1. SCIENCE FAIR Mini-Lesson #5
Finishing Your Science Fair Project

2. DO NOT WRITE IN OR ON THE BLUE FOLDER!
Let’s Begin……
Use your blue folders to find the answers to the questions in “Finishing Your Project” Notes. You will read multiple sections of the blue folder to find the answers. You will have 40 minutes to complete.
Remember:
DO NOT WRITE IN OR ON THE BLUE FOLDER!

3. What preparations should you make before you start the experiment?
Can you make changes to your experimental procedure?
Should you take pictures during your experiment?
* Know what to do (procedure), get a lab
notebook, be prepared, think of safety
* Yes, as long as you record the changes
in your data notebook
* Yes, Yes, & Yes!!!

4. When you are ready with all of your preparations and procedure/materials, you may conduct your experiment. During your experiment, you will collect data. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Data Analysis” and “Summarizing Your Data” to answer questions 1-5.

5. If you collect several trials worth of data, what should you calculate when performing your data analysis?
When you graph data, where does the independent variable go?
When you graph data, where does the dependent variable go?
* the average
* X-axis
* Y-axis

6. 4. If you have different experimental groups, what type of graph should you use?
5. If you have different experimental groups and you take data over time, distance, etc., what type of graph(s) should you use?
* Bar graph
* Line graph

7. While conducting your experiment, you should be making 2 types of observations. These observations should be reported in charts, graphs and data tables both in your final report and on your backboard.
Observations = information that is gathered using the five _______
also known as _____
senses
data

8. Types of observations:
Quantitative observations = Observations in __________ form.
i.e.
Qualitative observations = Observations that are __________ and do not involve ________
numerical
# organisms, temp., area, mass
descriptive
numbers
behavior, videotapes, pictures

9. Guidelines For Data Analysis
Only after you have completed your experiment should you begin your data analysis.
You should calculate the Mean (average) for each control group and experimental group.
You should have a SEPARATE LINE graph for each control group and experimental group.

10. You should have ONE BAR graph that compares each group to the others
You should have ONE BAR graph that compares each group to the others. Use your mean (average) calculated from each group as the basis of comparison.
All Data tables should be typed.
Graphs should be made on the computer if possible. Otherwise, very neatly handwritten with both the X and Y axis labeled. Make sure to include the units with which you made the measurements and a TITLE!!!

11. Once you are finished with your experiment and have analyzed your data, it is time for you to draw a conclusion and put together your final report. Use you Science Fair Folder under “Conclusion” and “Science Fair Project Final Report” to answer questions 1-4.

12. What is your conclusion?
What 5 items should be included in your conclusion?
*A summary of how your results support
or contradict the original hypothesis
A summary of science fair project results
2. Results support or contradict hypothesis
3. Relationship between the independent and
dependent variable
4. Summarize and evaluate your experimental
procedure
5. Changes in procedure

13. 3. What should you do if your hypothesis is wrong?
4. List (in order) what sections should be in your FINAL report:
*DO NOT change or manipulate results –
simply explain why things didn’t work
a. Title page
b. Abstract
c. Table of Contents
d. Question, variables & hypothesis
Background Research Paper (corrected
plus previously graded)

14. f. Materials list
g. Experimental Procedure
Data analysis and discussion (CHARTS/
GRAPHS)
10. Ideas for future research
i. Conclusions
11. Acknowledgements
j. Works Cited

15. In order to complete the final report, you will need to write an abstract; basically, a short summary of your project. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Science Fair Project Abstract” to answer questions 1-4

16. 1.What is an abstract?
2. What is the maximum number of words allowed in an abstract?
*An abbreviated version of your science
fair project final report
*250 words max

17. 3. What 5 sections should be included in the abstract?
1. Introduction
2. Problem / Statement
3. Procedures
4. Results
5. Conclusions
Sample abstract =
** NO I’S, we, us, etc.!!!!!

18. 4. What 6 things should you avoid in the abstract?
a. Avoid technical words readers will not
understand
b. Avoid abbreviates & acronyms
c. No bibliography / no citations
d. No tables or graphs
e. Only current work
f. Only your procedures /
no acknowledgements

19. Now that the tough stuff is done, you will make a visually appealing backboard to help relay your project during the interview. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Science Fair Project Display Board” to answer questions 1-5.

20. How many panels should your display board have?
How tall should your display board be? How wide?
In order, what should be on the left side of the display board? (Note – Instead of background research, there should be a copy of your abstract)
* 3
* 36 inches tall / 48 inches wide
a. purpose
b. hypothesis
c. ABSTRACT!!!!!

21. 4. In order, what should be in the center of the display board?
5. In order, what should be on the right side of the display board?
a. materials & procedures
b. Data: charts / photos / models
a. results
b. Conclusion & discussion

22. SCIENCE FAIR MINI-LESSON #5 ITEMS TO BE TURNED IN:
The FINAL part of the science fair project is worth 150 Points. Here is what you should turn in:
A FINAL REPORT (with all corrections & typos fixed!) = 50 points
SCIENCE PROJECT BACKBOARD = 50 points
CLASS SCIENCE FAIR QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION = 50 points

23. You must bring these items plus any models, parts of your experiment you think necessary on the due date. On the due date, we will have a CLASS Science Fair where you will be expected to set up your backboard and speak to guests about your project. If you are absent, you will need to come to me during lunch for the interview buy you will NOT be offered the extra-credit option (see below)

24. You may earn up to 10 points extra-credit for “dressing up” (no jeans of any sort!) the day of our class science fair. Ladies Business Attire = nice dress / suit /skirt & shirt /slacks & shirt / dress shoes Gentlemen Business Attire = slacks & collared shirt /suit /dress shoes (tie optional)

25. CLASS SCIENCE FAIR &SCIENCE FAIR MINI-LESSON #5 DUE DATE:
Thursday 1/25/18