HOW TO PREPARE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT



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Stay Organized With a Schedule

This may be the first time you have attempted a long-range project, so it is very important to prepare a schedule and stay organized. Science fair projects often require several weeks for completion. Don’t let a due date that is many weeks away throw your planning off; there are many things to do. Here is a suggested schedule that provides ample time to complete all phases of the project.

Check Off Week What You Should Be Doing

0 Write a list of things that interest you (i.e. I like fishing).

1. Select a science fair project.

Complete the Entry Form and have it signed by a parent or guardian. Give the completed Entry Form to your teacher by: Wednesday, March 12th _____________________________

1 Before your child begins their science fair project make sure is it approved with their science teacher.

1 Use the library and the internet to research your topic.

Record as much information as you can about your topic.

2. Plan your project (experiment or invention) and collect supplies.

3. Conduct your project.

EXPERIMENT: Conduct your experiment and collect data and results.

INVENTION: Build your invention and collect data and results.

Take photographs, make diagrams, and/or collect pictures or other illustrations for your display.

4 Analyze results and establish conclusion.

5 Write a report about your project and any results or conclusions from your project.

6. Build your display and practice presentation for grading.

Deadline to turn in your display and written report: Friday, April 25th

6 Complete Science Fair Criteria Sheet

EIGHT Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project

1. PURPOSE: All year long you have been using the scientific method to study scientific concepts. The purpose of your science fair project is to apply the scientific method by conducting your very own investigation. Since this investigation is inquiry based, your investigation should not be something we have already explored in class. (Refer to pages 6-7.)

2. SELECTING A TOPIC: Choose something you're interested in and something you want to learn more about. Talk to teachers, parents, or librarians for ideas. A hobby might lead to a good topic. Don't forget to look through science books, magazines, or visit museums or zoos for ideas. (Refer to page 5.)

3. SELECTING A PROJECT TYPE:

EXPERIMENTS: Experimentation is a systematic process used to test the validity of a hypothesis. A student need to state a suitable hypothesis, design and conduct a test of it, record data, and draw conclusions. (Refer to page 10.)

INVENTIONS: An invent project requires that a student develop a unique way to accomplish a task. Inventions may be practical in that they require students to make something useful. In inventor may start with something already made and find a way to make it better. Inventions may also be of the type that accomplishes a simple task through a complicated procedure. These projects may appear silly, but the understanding of science principles can be demonstrated in them. (Refer to page 11.)

*Since you will be using the scientific method to investigate a topic that interest you things that are not allowed are activities (i.e. Mentos in a bottle, tornado in a bottle, etc.) and models (i.e. building volcanoes, creating a model of the solar system, etc.).

4. RESEARCH: After the topic has been selected, start the research process. Encyclopedias will provide an overview of your topic, but go beyond that and collect information from books and magazines. Contact experts or companies that might be able to supply information. Don't forget to check the Internet. (Refer to page 15.)

5. PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose is a description of what you will do.

The hypothesis is an educated explanation as to what you think will happen. (Refer to pages 6-7)

6.EXPERIMENT/INVENTION: Plan and organize an experiment. Perform the experiment under controlled conditions. Keep careful records in a specials notebook that is used only for this paper. (Refer to pages 8-14.)

7. RESEARCH PAPER: This report will provide interested readers with a comprehensive look at your topic and research. It includes information collected during your research as well as a complete description of your experiment, data, and conclusions. Pages 15-18 will help you with writing this paper.

8. EXHIBIT: This is the visual presentation of your project, so prepare it carefully. Use graphs, charts, and clear bold lettering to highlight this display. An example of what should be included on your display board is located on page 19.

9. JUDGING: Plan how you want to explain your project to your teacher. Look neat, speak clearly, and don't fidget or do other distracting things. Be prepared to answer the following questions: 1) What did you learn from doing your project? 2) How did you choose this topic? 3) What books or sources did you use to obtain information about your topic? 4) Did your results or conclusions surprise you? Why or why not? (For more information on how to prepare for you presentation, refer to page 21.)

Choosing A Topic

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PROJECT PURPOSE and PLAN[pic]

Here’s an example:

Selecting a topic:

I am interested in fishing.

Create questions:

What type of bait is best to catch fish?

