Science Fair Projects The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

The Scientific Method You should always follow the steps of the scientific method when doing a science project to be successful. You should always follow the steps of the scientific method when doing a science project to be successful.

Step 1 – Select a Topic Selected Topic October 2012 A. Student What is my interest? B. Parent Will I be able to help? C. Teacher Is the project on level?

DEADLINES AND TIMETABLE Find a Topic/Hypothesis October 25, 2012 Research Paper Results from Experimentation 3 Data/Trial Sets December 14, 2012 Display Boards Due 5 th Grade-January 7, th Grade-January 8, rd Grade-January 9, 2013 Local Science Fair January 11, 2013 District Science Fair January 19, 2013

Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student What are my interests? What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Do I have a question about something? Where to look for topics? Where to look for topics? Science Fair book InternetTeacher Does my project meet the rule requirements? Does my project meet the rule requirements?

Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent Could I help with the selected topic? Could I help with the selected topic? Has the teacher approved the project? Has the teacher approved the project? Does the selected project meet the rule requirements? Does the selected project meet the rule requirements? Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow? Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow? Help set a timeline for my child. Help set a timeline for my child. Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher? Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?

Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher Is the project at the student’s ability level? Is the project at the student’s ability level? Does the project meet the rule requirements? Does the project meet the rule requirements? Is there parent approval? Is there parent approval? What is the timeline for each step? What is the timeline for each step? Locate needed resources for students. Locate needed resources for students. Are the students meeting the timelines? Are the students meeting the timelines?

Data/Project Log - REQUIRED The log starts on the date you select and it is approved by the teacher The log starts on the date you select and it is approved by the teacher Each new entry must be dated Each new entry must be dated This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded Remember all measurements are metric Remember all measurements are metric

Step 2 Identify the Problem This is a sentence or question about the problem. This is a sentence or question about the problem. Example: “What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer?” 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.” Or “I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.”

Step 3 Collect Background Information RESEARCH about Project Media Center Minimum of 5 references BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic CD ROM: Grolier Compton

Research Paper/Notebook - REQUIRED Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. Research your topic in books and online Research your topic in books and online Make notes as you gather background information for the research paper Make notes as you gather background information for the research paper Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words Research paper may be typed or handwritten Research paper may be typed or handwritten You are to have a minimum of five sources You are to have a minimum of five sources Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format

Step 4 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. 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.” 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.”

Step 5 Design an Experiment Materials List: Materials List: All materials needed to conduct the experiment: All materials needed to conduct the experiment:PaperPencilRuler Measuring cup Etc. Procedure: The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Use metric measurements. Step 1 – gather all materials Step 2 – set up experiment Etc.

Step 6 During Experiment During the Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results?

Step 7 Repeat the Experiment The experiment should be repeated at least 3 times. The experiment should be repeated at least 3 times. This is done in order to prove the results as true. This is done in order to prove the results as true.

Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion This is a sentence that states what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? This is a sentence that states what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? Example: “The can kept the soda cooler longer than the glass bottle.” Example: “The can kept the soda cooler longer than the glass bottle.” Explain here why this happened. Explain here why this happened.

Step 9 Application What can the results be used for? What can the results be used for? How can I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment? How can I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment? How will I use what I have learned? How will I use what I have learned? How can others use the information I have gained from the experiment? How can others use the information I have gained from the experiment?

The Display Board Title/ Question Graphs Charts Pictures Hypothesis Procedure *Abstract (Required) Data/ Results Conclusion Application Notebook and Log Required

How It Looks

The Winning Look

RESOURCES Discovery Education - Science Fair CentralScience Fair Central ISEF Science Project PrimerScience Project Primer

Good Luck You can be successful!