Student Guide to
Science Projects and
Science Fair Preparation
Haggard
Middle School
Science Department
In science there are no failures… only unexpected results.
Dear Parents and Pre AP Science Students,
As a science faculty, we look forward to working with you this school year as you develop a
broader understanding of the nature of science. The major goal of the Plano ISD middle school
science program is to help students develop a working knowledge of the major science process
skills that lead to effective problem solving and the science literacy necessary for success in
high school AP science courses. To help accomplish this, all pre AP science students are required
to complete an Independent Research Project.
All students must have a log book in class by September 2. After submitting your research
problem and getting approval, you must select Option 1 or Option 2. Option 1 allows you to
compete in the building level science fair, with the possibility of continuing on and competing at
the District, Regional, and State levels. ISEF forms are required for Option 1. Option 2 will
include all of the research and experimentation, but will conclude with a typed experiment and
log book. Option 2 will NOT allow you to compete in the science fair at any level.
The experimental phase of your project consists of designing and conducting an experiment that
tests your hypothesis. The first step of your experimental phase is due on October 1. At that
time you must turn in your problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure and IVCDV chart. You
may not proceed with the experiment until your teacher has approved the materials and
procedure. All Science Fair (ISEF) forms must be turned in by October 8 (Option 1 ONLY). Your
experiment should be completed by the beginning of November. The final project for Option 1,
which includes Log book, Research Notebook, and Presentation Board is due November 18. The
final project for Option 2 includes the Typed Experiment and Log book, and it is also due
November 18.
If you select Option 1, you MUST write a Review of Literature of your topic. (The Review of
Literature is NOT REQUIRED for Option 2.) The Review of Literature is due on October 18.
If you choose Option 1, you will have opportunities to participate in a series of science fairs.
The first competition is your school science fair, with an opportunity of advancing to District,
Regional, and finally State competitions. Plano ISD has been well represented over the past few
years, with individual students and groups receiving numerous first place awards, scholarships,
and special recognition. Many of our high school students have successfully represented the
state of Texas at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Most of those students
started by entering their projects at the middle school level and expanding their ideas every
year until they graduated.
Best wishes for a successful science project!
The Haggard Science Department
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Independent Research and Science Project Timeline
Science Fair Dates: School Fair Thursday, November 18, 2010
District @ Plano Civic Center Thursday, February 3, 2011
Regional @ Fair Park Saturday, February 26, 2011
State @ San Antonio, Texas TBA
Activity Due Date Grade
Three Problem Possibilities sheet 9-9-10 MAJOR GRADE
Problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure,
and IVCDV Chart to test hypothesis. Do
not proceed beyond this point until you
have your teacher’s permission
10-1-10
Major Grade
Science Fair (ISEF)forms
REQUIRED for OPTION 1 10-8-10
350-400 word, 12 font, double-spaced,
word-processed Review of Literature
paper with bibliography.
REQUIRED for OPTION 1 ONLY
Notes:10-11-10
10-18-10
Major Grade
“Science fair-ready” presentation board,
research notebook, and log book
(Option 1)
TYPED experiment and log book
(Option 2)
11-18-10
MAJOR GRADE
MAJOR GRADE
MAJOR GRADE
Detach and return signed
I have read and am aware of the timeline, Option chosen on back, and all requirements for the
Haggard Middle School pre-AP Independent Research Project.
Student name __________________________ Student signature ____________________
Parent name ___________________________ Parent/guardian _____________________
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Science Fair Problems
The first assignment for the Independent Research
Project is a description of three possible problems.
Included in this packet is a handout on which to write
these problems and select Option 1 or 2. This is due
September 9 . The three possible problems must be well
thought out and must be on the middle school level. Do
not attempt an experiment that is below your academic
level (i.e. Does bleach or water make plants grow
faster?). Your teacher will approve your problem sheet.
DO NOT PROCEED BEYOND THIS POINT UNTIL
YOU HAVE YOUR TEACHER’S PERMISSION.
**Some types of projects need additional paperwork. Before you
do any type of behavioral study, medical study, or microbiology
project, make sure you talk to your teacher to get prior approval.
