1. Science Fair 2012

2. The scientific method Ask a Question Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Communicate Your Results

3. Choose a Topic Two things are very important: 1) Think of a topic that interest you 2) Think of a testable question about that topic Remember you are becoming a scientist Example: What is the effect of ______on_______? This topic should be written in a question format.

4. Choose a topic Once you find a general topic that interests you, write down the question that you want to answer. A scientific question usually starts with: – How – What – When – Who – Which – Why – Where

5. Example topics How does water purity affect surface tension? When is the best time to plant soy beans? Which material is the best insulator? How does arch curvature affect load carrying strength? How do different foundations stand up to earthquakes? What sugars do yeast use?

6. Form a Hypothesis This is an educated guess This is an answer to your science fair question Your hypothesis should be written in an “If/then” statement If I add different types of water to soil, then the distilled water will cause my plants to grow faster.”

7. Logbook You need a composition notebook Label your logbook: name, teacher’s name, topic, and grade Number all pages in your logbook Always date every entry Write in blue or black ink ONLY!!! This should be used during all phases of your project.

8. Logbook Write one entry every day Make a table of contents Include a reflections section in your logbook Always include any changes made to procedures in the logbook Include any and all observations during your experiment

9. logbook Answer the following questions: – What did I learn today? – What happened during my experiment? – What are the procedures of my experiment? – What did I observe today with my experiment? – What research did I find today? – What sources did I use today?

12. Backboard Purpose Hypothesis Materials Title (In a question format) Graphs/Charts/Tables Pictures w/captions Procedure Results Conclusion

13. Backboard Everything must be typed…..NO TAPE!!! Limit the number of colors on board DO NOT handwrite on board…EVERYTHING MUST BE TYPED!!! NO GLITTER or GLITTER GLUE

17. Website Use the following websites for help: www.sciencebuddies.org www.sciencebob.org http:\\www.societyforscience.org