Mr. Savitsky's Science Class



4000500-342900Earth /Space ScienceConsumer SciencePhysical ScienceLife ScienceMedicine/WellnessReynolds 8th GradeSCIENCE FAIRReynolds 8th Grade Science FairMiddle (Grade 6-7-8) – All honor students must submit a science fair project. IndividualScience Fair GuidelinesInvestigation must start with a question. Student selects topic of interest. Students are to complete the investigation. Teacher and parent role is to advise rather than co-produce the science submission.Student must research topic and conduct an experiment using the scientific method: Question;Introduction (background information/research); Hypothesis (use background information/research); Materials; Procedure (step-by-step instructions, control/variables};Results Data (tables, charts and graphs) Observations (notes/journal); Conclusion (state whether data supports hypothesis, discuss any possible sources of error, offer an explanation of what the data shows and what it means, suggest further hypotheses and experiments);Sources (document at least 3 references).Information may be presented on display board or Power Point presentation.Science Fair InfromationLocation: Your science classMust have in order to pass the fourth marking period.AssessmentAssessment of Science fair submissions for grades and/or meeting promotion standardsAssessment of Science Fair submissions as part of science grade and/or meeting promotion standards is teacher choiceScoring guides will be used to grade each project at Helpful Websitesscience-fair-projects/ Research Paper Evaluation ChecklistStudent's Name - __________________________________ Class - ______________________Title Page (2 points) - __________Is it present?Are the title of the project and the student's name included?Table of Contents (5 points) - __________Are all parts/sections listed and in order?Are page numbers listed and correct?Introduction (40 points) - __________QuestionDoes it pose a question that can be investigated or measured?Does it pertain to the experiment conducted?Is it logical and defendable?Is it clear and understandable?Is it within the student's ability level?HypothesisDoes it answer the purpose?Does it tell what the student is trying to prove with the project?Is it clear and scientifically sound?ResearchDoes the research pertain to the topic?Is it complete and thorough?Does it represent a diversity of sources?Is it representative of the student's ability?MaterialsAre all materials listed and specific amounts given?Are there sufficient materials?Experiment (Procedure) (10 points) - __________Are procedures listed in chronological/logical order?Could the experiment be replicated?Are the procedures easy to follow?Conclusion/Discussion (30 points) - __________Does it answer the purpose? Does it include supporting or non-supporting evidence of the hypothesis?Does it adequately explain any results and is there an analysis of the results?Does it tie the entire paper together?Is it sufficient in form and length?Do observations indicate what was done in the project?Did the student choose the best form for recording the observations?Are observations clearly labeled and are they sequential?Is there any discussion of future considerations?References (13 points) - __________Is it in alphabetical order?Does it follow the required form?Is it sufficient in terms of the scope of the project?Have primary, scientific sources been consulted?Is the range and scope of the bibliography reflected in the report itself?Total for Written Report - __________Timetable for Parents and StudentsDue Date of the School Science Fair – May 10,2010Week 1 Make a list of topics or experiments you would like to investigateReview your list and choose one that you can work onGo to the Library and make a list of resourcesGather all the written material you can find on the topicSelect your reading materialStart a project notebook for keeping records, data, etc.Decide how to set up your experimentDecide what materials you will use in the display. Make a list.Set up experimental design, describe it in your project notebook_____Turn in topic or experiment to investigate. Turn in a completed Science Fair Entry Form, Introduction & HypothesisWeek 2Begin collecting or buying materials for your displayBegin setting up your experimentStart your experimentWeek 3Continue recording notes, data, and observations in your project notebookSet up outline for written research reportStart working on your first draft of your written research reportGather preliminary information in your project notebook_____ Turn in first draft of your research reportWeek 4Continue recording notes, data, and observationsVerify information with your teacherBegin designing charts, graphs, or other visual aids for display. Take photographs. Begin preparing signs, titles, and tables for displayBegin writing the second draft of your written research reportTurn in second draft of your research reportWeek 5Have photographs developed (If desired)Talk with teacher again to make sure your work is accurate and on scheduleComplete your experimentWrite and type final copy of written reportDo lettering of explanations and mount them on your displayMount graphs, charts, drawings, photographsPut finishing touches on display, check and double-check everything_____Turn in the final copy of your research reportWeek 6Compile text for background of display and plan its layoutComplete graphs, charts, and visual aidsFinish constructing your displayPresent your project to the class. Congratulate yourself on a job well done !!!