What makes a good science fair project What makes a good science fair project? Eq: What are the most effective ways to carry out a scientific inquiry?

Finding a Topic Probably the most difficult step in the process! Think about how you can improve your life with SCIENCE How could science help you in sports? How could science help you build a better machine? How could science help you become a better musician? How could science help you become a better cook? The ways in which science can help you become a better you are endless!

Finding a Topic Your topic is to be focused on how science can improve your life. Ex: Running Research Question: What factors affect a runner’s average 1 mile pace? Possible independent variables: Shoes worn How tight laces are Temperature of air Humidity Terrain NO SCIENCE BUDDIES/KIT PROJECTS/PINTEREST!!

1. Develop The Project Question/Purpose Find a relevant topic of interest Must be a topic that will help you improve some aspect of your life Write a question to be answered (How, What, When, Which, or Why?) Write down ideas in Science Fair Logbook

Log book rules All entries must be in black ink pen Write on the RIGHT hand side of the page only No scribbling out or erasing. If you make a mistake, strike through it once and carry on like nothing even happened. I made a mistake I corrected my mistake Number pages as you go Do not pre-set Table of Contents

Mock Log book Set Up 7th Grade Front cover --- Name, Best Flying Paper Airplane, Mrs. Belaski Page 1 --- List and center: your name, Fairplay MS, 8311 Hwy 166, Douglasville, GA 30135, 2016 Page 2: Label -- Table of Contents p. 3 Problem Statement p. 4 Research Page 3: Label : Problem Write word for word : What factor makes a paper airplane fly farther? Page 4: Label: Research This is where you will write and cite your research

Mock Log book set up --- 8th grade Front cover --- Name, Carrying Cargo, Mrs. Belaski Page 1 --- List and center: your name, Fairplay MS, 8311 Hwy 166, Douglasville, GA 30135, 2016 Page 2: Label -- Table of Contents p. 3 Problem Statement p. 4 Research Page 3: Label : Problem Write word for word : What factor enables a paper airplane to carry the most cargo? Page 4: Label: Research This is where you will write and cite your research

Research Use a minimum of three sources of information on the topic Use scholarly sources (Don’t cite search engines such as Google) Cite sources in APA format (with in-text citations) Go to LINKS on my website for the link below: APA Format http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-website You want to be able to build on the experience of others Background research helps you understand theory and informs the experimental design Record information in the Science Fair Logbook

Hypothesis Label the next section of your logbook HYPOTHESIS, and number the page Go to table of contents, record page number with the word “Hypothesis” Identify Variables: Independent Variable – the factor that will changed Dependent Variable – the factor that will be measured Constants --- variables that will not change

hypothesis Predict the outcome of the experiment The hypothesis should include the independent and dependent variables Record the hypothesis in Science Fair Logbook Must be in the if, then format

Experimentation Turn the page, number, and label it EXPERIMENTATION Go to table of contents, record page number with the word “Experimentation” Identify needed MATERIALS, turn the page Number the next page. Label it EXPERIMENTAL STEPS Write out your EXPERIMENTAL STEPS clearly Skip 3 pages, numbering as you turn Label the page DATA TABLES to record findings

Creating Data tables EX: Independent Variable: Size of wing 4 cm wings Trial number: 1 # of pennies 6 2 9 3 13 You will need six data tables 3 variables tested x 2 variations of each variable Test each variable 3 times To ensure a more accurate number Average the results Add the trials (there should be three) and divide by 3 8 cm wings Trial number: 1 # of pennies 9 2 15 3 10

Data Collection You will be collecting data on your 3 independent variables. Add materials to materials list as used Add/adjust experimental steps as needed Black pen only in logbook Fill in data in data tables Materials on the back counter or in the art drawers --- keep it tidy! We will be working in the hallway. Minimize the noise! Take all necessary materials into the hall with you. Logbook, black pen, plane, rulers, etc Time is of the essence! Do not waste it

Graphing data Turn to the next open page, number it, and title it GRAPHS Look at the data collected, what type of graph would most appropriately display the data collected? Bar graph is usually easiest You will have 3 graphs 1 per independent variable, 1 per page Label the X axis, title it with your first independent variable Label the Y axis, title it: Distance Flown (7th grade) or Number of Pennies (8th grade) Start with O and then determine the correct numbers up the side Graph the data collected

Analysis Skip four pages, numbering as you go, and stop on the fifth page. Number, then title this page ANALYSIS Go to Table of Contents, write the page number and the word ANALYSIS This is where you reflect on your data tables and graphs and describe how each variable affected the distance your plane flew (7th grade) or the number of pennies your plane carried (8th grade)

Conclusion Skip 3 pages, numbering as you go. Stop at the 4th page, title it CONCLUSION Go to Table of Contents, enter page number and CONCLUSION Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis State the relationship between the independent and dependent variable Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design) and/or possibilities for further study

Conclude Summarize the data and highlight significant data, differences, and/or trends Summarize the science fair and use this summary to support the conclusion project results Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis Include key facts from the background research to help explain the results as needed If appropriate, state the relationship between the independent and dependent variable Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design) and/or possibilities for further study

6. Conduct the experiment and analyze the results Measurements are made accurately and precisely Collect data in a table in the Science Fair Logbook Graph data Analyze data

The DISPLAY BOARD Organize it like a newspaper The title should be easily read from across the room Use at least 24 point font for text Use tables, graphs, diagrams, and photos (no pictures of people) The logbook, abstract and paperwork should be present with the display board. It should be neat, attractive, organized, and without distractions.

The DISPLAY BOARD

The PRESENTATION You will be presenting in class. I will guide you through the process by asking the same questions of all presenters. This will be graded. I will model a presentation for you in the days before presentations begin