Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan

Independent Research & Science Fair Handbook

In it to Love it!Mini Dove Comics

Whispering Crane Institute/Tesla Greeting Cards

National Geographic, Jane Goodall

www.depauw.edu, Percy Julian

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction/Letter to parents

2. Student Expectations

3. Important Dates

4. Graphic Organizer for Narrowing Down Questions

5. Project Proposal and Research Plan

6. Annotated Bibliography

7. Rubric

8. Consent Form Guide

9. A Review of the Scientific Method

10. Resources

11. Science Fair Rules and Guidelines

2

1. INTRODUCTION

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As a health science school, we take science seriously. All BCMA at Ryan students will be doing an independent science research project this fall. The projects will be graded and all posters will be part of our BCMAR Science Fair Symposium: In it to Love it, which will be December 16. Winning projects will move onto district and for seventh and eighth graders, they will move on to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH). Every year we are very proud of our students. Last year we had 17 students place in district and two teams that won awards at SEFH and went on to State.

Students have begun identifying research questions in their health science classes. We encour-age you to engage at home with them. Please note: Most of the student’s research will be done at home. Some class time will continue to be available at different intervals during the fall for stu-dents to work on their introduction, methods/procedures, figures and tables, data analysis, results and discussion and after school. Students who prefer to do prescribed research projects (ones that they do no develop themselves) will still participate in the BCMAR Science Fair Sympo-sium, and will have an opportunity for an A in class if all rubric requirements are met, but will not compete. Sometimes this option is chosen if the student has a large course load.

Please find the deadlines below and please note some of them may be subject to change by your health science teacher. Note that students are required to submit a research paper (the poster in paper format) and a poster.

The science fair handbook contains important information. It is electronically available on the BCMA at Ryan Science Fair website. BCMA at Ryan and HISD follow SEFH guidelines. Please go through it carefully with your student(s) and see their health science teachers for ques-tions. Their emails are listed below.

Students will have an account on Scienteer (https://www.scienteer.com/). Please book mark this and help your student monitor his/her account as needed. They will submit forms for the science fair through this site.

Science research projects are due November 28th and 29th. The deadline to submit final project plans is September 29th and 30th.

Thank you for doing all you can to make this research process a positive and productive experi-ence.

Beatriz Perez-Sweeney, PhDS.T.E.M. Specialist and Assistant Professor, BCMA and BCMperezswe@bcm.edu

Dr. Williams: twilli71@houstonisd.orgMr. Wertz: mwertz@houstonisd.orgMiss Miller: amille15@houstonisd.orgMs. Kirkland: MKIRKLAN@houstonisd.orgMs. Torres: RTORRE11@houstonisd.orgMs. Brown: Briana.Brown@houstonisd.org

3

2. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Students will have time to work on preparing and finalizing their science fair projects in class. Students are expected to work diligently during class time.

Students are expected to work on class items at home if not completed at school in order to meet their deadlines.

Students will work on their experiments outside of school hours. If they need to research at school, they are responsible for finding available times.

Students are responsible for their supplies and should pick realistic projects accordingly. Stu-dents may ask if the school has available supplies, but the school will not purchase supplies for student independent work.

3. IMPORTANT DUE DATES

Proposal 9/14, 9/15

Research Plan 9/29, 9/30

Annotated Bibliography 10/03, 10/04

Introduction and Methods 10/10, 10/11

Results 10/17, 10/18

Discussion, Conclusion 11/03, 11/04

Abstract 11/14, 11/15

Poster, Paper, Notebook 11/28, 11/29

Oral Presentation 12/05, 12/06

BCMAR Research Symposium (Science Fair)

12/16

District Fair TBA by Houston ISD

Science and Engineering Fair of Houston (SEFH)

02/23, 02/24 (deadline 02/05

4

4. GRAPHIC ORGANIZER FOR NARROWING DOWN QUESTIONS

Name___________________________________ Period_________ Date_______________________

On the graphic organizer below, write a topic, idea, or area of interest in the center. Write questions you have about the topic, idea or area of interest in the surrounding bubbles. Re-peat with other ideas, topics or areas of interest as needed on new sheets using a freshly drawn graphic organizer.

