JAMM Middle School Science Fair

ProjectName: ______________________________________

Class:____________

Timeline for the Science Fair Project

1. Science Fair Topic Notification Due Date: _____________

2. Hypothesis- Final Due Date: _____________

3. Science Fair Research Due Date:_____________

4. Experimental Design Final Copy Due Date: _____________

5. Materials & Procedures Due Date: _____________

6. Data Tables Due Date: _____________

7. Explaining the Results Due Date: _____________

8. Drawing Conclusions Due Date: _____________

9. Post-Experiment Research Due Date:_____________

10. Written Report Due Date:_____________

a. Abstract Due Date:_____________

b. Written paper Due Date: _____________

c. Works Cited Due Date: _____________

11. Display Board Due Date: _____________

12. Prepare your Note Card page Due Date: _____________

13. Science Fair Binder Due Date: _____________

Science Fair Log*If you need more lines ask for an additional copy or re-create this chart.

Date: What I worked on or my observations: Hours

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Total Hours Worked: ________

Name__________________________#________

Date__________________________ Class________________

Date this sheet is due for a homework grade: __________________

Science Fair Topic NotificationI choose to study ____________for this year’s science fair topic.

I chose this topic because:

I have put a lot of thought into this topic because I know if I change my topic in the future, all subsequent science fair assignment grades will be docked 15%.

I plan to measure my results this way:

In your best handwriting, recopy the following sentence on the lines below: “I understand that all measurements for the science fair must be in SI units!”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________ __________

Student Signature Date

__________________________ __________

Parent Signature Date

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Name: _______________________________________ Class: _____________________ Due Date: ____________________

Research Topic & HypothesisMy research topic _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

My research problem ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

My Hypothesis (remember this must be an if / then statement)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Science Fair Initial ResearchThis assignment is important because it will affect you in three ways:

1. It is graded.

2. You will use it when you talk to the judges to convince them that you really understand your topic.

3. The effort you put into this research will affect your science grade when you have to write a 10 page science fair paper starting in January. You need to do a thorough job on your research NOW so you will be able to use the information in your report.

Research means gathering information from different sources. Research will be different for every experiment. While completing research, focus on broader topic, not just the particular experiment. For example, if a student is experimenting with the affect of road salt on plants, research might include: where road salt comes from, how it is obtained, where in the country it is most often used, why it is used, how it works, how much is applied, how brands of road salt differ, what the salt molecule looks like, how salinity affects plants, what type of plants are most affected, and etc.

To begin, you need to come up with some questions to guide your research. For example, suppose you want to discover which kind of soil aloe plants prefer. Some questions you might ask are:

-What are some traits or characteristics of aloe plants?

-What is the scientific name for an aloe plant?

-To what area are aloe plants native?

-What growing zone do aloe plants prefer?

-How often should one water aloe plants?

-Do aloe plants require fertilizer or a certain type of soil?

-Have similar experiments been done on this topic? What did they test and what were the results?

Now it is your turn. Write 5 questions about your topic to guide your research. Ask a friend or adult if you need help coming up with something.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Name__________________________ #_____ Class______ Date__________________

Science Fair Research Page 1

Electronic Source #1

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because:

Electronic Source #2

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because: 5

Name__________________________ #_____ Class______ Date__________________

Science Fair Research Page 2Other Source #1 (Can be a book, article, journal, letter and response from an expert, etc. CANNOT be another typical internet source.)

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because:

Other Source #2 (Can be a book, article, journal, letter and response from an expert, etc. CANNOT be another typical internet source.)

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because: 6

Name__________________________ #_____ Class______ Date__________________

Science Fair Research Bonus Page You may choose to do both, one or none of these for bonus. You may choose from any applicable sources.

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because:

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because: 7

The Parts of the Scientific MethodRead and use this information to complete the next assignment.

Independent Variable-The independent variable is the ONE thing in the experiment you are going to change.-You are allowed to have several “levels” of the independent variable.-List your levels in a logical order. The first one listed will be your control.

Examples:

A. kind of dog treat homemade-----------control Bow-Wow brand Gaines Burgers Puppy Chow

B. height of marble 0 cm-----------control 5 cm 10 cm 15 cm

-The control is the one thing in your experiment you are not going to test so you can determine whether or not your experiment made any difference.

-If there is no “logical order” for your independent variable, simply choose one level. If you think you don’t have a control, think again. Judges will want to see a control.

