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Table of ContentsPage 2Letter to Parents and GuardiansPage 3TimelinePage 4Scientific MethodPage 5JournalPage 6Getting StartedPage 7-8TopicPage 8-11 ResearchPage 12Purpose and HypothesisPage 13MaterialsPage 14ProcedurePage 15VariablesPage 16DataPage 17GraphingPage 18Analysis and ConclusionPage 19AbstractPage 20ReportPage 21 Display BoardPage 22-25Technology/Engineering Projects (use pages 2-11 also)Page 26Oral PresentationPage 27 Science Fair RulesPage 28Science Fair RubricPage 29Technology and Engineering RubricPage 30 Sample topicsDear Parents and Guardians,Your child will be participating in the Revere Middle School Science Fair. This is a very exciting district event. The science fair gives your child an opportunity to explore beyond the classroom. He or she will investigate an approved scientific topic and become an expert in their chosen area. This is an opportunity to become involved in your child’s learning, by being their guide or resource. This is your child’s project; however, they do need your assistance. With your interest and support, your child can develop the skills and attitudes he or she needs to make this project a valuable experience. The final project should reflect your child’s effort, design, and investigation.This handbook is to help you and your child to prepare for the science fair. Each page is filled with methods and processes for conducting an experiment. Please review this handbook with your child so that he or she understands the projects requirements. The goal of the science fair is to allow the child to explore, investigate, and stimulate curiosity about the world. Please feel free to contact me or your child’s teacher with further questions or concerns.Sincerely,304355529337000Science Fair TimelineDateRequirementGradeDetermined by your teacherCheck when completedTopic IdeasTOPICSources10 Journal entriesAt this point you should be drafting your research paper!ROUGH DRAFT research paper(annotated bibliography is a type of research paper)Final Draft Research paperPurpose,Hypothesis,Materials,Procedure,and VariablesAt this point you should be conducting the experiment and collecting data.Data tables and graphs (quantitative data only)Analysis and ConclusionAt this point you should be assembling your 3-sided display board.10 more journal entriesScience Fair due!Report, Display, Oral Presentation!April 4, 2013 at SBADistrict Science FairMay 4, 2013at UMass LowellRegional FairJune 1, 2013at Worcester Technical High SchoolState FairThe Scientific MethodAll scientists follow a process that guides an experiment. The scientific method guides you through your project by providing steps to follow.Step 1 - Think of an idea.This part is when you select your topic.Step 2 - Research your topic.Utilize the public library, school library, internet and other resources to gather background information.Step 3 - Plan your experimentCreate your step by step process to conduct the experiment. Form a hypothesis. Determine your variables.Step 4 - Conduct the experiment.This is when you will actually perform the test.Step 5 - Collect and record data.Be sure to record all of your observations. A quantitative observation is an observation made with measurement instruments.Make tables, graphs, pie charts, etc.A qualitative observation is an observation taken by using your senses.Use a table to record your data, you cannot create a graph with these types of observationsStep 6 - State your conclusions.Explain what you learned from the experiment, how could it be improved, and list the questions you have as a result of the experiment.168148013144500The JournalThe journal is a log of all that you do when working on the science fair. Each entry should be dated and describe the work that was done. 208597516446500The journal should be done in a bound notebook, such as a composition notebook. Do not tear out pages or erase. Most scientists learn from their mistakes, so leave them. The lab report should also be in the journal, including any notes or ideas you encounter as you complete the experiment. Data should be collected in the journal then organized in your final report.Getting StartedGetting started may seem overwhelming, but all you need is a good idea.Tips for selecting a topic:The best topic is one in which you are genuinely interested.Think about all of the resources around you. Parents, relatives, friends, teachers, and neighbors can help you come up with ideas. Talk to people who work in careers in science such as nurses, engineers, and research scientists. Talk to anybody who is involved in the professional community.Observe the world around you. Why do things happen the way they do?Read, read, and read some more! Browse through