Is there a better time of day to catch fish?

Is there a better time of year to catch fish?

Are fish attracted to certain color of fishing lures?

Select a project type:

Experiment: I could use one of my questions to create an investigation using the scientific method.

Invention: I could invent a new type of fish bait or fishing lure.

Purpose and Hypothesis:

What type of bait is best to catch fish?

Variable: type of bait

Purpose: To determine what type of bait is best to catch fish.

Is there a better time of the day to catch fish?

Variable: Time of day.

Purpose: To determine if there is a better time of day to catch fish.

Is there a better time of the year to catch fish?

Variable: Time of year.

Purpose: To determine if there is a better time of year to catch fish.

Are fish attracted to a certain color of fishing lure?

Variable: Color of fishing lure.

Purpose: To determine if there is a certain color of fishing lure that is better to catch fish.

Hypothesis: If fish are attracted to different color fishing lures then when I use green, yellow, blue, red, and silver fishing lures I will catch more fish with the green fishing lure.

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ANALZES YOUR REULTS:

DRAW YOUR CONCLUSION:

[pic]WRITE YOUR REPORT

It is important to be able to share your project with others. One way to share information is in written form. Here are some guidelines for writing your report.

1) If possible, your report should be typed with double spacing.

2) Title page is like a cover sheet that goes in front of your report and should only include the following information:

a. Your topic

b. Your name

c. School’s name

3) Purpose: This is a statement of what you plan to do. It can include a hypothesis or educated guess as to what you think the outcome will be.

4) Acknowledgements: In this section you can identify people who have helped you.

5) Review of Literature: Here you describe the work and findings of others related to your topic.

6) Materials and Methods of Procedure: Describe the materials you used and then provide a step-by-step explanation of how you conducted the experiment. Include drawings or photographs to help clarify your procedures.

7) Results: The outcome of your experiment and the data collected is shared in graphs, charts or as a daily log of observations.

8) Conclusion: In this section you will interpret your findings and results. Refer back to your purpose and indicate whether or not your findings support your hypothesis.

9) Bibliography: The bibliography is a separate page that goes at the end of your report and should be titled Bibliography and should only include the list books, magazines, pamphlets, websites, or other communications you used to research your topic. Use must use at least 3 different sources. Please refer to the next page that explains how to properly cite your sources.

10) Use the rubric on page 18 to evaluate your report. This is the same rubric that will used to grade your written report.

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Written Report (essay) Rubric

Use this rubric to guide you in writing your report and to evaluate how you did. This is report should not be placed on your display board.

|Name: | | | |Homeroom: | |

| |Excelling |Satisfactory |Immerging |Unsatisfactory |Total |

|Title Page |Includes topic, name, and |Missing one of the |Missing two of the |Missing all of the | |

| |school’s name. |following: topic, name, and|following: topic, name, and|following: topic, name, and|__ x 1 = |

| | |school’s name. |school’s name. |school’s name. | |

|Purpose |The purpose of the project |The purpose of the project | |The purpose of the project | |

| |is clearly stated and |is clearly stated but | |is missing. |__ x 3 = |

| |includes hypothesis. |hypothesis is missing. | | | |

|Acknowledgements |People who helped with the |People who helped with the | |People who helped with the | |

| |project are listed and |project are listed but | |project are not included. |__ x 1 = |

| |assistance provided is |assistance provided is not | | | |

| |described. |described. | | | |

|Review of Literature |Information about topic |Information about topic |Information about topic |Review of literature is not| |

| |from other sources is |from other sources is |from other sources is |included. |__ x 2 = |

| |clearly stated. |clearly stated. |vaguely stated. | | |

|Materials and Procedures |The materials used and a |The materials used and a |The materials used and a |Materials and procedures | |

| |step-by-step explanation of|step-by-step explanation of|step-by-step explanation of|are missing. |__ x 3 = |

| |how to conduct the |how to conduct the |how to conduct the | | |

| |experiment is included in |experiment is included in |experiment is included in | | |

| |great detail. |some detail. |vague detail. | | |

|Results |The outcome of the project |The outcome of the project |The outcome of the project |Results are missing. | |

| |and the data collected is |and the data collected is |and the data collected is | |__ x 3 = |

| |stated in great detail. |stated in some detail. |stated in vague detail. | | |