Some of these studies also require a qualified scientist to do the
experiment, which you will be required to find. These types of
projects can ONLY be done for Option 1.
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Three Problem Possibilities
Problem 1: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
IV: __________________________________________________________
DV:__________________________________________________________
How will you MEASURE the DV?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Brief description of project: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Option 1 or Option 2 __________ initial
Problem 2: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
IV: __________________________________________________________
DV:___________________________________________________________
How will you MEASURE the DV?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Brief description of project: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Option 1 or Option 2 __________ initial
Problem 3: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
IV: __________________________________________________________
DV:___________________________________________________________
How will you MEASURE the DV?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Brief description of project: _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Option 1 or Option 2 __________ initial
Note Taking Skills
To create a Review of Literature, you will need to take detailed notes in your log book. You will
be expected to research your topic independently each week. Approximately one page of notes
should be written per week and kept in your log book. All notes (3-pages) must be neatly hand-
written. The research phase of your project should be finished by October 11th.
When you are taking notes, begin every entry with a complete bibliography in APA format. The
easiest way to do this is by using a citation maker to help you. Go to the web page
http://k-12.pisd.edu/cyberweb/, select Middle School, Science and Independent Study. Click on
the link labeled Landmarks Citation Machine. Now all you have to do is pick the source, type in
the information, and copy the citation exactly in your notebook page.
Good writers surround themselves with ideas from many sources
such as books, magazines, TV, the Internet, teachers, and even
other writers. Other people’s ideas and information often help in
the writing process, but they must be used correctly. When a
writer chooses to use the words and ideas created by someone else
without giving the original author credit, this is stealing! This type of idea theft is called plagiarism. It’s against the law in the state
of Texas! When you are taking notes, do not copy them word for
word; instead, paraphrase the idea. Follow the steps below when
paraphrasing:
• Carefully read the passage that interests you. Then cover it up so you aren’t tempted to
look at it.
• In your own words, summarize the ideas. Then look at the original passage again so that
you didn’t copy it by accident.
• Even though you paraphrase someone’s words, the ideas still don’t belong to you. You
must still cite the source using the guidelines above.
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Developing a Review of Literature
No scientist works alone. In order to solve problems, like to find the cure for the cure for
cancer --- scientists help one another by sharing information in published journals.
Now that you have completed the background research, you will write a paper called a Review of
Literature. A Review of Literature typically has a title page, approximately 2 pages of
information, and a bibliography (12 pt. font, double-spaced). Include only the most significant
and relevant information you have read. No references to experimentation in any way should
be in the paper. No opinions should be stated in the paper. No personal pronouns should be
used in the paper.
In your Review of Literature, you will use the APA format for internal citations. Every time you
use someone else’s ideas, you must list their name(s), the date of publication, and a page number
(if from a magazine or book) in parentheses. Examples: (Warner & Meehan, 2001, p. 295) or
(Kramarski, 1999, p.204). You will use at least 6 sources (three online, two magazines, and
one book). Those sources will be listed at the end of the paper on a bibliography.
The paper should follow the following format:
Introductory Paragraph (must include the following):
• Brief description of topic/project
• Importance of topic to society
• 2-3 summarizing sentences of current research on the topic
• Summarizing sentence of entire paragraph
1st Section
• Thorough description of information known about the independent variable
2nd Section
• Thorough description of information known about the dependent variable
3rd Section
• Thorough description of information known about how the independent variable affects the
dependent variable
Conclusion Closing or summary paragraph(s)
• Restates the problem/topic and summarizes the entire research paper. In this paragraph,
mention the hypothesis of your experiment.
You should spend as much time editing your paper as you did writing it. The final draft is due on
October 18. You will need to make two copies of your final paper. One copy will be placed in your
notebook while the second copy will be turned in to your teacher. Make sure that you save the
paper, because you will need it later when you turn in the experimental part of your Independent
Research Project. -6-
Preparing to Experiment
When you have finished with your paper, you should be an expert in your topic. You should
already know what you are going to be testing and be able to predict what might happen. . Make
sure to fill out the IVCDV chart before you start the materials list and procedure. Before
starting on the actual experiment, create a materials list and a detailed procedure. You must
have your teacher’s permission before proceding beyond this point. Science Fair Forms will
be created at this time.
