The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

The Scientific Process A successful scientist uses the scientific process. The scientific process includes: question hypothesis materials procedure variables trials/ collecting data conclusion based on your data.

Where to look for topics? Select a Topic What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Where to look for topics? Science Fair books Internet Teacher Does my project meet the rule requirements?

Science Journal The log starts on the date you start your investigation Each new entry must be dated This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed- in a notebook ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded

Science Journal Examples

Science Fair Journal

Testable Question This is a sentence or question about the problem. Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer? Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.

Research BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic RESEARCH INTERVIEWS: Reliable source

Background Research Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. Research your topic in books and online Make notes as you do the research Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words Research may be typed or handwritten Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format (on the materials list)

Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done. Do not start with “I think.” Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR “If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

Design an Experiment Materials List: All materials needed to conduct the experiment: Paper Pencil Ruler Measuring cup Etc. Procedure: The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metrics. Step 1 – gather all materials Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment Etc.

Variables A variable is something that changes in an experiment. Manipulated variable- something you change Responding variable- something that changes because of what you change Controlled variable- parts of the experiment that stay the same for all trials. A science experiment should have only ONE manipulated variable.

During the Experiment During the Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results During the Experiment Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results?

Repeat the Experiment The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times. This is part of the rubric. This is done in order to prove the results as true.

Examples of Tables and Graphs Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Plant with sun 3 cm 4 cm 6 cm Plant with no sun.

Conclusion This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? Use the conclusion to compare and contrast your results with your hypothesis, and compare and contrast your different trials.

The Display Board Title/ Question Graphs Charts Pictures Data/ Results Conclusion Application Hypothesis Materials Procedure Notebook Log Required

Display Board

Display Board

Helpful Websites: These will be put on the school’s website! 1)      Science Fair Center - www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#1 2)      Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents – www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=11249928173913392 3)      What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html 4)      Discovery School .com – http://.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/ 5)      Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html 6)      Science Projects 13.01 - http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42 7)      IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/ 8)      Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html 9)  Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html 10)  Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) - www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html 11)  Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html 12)  Yahoo – Ask Earl - http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/ask_earl/20020123.html 13)  Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects - http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm 14)  Lycos Search - http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=1 15)  Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html 16)  Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm 

You are able to be successful! Good Luck You are able to be successful!