|Conclusion |Explain why: Findings and |Explain why: Findings and |Explain why: Findings and |Conclusion is missing. | |

| |results are interpreted. |results are interpreted. |results are interpreted. | |__ x 3 = |

| |Purpose and whether or not |Purpose and whether or not |Purpose and whether or not | | |

| |findings supported |findings supported |findings supported | | |

| |hypothesis is stated in |hypothesis is stated in |hypothesis is stated in | | |

| |great detail. |some detail. |vague detail. | | |

|Bibliography |All information from the |Some information from the |Some information from the |Bibliography is missing. | |

| |resources and references |resources and references |resources and references | |__ x 2 = |

| |used during research is |used during research is |used during research is | | |

| |included and at least 3 |included and at least 3 |included but there is not | | |

| |different sources are |different sources are |at least 3 different | | |

| |listed. |listed. |sources listed. | | |

|72-65 = A |64-58 = B |57-51 = C |50-44 = D |43 and below = F |/72 |

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Village Meadows Elementary Science Fair Grading Rubric

Title is creative and accurately reflects the purpose of the project.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The purpose of the project is clearly stated.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

My hypothesis is clear and specific.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

A complete list of materials needed to conduct the project is listed.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Procedures are appropriate and listed in a thorough step-by-step manner. Anyone could do this experiment using my steps.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Project exhibits orderly recording and analysis of data (logs, graphs, tables, photos…).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Interpretation of data is appropriate for student’s grade level. I understand the results of my project and why they occurred.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Conclusion formulated is logical, based on data collected and relevant to hypothesis.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Skill (special skills needed for construction, use of equipment, design, observation, computational, etc. are evident).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The project shows depth of study and effort. How did I show depth of study and effort?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The project is complete with the scope of the purpose.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The project is original or is a unique approach to an old problem (considering the student’s level).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Exhibit was visually appealing, neat, and attractive.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Oral presentation is well planned and interesting. I can accurately answer my peers’ questions.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Information collected through research is valid and appropriate to project.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I have acquired knowledge doing this project and that is reflected in my presentation.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Total Score = /160

Comments: Use this to grade your project board and presentation

PRESENTATION

This is an important part of your project so take time to plan and practice the presentation you will make to your class and teacher. Plan in advance what you want to say but don’t memorize your presentation. Write down key phrases or ideas on index cards and use them as a reference but don’t depend heavily on them.

Here is an approach you may wish to make for your oral presentation.

1) Greet your class and teacher and introduce yourself.

2) Give the title of your project.

3) Tell how you became interested in this topic.

4) Give some background information about the topic.

5) State the purpose of your investigation.

6) Discuss your review of literature.

7) Describe, in a step-by-step fashion, the procedure you followed for conducting your investigation. Point to sections of your display and refer to charts, graphs, and photographs. If you have any equipment on display, allow the class to examine it.

8) Explain the results of your experiment and be sure to discuss controls and variables.

9) Identify the conclusions that you could logically draw from the experiment.

10) Ask the class and your teacher if they have any questions.

11) Thank the class and your teacher for listening to your presentation.

Good manners, nice clothes, and enthusiasm for what you’re doing will to impress your class and teacher. Here are some tips:

1) Wear nice clothes.

2) Be polite and practice good manners.

3) Make good eye contact with your class and teacher. Don’t just look at one person or in one direction.

4) Stand up straight and to the side of your exhibit.

5) Speak with enthusiasm, clarity, and assuredness.

6) Don’t do anything to distract your class or teacher.

7) Relax, smile and have FUN. This is your time to shine. It is a celebration of all your hard work and effort you put into your science fair project.

SUGGESTION: You may want to practice giving your speech. Watch yourself in a mirror as you give your speech or ask a friend or family member to listen to your speech.

SCIENCE FAIR CRITERIA SHEET

Directions: Use this sheet to help you decide what areas of your science fair project still need attention. Have your parents assist in filling out this form. Use the following point scale:

5 Well done and complete

4 Almost complete

3 Needs improvement

2 Lacking

1 Not done

_____ Research Paper: title page, purpose, acknowledgements, review of literature, materials and procedures, results, conclusions, bibliography.