5

5. PROJECT PROPOSAL AND RESEARCH PLAN

Research Plan Name___________________________Period_______

A. The Problem or Question

The question or problem guiding this science fair experiment is:

B. The Hypothesis (written in If…then form and do not use pronouns)

The hypothesis is:

C. Why is this research important (include background information/research)? How will your work help us learn something new? How might we use the results from your research?

D. The Procedure

The variables for this experiment are:

Independent:

Dependent:

Controls (A control can be an experimental control that you compare your ex-periment to and/or what you hold constant in the trials/experiment):

List the materials that will be used and include specific amounts when appropri-ate:

6

Sample Size and Number of trials:

Experiment Set-Up:

E. References: (YOU NEED A TOTAL OF 5! You can list interesting books/websites but use MLA format)*3 of the sources can be internet websites, 2 of the sources must be another type of re-source ex. Book, encyclopedia, science journal, magazine, etc. You may use easybib (http://www.easybib.com/mla-format/website-citation) to place references in MLA for-mat. MLA format must be used.

Note: You must have this research plan approved before you start your experiment. Please have your teacher sign below.

I approve this research plan.

Teacher Name: ______________________________________________

Teacher signature: ___________________________________________

NEXT STEP: Once approved, complete Form 1A online in Scienteer and if additional permissions are needed begin completing those (https://www.scienteer.com/).

7

Example Research Plan

Research Plan Your Name

Items highlighted and in italics are examples. Delete these items and replace them with your content!

F. The Problem (written in question form)

The question guiding this science fair experiment is: What brand of fertilizer will make plants grow the tallest?

G. The Hypothesis (written in If…then form and do not use pronouns)

The hypothesis is: If Miracle Grow is used, then Miracle Grow will make the plants grow the tallest.

H. Why is this research important?

One example of why this research is important is so farmers can maximize their harvest output, and thus profit, by using fertilizers that will have the most positive growth effect on their crops.

I. The Procedure

The variables for this experiment are:

Independent: the brand of fertilizer: Miracle Grow, Target and Frank’s

Dependent: the height of the plants

Controls: the amount of fertilizer use, where the plants are stored, the amount of wa-ter and the type of plant are variable controls that are kept constant for each experi-ment. A plant with no fertilizer is an experimental control to control for random effects versus the effect of fertilizer on the plants.

List the materials that will be used and include specific amounts when appropriate:

3 brands of fertilizer 40 ferns Heat lamps Soil Watering can/water Eyedropper

8

Sample Size and Experiment Set-Up:

40 total plants will be tested. These plants will be divided into 4 groups, a Miracle Grow Group, a Target Fertilizer Group and a Franks Fertilizer Group and no fertilizer. Fertilizer will be added every 2 days and growth recorded every two days, as explained in the proce-dure below:

Step 1: Plant the 40 ferns in the containers. Divide the plants into 4 groups, a Miracle Grow Group, a Target Fertilizer Group and a Franks Fertilizer Group. Give each group 20 mL of water and 5 mL of the right type of fertilizer.Step 2: After 2 days of growth, record the height in centimeters.Step 3: After 2 more days, add 5 more mL of fertilizer.Step 4: After 2 more days of growth, record the height in centimeters.Step 5: Repeat.

J. What are the expected results of your experiment and how will you show those results?

I expect the results of my experiment to show that the group of plants that were fertilized with Miracle Grow grew taller than any of the groups that were not fertilized with Miracle Grow. I plan to show this by comparing the heights of the different groups of plants.

K. References: (YOU NEED A TOTAL OF 5! You can list interesting books/websites)*3 of the sources can be internet websites, 2 of the sources must be another type of re-source ex. Book, encyclopedia, science journal, magazine, etc. You may use easybib (http://www.easybib.com/mla-format/website-citation) to place references in MLA for-mat. MLA format must be used.

See Page 25 for examples

9

6. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

As you read about your topic, stop when you find information that you think is useful and summarize the information in the left column, then write the citation in the right column. Use MLA format for the right column. You may use easybib (http://www.easybib.com/). If you use more than one box for a citation, then record that citation next to each box you use. Use complete sentences and correct grammar. You may hand write or type the answers. You may download an electronic version at (http://www.houstonis-d.org/Page/139497) You must have at least five annotated citations.