textbooks, magazines, newspapers, and the internet.Select a category – place checks in the categories that you find interesting.480631527178000?Agriculture-farming concerns?Astronomy- study of celestial bodies?Biology- living things?Ecology- relationships of living things?Food Science – (ingestion is not allowed)?Zoology- animals?Chemistry- substances and how they change?Earth Science- parts of the earth?Engineering- apply scientific knowledge for practical purposes?Mathematics- numbers and symbols to study amounts and forms?Physics- motion and energyAsk questions such as “What if…” or “Why does…” or “How come…”Check the internet, the websites below are helpful! your topic has been approved it is time to begin your research.Selecting My TopicBrainstorm some topics(or categories from the previous page) you like to study in sciencePick 3 from above.How could you test something about that idea? What would you like to change or modify about it?Now have some conversations with family, friends, or teachers that will guide you to select your topic.My TopicCopy this into your journalTopic Statement- State your topic clearly. Identify the condition you plan on changing.The effect of ___ on ___.My topic-979805-56197500ResearchIt is extremely important to gather background information before you make a hypothesis. You should look for information about your topic in encyclopedias, newspapers, magazines, or on the internet, additional resources could be teachers, parents, scientists, or other professionals. Be sure to keep a record of all your sources. Record each source in your journal. Your research paper is an in-depth study of your topic with the objective of expressing a purpose. Your success in the science fair is dependent upon your understanding of your topic. The more information you gather, the broader your understanding of the topic.Focus your research Copy this into your journalMy topic-Which category of science?In the boxes below write information you should research about your topic and ideas that could affect your topic.For Example:My topic- The effect of body design on the speed of a balloon powered carWhich category of science? –engineering, physicsIn the boxes below write information you should research about your topic and ideas that could affect your topic.Automotive designMotionEnergyForces such as thrust, drag, lift, and gravityspeed and accelerationkinetic and potentialMake Research EASY!NOBLE is a service for research sharing, it is a network of 28 area libraries. So you can get information online from local libraries on your computer at school, home, just about anywhere!Start at: Click308038514287500Now select EBSCOHost Research DatabasesYour library card has a bar code on the back. EBSCOhost will ask for that barcode.If you do not have a library card, then use the RPS library card: 1896110699330026661000604248Now select the databases you would like to search. Start with the encyclopedia, then expand your search.Print articles using the MLA Citation. Keep these copies for your records.Copy this into your journalIt is a good idea to copy the citation and summary into your journal, each can be a separate entry.When gathering your sources it is important to record all information. You need to give credit where credit is due.How to cite a source (Bibliography) in MLA formatBookAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. Title. City published: Publisher, Copyright date.EncyclopediaAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Book. Edition: Page Numbers. City Published: Publisher, Copyright date.WebsiteAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Website. Last Update. Publisher. Date Visited. <URL>.MagazineAuthor’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine. Date of Publication: Page Numbers.InterviewLast Name, First Name. Interview Type. Location. Date (day, month, year)Your teacher will decide the amount of pages expected in your research paper, or if they would like a literature review instead.Summarize a source here:Be sure to use only your words, use “quotes” for phrases or sentences from the author of the article.BookAuthor’s Last Name,First Name.Title.City published:Publisher,Copyright date.Write a summary in this space8 bullets = good sourceProblemThe problem, or sometimes called the purpose, is why you are doing the experiment. What do you hope to learn?The problem can be a statement or it can be expressed as a question about what you are trying to find out. The problem is the foundation of your entire project!Hints -Limit your experiment to test only one independent variable.Choose an experiment you can measure, or quantify.Copy this into your journalProblem--38472825527000HypothesisThe hypothesis is created after you have done some extensive