_____Turn in final copy of Research Report and display backboardMaybe Find an AnswerMaybe Find Another ProblemForm ConclusionsCompile DataExperimentThe Scientific MethodResearchMake a HypothesisFind a ProblemGetting StartedChoose a ProblemWhat do you want to explore? Ask a question about it.Choose something that interests you.Choose something that you don’t know the answer to.Choose something you can work withChoose a problem that you can do an experiment on to find the answer.Research Your ProblemFind out as much as you can about your problem/question.Use Books, Internet, Encyclopedias.Get adviceMake ObservationsKeep track of your new knowledge, it will be useful for your Research PaperDevelop a HypothesisFrom your research, what do you think the answer to your problem is?Use the words if and then.Form your hypothesis from your problem/question.Your hypothesis must be very clear so that you can test it.Write your procedureExplain, in detail, what you are going to do to test your hypothesis.List the materials you will needList each step that you will do. Number each step. Write down everything you will do.Someone else should be able to do your experiment just by reading your procedure.Make sure that this is a test of your hypothesis.Identify your variables and controls.In an experiment, everything should be the same each time you test, except the one variable you are testing.Test Your HypothesisGet your materialsFollow your procedureMake Observations. Use your Log to keep track of what happens.Collect data and record it in your Log.Be Honest.Scientists only record what they see happening, not what they think should anize & Analyze Your DataMake Tables, Charts & Graphs.Write a summary of what happened.Draw pictures; take photographs to show your procedures and results.State Your ConclusionsWhat happened? Was it what you expected? Did you find out what you wanted to know?Look at your data.Decide what your data tells you about your hypothesis. Does it support your hypothesis or not?Based on your data what would your new hypothesis be?Think of what you might do if you continued this experiment.How would you change this project if you were to do it over?Think of how you might use this information in everyday life.Planning Guide for StudentsThings That Interest Me:1.2. 3. 4. How much time can I spend on my project each week? __________ HoursWhat area of science interests me the most?_____ -Life Science_____ -Earth and Space Science_____ -Physical Science_____-Medicine/Health_____-Consumer TopicsWhat am I interested in? What are my hobbies? What do I like to do outside of school?What is my favorite subject in school?Conducting ResearchPrinted and audiovisual materials I should find and read:1. 2. 3. Places I could visit:1. 2. 3. People I could talk to:1. 2. 3. Scientific Method (This format represents a rough format only)Problem I want to explore: Specific question I will examine: My hypothesis is: The experiment will consist of:Subjects: Conditions: Tests: Special Materials: Planned steps:1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Record KeepingWhat I did during the experiment:Results I got when I repeated the experiment:Final results of my experiment:Conclusions I can base on those results:Did the data support or not support my hypothesis? _____What further or different future investigations can I suggest?Scientific Method (format required for lab report.)Title : 2 pts. __________________________________________________________________Problem: 5 pts. Question : Hypothesis : 10 pts.Materials: 3 pts. The experiment will consist of: ( you may need one or all of the following)Subjects: Conditions: Tests: Special Materials: Procedure: 20 pts.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Record Keeping 20 pts. ( this data should be kept on a day to day basis)What I did during the experiment:Example: Date: 2/3/09 Set up soil and introduced worms to worm bin.Record and Analyze Data 20 pts. ( Charts, graphs, data table, photographs, etc.)Conclusions I can base on those results: 20 pts.Must haveWas you hypothesis correct? Explain in detail.How can you improve on the design of your procedure? Identify possible human error.Make a statement of what you can conclude from your data.Total 100 points Display Backboard Checklist:Written data to be included on display _____ -Purpose _____ -Procedure _____ -Hypothesis _____ -Title _____ -Results _____ -Conclusion Visual aids to be included on display_____ -Photos _____ -Charts _____ -Graphs _____ -Artwork _____ -Diagrams _____ -Pamphlets _____ -Brochures _____ -Mural _____ -Magazine clippings_____ -Newspaper clippings _____ -Drawings Rubric:All six parts of the display board are present and are placed in the correct location 10 pts.Each part of the display has accurate information that explains each part . 