Jones Magnet Middle School



Spratley Gifted Center

6th Grade Gifted Science Fair

Information Packet

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This packet contains the following sheets:

• Parent/student letter (due 9/28 blue and 9/29 silver -- requires parent signature)

• Schedule and due dates for science fair project assignments

• Science Fair Project Worksheet 1 (due 10/12 blue and 10/13 silver -- requires parent signature)

• Science Fair Project Worksheet 2 (due 11/1 blue and 11/2 silver -- requires parent signature)

• Science Fair Rough Draft format (due 11/16 blue and 11/17 silver)

• Science Fair Project Grading Rubric

• Guidelines for Science Fair Projects

• Helpful Hints / Information for Tidewater Science Fair

• Science Fair Project Websites

Please read this information carefully with your child. Sign and return the bottom portion of the parent/student letter by 9/27 (B) and 9/28 (S).

Keep this packet along with any other research materials/notes in your science fair folder. This packet is also available on the Spratley Gifted Center website.

September 2011

Dear Students and Parents,

All 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students of the Spratley Gifted Center are required to complete a science fair project. A science fair project is a long-term assignment that is to be completed entirely outside of class. Students may work alone or in pairs. Because this may be the first time students have completed a science fair project, it could be helpful for students to work in pairs. Should you decide to work with a partner, I caution you to select a responsible classmate you will be able to meet with outside of school. (Partners can come from your class or another 6th grade class.)

The emphasis for this project is on the scientific method. Students should select a topic that centers on a problem that is testable, with results that can be measured, counted, or recorded through charts, graphs, and photographs. Demonstrations and reports (models of the solar system or volcanoes) are not acceptable. Parents are encouraged to provide guidance in the selection of a topic and assistance with planning. However, the project must be the child’s own work.

Check your child’s project to be sure there are no safety hazards. Students may use small invertebrate animals (animals without backbones) such as earthworms or crickets. However, live animals may not be brought to school (photographs must be used instead). Students experimenting with plants should start the project immediately (September)!

Individual portions of the science fair project will be completed during both the 1st and 2nd nine weeks. This letter (signed), the Science Fair Project Worksheet 1 (signed), and the Science Fair Project Worksheet 2 (signed) will all count as individual grades during the 1st nine weeks. The science fair rough draft and final project will be counted as separate project grades during the 2nd nine weeks.

Students should present their final project on a 3-sided display board or on a piece of full-sized poster board. Teachers will select outstanding science fair projects in January to be submitted for the Tidewater Science Fair (held at Old Dominion University in March). Students accepted to the Tidewater Science Fair are required to have a 3-sided display board. The backboard must include all components of the project (as stated on the rubric) and be able to stand alone (information on the backboard thoroughly explains the project without having to read the report).

PLEASE NOTE: Should a student fail to turn in any part of the project on time, a one-day grace period (calendar day, not blue/silver day) is permitted but a 15-point penalty will apply. After the grace period, assignments (parts of the project or the final project) will not be accepted. Please email Ms. McAllister right away if a family emergency prevents your child from submitting a project on time. Excused absentees must submit their project on the day of return (regardless of blue/silver day). If a child is on suspension the day the project is due, the project must be brought in on or before the due date. In the event of a snow day, the final project due date may be extended one day. FINAL PROJECTS ARE DUE ON DECEMBER 8TH (B) AND 9TH (S). If a parent drops off a project in the main office, it is the student’s responsibility to pick it up and bring it to class on time.

Please sign and return the bottom portion of this letter by 9/28/11 (B) and 9/29/11 (S).

Sincerely,

Ms. McAllister

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I, the parent or legal guardian of _____________________________________ have read this letter and the schedule

(print student’s name)

concerning the science fair project.

__________________________________ ________________________________ __________

Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature Date

Schedule for Science Fair Project Due Dates

|Due Date |Assignment |Point Value |Which 9 weeks grade is |

| | | |attributed to |

|(B) 9/28 |submit signed bottom of letter |counts as 2 homework grades |1st |

|(S) 9/29 | | | |

|(B) 10/12 |submit Science Fair Project Worksheet 1 |counts as a project grade |1st |

|(S) 10/13 | | | |

|(B) 11/1 |submit Science Fair Project Worksheet 2 |counts as a project grade |1st |

|(S) 11/2 | | | |

|(B) 11/16 |submit rough draft of science fair project|counts as a project grade |2nd |

|(S) 11/17 |(data/results are optional) | | |

|(B) 12/8 |submit final project (display board and |counts as a project grade |2nd |

|(S) 12/9 |research report) | | |

Do not wait until the last moment to do your work!

All work must be turned in on the due date assigned. If you think you are going to be absent for any reason, turn the assignments in early! A one-day grace period is permitted (calendar day, not blue/silver day), but a 15-point penalty will apply. After the grace period, assignments (parts of the project or the final project) will not be accepted. Excused absentees must submit their project on the day of return, regardless of blue/silver day. If the student is on suspension the day the project is due, the project must be brought in on or before the due date. In the event of a snow day, the final project due date may be extended one day.

All submitted work should be neat and legible.