Dependent Variable-The dependent variable is the result of the independent variable.-It must be measurable.-It will often be represented by a number or a measurement. (Remember to use SI units.)

Examples:

A. which dog treat the Terrier chose

B. crater diameter in mm

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Hypothesis-The hypothesis is a statement that can be tested.-It is written as “If_________________, then_________________.”-The independent variable goes in the first blank and your prediction of the dependent variable results will go in the second blank.-You may NOT use any names or personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, me, my, mine, you, yours, his, her, hers, we, they, us, them, our, ours, your, yours, their, theirs.) -Consider using the words “increase” and/or “decrease.”

Examples:

A. If a Terrier is given a choice of dog treats, then the Terrier will choose the homemade dog treat over manufactured dog treats.

B. If a marble is dropped into flour, then the marble dropped from 15cm will make the largest diameter crater.

C. If the refrigerator temperature increases, then the amount of spoiled food will increase.

Constants-The constants are all the things in your experiment that you will try to keep fair.-There are many constants for each experiment.

Examples:

A. giving the dog treats at the same time of day, always putting the treat in the same hand, testing the same dog or dogs, same location, and etc.

B. using the same brand of flour, same amount of flour, same tray for holding the flour, same environmental conditions, same measuring device, and etc.

C. same refrigerator, same kind of food, same amount of food, same location of food in the refrigerator

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Name__________________________________ #__________ Date__________ Class_________________

Sample Experimental Design Diagram Use this as a help as you complete your own experimental design diagram on the next page.

Independent Variable: soil type Dependent Variable: heightList the levels of the Independent Variable:

-potting soil control

-soil from yard-compost

Measured in: cm

Hypothesis: If aloe plants are grown in different types of soil, (I.V.)

then compost will produce the tallest plants. (D.V.)

Title: Effect of Soil Type on Aloe Plant Height (I.V. on D.V.—capitalize all big/important words and the last word)

Constants: (List all the things you will keep “fair.”)

-same type and size pots-same amount of soil-same type of plants-same size of plants-same location-same amount of light-same amount of water

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Name__________________________________ #__________ Date__________ Class_________________

Experimental Design Diagram Rough DraftIndependent Variable: Dependent Variable:List the levels of the Independent Variable: control

Measured in:

Hypothesis: If ____________________________________________________, (I.V.)

then _________________________________________________. (D.V.)

Title: Effect of ______________________________________________ (I.V. on D.V.—capitalize all big/important words and the last word)

Constants: (List all the things you will keep “fair.”)

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Name__________________________________ #__________ Date__________ Class_________________

Experimental Design Diagram Final CopyRecopy the previous page NEATLY, making all corrections noted, and putting things in the correct location.

Title: Effect of ______________________________________________ (I.V. on D.V.—capitalize all big/important words and the last word)

Hypothesis: If ____________________________________________________, (I.V.)

then _________________________________________________. (D.V.)

Constants: (List all the things you will keep “fair.”)

Independent Variable: Dependent Variable:List the levels of the Independent Variable: control

Measured in:

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Name__________________ #_____ Date___________________ Class_____________

Sample Materials and ProceduresUse this as an example to complete your own material and procedures on the next page.

Materials: 9 identical flower pots 9 aloe plants 1 bag potting soil 1 bag compost Shovel Bucket scoop Graduated cylinder Tap water

Procedure: 1. Use shovel to dig some soil from backyard and place in bucket.

2. Fill 3 pots with compost, 3 with potting soil, and 3 with soil from backyard. Make sure pots are filled to same level.

3. Label each plant with type of soil and A, B, or C

4. Plant one aloe plant in each pot.

5. Water plants with the same amount of tap water.

6. Record date planted and amount of water given.

7. Place plants in sunny window.

8. Water as needed (use same amount of water for each) and measure and record height each Saturday.

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Name__________________ #_____ Date___________________ Class_____________

Materials and Procedures

List your materials and procedures below OR create it in a word document and bring in a printed copy for a grade. Use the previous page as an example.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Name__________________ #_____ Date___________________ Class_____________ Due_______________

Record your results!Every experiment is different. Think about your particular experiment and the best way to record your results. In the space below, design a table to keep track of your data. If you have access to a computer, use the computer to design and print your data table.

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Complete your Experiment!Now that all the preliminary work is completed, you need to purchase your supplies and

complete your experiment.

Be sure to record everything in your log

Keep accurate data on the chart you made for your data table

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Name__________________ #_____ Date___________________ Class_____________

Please do not answer any questions until you have read through the ENTIRE three page assignment!