Summary of the information that you think is useful to your project

Citation

10

Summary of the information that you think is useful to your project

Citation

11

Summary of the information that you think is useful to yourproject

Citation

12

7. RUBRIC Independent Research Project for the Science FairThe maximum number of points for each criteria are listed above each criteria.Student Name: ________________________________ Teacher's Name_______________________________ Period_______A. Poster and Paper- 100 points. Poster Headings: 1) Abstract, 2) Introduction, 3) Methods, 4) Results, 5) Discussion and Con-clusion, 6) Acknowledgements

Score (20 points max) 4 ________ 2 ________ 2 ________ 6 ________ 4 ________ 2 ________Abstract The purpose of

the project is clearly stated.

The question or hypothesis is clearly stated.

The procedures are clear and concise.

The results and discussion are clear and spe-cific.

The conclu-sions are clear and con-nected to the project.

The abstract is written so that it is en-gaging and interesting.

Score (15 points max) 4 ________ 2 ________ 3 ________ 3 ________ 2 ________Project Objectives: Intro-duction (purpose, ques-tion, variable, hypothesis)

The question could be inves-tigated.

The student stated the purpose clearly.

The student stated the question clearly.

The student identified rele-vant variables.

The question and/or hy-pothesis is creative

Score (20 points max) 3 ________ 3 ________ 3 ________ 3 ________ 3 ________ 5________Project Design: Introduc-tion(background, experimen-tal strategy, controls) and References

Written back-ground re-search sup-ported the hy-pothesis and/or led up to the question and supported the procedures.

The student demon-strated an understand-ing of the sci-entific or en-gineering principles rel-evant to the project.

The student provided at least 4 relevant references.

The experi-mental strat-egy addresses the hypothe-sis.

Proper con-trols are used when rele-vant.

Proper per-missions were ob-tained (see number 6 in science fair packet)

13

Score (20 points max) 4 ________ 4 ________ 4 ________ 4 ________ 4 ________Project Execution: Meth-ods and Results

Data was col-lected in more than two repli-cates.

Data was col-lected in a way that ad-dressed the question and/or hy-pothesis.

Data was clearly pre-sented.

Data collection methods in-cluded relevant information and procedures needed to com-plete the exper-iment or project.

Student clearly explained equipment or techniques used to obtain data or execute the project.

A diagram was provided to aid in understand-ing.

The content of the written re-sults matched the content of the graphed results.

The written re-sults referred to the objec-tives.

The results were clearly written.

Each table or graph of the results clearly served to il-lustrate some aspect of the experiment.

All items, ta-bles, graphs etc. were neatly and correctly la-beled.

The results were suffi-ciently repre-sented by ta-bles and/or graphs.

Score (20 points max) 8 ________ 6 ________ 6 ________Discussion and Conclu-sions

Discussion com-pared results to known informa-tion or other classmates re-sults (if rele-vant).

Conclusions are consis-tent with the data ob-tained.

Conclusions are consistent with the relevant principles of sci-ence or engi-neering. If not, an adequate ex-planation is given.

14

Score (5) 5 ________Acknowledgements Acknowledge-

ments are in-cluded

15

Student Name: __________________________________Teacher's Name_______________________________Period ___B. Project Presentation with Poster Asthetics- 100 points

Score (100 points max) 20 ________ 30 ________ 30_________ 10 ________ 5 ________ 5 ________

Project Presenta-tion

The presenta-tion is within the time allot-ted (5 min-utes).

The presenta-tion is coher-ent and clear.

The presenta-tion includes an introduc-tion, short methods sum-mary, the re-sults and the conclusions.

The visuals on the display are clear, neat and organized and provide supporting in-formation.

The display is creative.

The project was interesting to the student

16

Student Name: ________________________________________Teacher's Name___________________________Period ___C. Project Notebook- 100 pointsScore (100

points max)20 _______

10 _______

10 _______

10 _______

10 _______

10 _______

10________

10 _______

10 _______

Project Notebook (If in a team, each team mem-ber must have their own note-book)

1. Note-book is bound.

2. Note-book contains a title and the time pe-riod for which data was col-lected.3. If more than one note-book is used, each is num-bered, starting with Volume 1.

