1. Middle School Science Fair
All You Need to Know!

2. Topic Information 1. Title
2. Is this an experiment or demonstration? Remember, demonstrations not allowed!
Experiment: Varying a factor to observe the cause and effect
Demonstration: Showing how something works (no cause and effect)
3. What is the question that you are conducting your experiment about?
4. What are you changing in the experiment (cause)? (Test/Independent variable)
5. What are you measuring in the experiment (effect)? (Outcome/Dependent variable)
6. What METRIC unit will you use to collect data? (centimeters, meters, liters, grams, etc.)
7. Brief description of what you are doing.
8. Can you obtain the materials for this project?
9. Can this project be completed in 3 weeks?
10. How can the information from this project be used in the real world?

3. Order of Final Report
****Only one section per page and the section title should be written in capital letters centered at the top of the page. No section titles are needed on additional pages within the same section. All sections should also be typed in 12 font.
Sections of the science fair report in order
TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE
RESEARCH
HYPOTHESIS
MATERIALS
PROCEDURES
DATA TABLE
GRAPHS
OBSERVATIONS/ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

4. Title Page
• DO NOT include section title (TITLE PAGE). Only place where section title is not written on top of page.
• Name of project capitalized properly and spelled correctly. May use larger than size 12 font.
• Heading in lower right-hand corner. Use correct heading.
• Write out date (January 1, 2011) and DO NOT USE numbers like 1/1/11
• No pictures

5. Abstract • Summary of project
• Written in 3rd person and typed with 12 point font single spaced with paragraphs.
• Includes the purpose. Why are you doing this project, why did this experiment interest you?
• Include the hypothesis written as an If, then because statement.
• Brief procedure. No numbered steps and only the important steps are listed. This should be a shorten version of your procedure.
• Summary of analysis.
• Summary of conclusion. Do not have to restate hypothesis.
• Include how knowledge gained can be used in the real world.

6. Table of Contents Double space between parts
• Type all section titles in all capital letters and double space between parts
• Section titles on left side and page numbers on right side
• Only put number of first page if section is more than one page long.
Double space between parts
PURPOSE Page 1
RESEARCH Page 2
HYPOTHESIS Page 6
MATERIALS Page 7
PROCEDURES Page 8
DATA TABLE Page 9
GRAPHS Page 10
OBSERVATIONS/ANALYSIS Page 14
CONCLUSION Page 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY Page 16
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page 17

7. Purpose • No first person or personal pronouns
• Explain why are you doing this project
• Why did THIS experiment interest you?
• Should be a paragraph and single spaced  

8. Research
Assume the reader doesn’t know anything about your topic and you are explaining them all there is to know about your topic and your variables.
This information is based on what you already know about your topic and what you learned from your background research.
For example, if you are doing an experiment on paper towel absorption you would write about what paper towels are and how they absorb water. You would also include what makes each brand of paper towel (that you will use in your experiment) unique in absorbing liquids (quilting, double-ply, etc.).
Paragraphs 1-2=Introduction. Familiarize your reader with your experimental topic.
Paragraphs 3-6+=Explain all test(independent) variables and your outcome(dependent) variable. This is an explanation of the differences between each variable and how it would relate to your topic. For example, if you are testing paper towel absorbency you would explain all the types of paper towels you are going to use and how they are made or what they are made of( paper towel properties) that could affect water absorbency. **DO NOT talk about the actual experiment because you haven’t performed it yet.
Last Paragraph=Summary/conclusion
Background information written in expository style writing (third person). No first person or personal pronouns.
Written in your OWN words. Do not cut and paste information from sources.
Should be 2-4 pages double-spaced typed with size 12 font.

9. Hypothesis
• Size 12 font
• Written as in IF….., then…..because statement that is a complete sentence.
• “If” is the cause part of the statement that relates test(independent) variable.
• “Then” is effect part of statement that is the outcome(dependent) variable with prediction of what will happen to the dependent variable that is being measured.
• “Because” part of the statement is a reason why supported from your research.
Written as a formalized style using the following template:
If (test/independent variable), then (prediction of what will happen to the outcome/dependent variable when the test/independent variable changes) because (why?).
**When making your prediction, pick one of your independent variables and then predict if the dependent variable will be greater or less and why.
If the drop height of blood is increased, then dropping blood from 100 cm will create the largest splatter because it is farthest from the ground.