20 pts. Example Conclusion: The data that was collected showed that my hypothesis was correct. I stated that you cannot tell the difference between the taste of regular eggs and eat green eggs. The best way to improve on the design of my procedure is to double my test subjects. Having additional test subjects will validate my findings.The display board accurately supports the ideas of the science fair project 10 pts.The items on the display board are easy to read and the overall appearance of the board is neat. 10 pts. Total 50 pts.Total Point Value for the Science Fair Project.Research paper 100 pts.Lab Write-up 100 pts.Display board 50 pts.Total 250 pts.Student OverviewPick Your TopicGet an idea of what you might want to study. Think of your hobbies or other interests you have. Maybe you see a problem and you would like to find a solution. These ideas may not seem to have anything to do with Science but that is OK. Sometimes it is helpful to start with a broad topic.Gather InformationOnce you have your topic, you should gather as much information as you can. Look for information on the history, theories, ideas and new news that is related to the topic. Use the school and local libraries, internet access, newspapers, magazines and anything else that might be helpful. Talk to professionals in the field, write or E-Mail companies for information.Narrow Your TopicNow is the time to think about a question you might want to answer that is related to your topic and also think about whether it can be answered by an experiment. If you have a topic and a question, you have gathered information, plus you have an experiment in mind that will answer your question, it is time to use the knowledge you have to decide what you think will happen in your experiment (Hypothesis). Your Hypothesis should indicate what you think is going to happen and why. Use the information you have gathered to help you in formulating your Hypothesis.Plan Your ExperimentWrite a research plan that lists, step-by-step, how you will do your experiment and exactly what it will involve (Procedure). A list of materials would help in planning out your experiment.Conduct Your Experiment – Keep a LogThink carefully about how you will do your experiment. Designing the experiment in detail goes a long way to reducing problems in implementation. It is important that you keep a Log of your experiment. Make sure you keep detailed notes about what happened and make sure that you list all measurements during your experiment in a Data Table. Don’t rely on your memory. Remember to change only one variable at a time, include a control and make sure that you do the experiment enough times (at least 5) to make it statistically valid. Look at Your ResultsExamine your results by organizing them in a manner that makes it easy to understand. That may mean the use of a Data Table, if you have not created one by this time, and the conversion of the table into charts and graphs that can create a picture of your information. Think of the following questions as you are gathering your results:Did your experiment work out the way you expected?Does your data support your hypothesis?Did you perform the experiment exactly the same way each time?Are there other reasons why you got the results you did?Were there errors in you experiment, measurements or observations?Understanding what went wrong and reporting this information is valuable when writing your conclusions. ConclusionsWere the variables important?Did you collect enough data?Should you continue with the experiment?Remember that even if your results don’t support your original Hypothesis, you were still successful. The experiment is done to see if the Hypothesis is supported or not supported by the data. Conclusions should also include future investigations that you think would be helpful in answering the original question or other similar questions.Student Science Fair GuideDetailsCONGRATULATIONS!!!You have picked the topic or question you want to use for your Science Fair.Before you start your experiment you should gather some background information about the subject of your Science Fair. You should go to the school library, the local library, the internet, etc. and gather as much information as you can on this subject.This paper should be attached to your Science Fair Entry Form and include the following items…IntroductionYour Introduction paper should include any information that you have gathered in researching your topic.You should write it as if you were writing a Research paper.It should be at least two pages, typed. (Only for Secondary) HypothesisAfter looking at your Introduction, you should be able to make an educated guess as to how you think your experiment should work out. This is going to be an answer to you Science Fair Title or Question. ReferencesBooks, encyclopedias, magazines, internet sites and any other sources you have used to complete your Introduction should be included in this list of references. Use the standard form and procedure for listing references available in your school library to