1. The first two pages are a ta-ble of con-tents.

2. The remain-ing pages are num-bered 1-# on the top right corner.

1. Entries are in ink (or print outs).

2. Entries are legi-ble, com-plete, neat and logical.

1. No pages are removed.

2. A sin-gle diago-nal is used if entry on one page is no longer valid with a brief sentence explain-ing why it is not valid.

If anerror is made record-ing any-thing, a single line is used.

1. Photo-graphs, computer printouts and recorded printouts are prop-erly la-beled and taped or glued onto one of the right-hand pages.

1. Interna-tional system of units is used as needed.

2. Mathemati-cal formulas recorded and annotated when used.

3. The name, formula, pu-rity, and man-ufacturer of the chemical is recorded when used.

4. The name, model num-ber, manufac-turer and op-erational set-tings for the instrument is recorded when used.

Proce-dure is written clearly for each experi-ment or trial.

1. The purpose of each experi-ment is clearly stated

2. Pro-cedures,data,assump-tions, conclu-sion are clearly stated.

17

8. SCIENCE FAIR CONSENT FORM GUIDE

*http://www.sefhouston.org/rules-guidelines*ALL PROJECTS REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE ADULT SPONSOR/ FORM (#1), STUDENT CHECKLIST (1A), RESEARCH PLAN AND APPROVAL FORM (#1B) AT THE LOCAL SCHOOL LEVEL. Continuation projects will need the continuation projects form (#7).Does your project have to do with VERTEBRATE ANIMALS, HUMAN SUBJECTS (including surveys), HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS ACTIVITIES OR DEVICES, or POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS? If so, we need to get some more consent forms. Please see the quick chart below to insure that your receive and submit any forms in addition to Forms 1, 1A, 1B.

Form #1

Form #1A

Form #1B

SEFH Ap-proval

DistrictAp-proval

Form #1C

Form #2

Form #3

Form #4

Form #5Aor 5B

Form #6Aor 6B

Form #7

Any Project ANY Continuation Project Project with Vertebrate Animals Project with Human Subjects Project with Hazardous Chemicals Project with Hazardous Activities Project with Hazardous Devices Potentially hazardous Biological Agents

*Any relevant consent and additional approval forms apart from Forms 1, 1A and 1B will be sent home after the project is provisionally approved. In these cases, final approval is contingent on additional consent and approval forms. ALL these forms are located at the Science Fair Rules and Guidelines*Form #1-Adult Sponsor Form, Form #1A-Student Checklist, Form #1B-Research Plan and Approval Form, Form #1C-Regulated Research Institution Form, Form #2-Qualified Scientist Form, Form #3-Risk Assessment Form, Form #4-Human Participants Form, Form #5A or 5B-Vertebrate Animal Form, Form #6A-Hazardous Risk As-sessment Form, Form #6B-Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form, Form #7-Continuation Project Form

18

9. A REVIEW OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD (SEFH) The following is a review of the Scientific Method with some key questions/directions on how to design and conduct an experiment that will be used for a science or engineering fair project.Problem/PurposeWhat is your goal?What idea are you trying to test?What is the scientific question you are trying to answer?HypothesisTell how you think your project can demonstrate your purpose.Make a prediction regarding the outcome of your experiment.State the results you are predicting in measurable terms.ProcedureGive a detailed explanation of how the experiment will be performed to test your hypothe-sis.Be clear about the variables (elements of the experiment that change to test your hypothe-sis) versus your controls (elementsof the experiment that do not change).Be very specific about how you will measure results to prove or disprove your hypothesis. You may want to develop aregular timetable for measuring results or making observations (i.e. every hour, every day, every week).Your procedure should be like a recipe--another person should be able to perform your ex-periment following your procedure. Test this with a friend or parent to be sure you have not forgotten anything. This is an important part of doing good science.Materials:List all materials and equipment that were used.Your list of materials should include all of the ingredients of the procedure recipe.Observations/Data/ResultsKeep a detailed journal (laboratory notebook) of observations, data and/or results. They can be data measurements andwritten notes about what you are sensing (hearing, seeing, or touching) about your experi-ment. Utilize the InternationalSystem of Units where appropriate.Where appropriate, have both Control and Experimental groups.When possible, collect enough data for a statistical analysis.Photograph your project results or phases of the project if appropriate to help your analysis and possibly to demonstrateyour experiment on your exhibit board. Note the section pertaining to photographs and other visual depictions in theDisplay Rules and Safety Regulations.Use charts, graphs and tables to summarize your data. You may want to use a portable electronic device to illustrate someportions of your project.Analysis:Explain your observations, data and/or results. This is a summary of what your data has shown you.List the main points of what you've learned.Why did the results occur? What did your experiment prove?Was your hypothesis correct? Did your experiment prove or disprove your hypothesis? Should be explained thoroughly.Conclusion:Answer your problem/purpose statement.What does it all add up to? What is the value of your project?

