 5

Data Analysis

Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data that will answer the question or hypothesis. Explain how you will use the data collected to answer the question, or evaluate your goals, expected outcomes, or hypothesis.

10

Description includes specific details. 10

References Bibliography contains a minimum of 5 major references.

5

1 reference is a printed book, 1 is a primary source, all others can be journals, magazines, websites, newspapers etc.

3

References cited in APA format (use EasyBib to start) with annotations.

2

Page 13: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

PROJECT ABSTRACTS

Abstracts are an important assistance to judges and others who view your project. You are encouraged to have extra copies available to distribute to your judges. If you do decide to prepare a Project Abstract for use at SEFH, remember that it must not list your name, teacher, school, district or anything else that might serve to identify you. It should also be done neatly using proper grammar and punctuation. It should not contain more than 250 words. A sample abstract is shown below. All abstracts need to be submitted into Scienteer for final approval.

“A SOLUTION TO POLLUTION: ENERGY FROM WASTE MATERIALS Sewage sludge and solid wastes are an unavoidable by product of modern society. High

disposal costs for these waste materials, coupled with a projected increase in waste production over the next decade, form a serious problem. This experiment was aimed at contributing to a

partial solution of the waste disposal and energy shortage enigma. For this experiment, sewage sludge, wood and sludge/wood mixture were pyrolized in a batch reactor to produce oil. The production rates of oil were compared for the three materials. The

average production rates of oil from all materials were excellent. The boiling range of the wood-derived oil proved to be slightly better than that of the sludge-derived oil, with the sludge/wood-derived oil being intermediate. Sludge, waste wood and sludge/solid waste pyrolysis should be economically attractive, as the feedstocks are both renewable and

inexpensive. Plant attractiveness is increased when the costs of alternate methods of waste disposal are taken into account.”

In general, an abstract should include the following: (a) Purpose of the Experiment

▪ An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project. ▪ A statement of the problem and/or hypothesis being studied.

(b) Procedures Used ▪ A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was

conducted. ▪ An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the

procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation. ▪ An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work done by a mentor

(such as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student involvement should not be included.

(c) Data ▪ This section should provide key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have

drawn. It should not give too many details about the results nor include tables or graphs. (d) Conclusions

1. Conclusions from the investigation should be described briefly. 2. The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state some

applications and extensions of the investigation. The abstract should not include:

▪ acknowledgements (including naming the research institution and/or mentor with which you were working), or

▪ Work or procedures done by a mentor or a supervisor.

Page 14: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

THE LABORATORY NOTEBOOK A properly maintained laboratory notebook is one of a researcher's most valuable tools. It

contains the permanent written record of the scientist's or engineer’s mental and physical activities from both experiment and observation, to the ultimate understanding of the question or solution they are going to obtain from their research project. The act of writing in the notebook forces the researcher to stop and think about what he/she is about to do and what is actually done. Because of this, the proper writing of a project laboratory notebook is an essential part of doing "good" science. The following guidelines are consistent with those of many major industrial laboratories and universities. They are not requirements, only suggestions. While SEFH does not require students to have a laboratory notebook for their project, they should understand that since most of the fair judges are practicing scientists and engineers, they will expect to see a laboratory notebook as part of the project display material. Part six of the Official Scoring Sheet for the fair refers to the laboratory notebook. Your display board will be a reflection of your laboratory notebook. See International Guidelines for more information. District Fair will have a Laboratory Notebook competition. Create tabs (Ms. Raeon has a tab cutter). Guidelines:

1. The front cover of the notebook should contain a title that describes the research, and the time period covered for the data recorded in the book

2. The first two pages of the book should be reserved for a table of contents. All remaining pages should be numbered on the top outside corner of the page. The table of content entries should be added as the project progresses. Tabs to mark sections of the notebook are also recommended.

3. All written entries in the notebook should be done in ink; preferably using a ballpoint pen with black ink. If others do not easily read the researcher's handwriting, then entries should be printed.

4. No pages should be removed from the notebook. If information on a particular page becomes invalid for whatever reason, a single diagonal line should be drawn through the information and a brief sentence or two added explaining why the material is no longer valid. If an error is made in recording something, it should not be erased or obliterated in any way. Instead, draw one line through the incorrect entry and write the correct entry as near to it as possible. Never write a number or word over another number or word.

5. Photographs, computer printouts, recorded printouts, etc. should be properly labeled and taped or glued onto one of the right-hand pages. Photographs are encouraged.

6. All numbers should be recorded in the notebook using the correct number of digits and labeled with the proper units. If a detailed experimental procedure is being followed that is available in a readily available reference source (such as a textbook), the procedure should only be summarized in the notebook and the reference listed for the exact procedure. Any changes from the referenced procedure should be recorded and explained in the notebook.

7. When chemicals are used, the name, formula, purity, and manufacturer of the chemical should be recorded.

8. When instruments are used, the name and manufacturer should be recorded in the notebook. 9. The purpose of each experiment in the project should be clearly stated in the notebook as it is

performed, along with the corresponding procedures, data, assumptions, conclusions, etc. In summary, a project notebook is not supposed to be an attractive document; it is a working document. Yes, it may even have a few chemical stains on it and a torn page or two. However, the entries should be legible, complete, reasonably neat, and logically presented.

In summary, a project notebook is not supposed to be an attractive document; it is a working document. Yes it may even have a few chemical stains on it and a torn page or two. However, the entries should be legible, complete, reasonably neat, and logically presented.

Page 15: STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT · STUDENT’S PACKET FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT Table of Contents Page 1: Parent Information Permission Slip Page 2 - 5: Guidelines and

Science Fair Project Display

Prior to planning your display, be sure to

carefully review the rules for project displays. How you display your material; the color scheme you use; your use of graphics, pictures, lettering, etc. will all be important as you try to make your display serve as a "silent" salesperson for your project. Where appropriate use the International System of Units (SI). Try to make your display a creative visual summary of your entire project. See display rule section for comments regarding photographs. Everything associated with your display must fit

into the space allocated for your project, which is 76cm deep x 122 cm wide x 274cm high if floor mounted. Only use floor mounted projects for extra tall or extra heavy display boards and/or equipment If table mounted, the height limit is still 274 cm, including the table which is about 76 cm high. Most display boards are constructed of plywood or foam core (gatorboard). A good source for display boards is www.showboard.com. Expensive equipment should only be displayed when it is necessary for explaining project results. If desired, videotapes or computer visualization of project action may be part of the display. An overnight check-in security room will be available at the fair. Keys to a good display

▪ Use all available space ▪ Have large visible headings ▪ Make sure the print is large enough to be easily read from several feet away ▪ Real pictures of experimentation and data ▪ Let the experiment stand out not the display

All photographs, charts, and/or graphs need to be cited. An example format you can use is listed below:

Photograph taken by (list the name of the presenter/experimenter) Graph (or chart or table etc) created in (list the program you used to make it, like Google

Charts) on (date you created it) - (describe how it was created) Example:

Photograph taken by Ansel Adams on September 20, 2016 Table created using Google Sheets on September 20, 2016 - data was entered and

placed into a table as appropriate.


Related Documents