complete this section.Research PaperA Research Paper will be included with your Science Fair display and should have the following parts:Title PageScience Fair Title or QuestionGrade LevelTable of ContentsA list of the Introduction, Experiment, Discussion, Conclusion and References with page references.IntroductionThis should include your Introduction paper attached to your Science Fair Entry Form.ExperimentThis section should include your Procedure with any drawings or photographs of the experiment. It can also include any explanation of how you went about collecting your Data.Conclusion/DiscussionThis is the main body of your research paper. Give your thoughts on the experiment. Why did you set it up the way you did? You can compare your results with any published data obtained in your research, any commonly held beliefs and any expected resultsThis section should include the Data and Conclusion. Any charts, graphs or other representations of your results should be included here. Summarize what you think happened and why.ReferencesThis should an annotated list of sources that were used in the research of your experiment.The HypothesisNow that you have a problem/question and have researched the topic upon which your question is based, it is time to create a Hypothesis. A Hypothesis is an Educated guess on what you think is the correct answer to your problem/question. Before a scientist develops a hypothesis, enough research must be done to endure that it is an educated guess. It is based on your knowledge, background and experience on the topic. Whenever we are faced with a problem, one of the first things we do is try to find an answer. When creating your Hypothesis, make sure to give a reason for your prediction.ProcedureStep-By-StepIn order to answer your initial problem/question, you need to do an experiment to see if your Hypothesis is correct. In planning this experiment, you need to list the procedure that you will follow to complete the test. The procedure should include step-by-step directions similar to a recipe. Anyone who reads them should be able to do your experiment without any help and get the same results. MaterialsMake sure to list the materials used in your experiment. Include what kinds of materials you used and how much. Keep in mind that quantities are important and be sure to use only metric units. Controls & VariablesThe experiment should include two groups: the control group and the experimental group. The control group shows you what would happen in the experiment if you didn’t change anything and the control group shows you what happens when you introduce the change. For example, if you wanted to find out if a certain fertilizer made plants grow better, the control group would get no fertilizer at all but the experimental group would get the fertilizer. Everything else in these two groups would be EXACTLY THE SAME!! They would get the same amount of water, sunlight, soil, etc. That way, if there was a difference in the growth of the two groups, we would know that the difference was due to the fertilizer.RepeatAnother important aspect of the experiment is the fact that it should be repeated many times. Doing the above experiment with one plant in each group would not be scientifically correct. Just flipping a coin once does not give us an accurate idea of the possibilities in how the coin would land, and having your teacher give you one test during the entire year to decide your grade is not a fair way to decide how well you’ve done. Similarly, using a single plant to decide how good the fertilizer is would not be appropriate.MeasurementLast but certainly not least, the accuracy of your experiment is decided by how you will go about measuring the results of your experiment and how detailed the notes are in your Log. There are many tools in science to make these measurements. Rulers, scales, thermometers, voltmeters, stopwatches, etc. have been used for many years in measuring the details of experiments.Data CollectionData is the information you have collected during your experiment. The data should be listed in your Log book. There are three ways in which you can collect Data.MeasuringWhenever you can measure the results of your experiment, DO IT! This is one of the most accurate ways of keeping track of what happens. Always use the metric system when taking measurements. You can measure, height, weight, time, speed, distance, temperature, etc. CountingCounting is an easy and very accurate way of keeping track of Data. You can count the number of times something happens, the kinds of things found, etc.DescribingYou can also use your senses to describe what happens in your experiment but be careful in how you use the descriptions. They are much less accurate than counting or measuring but still should be part of your Log Book. Keeping an accurate description of all the things that happen during your experiment is very important.Data ChartWhen counting or measuring, it is helpful to keep track of your Data in the form of a Data Chart similar to the one below. Day 1Day 2Day 3Bird AIIII IIIBird BIIIIIIIBird CIIIIIIIIIIIBird DIIII IIIIIIIMaking a GraphGraphs