research. The hypothesis is an educated guess based on your topic. It is a prediction about the results of your experiment. Make a prediction, determine your opinion, and think about your expected results.If this (independent) then the (dependent).Copy this into your journalUse the space below to write your hypothesis, remember the format. If ___ then ___.MaterialsList all of the items you will need to conduct the experiment. Ask your science teacher for advice or to borrow scientific tools or equipment. **Note** do not include the supplies needed to create the display board, ONLY the items needed to conduct the experiment.4949190-190500Copy this into your journalList the materials you will need to conduct the experiment:ProcedureThe procedure is a process that numerically lists each step taken to complete the experiment. Be sure to be specific, do not skip steps.Copy this into your journalVariablesAn experiment creates a situation in which a condition is changed. It is extremely important to plan your experiment and control how it is conducted. After you complete your procedure it is helpful to take a test run. In this way you can work out the problems you encounter before the actual experiment is conducted. There are two types of variables: the independent and dependent variable; also consider your constants and groups.Copy this into your journalThe independent variable, sometimes is referred to as the manipulated variable. The independent variable is the condition you change on purpose; this alteration will cause something else to happen.My Independent Variable-The dependent variable, sometimes called the responding variable, is what happens as a result of the change. In other words, it is the response to the changed condition. My Dependent Variable-The constants all the conditions that must be kept the same so that the results are reliable. This sometimes called the variable held constant or the controlsMy Constants-The Experimental Group- is the group that will receive the independent variable. (at least 3 members per group)The Control Group- The group that receives all of the same conditions as the experimental group EXCEPT the independent variable (at least 3 members per group). The control group is your standard for comparison.Your experiment should only test ONE INDEPENDENT variable. Testing too many changed factors will not give you reliable data.DataCollecting data is a very important part of your experiment. There are two types of observations in data collection. Qualitative observations are based on your senses. These types of observations are made with words; they are descriptive and not graphed. If you collect data based on qualitative observations, it is best to organize this information into a table. Quantitative observations are based on measurements. These observations are recorded by using scientific tools such as rulers, timers, scales, and balances. This type of data should include a graph or pie chart.Copy this into your journalThe type of data I am collecting isTrialsIn order for an experiment to be accepted as valid it must be tested several times. It is suggested that you test your experiment at least 3 times. If you are testing humans you must conduct at least 20 individual trials.Copy this into your journalThe amount of trials I will conduct Example of a data table:A data table is a chart that organizes information into columns and rows. All tables should have a title; if you have measurements be sure to include the units of measurement.Distance Traveled in 20 SecondsIndependentVariableTrial 1(cm)Trial 2(cm)Trial 3(cm)Average(cm)Distance Traveled100869092Copy this into your journalSketch a data table in your journal, how many rows and columns will it have?Did you title each row or column?GraphingGraphing data is a way of showing how the two variables are related, or the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The X-axis of a graph is generally the independent variable; the Y-axis of a graph is generally the dependent variable.-39785416891000Data can also be shown in a pie chart.36399315905500This is a great website that will help you create a graph: this into your journalCheck the boxType of observationsRequirement(s)My data contains numbers*organize data into a table*create a graphData table AND Graphfor example:-222251841500My data contains words- no graph requiredJust a data table, for example:Analysis Now that you have completed the experiment and collected data it is time to analyze your results. To analyze means to examine, evaluate, compare, and relate all the data. Explain why things happened the way they did. Sometimes the data supports the hypothesis and sometimes it disproves the hypothesis. In either case you have learned so much that you have become