What further study do you recommend given the results of your experiment? What would be the next question to ask?If you repeated your project, what would you change?

10. RESOURCES (SEFH)

Science Fair Resourceshttps://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef (main site for the INTEL ISEF)http://www.showboard.com (good source for SEFH display boards)http://www.madsci.org (good source for common questions about SEF)http://hunstem.uhd.edu/PROJECTS.html (provides links to many resources)http://www.nsta.org/http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguidehttp://www.madsci.org/libs/areas/reagents.htmlhttp://www.educationplanet.com/sciencefair.htmlhttp://sciencepage.org/scifair.htmhttps://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/?l=1Project Ideashttp://sciencefairproject.virtualave.net/http://www.cmste.uregina.ca/scifair.htmlhttp://www.sciencebob.com/lab/sciencefair/resources.htmlhttp://dir.yahoo.com/Science/Education/K_12/Fairs_and_Competitions/Projects_and_Ideas/Science Fairshttp://sciencefairproject.virtualave.nethttp://istf.ucf.eduhttp://www.drexel.edu/dvsf/Othershttp://www.sciencedaily.comhttp://www.enn.comhttp://www.newscientist.comhttp://www.eskimo.com/~billb/amasci.htmlhttp://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/kids/cool_stuff/fairlinks.asphttp://homeworkspot.com/sciencefair/http://www.chem4kids.com

A good source for display project boards plus Science Fair Materials and Workshop Materials for Grades K-12 can be found at www.showboard.com or call showboard at 1-800-323-9189.

The following is a valuable source for SEF-related project based learning materials and infor-mation sources http://hunstem.uhd.edu/PROJECTS.html.

ISEF has a comprehensive searchable index of ISEF project abstracts from 2003-present. The direct URL to this is http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/absonline.

11. SCIENCE FAIR RULES AND GUIDELINES

A. PROJECT CATEGORY (SEFH)Individual Projects – All DivisionsEngineering/Physical Sciences Life SciencesChemistry Animal SciencesComputer Science Behavioral/Social SciencesEarth/Space Sciences Biochemistry/Microbiology

20

Energy & Transportation Plant SciencesAerospace Engineering Environmental ScienceChemical Engineering Medicine/HealthElectrical & MechanicalMaterials & BioengineeringMathematicsPhysics & AstronomyTeam Projects/Junior Division onlyEngineering/Computers/Mathematics Plants/Environmental/Animal SciencesPhysical Sciences Behavioral/Biochemistry/Medicine & Health