Science Fair Project Worksheet 1

Due Date: October 12 (B) and October 13 (S)

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Block: ___________

Project Partner (if applicable): ___________________________________________ Block: ___________

Project Topic: __________________________________________________________________________________

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Purpose (briefly describe what you are trying to find out and why you chose the project):

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Problem Statement (This is the question you are trying to answer. This is a statement of the problem written in the form of a question.):

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Hypothesis (What you are testing expressed in an “If ______, then ______ statement):

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From what source did you get the idea for your project? (Check one)

❑ Internet (provide internet address and attach a printed copy) _______________________________________

❑ Book (give title and author and attach a printed copy) ____________________________________________

❑ Family member (relationship to you and their experience) ___________________________________________

❑ Friend

❑ Media (television, radio)

❑ Science teacher (name) _____________________________________________________________________

❑ Project is a continuation from previous year’s work

❑ Other (specify) ____________________________________________________________________________

Where will your experimentation take place? (check one)

_____Home _____Certified laboratory _____Other (specify) ____________________ _____Parent’s work _____Commercial setting (i.e., city park, electronics store)

Estimated cost of project (excluding back board, office supplies like paper, pencil, calculator)

_____$0-$10 _____$11-$20 _____$21-$30 _____$31-$40 _____more than $40

Will you be using any chemicals, biological materials, or human subjects for your project? *

* (These require more paperwork!)

❑ no

❑ yes (check appropriate box below)

❑ human subjects (signed permission contract needed for each subject used)

❑ cultures involving bacteria, mold, fungus etc. (must occur in a certified laboratory)

❑ chemicals (including bleach, vinegar, etc.)

Materials (List all materials being used for the project, excluding the display board and office supplies. List the amounts of materials needed, sizes of items, brands, etc.):

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Procedure (Write your general procedures step-by-step below. Number each step. List one step per line. Do not include going to the store to purchase supplies or assembling the backboard. Attach a separate sheet of paper if necessary.):

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Student Signature _________________________________________________________ Date __________

Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________

Science Fair Project Worksheet 2

Due 11/1 (B) and 11/2 (S)

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Block: ___________

Project Partner (if applicable): ___________________________________________ Block: ___________

Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials (Revise the list of materials being used for the project using corrections from Science Fair Project Worksheet 1. List the amounts of materials needed, sizes of items, brands, etc.):

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Hypothesis (Revise the hypothesis using corrections from Science Fair Project Worksheet 1.):

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Independent variable (This is the variable you purposely change in the experiment.):

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Dependent variable (This variable will provide the results that are measured.):

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Constants (List the variables that are being held constant [not being changed].):

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Control (The set-up that is used as a standard for comparison. Not all projects will have a control.):

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Procedure (Write a revised procedure using corrections from your Science Fair Project Worksheet 1. List the procedures step-by-step below. Number each step. List one step per line. Do not include going to the store to purchase supplies or assembling the backboard. Attach a separate sheet of paper if necessary.):

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Research (Attach a 1-2 page typed, double-spaced, 12-point font report from reading books and magazines, interviewing scientists, etc. Your research should give background information on your topic/project, summarize any research that has been done on the topic/project you selected, and help explain the results.)

Resources (Attach a bibliography that includes all reference materials used. Follow MLA format. The citation machine can be used to help write the bibliography []. A minimum of four references is required. One of these resources may be the website or book where you got the idea for the project.)

Photos:

I will have ________ photo(s) of ___________________________________. These photos will specifically show:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________.

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ___________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ___________

_____ approved _____NOT approved _____ approved conditionally (*see conditions below)

*______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Science Fair Project Rough Draft

Due 11/16 (B) and 11/17 (S)

Student Name: ______________________________________________________ Block: __________

Project Partner’s Name: _______________________________________________ Block: __________

Project Title: ____________________________________________________________________________________

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Problem Statement (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets1 & 2): _______________________

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Hypothesis (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): ______________________________

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Independent variable (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): _____________________

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Dependent variable (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): _______________________

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Constants (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): ______________________________

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Control (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): _________________________________

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Materials (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): ________________________________

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Procedures (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2): _____________________________

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Results (Optional for rough draft. If you turn this section in I can make corrections so you won’t make mistakes on the final project. The results must include a chart/table on a separate piece of paper with all the raw data collected [attach the chart to the rough draft], a written summary of the data [a statement summarizing what is in the chart/table written below], graph(s) illustrating data [attach graph neatly drawn on graph paper or produced using a computer to the rough draft], photographs taken during the project, and an analysis of the data [written below]. The data analysis should be a separate paragraph that tells what was discovered and what the data tells us.):

Summary of results:

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Analysis of results:

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Conclusion (Answer the problem statement. Explain what you found out comparing the data collected to the hypothesis. Start by restating the hypothesis. Say whether the hypothesis supported by the data. If so, explain why. If not, say that the hypothesis was not supported by the data and explain why. Say whether the experiment should be repeated to ensure accuracy. If the experiment were to be repeated, explain changes that would need to be made in the experiment. What might be sources of error in the experiment [what could have caused inaccuracies?):