In creating the materials list, everything that will be used should be included in exact
quantities. All quantities should be listed using metric units (meter, liters, grams). If you are
adding water to something, make sure to determine exactly how much you will be using.
(Watering 5 plants 10 mL of water, every day for 5 weeks would require 1750 mL of water for
the experiment).
You will also have a detailed procedure which must include numbered steps. It must be precise
enough so that any other person can recreate your lab independently. A step saying “make a
paper airplane” would not work. How would someone make it? Make sure the plane would look
exactly like yours by following your instructions.
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Designing the Experiment
Complete the IVCDV chart.
Independent Variable (IV) Constants Dependent Variable (DV)
Complete V Chart.
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Hypothesis:
Independent Variable Dependent Variable
If ( IV ) + verb, then ( DV ) + verb.
+ verb + verb
Materials Page
Material Amount
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Procedure Page
1. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
8. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
9. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
10. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________ -10-
Collection of Raw Data
The next section in your project data book is the collection of your raw or field data. As you
work on the next stage of your project, your data book should stay by your side at all times!
This will be a diary of your work and as rough as it may appear will be one of the most important
parts of your project. You should not recopy your raw data even if it appears to be messy. You
will record all observations here, both success and failures. It is from this data you will extract
the information for your display and conclusion. Follow these guidelines when making entries:
• All entries should be handwritten in ink! (The raw data is not typed!)
• Each entry should be stated in the present tense.
• Include the date and time of the observations being made.
• Other items may be included in the entry that might affect the experiment such as
location or temperature.
• Describe the observations being made and use both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Use accurate metric measurements.
• Use constant time intervals when collecting data.
• Make each entry as detailed as possible.
• Diagrams, sketches or photographs are encouraged in this section. If you take
photographs, make note of who took the photograph as well as the location and date of
the photograph.
• The information you collect should be factual information. You should not include you
personal feelings or attitude toward the project.
Remember the data book is a complete record of how the experiment was carried out, not just a
copy of what appears on the backboard!
Example entry
Date: October 11, 2007 Time: 8:00 pm. Temperature of growing box: 28 °C Data: Plant A- 23cm (this is a 3cm increase) Plant B- 24cm (this is the same as last observation) Plant C- 18cm (this is a 1cm increase) Plant D- 26 cm (this is a 5cm increase) Additional Observations: All plants are looking healthy except for plant C which seems to be dying.
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Using Science Skills
Refer to the following skill sheets:
Before and during experimentation
• Making a Scientific Drawing
• Making a Data Table
• Making a Graph
All data, graphs, drawings,
notes and all other
observations for every trial
are recorded in the logbook.
Remember to include all the
data and notes each step
along the way, even for
failed trials!
After experimentation
• Developing a Conclusion
• How to Write a Scientific
Abstract
Creating the Final Project
Presentation Board
You have collected all of the data, and you have your results. A scientist presents his or her
findings in an organized manner. You will create a presentation to show your work. It is due
November 18 and will be presented on a science fair board if entering science fair or a typed
experiment if you are not. The presentation must include the problem, hypothesis, materials,
procedure, summary of results, chart(s), graph(s), conclusion, error analysis, future applications,
and a log book. If you choose to enter your project in the science fair, you will have
opportunities to participate in a series of science fairs, beginning with the school science fair,
with possibilities of advancing to district, regional, and finally state competitions. In each phase
of the competition, the eligible projects become fewer, with only the top three places in each
division advancing. Plano ISD has been well represented over the past few years, with individual
students and groups receiving numerous first place awards, scholarships, and special recognition.
Many of our high school students have successfully represented the state of Texas in the
International Science and Engineering Fair. Most of those students started by entering their
projects at the middle school level and expanded their ideas every year until they graduated.
Your science fair board does not have to be set up exactly like this one, but it is an excellent
example of how the board should flow. Start out with the introduction (problem, hypothesis,
etc.). Then show your data followed by the entire conclusion. Everything on the board is placed
where it is for a purpose. Remember, the backboard is the judge’s first, and often final,
impression.