an expert on your topic. Review your results and begin to formulate a conclusion.Copy this into your journalA lab from your teacher has analysis questions. Write yourself 5 questions about your topic that use the words:analyze, compare, contrast, examine, distinguish, infer, inspect, categorize, simplify, classifyAnalysis questions for my science fair experiment:1.2.3.4.5.ConclusionThe conclusion explains what you have learned from the experiment. Address improvements for the experiment or changes for the future. Discuss questions that you now have as a result of this experiment. In this paragraph you should draw relationships between the experiment and the world you live in.Copy this into your journalA lab from your teacher has conclusion questions. Write yourself 5 questions about your topic that use the words:solve, discuss, improve, design, formulate, predict, modify, elaborate, propose, change, adaptConclusion questions for my science fair experiment:1.2.3.4.5.AbstractThe abstract is a mini version of your experiment. It gives the judge or reader a quick overview of your entire experiment. He or she should be able to read it quickly and have a good understanding of your purpose, procedure, and results and conclusion.244502663583AbstractThe Effect of Orange Juice on Tomato PlantsName Revere Middle SchoolCategory: BiologyGrade 7 Age 12PurposeThe purpose of this experiment is to grow plants higher in vitamin C by using orange juice. For some people it is difficult to take a daily vitamin, however, they may get their daily dose of vitamin C through a tomato.ProcedureFirst I planted many tomato seeds. After they germinated the plants were divided into groups. Group A received no treatment, just water. Group B received the treatment of orange juice. After several weeks I observed their growth.Results and ConclusionsFrom this experiment I can conclude that feeding a tomato plant orange juice is not a good source of vitamin C. The acidity of the orange juice ended the growth of tomato plants and did not yield tomatoes with higher levels of vitamin C.00AbstractThe Effect of Orange Juice on Tomato PlantsName Revere Middle SchoolCategory: BiologyGrade 7 Age 12PurposeThe purpose of this experiment is to grow plants higher in vitamin C by using orange juice. For some people it is difficult to take a daily vitamin, however, they may get their daily dose of vitamin C through a tomato.ProcedureFirst I planted many tomato seeds. After they germinated the plants were divided into groups. Group A received no treatment, just water. Group B received the treatment of orange juice. After several weeks I observed their growth.Results and ConclusionsFrom this experiment I can conclude that feeding a tomato plant orange juice is not a good source of vitamin C. The acidity of the orange juice ended the growth of tomato plants and did not yield tomatoes with higher levels of vitamin C.Your abstract should include the following:____ Name____ School____ Grade____ Age____ Category (type of science)SUMMARIZE each of the following in a paragraph:____ Purpose____ Procedure____ Results and ConclusionCopy this into your journalAbstractSummarize each of the followingPurpose (problem)ProcedureResults and conclusionThe ReportThe report is the most important part of your project; it documents all of your work. The following is a SUGGESTED guideline for completing the report. Your teacher may want it in a different order; they can give you that information.The Report:Page 1 Title Page- Topic and Name(s)Page 2 Table of contents- List what the reader will find on each page.Page 3 Abstract- Summary of purpose, procedure (and hypothesis), results and conclusion.Page 4 Introduction- Sets the stage for your report. It should contain a statement of your purpose, along with some background information, hypothesis based on your research.Page 5 and 6 Lab Report- Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedure, Variables, Data, Analysis and Conclusion.Page 7-9 or 10 Research paper and Bibliography- Number of pages will be determined by your science teacher.Page 11 Acknowledgements- A brief paragraph stating the names of people who helped you and a brief description of their contribution. -93980163195Title Page100Title Page11033145163195Table of Contents200Table of Contents22257425163195Abstract300Abstract33438525163195Introduction400Introduction44605020163195Lab Report500Lab Report55767843163195Lab Report(if necessary)600Lab Report(if necessary)6534924012446000148780574930Research Paper700Research Paper7271081590805Research Paper800Research Paper8394271599060Research Paper900Research Paper9513334099060Acknowledge-ments1000Acknowledge-ments1022548588490300The number of pages of research is determined by your science teacher.The Display