Explaining the Results 1. Write one or two sentences telling what happened in your experiment.

Example: The grass watered by Diet Mountain Dew grew taller than the grass watered with other liquids.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Think about what happened in your experiment. Circle the correct words from those that are underlined:

The results supported/partially supported/did not support the hypothesis.

3. Write one or two sentences answering the following questions: Were your results what you expected? Why or why not?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________ 17

Drawing Conclusions1. Write a complete sentence explaining your answer to the following question: Each time you did your experiment, did you get the same results?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Write a complete sentence or two explaining your answer to the following question: Is there anything else you can think of that could have affected your results? Examples: I didn’t think about location and one plant received more sunlight than the others. OR One of my subjects didn’t follow directions and this affected the results.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Write a complete sentence or two explaining how you would correct the problems you mentioned in question 2. Examples: Next time, I would I would make sure all 3 plants were put in the same windowsill OR Next time, I would print out directions and have each participant sign them first to make sure they clearly understood.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18

4. Write a complete sentence or two answering the following question: If you could do this experiment again, what would you do differently?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Now that your experiment is finished, write at least 3 related questions.

Examples:

Was it the caffeine in the Diet Mountain Dew that affected the growth of the plants?

Since coffee has a lot of caffeine, how would plants do if they are watered with coffee?

What would happen if I compared plants grown with Diet Coke and Caffeine Free Diet Coke?

1.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Name__________________________ #_____ Class______ Date__________________

Post-Experiment Research

The purpose of this source is to determine WHY your experiment turned out the way it did. Becoming knowledgeable in this area will help you convince the judge that you cared enough to find out why you got the results you did. You may talk to an expert in the subject area, look in an encyclopedia or other book, or look up on-line.

Author’s last name: Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because:

Author’s last name:Author’s first name:

Title of Website: Title of webpage:

Date published or last revised: Date retrieved:

Publisher/Web site sponsor:

URL (the ENTIRE http . . . )

Pertinent facts in your own words: (Do not describe what the article was about, list FACTS with bullets!)

I consider this a credible source because: 20

The Written ReportIt’s time to take all the information from your science fair binder and create an organized report. This page shows what

must be on each section. The next two pages show examples of what those pages will look like. Use 12 point Times New Roman font, double spaced, and 1 inch margins throughout the paper. SAVE ALL OF YOUR WORK ON A FLASH DRIVE SO IT WILL BE EASY TO

MAKE CHANGES. ** mean you will be making a second copy for your display board. See packet for pictures of how each page should look!

Title Page Due ______

The Project TitleYour Name

SchoolSchool Street

School City, State, and Zip Code

Grade Seven (or) Grade Eight

Table of Contents Due ______-You will type this page LAST because you don’t yet know what page each item will be on -List all parts of the report along with the page numbers.

Abstract --turn in 1 rough draft copy. Due ______Turn in 1 final copy. Due ______Heading:-Your name-School Name-City-Teacher Name-Category (Skip this for now, but if you go to the diocesan science fair, you will need to add it in.)-Title

-You will be writing a short summary of your experiment.

Paragraph 1: Purpose—what you set out to investigate Paragraph 2: Procedure—how you did it Paragraph 3: Conclusion—what happened single spaced 250 words or less past tense NO personal pronouns (I, me, my, mine, us, we, our, ours) 12 point Times New Roman font

**Problem Due ______-Explain how you got the idea.

**Experimental Procedure Due ______

Question Hypothesis (See p. 11.) Materials (See p. 12.) Procedure: (See p. 12.)

o Write exactly what you did and how you did it. This part should be so detailed that a child two years younger than you could get the same results.

o Explain what equipment you used and include the size, brand, and type.

No personal pronouns

Log Done in Computer ClassType up the portion of your log showing your observations.

**Data table or graph (See p. 13 and/or flash drive.)Include the graph you made in computer class.

**Results Due ______ (See p.16.) The results did/did not/partially support(ed) the hypothesis. Explain why or why not.

**Conclusion Due ______ (See pp. 17-18.)Explain any problems and how you would correct them in the future.

Explain what you would do differently if you did this experiment again.

Discuss how your results were similar to or different than what you expected.

Explain why you think you got the results you did. Use the results of your recent research to help you.

Discuss other questions you now have that could lead to future experiments.