ENTERING THE RIGHT CATEGORYEvery year, some students end up entering their projects in the wrong category. Since SEFH judges are required to judge the content of each project based on the cate-gory in which it is entered, these students are seriously penalized. Thus, we urge you to pay particular attention to the category that you indicate on the entry form. Once SEFH re-ceives the completed entry form, you will be required to remain in the category that you en-tered. Listed below are the categories for individual project competition and a few examples of the types of projects which might be appropriate for each category.Animal Sciences: Animal genetics, ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, entomology, ani-mal ecology, anatomy, paleontology, cellular physiology, animal biorhythms, animal hus-bandry, cytology, histology, animal physiology, neurophysiology, invertebrate biology, etc.Behavioral/Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, archeology, ethiology, ethnology, linguistics, animal behavior (learned or instinctive), learning, perception, urban problems, gerontology, reading problems, public opinion surveys, and education testing, etc.Biochemistry/Microbiology: Molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosyn-thesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, bacteriology, virology, protozoology, fungal and bacterial genetics, yeast, etc.Plant Science: Agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant biorhythms, palynology, plant anatomy, plant taxonomy, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algology, my-cology, etc.Chemistry: Physical chemistry, organic chemistry (other than biochemistry), inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc.Computer Science: New developments in software or hardware, information systems, com-puter systems organization, computer methodologies, and data (including structures, en-cryption, coding and information theory), etc.Earth/Space Sciences: Geology, geophysics, physical oceanography, meteorology, atmo-spheric physics, seismology, petroleum, geography, speleology, mineralogy, topography, op-tical astronomy, radio astronomy, astrophysics, etc.Energy & Transportation: Aerospace, aeronautical engineering and aerodynamics, alter-native fuels, fossil fuel energy, green energy science & technology, vehicle development, re-newable energies, etc.Engineering: Civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic, sound, au-tomotive, marine, heating andrefrigerating, transportation, environmental engineering, etc. Power transmission and generation, electronics, communications, architecture, bioengineer-ing, lasers, etc.Environmental Science: Pollution (air, water, land), pollution sources and their control, waste disposal, impact studies, environmental alteration (heat, light, irrigation, erosion, etc.), ecology.Mathematics: Calculus, geometry, abstract algebra, number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability, topology, logic, operations research, and other topics in pure and ap-plied mathematics.Medicine/Health: Medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, pathology, oph-thalmology, nutrition, sanitation, pediatrics, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, op-tometry, etc.

21

Physics & Astronomy: Optics, acoustics, particle, nuclear, atomic, plasma, superconduc-tivity, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetism, quantum me-chanics, biophysics, astronomy, lasers, etc.

B. THE LABORATORY NOTEBOOK (SEFH)A properly maintained laboratory notebook is one of a researcher's most valuable tools. It contains the permanent written record of the scientist's or engineer’s mental and physical activities from both experiment and observation, to the ultimate understanding of the ques-tion or solution they are going to obtain from their research project. The act of writing in thenotebook forces the researcher to stop and think about what he/she is about to do and what is actually done. Because of this, the proper writing of a project laboratory notebook is an essential part of doing "good" science. The following guidelines are consistent with those of many major industrial laboratories and universities. They are not requirements, onlysuggestions. While SEFH does not require students to have a laboratory notebook for their project, they should understand that since most of the fair judges are practicing scientists and engineers, they will expect to see a laboratory notebook as part of the project display material. Part six of the Official Scoring Sheet for the fair refers to the laboratory notebook.

Guidelines:1. The notebook should be bound; not a loose-leaf notebook or spiral ring composition book. A cover of stiff cardboard (pasted board), covered with a fabric or thin chemically treated pa-per is preferred. A size of about 8 x 10 inches is adequate for most projects.

2. The front cover of the notebook should contain a title that describes the research, and the time period covered for the data recorded in the book. If more than one notebook is used, then this should also be indicated by adding Volume I, II, etc. The first two pages of the book should be reserved for a table of contents. All remaining pages should be numbered on the top outside corner of the page. The table of content entries should be added as the project progresses. All written entries in the notebook should be done in ink; preferably using a ball-point pen with black ink. If others do not easily read the researcher's handwriting, then en-tries should be printed.

3. The right-hand pages should be used for making formal entries. The left-hand pages should be used for calculations,doodling, scratch paper, etc. All right-hand pages should be dated when information is recorded on them.

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

5. Photographs, computer printouts, recorded printouts, etc. should be properly labeled and taped or glued onto one of the right-hand pages. All numbers should be recorded in the notebook using the correct number of digits and labeled with the proper units. Students are strongly encouraged to use the International System of Units (SI). Always enter data directly in the notebook, in ink, at the time it is obtained (unless the data is being recorded automat-ically by an instrument).

6. If a detailed experimental procedure is being followed that is available in a readily avail-able reference source (such as a textbook), the procedure should only be summarized in the notebook and the reference listed for the exact procedure. Any changes from the referenced procedure should be recorded and explained in the notebook.

22

7. Mathematical type formulas used in the project should be recorded on the right hand pages with a definition of each term in the formula along with at least one sample calcula-tion. Again, the proper physical units should always be recorded next to the respective nu-merical values.

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

9. When instruments are used, the name, model number, manufacturer, and operational set-tings for the instrument should be recorded in the notebook.10. The purpose of each experi-ment in the project should be clearly stated in the notebook as it is performed, along with the corresponding procedures, data, assumptions, conclusions, etc. In summary, a project notebook is not supposed to be an attractive document; it is a working document. Yes, it may even have a few chemical stains on it and a torn page or two. However, the entries should be legible, complete, reasonably neat, and logically presented.