_____ Exhibit: attractive, self-standing, and clear bold lettering.

_____ Oral Presentation: well planned and rehearsed.

_____ Topic: not too broad or complicated, yet displaying a sufficient degree of difficulty.

_____ Creativity: unique design, project has pizzazz!

_____ Controlled Experiment: all factors are kept the same except for the one factor or variable being tested.

Invention: a clear understanding of a science principle is demonstrated.

_____ Validity of Results and Conclusion: measurable results supported by enough trials.

_____ Total Points

30-35 Everything looks great – turn in project.

29-25 Some additional time and work required.

24-20 Get cracking; there’s work to do and soon!

Below 20 Check with your teacher or parent immediately!!

Dear Parents,

Your child has the opportunity to prepare and display a science project for the school’s science fair. Their 4th quarter science grade will be graded heavily on how well they do on the project.

A science fair gives students the chance to think and work independently, develop and refine individual science interests, and engage in critical thinking. If you are wondering your role in your child’s science fair project will be, the following suggestions and guidelines might be helpful.

• Week 1

o Review the information in this packet.

o Help your child select a science fair project.

o Before your child begins their project make sure it is approved with their science teacher.

• Week 1

o Ensure that your child uses the library and the internet to research their project.

• Week 1-2

o Help your child plan their project and collect supplies.

• Week 2-4

o Ensure that your child conducts their experiment and collects data and results.

• Week 4

o Ensure that your child analyzes their results and establishes a conclusion.

• Week 5

o Ensure that your child writes a report for their project.

• Week 6

o Ensure that your child builds their display and practices their presentation for grading.

o Complete Science Fair Criteria Sheet

• Turn in display board and written report.

o Friday, April 25th

The science fair will end with an awards ceremony in May. This event and the awards celebration date are still in the planning stages. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I’m looking forward to seeing your child’s completed science fair project.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Alexander

6th Grade Science Teacher

kimberly.alexander@

602-467-6357

Sign and return the attached Entry Form.

SCIENCE FAIR ENTRY FORM

Student’s Name:

Homeroom:

Science Fair Category (Pick One)

Experiment Invention

Describe Project:

The topic of my project is ___________________________________. The purpose of this topic is to __________________________________________________________. The variable that I will be testing is ______________________________________.

I have reviewed the science fair requirements and deadlines with my child, _______________.

I understand that my child’s 4th quarter grade will be weighted heavily on this project.

Parent’s or guardian’s signature: _______________________ Date: ______________

I, ___________________________ (students name) have reviewed the science fair requirements and deadlines with my parent or guardian. I understand that my 4th quarter science grade will be weighted heavily on how well I do on this project.

Student’s signature: ________________________________ Date: ________________

[pic] Before your child begins their science fair project make sure is it approved with their science teacher.

Science Teacher’s signature: _________________________ Date: ________________

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HYPOTHESIS

Due Date: Friday, March 28, 2014

Name:

Homeroom:

Topic Title:

Hypothesis: (Written as an “if….then” statement – refer to page 7 for an example).

REVIEW OF LITERATRUE

Due Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2014

Name:

Homeroom:

Topic Title:

What books, magazines, and websites have you consulted? (Remember you have to have at least 3 different sources.)

1)

2)

3)

4)

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENT/INVENTION

Due Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Name:

Homeroom:

Topic Title:

What materials will your project require?

How will you set up the experiment and keep it scientific?

EVALUATE YOUR PROJECT

Due Date: Monday, April 21, 2014

Name:

Homeroom:

Topic Title:

Complete the Science Fair Criteria Sheet (Refer to page 22).

What score did you receive after completing that sheet?

/35

What steps, in any, do you need to complete to be successful with your science fair project?

ANALYZE AND DRAW YOUR CONCLUSION

Due Date: Friday, April 11, 2014

Name:

Homeroom:

Topic Title:

What did your findings tell you?

Did your findings support your hypothesis?

GRADE YOUR WRITTEN REPORT AND CREATE YOUR DISPLAY

Due Date: Thursday, April 17, 2014

Name:

Topic Title:

1) Use the rubric to grade your written report (Refer to page 18).

What score did you receive after completing that rubric?

/72

2) Create your display: (Refer to pages 19-20).

What score did you receive?

/160

Hypothesis

Results

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