are often an excellent way to display your results. In fact, most good science fair projects have at least one graph.For any type of graph:Generally, you should place your independent variable on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent variable on the y-axis. Be sure to label the axes of your graph— don't forget to include the units of measurement (grams, centimeters, liters, etc.). If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different color or symbol and include a legend with clear labels.TitleThe title is a description of what Data is being displayed in the graph.There are two main types of graphs.Bar GraphA Bar Graph is used to display data that does not occur in a continuous manner, such as a count of objects, plants, animals, etc.Line GraphA Line Graph is used to display data that occurs in a continuous manner, such as time of day.ConclusionsBefore you write your conclusion, you should look over your data very carefully (Charts, Graphs, Tables, etc.) and then ask yourself the following questions…Did you get the results you expected to get? If not, how were they different?Were there any unexpected problems that might have affected your experiment?Do you think you collected enough data?Do you need to change your original hypothesis? (If the answer is YES, DO NOT go back and change your original hypothesis, just explain it in the conclusion)When you are ready to write your conclusion, it should include…A statement of your original hypothesis and whether it was supported or not supported by the data. Example: “My hypothesis: the more water a plant gets the better it grows, was not completely correct.”Make sure to include specific details from your results that support you statements about your hypothesis.Example: “After 10 days, the plants that received no water had an average height of 10 cm. Plants that received 100 milliliters of water every 3 days had an average height of 24 cm. Plants that received 200 milliliters of water every 3 days had an average height of 20 cm. This shows that 100 and 200 milliliters of water were better for plants than 0 milliliters of water.”Explain why you think you got the results you did and make sure you back up what you say by using your data.Example: “The plants grew higher because plants need water to carry out life processes such as photosynthesis. Without water, plants can not perform photosynthesis and therefore will not grow. However, I also think that too much water may be a bad thing. We thought this because plants that received 200 ml of water grew less than plants that received 100 ml.”Talk about what might have happened to “mess up” your results.What would you do differently next time?Example: “Each member of the group took one plant home to grow and take care of it. Maybe one person put the plant in an area where it would get more sunlight than the other plants. This would mean that more than one thing changed during the experiment. Therefore there might have been more than one variable. In the future, we should grow all plants in the same area. This would help to make sure we have only one variable. We would also like to repeat the test with smaller changes in the amount of water to see if we can find out what is the best amount of water to use for these plants.”Explain how you would change your hypothesis if your data didn’t support your original hypothesis and include the data that changed your hypothesis.Example: “My hypothesis should be changed to indicate what my data has shown. The idea that the more water you give a plant, the better it grows, only works up to a point. If you give the plant too much water, it can hurt the plant. My new hypothesis would be that there is a certain amount of water that is good for plant growth and that either too much or too little water can be bad for the growth of a plant. The plant that got 200 ml of water did not grow as well as the plant that got 100 ml of water. This shows that there is an amount of water that works the best.” Sample Display Board FormatConclusionsProcedureHypothesisPurposeResultsPhotos, Pictures, Drawings, Charts, Graphs, Etc.TitleCM75 CMDemonstrationArea120 CM(optional)The display board is used to exhibit your Science Fair Problem. It should tell the whole story of your experiment. Above are the size limitations and positions for each part of your display. Make sure it is as neat and interesting as possible. Use stencils; cut-out letters, computer generated lettering, etc. so that information can be easily read. Mount pictures, headings and information using a border to improve the look. Use of color is important and relating the look of your display to the topic you have picked is helpful. (Water/Blue, Space/Black3 School District of Lancaster Science Fair Judging RubricCriteriaScientificProcessQuality of Science ProcessDocumentationOriginality/Value Overall AppearanceNotesCircle or check each criterion that is included in the science display. Each criteria is worth one point Tally points in each column Add across bottom row to determine total pointsDisplay has a Title stated in the form of a scientific questionDisplay has a hypothesisDisplay