10. MATERIALS
Double-spaced type with size 12 font.
List all materials used including Science Journal.
Use metric measurements.
Each material should be listed separately.
Be specific with amounts, sizes, brands, etc.
PROCEDURES
Number the steps. Do not write the word “step” or use order words or bullets.
Double-spaced type size 12 font. If step is longer than 1 line, single space that step, then double space between numbered steps.
List all steps separately
Be specific with amounts/ sizes. Don’t forget to use metric measurements.
Clear and concise-sequential.
No first person or personal pronouns.
Reader should be able to replicate (conduct) the experiment using your directions.
Test (independent) and Outcome (dependent) variables and the control are emphasized meaning the reader should know what is being changed, what is being measured, and what is used as a comparison.
Pictures or drawings are used to support written directions if needed.
Make sure one step says to record data in Science Journal
Also include a step that references to repetition (multiple trials at least 3)

11. Graphs!
For help creating graphs go to:
• Graphs are all on separate sheets and should be colorful.
• If graphs are not created by computer they should be on graph paper and not completed in pencil (you may use colored pencils)
• All trials (at least 3) and averages of trials are represented on separate graphs.
• Each graph should have a title and the X and Y axis should be labeled in metric units
• X axis (horizontal) is Test (independent) variable; Y axis (vertical) is Outcome (dependent) variable
• Control is evident. This is what your data is being compared to.

12. Data Analysis • Single space type paragraph
• No first person or pronouns
• Describe observations
• Compare results (averages) to your control experiment
• Discuss results by using specific data (will include numbers) by comparing the results in your experiment. What happened to the data? Did the variable increase, decrease? By how much?
• How did the data vary between trials?
• Explain the source of errors/potential errors in data

13. Conclusion • No first person or personal pronouns
• Single space with 12 font
1st paragraph
• Restate the hypothesis in “If…then…” form.
• State if hypothesis was supported or not supported and tell WHY, include data from your experiment to support conclusion.
• Compare averages from your trials to help support your decision.
• You should use numbers (data) from your experiment to prove why results support or do not support your hypothesis.
2nd paragraph
• Show how knowledge gained can be used in real life.
3rd paragraph
• What would you do differently if you did this experiment again?
• What other experiments should be conducted if you wanted to expand on the same idea in the future?

14. Bibliography Websites to help you (use MLA citations)
See Reference Section of your Binder for directions on how to write a bibliography.
Need at least 3-5 current sources
Alphabetical order by first word of each entry.
2nd line and all others indented 5 spaces.
Each entry is single space typed BUT double spaced BETWEEN entries.
Period goes at end of each entry.
Do not number entries or use bullets.
Size 12 font

15. Who do you want to give thanks for helping you with your project?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Who do you want to give thanks for helping you with your project?

16. Sample Display 1

17. Sample Display 2

18. Display Board Rubric Superior SF Board Rubric (Sections 5 pts each)
Material ______
Procedure _____
Abstract ______
Title __________
Purpose _______
Hypothesis _____
Graphs ________
Charts ________
Conclusion _____
Application _____
Superior
10 pts
Satisfactory
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
2 pts
In proper order
Somewhat in order
Most not in order
Sections
Easy to read
Somewhat easy to read
Not easy to read
Information
Extra effort into display
Somewhat effort into display
Little effort into display
Neatness in Display
Total (with 20 pt curve) ___________

19. SF Presentation Rubric
Superior
10 pts
Satisfactory
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
2 pts
Can be heard easily
Somewhat easy to hear
Not speaking loud enough
Expression
Organized
Somewhat organized
Poorly organized
Good understanding of major concepts
Some basic understanding of major concepts
Poor understanding of major concepts
Knowledge
Does not exceed 3-5 minutes
Beyond 5 minutes
Less than 3 minutes
Length
Effective presentation
Somewhat effective presentation
Ineffective presentation
Overall
Total (with 50 pt curve) _______________________