Works Cited Due ______

Use citationmachine.net or easybib.com to list all the

-State hypothesis. (See p. 11.)-Explain your topic.-Include important information from your research. (See pp. 4, 5, and 6.) Explain what you hoped to achieve in your project.

sources that provided you with information.

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How each page of your Written Report Should Look

The Effect of Grow-Fast Fertilizer on Plant Height

John H. DoeFillmore Central School

107 Road PSaronville, NE 87905

Grade 7

Table of Contents

Abstract......................................................1Introduction ..............................................2Experimental Procedure.............................3Log.............................................................4etc.

John H. DoeSt. Mark SchoolNew Haven, CTMrs. Girmus “The Effect of Grow-Fast Fertilizer on Plant Height”

Abstract

The television commercials advertise a name brand fertilizer as growing the best tomato plants. The purpose of this project was to determine if this particular brand of fertilizer would produce more tomatoes. The hypothesis was: If Super Grow Fertilizer is applied to tomato plants at weekly intervals, then plants receiving Super Grow will produce the greatest number of tomatoes.

To complete this experiment, nine tomatoes were planted. Three were fertilized with Super Grow, three were fertilized with Home Depot brand of fertilizer, and three were not fertilized.. . .

The results of the experiment supported the hypothesis. The tomatoes that were fertilized . . . (Continue by describing your conclusions . . . )

1

Problem

The hypothesis is: If Super Grow fertilizer is applied to tomato plants at weekly intervals, then plants receiving Super Grow will produce more tomatoes than plants that did not receive any fertilizer. I got this idea from watching my father grow his tomatoes. My Dad fertilized the tomatoes once a week and I was curious about whether or not it made a difference. To set up my experiment, I planted 9 tomato plants. I waited until they were 5 cm tall, then I began mixing the fertilizers according to the instructions on the package. Three plants received Super Grow fertilizer; three plants received the Home Depot brand, and three plants did not receive any fertilizer. Plants were fertilized once a week. The three plants that did not receive any fertilizer were my control.

Experimental Procedure

Question: Does fertilizer affect the amount of tomatoes produced?

Hypothesis: : If Super Grow Fertilizer is applied to tomato plants at weekly intervals, then plants receiving Super Grow will produce the greatest number of tomatoes.

Materials: 9 identical cups, 9 tomato plants of the same variety and size, Home Depot tomato plant fertilizer, Grow Fast fertilizer, and etc.

Procedure: 1. Fill 9 cups with potting soil.2. Plant one tomato in each cup. 3. Water the plants with the same amount of water.etc.

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Log

Date Observation

9-12 Did research on my topic.

9-13 Wrote my hypothesis.

9-20 Bought the materials.

9-25 Planted the tomato plants..

9-29 Measured and recorded the height of the tomato plants. .

etc. etc.

4

2

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The graph or table you made in computer class

goes here!

5

Results

The results did/did not/partially supported my hypothesis.

Write a paragraph explaining why or why not.

6

Conclusion

From this experiment, I learned . . .

If I could do this again, next time I would . .

One problem I had was not all the grass seed germinated on the same day, so it wasn’t all the same height. Next time I would fertilize after the 8th day, rather than after it reached a certain height.

My results were about what I expected. After doing some research, I concluded that fertilizer generally contains three different ingredients. Based on this information, I went to Home Depot and read the labels on several different types of fertilizer.

Now I wonder what would happen if I tried a type of fertilizer that was did not include any potassium. etc.

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Works Cited

Use citationmachine.net or easybib.com to list all the sources that provided you with information.

There should be at least 6 sources from pages 6, 7, and 18 (and two more sources if you did bonus.)

Also, if you did any research over the summer or interviewed an expert, be sure to include that, too.

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Name__________________ #_____ Date___________________ Class_____________

Planning your DisplayYour homework is to think about these items, discuss them with your parents and bring in a signature so I know you are getting ready to make your display:

1. Choose a decorating color or theme for your display. Use colors that go well together and do not use more than three different colors. You want your display to look very attractive.

2. Go to a craft store and obtain colored construction paper, different kinds of scrap booking paper, stickers and etc. (Choose items that will make your display look neat and original--this is your chance to be very creative!)

3. Buy a glue stick or rubber cement and a display board.

4. Put construction paper under the papers before you stick them onto the display board, so they have a “frame” around them.

5. Use a computer, stencils, or bubble letters to make your title. Also, make your title nice and big. The title should be in a very large font size.

