Science Fair Preparation Scientific Method Science Fair Preparation

Question What do you want to know? Is it a TESTABLE question? How does temperature affect the growth of mold? How does the color of a shirt affect of heat it absorbs? In what type of light does a plant grow best? How does a volcano erupt? Why isn’t Pluto a planet? How much food does a dog need to stay alive?

Hypothesis What do you think will happen and why? Educated Guess It is a possible answer to the question. My hypothesis is based on these facts that I gathered during my research.

Materials What do you need? A list of items needed to recreate the investigation. Make sure everything is kept the same. Make sure none of the materials are dangerous to handle as a child.

Procedure What steps will you follow to complete this investigation? List all your steps so that another person could repeat your investigation without your help. Clear precise directions. Test your hypothesis at least three times.

Data Collect data in a table or chart to show three or more trials. Make observations and collect appropriate data.

Results What happened? State what you observed. Only the facts. Display your RESULTS in a graph if you can.

Conclusion What is the answer to the question? Did the investigation results match your hypothesis? Interpret your data. Why did the results turn out the way they did? What were your variables?

Variables Independent Variable: the one thing I plan to change. Dependent Variable: The change I will measure. Controlled Variables: The things I will keep the same or constant in my investigation.

Title of Project Large enough to catch the Judges eyes Could be a catchy phrase or idea Short not too long Alteration is nice to the ears Balls Bounce Back, Hot Happenings

Credit Give credit to anyone that has helped you with this project. Make sure this is visible, from typing, buying materials, helping record data.

Important Dates December 18th- Note to teacher that you want to be in the science fair. January 14th- My idea for my science fair will be given to my teacher for approval. February 3rd – Final Projects are due; projects should be brought to the child’s homeroom class February 4th – Projects will be judged and awards given at school that day.

Rules All food stuff must be sealed. All experiments involving animals must be conducted with a respect for life. No live animals may be displayed. No chemicals/household cleaners may be displayed. Photographs may not contain faces of the participants in the experiment.

Helpful Websites: http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/ http://www.nyelabs.com http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/resources.php#14 http://www.rossarts.org/naples/ideas.htm http://www.sciencehunt.com/