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Bibliography (Revised version using corrections made to Science Fair Project Worksheets 1 & 2. Follow MLA format. The citation machine can be used to help write the bibliography []. A minimum of four references is required. One of these resources may be the website or book where you got the idea for the project.):

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Science Fair Final Project Grading Rubric

Student Name: ___________________________________________ Block: _________

Partner’s Name: _________________________________________ Block: _________

Project Title: __________________________________________________________

0= no evidence 1= little evidence/needs work 2= below average 3= average 4= above average 5= superior

Category Points Earned Comments

Mechanics:

Title 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Neatness 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________ Organization/Structure 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________ Sources/Bibliography 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Process:

Hypothesis (clear) 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Variables 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________ Constants & Control 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Materials List 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Procedure (in steps) 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Data collection 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

(at least 3 trials, charts)

Analysis of Data 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

(graphs, comparisons)

Photo(s) of experiment 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Results (explains data) 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________ Conclusion 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

(related to hypothesis)

Effectiveness:

Problem identified 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

(clear, as a question)

Purpose (valid reasons) 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________ Visual/Display (overall) 0 1 2 3 4 5 __________________

Completed on time 15 __________________

TOTAL _______ OVERALL GRADE _______

Guidelines for Science Fair Projects

The following information and suggestions are to assist you in choosing an appropriate topic and conducting a science fair project.

1. The project must be an experiment, not a demonstration or simply a research project (report). Example: models of volcanoes or the solar system, reports on whales, etc. are not acceptable science fair projects.

To help determine if a project idea is a good science fair project:

•There must be an identifiable problem that you can try to answer through doing tests.

Example: Do carrot seeds or bean seeds sprout faster?

•There must be measurable results (data, something you can measure or count).

2. Change only one variable (independent variable) in your experiment. Everything else must stay the same (be held constant) for each trial (test). For example, if you are testing the effect of plant food “xyz” on plants, you must use all the same type of plants, water them equally, give them equal amount of sunlight, etc. The only thing you can change is that half of the plants will get the plant food and half will not. This makes the test “fair.” Then you can measure and compare the growth.

3. Complete a minimum of 3 trials and/or use as many subjects as possible (for example, have 10 plants instead of 2).

4. Use tools such as rulers, thermometers, or balances to measure accurately in metric units.

5. Choose projects that require materials that are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and safe to use.

6. Make sure that you will have enough time to set up the experiment and observe and record the results. Some experiments with plants or animals may require two or more weeks to observe and measure the growth or response. These types of experiments may make good projects, but must be started early!

7. The content and concepts in the experiment should be appropriate for the grade level of the student. Students should learn something from doing the project and should be challenged, but not overwhelmed by the complexity of the topic.

Examples of Unacceptable Projects

• Below grade-level projects

• Projects that are demonstrations or reports

• Projects that are cruel to animals

• Most psychological projects unless you have a large number of human subjects (Note: 1 or 2 subjects representing an age or gender category is not enough)

• Projects involving food or cooking

• Projects involving growing mold on food (mold spores can cause illness)

Helpful Hints

• Get started early.

• Choose a topic that interests you.

• DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!

• If you decide to work with a partner, select a student you can depend on.

• Make sure your parents will provide transportation if you work with a partner so you can meet outside of school.

• Turn in all assignments on time.

• Plant projects must be started well in advance.

• Even projects with good intentions can sometimes not turn out like you planned. Allow plenty of time to repeat trials if necessary.

• Good science projects do not have to cost a lot. Make sure you know the costs of materials involved in completing your project before you start.

• Do not underestimate the time necessary to assemble the backboard. It takes a full day!

• Don’t forget to put you first and last name and science block go on the back of the board. Your name should not be visible on the front of the board.

• Follow the directions on the rubric!

• Ask for help if you need it.

Information for students who are chosen to attend the Tidewater Science Fair in March:

• It is quite an honor to be selected for the Tidewater Science Fair. There are more applicants than can be accommodated at the fair – your project must be very well done if you plan to attend. There are many prizes/awards given out at the event. Winning an award will look impressive on your college application.

• Tidewater Science Fair judges are looking for projects that are unique, useful to society/humanity/environment. They love environmental projects (i.e., drinking water, oil spills, Chesapeake Bay).

• Application deadline is final (dates to be determined). No exceptions for deadline!!

• Projects require a good amount of paper work that must be submitted on time – NO EXCEPTIONS!! Five reference sources are also required.

• Projects involving human subjects under the age of 18 require that each subject’s legal guardian sign a consent form (Warning: human subjects do not always get the consent form in on time thereby disqualifying you from the fair).

• Chemicals (even household bleach and ammonia) require extra forms and a “designated supervisor.”

• Biological agents – (bacteria, molds, fungi). These projects must be performed in a certified lab with a “designated supervisor” and require extra paper work.

• You may not work with body fluids (blood, urine, etc.).

SCIENCE PROJECT WEBSITES

































Note: Sixth grade students must select a project at the sixth grade level or higher. Selecting a project from one of the above websites does not guarantee the project is acceptable and will be approved.

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