6. You MAY NOT include your name on the front of your poster board; only the back.

7. All units MUST be in SI units!!!! No customary units are allowed anywhere in this project!

_______________________ ___________

(Parent Signature) (Date)

Printing the Parts of the Display

You will need to pull up each of the following files from your written report. Make sure each page is perfect and free of errors. Change the font sizes as you wish, making sure they are large enough to be seen from a distance. Choose fonts

and colors that are easily readable. You may have to cut some papers so they fit better on your display board.

ProblemHypothesisProcedureGraph/Table/ChartResultsConclusion 24

Creating your DisplayCheck off each step as you complete it:

____1. Use a glue stick or rubber cement to paste the Problem, Hypothesis and Procedure on the left side.

____2. Paste the Results and Conclusions on the right side.

____3. In the middle, put your title in large letters.

____4. In the middle, under your title, paste your graph/table/chart and any pictures you took.

____5. DO NOT PUT ANY NAMES, INCLUDING YOUR OWN, ON YOUR DISPLAY BOARD!

____6. Are all measurements in SI as opposed to customary units?

Sample Display Board:Problem

Hypothesis

Procedure

Yum . . .

Dog Treats!(Your title may either be “Effect of I.V. on D.V”

or something more creative.

Pictures, graphs, and data go here!

Results

Conclusions

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Name_______________________ #_____ Class________________ Note card due_____________________________

Prepare your Note Card! Make a note card following this exact format! You may choose the size of note card. Fill in your information where needed. You do not need complete sentences, just key words listed in the same order as the sample below! (Look back in your binder to find all of this information!)

Name:Topic:I chose this topic because:Hypothesis:To do my experiment, I: (This should take the longest amount of time. Go slowly, be thorough. Really make sure your audience can understand what you did.)

Independent Variable:Dependent Variable:Control:Constants:My results (supported, partially supported or did not support) my hypothesis.In conclusion, I learned:From my research, I learned this probably happened because:(Show your research to the judge.)If I could do this again:

Now it is time to practice, practice, practice. Stand beside your display so you can point out information as it comes up. Have the research page in your binder marked with a tab or sticky note so you will be able to point it out to the

judges. Memorize your note card. Just have it by your side for emergencies. Look at the person you are presenting to.

Check off the following as you complete them and have your parents sign that you completed all of the steps.

_____I practiced in front of the mirror 5 times.

_____I practiced in front of my parents 2 times.

_____I practiced in front of someone else at least 1 time.

____________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian signature due: ___________________

(Parent/Guardian Signature) (Date)

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Organized binder is due: __________________________

Organize Your BinderCheck off each item as you complete it:_____Label a set of dividers with the following titles:

"Abstract"

"Log"

"Research"

"Report"

_____Remove all informative papers that do not contain your handwriting.

Organize your binder in the following order:

_____"Abstract" divider

_____a copy of your abstract

_____"Log" divider

_____a well-completed and typed copy of your log (see p. 2)

_____"Research" divider

_____pp. 5, 6, 7 (if you did it) and 18. You can earn bonus points by typing your research and showing it to your teacher before the science fair. (After the science fair is too late.)

_____ “Report” divider

_____ a copy of your ENTIRE report

If you have any other important papers you want to include, make more dividers, label them appropriately and put them AFTER the above information. One such section might be entitled “Acknowledgements”. In this section, you would give thanks and recognition to all those who helped with your project.

_____Make a nice cover for your binder. 27

Tips for a Successful PresentationDress nicely! Do not wear anything that would take the focus off the hard work you put into your project.

This is your chance to tell the panel of judges about your project. You will place your project on the display stand and stand next to it.

Things to do:

Stand straight and tall. Wait until everything is set up and the panel is quiet and settled before beginning. Proceed to tell the panel about your project. Make eye contact with the entire panel at some point during the presentation. Proceed through the information on your note card, but do not read directly off the

card. Try to do it from memory. (Keep the note card handy only in case you get flustered.)

Point out the information on the board as you refer to it. Act like an expert because you are one. No one knows more about your project than

you do!

A few NEVERS:

When it is your turn, simply walk forward, get your display and place it on the stand. Do NOT talk to others on the way to/from your seat.

If your display falls down, do not get flustered and make a comment. Simply pick it up, get resituated and pick up where you left off.

Do not ask, “May I start over?” The answer is “No.” If you skipped a step, just say, “I forgot to mention” and go back and fix it.

If a disruption happens such as a message on the intercom or a knock at the door, pause until it passes, then pick up where you left off.