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

C. DISPLAY RULES AND SAFETY REGULATIONSSIZE: Project space limitations are: 76cm (30in) deep; 122cm (48in) wide; 274cm (108in) high including table; tables are 76cm high. Heavy displays should be floor mounted when possible. Floor mounted projects are limited to the same space limitations and cannot be placed in front of a project table. No exceptions. Unless otherwise requested on the entry form, all projects will be assigned a project display table1. A student may enter only one exhibit. The student must be a full-time student in good standing at a SEFH affiliated school.2. Completed project entry and approval forms must be on file with the Fair Office on or prior to the deadline date for entry, including the project entry fee. Copies of these forms should also be available in a labeled folder at the display.3. The exhibit must be set up in the category indicated on the entry form and at the assigned location.4. The exhibit must pass inspection by both the SRC and Rules & Safety Committee on Thursday evening at the Fair. Exhibits not passing both inspections must be removed from the exhibit area on Thursday evening prior to closing time.5. The entry exhibit must be the work of the student or team entering the Fair.6. Repetition of a previous year's research project is not permitted. However, a student may exhibit new research on a continuing problem providing the research demonstrates significant progress over the previous year. If the project is a continuing one, a Roman numeral should appear at the end of the title which indicates the years it has been entered in the Fair (e.g.-A Study of Houston Cockroaches - III) and the Continuation Projects Form (7) must be completed. Displayboard must indicate work for the current year.7. Exhibit titles are limited to 6 words or less, and a maximum of 50 letters/characters.8. The name of the student, teacher, or district must not be a visible part of the display.9. Except for move-in and unpacking, the exhibitor is responsible for the set-up of his/her own exhibit.10. No radios, TVs, tape players, or other sound transmitting devices may be played unless the sound is transmitted via headphones or the devices are used as part of the display/project presentation. Laser pointers are not allowed.11. Students for individual and team projects must be at their project during all judging periods. At least two team members of team projects must be present during judging. All projects will be judged within the scheduled judging times.12. Disruptive students will be disqualified from the Fair.13. Students are encouraged to provide judges with copies of a one page abstract or summary of their project; however, the material cannot identify the student, teacher, school or district.14.Project laboratory notebooks for all related research should be available at the display for review by judges.15. Projects will not have access to 110V power outlets.

Unacceptable for Display

23

1. living organisms, including plants2. microbial cultures or fungi (live or dead)3. glass or glass objects unless they are critical to the display.4. taxidermy specimens or parts5. preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals or their parts6. waste, rock, sand or soil samples - even if encased in acrylic7. chemicals8. human/animal parts or body fluids9. human or animal food10. sharp items (i.e., syringes, needles, pipettes).11. poisons, drugs, controlled substances, weapons, ammunitions12. dry ice or other sublimating solids.13. flames or highly flammable display materials14. gases of any type15. batteries with open top cells16. items which identify the student, teacher or school17. offensive audio/visual displays18. operation of a class III or IV laser19. any equipment or devices which may be hazardous to the publicincluding laser pointers20. liquids (including water, mercury or alcohol thermometers)21. previous student/project awards22. empty tanks that once contained combustibles unless purged23. photographs or other visual presentations depicting vertebrateanimals in other-than-normal conditions24. active Internet or e-mail connections as part of the display ordemonstration of the project.

Acceptable For Display Only-(But Not Operated)1. projects with unshielded belts, pulleys, chains, and moving partswith tension or pinch points2. class III and IV lasers3. devices which emit loud noises4. devices which require more than 125V5. soil, sand, rock and/or waste samples if permanently encased inacrylic or a similar inert material