BoardThe display board is a glorified lab report!!! That’s it!!!Don’t stress over this part . . . it should be the easiest! You already completed the lab report in your final report.304800114935ProblemHypothesisMaterials00ProblemHypothesisMaterials2042795122555TitleProcedureVariablesPicturesif any!00TitleProcedureVariablesPicturesif any!5071276114935Data and GraphsAnalysis Conclusion00Data and GraphsAnalysis ConclusionYour teacher may allow you to create a power point, in place of the display board. You may use the smart board for your presentation. This will save you time and money, but be sure to ask your teacher first!If you move on to the district, regional, or state fair, a display board is required. You can print up the slides of your power point and glue them to the display board.Technology or Engineering ProjectYou may opt to do a technology or engineering project instead of the typical experimental project. These projects have their own grading rubric. These types of projects can be very successful at the science fair, however they are not set up like the typical project. 422520788773000You will have to come up with an idea or topic first. This is the problem you are trying to solve. Second, complete your research. The difference is evident in your next step. You will NOT make a hypothesis or procedure; instead, you will list the possible solutions to your problem. Then select the best possible solution, followed by a prototype which is a mini model. Next, test and evaluate the product and formulate a conclusion. Finally you will redesign the project and consider how you will make it better.Example Technology/Engineering Projects: Testing bridge design Testing materials of one type of bridgeEarthquake proof structuresInventionImproving an inventionEnergy producing structuresCopy this into your journalNeed- What are you building, trying to solve, or make better?Copy this into your journalPossible solutions- develop many solutions to your need. Sketch them in the spaces belowPossible solution 1Possible solution 2Possible solution 3Possible solution 4Copy this into your journalBest Possible Solution- Select the solution that would solve the need the best. This can be an original design, OR you can select parts of your possible solutions and develop the best possible.Include drawingsOrthographic- flat non-dimensional views of the top, front, and sideIsometric- 3 dimensional drawing of the objectBest Possible SolutionOrthographicIsometric-10933549500Copy this into your journalPrototype- Build your best possible solution. Include pictures, diagrams, mini model, etc.Take pictures!Copy this into your journalTest and Evaluate- Now test your prototype(s)Include table, charts, and graphs Create a table below to record your results:Copy this into your journal Conclusion- Describe how your best possible solution met your need. Explain the impact it will/would have on society.Write yourself 5 questions about your topic that use the words:Solve, discuss, improve, design, formulate, predict, modify, elaborate, propose, change, adaptConclusion questions for my science fair experiment:1.2.3.4.5.Copy this into your journalRedesign- If you were to improve on your design what would you do to make it better? Explain.Make a list of ways you would improve the design of your best possible solution.The Display Board for Technology/Engineering ProjectsDon’t stress over this part . . . it should be the easiest! You already completed the lab report in your final report.304800114935NeedResearchPossible Solutions00NeedResearchPossible Solutions2042795122555TitleBest Possible SolutionOrthographic and Isometric Drawings00TitleBest Possible SolutionOrthographic and Isometric Drawings5071276114935Test and EvaluateConclusion00Test and EvaluateConclusionYour teacher may allow you to create a power point, in place of the display board. You may use the smart board for your presentation. This will save you time and money, but be sure to ask your teacher first!If you move on to the district, regional, or state fair, a display board is required. You can print up the slides of your power point and glue them to the display board.Oral PresentationThe final step in the science fair is developing your oral presentation. You should practice your presentation so that it goes smoothly in the classroom.Be sure to mention:Introduce yourself (and partner if you have one)Your titleTell why you picked the topic.Go through your research. Mention anything that the listener may not know about the topic. Assume they know nothing about your topic.Begin to go through the lab report from the purpose, to the analysis and conclusion.When you are talking about your data, be sure to explain your graphs and the relationship shown.State your conclusion!Explain