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Tips for a Successful Science Fair Presentation

Look like a professional!

This is your chance to tell the judges about your project. You will present your presentation in front of the panel.

Do not wait for the judge to ask you about your project!

Be assertive. Stand straight and tall. Set up your project. Take your time but be prompt. When you are ready start presenting. Then proceed to tell the judge about your project. Proceed through the information on your note card, but do not read directly off the card. Try to do it

from memory. (Keep the note card handy only in case you get flustered.) Point out the information on the board as you refer to it. Act like an expert because you are one. No one knows more about your project than you do! Ask the judge if he/she has any questions. Answer the judge’s questions by carrying on a conversation with him/her just like you would with a

teacher. It is okay to ask for clarification, such as, “Do you have any ideas I could use to improve my project for next year?” Or if the judge gives a suggestion, say something like, “How would I go about doing that?”

Thank the judges for coming and donating his/her time. Then shake each of their hands before tearing down your presentation and going back to class.

Remember you will also be graded on your professional conduct from the time you enter the judging area to the time you completely exit. Remember to be professional.

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Name________________________ #_____ Date_______________ Class _____________

Science Fair Final GradesEach of the following grades will count as a "Test" for your 3rd quarter science grade. Late work will receive 50% credit if completed after your assigned presentation day, but before the science fair. Work submitted after the science fair will receive no credit.

Class Presentation _____/27

Excellent Average Needs Improvement

Correctly stated each of the main points without prompting:

NameTopicReason for choosing topicHypothesisHow you did experimentI.V.D.V.ControlConstantsResultsResearchConclusions

12 -1 for each item missing

Exhibits passion about topic 3 2 1

Loud, clear voice 3 2 1

Eye contact--looked at entire class, not just teacher

3 2 1

Posture--stood straight and tall, no leaning 3 2 1

Able to answer fair questions correctly 3 Answered all fair questions correctly

2 Answered all but 1 fair question

1 Missed more than 1 fair question

correctly

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Execution of Scientific Method ______/24

Excellent—6 points Average—5 points Needs Improvement—4 points

Number of Trials 6 points 4 or more trials 5 points 3 trials 4 points 1 or 2 trials

Number of Subjects Tested or Levels of the Independent Variable

6 points 16-20 subjects/levels21 or more=1 bonus pt.

5 points 7-15 subjects/levels

4 points 1-6 subjects/levels

Use of Constants 6 points 5 points 4 points

Control of Variables 6 points 5 points 4 points

Binder _____/24

Excellent Average Needs Improvement

Missing

In order:

1. Abstract2. Log3. Research4. Report5. Other

5 -1 for each item or parts of items missing or out of order

All pages of report. 5 4 3 0

Effort on log 5 4 3 0

Research pages included 5, 6, and 18 3 2 1 0

Organization/Use of Dividers 3 2 1 0

Informational Pages Removed 3 2 1 0

Bonus for Extra Typing + + + 1 point per completely typed page

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Display Board _____/26

Excellent Average Needs Improvement

Missing

Effort to make attractive 4 3 2

Layout 4 3 2

Grammar 4 3 2

Readability 4 3 2

Graph:a. typedb. correct type of graph: line for change over time, bar for comparison, circle for parts of the wholec. axis labeled

4 3 2 0

SI Units 4 3 2

Professionalism at Science Fair _____/15

Appropriate Needs Improvement

Attire 5 0 and potentially a change to a uniform or a phone call home

Self-conduct 5 0 or -1 pt. per incident

Preparedness 5 0 or -1 pt. per incident

32

Science Fair Hints for JudgesSteps of the Scientific Method:

1. Problem: What was the original question?

2. Hypothesis: Written as an “If, then” statement with no personal pronouns.

3. Procedure: Steps to completing the experiment

4. Results: Was the hypothesis proven or not?

5. Conclusions: What did you learn? What would you change? How could you apply this information?Sample questions:

Why did you choose this topic?

What was your independent variable? (the one thing being tested)

What was your dependent variable? (the result of that one thing being tested)

What was your control? (something that stays the same for comparison purposes)

What were your constants? (things kept the same in all trials to insure fairness)

How many times did you replicate your experiment?

If you could do this again, what would you change?

What did you learn from this experiment?

Where could this be used in the real world?

Binders should include:

Abstract: a summary of the experiment

Log

Research

Report

Display Board, look for:

SI Units (Metric)

Grammar