Make sure that all pictures used are credited (i.e. picture from: webpics.com or picture by Jane
Doe). -13-
Title Problem
Hypothesis
Variable
Procedure Data
Tables and
Graphs
Pictures
Conclusion
Error
Analysis
Future
Applications
Abstract
(in frame)
Materials
Research
Notebook
Log
Book
Research Notebook
A Research Notebook should be prepared and available along with the Log Book and necessary
forms or relevant written materials. A research notebook helps organize data as well as
thoughts. You research notebook should be a 1 inch 3-ring binder and is included in the final
presentation at the science fair. Use tab dividers to keep sections separate and well defined.
The research notebook is required for Option 1 students only, and it should be neat, organized,
and include the following:
1) Title Page - Include title of project and date.
2) Table of Contents - Include this to allow the reader to follow the organization of
the project quickly. Accurately number all pages in the notebook.
3) Introduction – Include your problem-- (and engineering goals, if any) --hypothesis,
an explanation of what prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve.
4) Materials – List all materials and their exact quantities used in the experiment.
5) Procedure – List and number the exact steps used in the experiment.
6) Data – Include all data tables—minimum of 1--results, graphs—minimum of 1--
and charts used in the experiment. Photos should be included. * PHOTOS ADD
DOCUMENTATION TO YOUR PROJECT!
7) Conclusion – Use the Pre AP/IB “Developing a Conclusion” skill sheet for writing
the conclusion. Be specific; do not generalize. Never introduce anything in the
conclusion that has not already been discussed. Do not write in 1st person; keep a
scientific perspective regarding your experiment.
8) Acknowledgments – You should always credit those who assisted you, including
individuals, businesses, and educational or research institutions.
9) References / Bibliography – Your reference list should include any
documentation that is NOT your own. Use APA format. Landmarks Citation
Machine is available on Cyberweb (see page 5).
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PLEASE CIRCLE
ONE
Independent Research and Science Project Options Option Requirements for the Option
Option 1:
Science Fair Project
This is the option for students who want to compete in the
various Science Fair Competitions. The student will be required
to follow all ISEF guidelines and to fill out all of the required
paperwork. The student’s idea must be original, and can not come
from the science fair idea page.
REQUIRED Parts of the Project: Review of Literature, ISEF
paperwork, and complete Science Fair Project including a
presentation board, a three ring research notebook and Log Book.
Option 2:
Typed Lab Project
This is the option for students who do not want to compete in the
Science Fair Competitions or who can not develop an original idea
and need to use the science fair idea page. The student must
still follow the ISEF guidelines, but will not have to fill out all of
the ISEF paperwork. Instead, the student will fill out an
approval checklist provided by their teacher.
REQUIRED Parts of the Project: TYPED Experiment and
complete Science Log Book.
Detach and return signed
I am aware of the two options for the pre AP Independent Research Project and that my child
has chosen to do Option 1 / Option 2
Print Student name ______________________ Student signature ____________________
Print Parent name _______________________ Parent/guardian _____________________
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IVCDV Chart Evaluation
Problem is Stated as a Question
Problem is Clear
Problem Relates Directly to Hypothesis
Problem
IV is Correctly Identified
DV is Correctly Identified
Constants are Correctly Identified
If. . .then Format Used
Prediction is Made
IVCDV Chart/
Hypothesis
Hypothesis is Predicted Answer to Problem Question
Material and Procedure Approval Checklist
Exact Quantities Given
Exact Types Given
Thorough LIST of Materials Given
Metric Measurements /Strength of Chemicals Given Materials
Safety Equipment/Precautions/Parent Supervision
Listed (On BOTH Materials and Procedure)
Steps Listed
Steps Numbered
Steps Have Enough Detail/Are Thorough
Safety Procedures are Followed
Proper Disposal of Chemicals Noted
Diagrams Included (if appropriate)
Procedure
Procedure Can Be Duplicated
This project has (been approved / not been approved). If you have been approved
you may start your project at this time. If your project still has something wrong
with it, you MUST correct it before you continue.
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