has materials listedDisplay has procedures listed Display includes data in the form of charts or graphsDisplay identifies variables in the experimentDisplay has a conclusionDisplay has future considerationsExperimental Question is well thought outHypothesis and conclusion are consistent with the scientific processProcedure is clear, and follows a logical progressionData charts (Results) support the conclusionVariables are controlledMeasurements done in metric unitsExperiment has repeated trials to establish validityFuture considerations are a logical extension of the experimentList of sources, materials and findings support the experiment Charts, graphs are correctly labeledNotebook or log is included with displaySubmission is unusual, innovative, creative, or uniqueExperiment shows appropriate level of difficultExperiment has educational value or unusual implicationNeatness and correct spelling is evident in the display Display components are Organized The display has Visual AppealPoints8 Points_________________ /8 8 Points ________________/ 8 3 Points________ / 33 Points_______ / 33 points ________ /3Total Points_________ /25How to Write a Good QuestionWord your question so that it is clear and preciseThere are several different ways of wording your question. You will need to use the way that expresses what you are trying to find out. Don’t be afraid to make changes to the examples below in order to get the wording just right.How does ___________________ affect _____________________ ?How does the type of fertilizer affect a plant’s growth ?What is the effect of ______________________ on __________________ ?What is the effect of air temperature on the bounce of a ball ?Which _______________________ is ________________________________?Which diaper is able to hold the most water ? Science Fair Questions & TopicsPhysical ScienceBridge design strength comparisonsHow metals compare in conducting heatCompare electromagnets -different metals, number of wire coils, pare wires for conductivityThe effects of salts on the freezing points of water & other liquidsTime, water boiling and water volumeWater temperature and the dissolving of solidsSpeed of a cart on a ramp & its massHow does pH effect brick, concrete & other construction materialsDoes the saltiness of water effect the floating of objects?Heat retention -salt vs fresh, chemicals added, Etc.?Density and sound: what's the effect? Can eggs withstand a greater force from one direction than another?Pendulums -how can you change its movement?What affects the bounce of a dropped ball?Does temperature affect solubility?How different metals conduct heat.Toy water rocketry: Does the volume of water determine how high it goes?Does the color of water affect its evaporation?Which type of cloth insulates best?Paper Chromatography - separating mixtures into component colorsWill pH levels affect the breakdown of paper products?The strength of paper by shape.Do additives to water make it harder for water to reach its boiling point?Does temperature change affect the size of a balloon?How detergents reduce the surface tension of waterTitration of antacids with acidic chemicalsMagnetism and crystal formationWhat materials absorb the most water?Life ScienceWhat is the effect of temperature on the ripening of a banana?Do family members have the same fingerprint patterns?What is the best fertilizer for plants?The effects of gravity on root growthHeart rate & exerciseLefthanders and the tossing of a coinAspirin & the freshness of a cut flowerSeed germination and the effect of detergentsSeed germination and the effect of seed depthPlant growth and the concentration of saltSeed germination and temperatureDoes music affect the human vital signs?Plant growth: sunlight vs. artificial light?Different types of water and their effect on plantsPlant growth and different types of light.Seeds: How are they affected by -heat, light, pH, chemicals water amounts, Etc.?The effect of microwave radiation on seed germinationDoes the accuracy of depth perception with monocular vision change with distance?Does color effect memory?Does gender effect the way that we see optical illusions?The affect of lunar cycles on human birthHow accurately can people judge the weights of different objects?Earth ScienceParticle pollution -distance from the road, location, height, Etc.Margin of error in predicted weather forecastsWhat substances collect and absorb the most heat from the sun?Consumer ScienceHow strong are different plastic wraps? How strong are fishing lines?What brand of bread has the longest shelf-life?Which brand of popcorn pops best?Effectiveness of detergentsAverage number of raisins in a slice of raisin breadViscosity of pancake syrupsWhich brand of orange juice has the most pulp?Can you identify Kool-Aid by taste alone?Testing consumer products -glues, stain removers, detergents, mouthwashes, Etc.How strong is a toothpick?Which household disinfectant inhibits the growth of mold?Which brand of potato chip has the most grease?Which cola has the most carbonation?Detergent breaks up oil the best? ................
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