your exhibit materials such as models, plants etc. Demonstrate if appropriate.Ask if they have any questions. Thank them for their time and interest.Oral Presentation- In the space below prepare what you will say to your teacher (judges)Science Fair RulesSafety first! No experiments should be consumed by eating or drinking. Be careful of small pieces and be careful with any chemicals you may use.General Chemical SafetyEyes- Rinse immediately with water. Remove contact lenses if any; flush eyes with water for 15 minutes.Swallowed- Rinse mouth. Drink a glass of water or milk. Do not make yourself vomit.Skin- Flush skin thoroughly with water.If an emergency exists get immediate medical attention.The following are a list of items that CANNOT be used in the Revere Middle School Science Fair.Carcinogenic or mutagenic chemicals41783003238500Radioactive materialsExplosive materialsHighly toxic chemicalsHigh voltage equipmentIonizing radiation, X-rays, nuclear energy or lasersHazardous substances or devicesNonhuman vertebrae animalsPathogenic agentsControlled substancesBlood products or Recombinant DNACompressed gasOpen flameAll projects must conform to Massachusetts State Science Fair Safety Regulations (Available at ). If the Science Fair Safety Committee determined that the project is not safe it will not be allowed. The RubricScience Fair Judges RubricRequirementPossible PointsPoints EarnedScientific Approach a. Purpose and Hypothesis (10) b. Order and logical setup (10) c. Consistent Conclusions (5)25Knowledge of Project Areaa. Preliminary Research (5) b. Knowledge of related material (5)c. Scopes and limitations (5) 15Thoroughness a. Sufficient Research (5)b. Data and Observations (5)c. Success of original plan (5)15Written Records and Report a. Journal(10)b. Complete Report(10)c. Correct Order of Pages (5)25Ingenuity and Creativity a. Clear Explanation (4)b. Use of Materials (3)c. Unique ideas (3) 10Visual Presentationa. Organized (3)b. Correct placement (3)c. Oral presentation (4)10Total 100Science Fair Engineering RubricTechnology/Engineering Judges RubricRequirementPossible PointsPoints EarnedIdentify the Need or Problem10Research the Needa. Research (5)b. Other Options (5)10Develop Possible Solutionsa. Possible solutions (5)b. Draw on math and Sci (5)c. Articulate in 2D and 3D (5)d. Journal and Lab (5)20Select best possible solution10Prototype20Test and Evaluatea. Work (5)b. Original design (5)10Communicate the solutiona. Presentation (4)Societal impact (3)Display (3)10Redesign10Total 100 Sample Science Fair TopicsWhat Effect Does the Physical Form of a Fertilizer Have on Plant Growth?What Effect Does Talcum Powder Have as an Insecticide?How Effective Are Sun Shadows for Telling time?What Effect Does a Glucose Solution Have on the Longevity of Cut Flowers?What Effect Des the Color of Light Have on Phototropism?What Effect Does the Position of Artificial Light Have on Plant Growth?How Does Exposure to Time to Microwaves Affect Seed Germination?How Does the Amount of Water in a Gel Affect Its Flexibility?What Effect Does Light Have on the Rate of Planarian Regeneration?What Effect Does Regular Physical Exercise Have on the Lungs’ Vital Capacity?What Effect Does Gender Have on the Stroop Test Color Recognition Response Time?How Does Music Affect Short Term MemoryWhat Effect Does Surface Area Have on the Evaporation Rate of Water?What Effect Does Surface Texture Have on Growing CrystalsWhat Effect Does Temperature Have on the Density of Liquids?What Effect Does the Type of Ground Cover Have on the Rate of Soil Erosion?How Does Density Affect the Buoyancy of Objects?How Does Mass Affect the Period of a Pendulum?How Can Water be Purified at Home?What is the Effect of Vitamin-Deficient Environment on PlanarianWhat is the Effect of Different Soil Types on Plant Growth?How Does Acid Rain Affect Seed Germination?What is the Effect of Salt Versus Sugar on Plant Growth?What Type of Insulation Holds In Heat the Best?What Effect does Ultraviolet Light have on the Germination rates of Seeds?What is the Effect of Electricity on Plant Growth?What is the Effect of Different Types of Music Have on Memory?What Effect Does Gender Have on Memory?What Effect Does Age Have on Memory?What Effect Does Root Position Have on Plant Growth?What Effect Does Light Source Have on Plant Growth?What Effect Does Gender Have on Reaction Time?What Effect Does Age Have on Reaction Time?How Does Talking on the Telephone Have on Reaction Time?What are the Effects of Different Types of Practice Have on Learning Rates?What Effect Does Temperature Have on the Rate at Which Materials Dissolve?What is the Effect of Particle Size on the Rate of Solute Dissolution? ................
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