Acceptable for Display & 0peration With Restrictions1. Photographs and/or visual depictions if: a. Credit lines of their origins: “Photograph taken by…” or “Image taken from …” are attached. (If all photographs being displayed were taken by the Finalist, one credit lien prominently displayed indicating that the Finalist took all photographs is sufficient.)b. They are from the Internet, magazines, newspapers, journals, etc., and credit lines are attached.c. They are photographs of the student.d. They are photographs of human subjects for which signed consent forms are available at the project.e. They are not deemed offensive by the Scientific Review Committee or the Rules and Safety Commit-tee.2. Class II lasersa. Must be student-operatedb. Posted sign must read "Laser Radiation: do not stare into beam"c. Must have protective housing that prevents access to beamd. Must be disconnected when not operating.3. Large vacuum tubes or dangerous ray-generating devices must be shielded properly; mechanical devices with moving parts must have adequate safeguards4. Any apparatus producing temperatures that will cause physical burns must be adequately insulated.5. The only power sources allowed are exhibiter furnished batteries of 12V or less.6. All electrical connectors, wiring, etc. must be UL listed and appropriate

24

25

D. CITING REFERENCES

Students may use Easybib and choose the MLA format (http://www.easybib.com/).

Citations are required and expected to be accurate. A simple URL by itself is not considered a citation.

Students may also use (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html) below. Find the one resembling most the source you have to cite and use the example’s format to con-struct your reference.

Books:Individual author(s)Murray PR, Rosenthal KS, Kobayashi GS, Pfaller MA. Medical microbiology. 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby;2002.Editor(s) as author(s)Gilstrap LC 3rd, Cunningham FG, VanDorsten JP, editors. Operative obstetrics. 2nd ed. New York:McGraw-Hill; 2002.Organization(s) as authorRoyal Adelaide Hospital; University of Adelaide, Department of Clinical Nursing. Compen-dium ofnursing research and practice development, 1999-2000. Adelaide (Australia): Adelaide Uni-versity; 2001.Chapter in a bookMeltzer PS, Kallioniemi A, Trent JM. Chromosome alterations in human solid tumors. In: Vo-gelstein B,Kinzler KW, editors. The genetic basis of human cancer. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2002. p. 93-113.

Journals/Magazines:Standard articleHalpern SD, Ubel PA, Caplan AL. Solid-organ transplantation in HIV-infected patients. N Engl J Med.2002 Jul 25; 347:284-7.No author given21st century heart solution may have a sting in the tail. British Med J. 2002;325:184.Organization as authorDiabetes Prevention Program Research Group. Hypertension, insulin, and proinsulin in par-ticipants with impaired glucose tolerance. Hypertension. 2002;40:679-86.Article in a Journal supplementGlauser TA. Integrating clinical trial data into clinical practice. Neurology. 2002;58(12 Suppl 7):S6-12.Scientific or technical reportYen GG (Oklahoma State University, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Stillwa-ter, OK).Health monitoring on vibration signatures. Final report. Arlington (VA): Air Force Of-fice of Scientific Research (US), Air Force Research Laboratory; 2002 Feb. Report No.: AFRLSRBLTR020123. ContractNo.: F496209810049.

Other Published Material:Newspaper articleTynan T. Medical improvements lower homicide rate: study sees drop in assault rate. The Washington Post. 2002 Aug 12; Sect. A:2 (col. 4).Dictionary and similar referencesDorland’s illustrated medical dictionary. 29th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 2000. Filamin; p. 675. Computer file

26

Renal system [computer program]. MS-DOS version. Edwardsville, KS: Medi-Sim; 1988.42Classical materialThe Winter’s Tale: act 5 scene 1, lines 13-16. The complete works of William Shakespeare. London:Rex, 1973.

Electronic Material:CD-RomUIAnderson SC, Poulsen KB. Anderson’s electronic atlas of hematology [CD-ROM]. Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002.Journal article on the internetJacobsen JW, Mulick JA, Schwartz AA. A history of facilitate communications: Science, pseu-doscience,and antiscience: Science working group on facilitated communication. Am Psychol 1995;. 50: 750-65. Retrieved January 25, 1996, from the World Wide Web: http://www.a-pa.org/journals/jacobson.htmlHomepage/Web siteCancer-Pain.org [homepage on the Internet]. New York: Association of Cancer OnlineResources, Inc.; c2000-01 [updated 2002 May 16; cited 2002 Jul 9]. Available from:http://www.cancer-pain.org.

Database on the Internet MeSH Browser [database on the Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2002-[cited 2003 June 10]. Meta-analysis; unique ID: D015201; [about 3 p.] Available from:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/MBrowser.html

27

28