1. Science Research at Spruce Creek High School

2. Why Do Research?
Doing research is simply an organized way of looking for the answer to a question or finding the solution to a problem. As examples:
Without research there would be no new designs of cars/trucks/planes
Without research we would not understand the impact of driving on the beach on sea turtle nesting, total petroleum hydrocarbon levels, or compaction.
Without research we would not know how clean tanning beds are or where the most microbe laden areas of Spruce Creek are.

3. You might meet the governor.

6. What are we asking you to do?
Ask a question or pose a problem.
Do some background research on the question or problem.
Design an experiment to answer the question or an engineering goal to solve a problem.
Fill out the appropriate science fair forms for approval.
Conduct the research.
Analyze the results
Construct a Science Fair Board.

7. Categories Animal Sciences Environmental Engineering
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
Chemistry
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Intelligent Machines, Robotics & Systems Software
Mathematics & Computational Sciences
Microbiology
Physics and Astronomy
Plant Sciences

8. Not All Projects are Created Equal
MUST go to Regional Fair
Human Subjects
BSL1 or BSL2 (micro)
Cannot be done at all
Use of fire arms/fire works
Growing mold
Option to go to Regional Fair
No particular Hazard
Teams
2 or 3 students
Same Teacher
2, 3, or more work, trials, complexity expected
Obvious reason for a team

9. Time Line for the Project
August 30th : Two ideas you are willing to pursue
This includes: a tentative title, purpose of the project along with a general experimental approach to the problem/question, including variables, for both ideas.
. About one paragraph is all that is needed.
At least one source for each should be cited.

10. DO NOT START THE PROJECT
Log Book
August 30th
Proof that you have purchased a log book, have created a title page and started to record your initial literature research.
You need to make an entry, in ink, with a time and date, every time you work on the project.
Include who else is present and what was done.
DO NOT START THE PROJECT

11. 10th Grade Due 9/20 All Projects Forms 1, 1A, 1B and 3 May need additional forms
All science fair paperwork due in BLUE or BLACK ink or TYPED!!!!! All students will turn in:
Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
Student Checklist (1A)
Research Plan, including the bibliography (1B)
All students are required to submit a Risk Assessment (3) also!
Entry form filled out with blue ink meaning “Signatures and dates in blue ink to indicate “original”, not copy. “
Forms for special circumstances.
NOTE: Do not begin experimentation without approval.

12. Bibliography: Must include 5 references in MLA format, none of which are prior to 1990 without permission of the teacher. No Wikipedia.
ISEF Rules must be cited.
If hazardous substances are used, MSDS sheets must be cited.
If vertebrate animals are used, care for the animals must be cited.
If humans are used, safety for the humans must be cited.
If potential pathogens are used, proper aseptic technique must be cited.

13. Research Plan
Your research plan is a STEP by STEP plan of what you will do for your project
It includes:
Safety procedures
Disposal procedures
Where special materials will be bought
Who will be monitoring if needed
Thorough bibliography

14. October 18, 2017 is the absolute last day to turn in corrected forms.
DO NOT START PROJECT UNTIL APPROVED.
Do not lose paperwork once it is returned to you. You will need it to enter the Regional or State Competition.

15. Important Dates 11/29 Science Fair Board due
Science fair presentations start in class
12/5 Students are selected to compete in Tomoka Regional Fair. All science fair paperwork must be resubmitted to your teacher by this date
1/26 Regional Science Fair Set-Up
1/27 Regional Science Fair

16. ISEF Rules We adhere to all ISEF rules.
These rules are meant to keep you/ the people around you/ animals/ test subjects safe.
The rules and other information can be found at
All science fair projects must be approved prior to experimentation by one of two review committees.

17. The Most Difficult Task: Choosing a Science Fair Problem/Question
Some Strategies:
1. Choose to investigate something in which you’re really interested e.g. fishing, surfing, soccer, cross country running, playing an instrument, sleeping, physical attractiveness.
2. Choose something topical. Look at newspapers/magazines.
3. Investigate questions you want answered.
4. Look at science catalogs for animals/plants/kits that can be purchased inexpensively.

18. Special Paperwork
Human projects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous pathogens, hazardous chemicals, activities and equipment all require additional paperwork.

19. Special Forms
1C If you plan to do your research in another lab/facility. You may also need The Qualified Scientist/Designated Supervisor forms.
e.g. ERAU, hospital lab, environmental health management lab, DSC

20. Potential Pathogen
Can only be done under supervision (Qualified Scientist with at least an MS Degree in Micro. /Designated Supervisor)
Can only be done in an approved lab. NOTE: this cannot be done at school or at home.
Needs special forms (6A and/or 6B)

21. Hazardous Devices Risk Assessment Form (3) needed
Require Qualified Scientist and/or Designated Supervisor
Eg. Lasers and power tools

22. Hazardous Chemicals Risk Assessment Form needed
Must have Qualified Scientist/ Designated Supervisor
Must have detailed safety procedures in place.
Must often be done at school or an approved facility.
Requires MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) forms for each substance.

23. Vertebrates
Requires special form (5) and approval of a veterinarian who acts as the Qualified Scientist
Mice/rats/hamsters, etc. must be purchased from a biological supply co., not a pet store.
Includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Special mortality reporting forms and requirements.

24. Humans
Requires Informed consent form, IRB approval, and detailed experimental design including any surveys.

25. There should be a big enough sample size for any tests to do data analysis. For example, if using humans, 20 to 50 is the minimum amount to test.

26. Displays: Be creative within the space allowed.
Less than 48” wide.
From the floor, no taller
than 9 feet (assume a
30” table)
Depth: less than 30”
from front to back

27. GRADING
The ideas will be worth 25 points. Each time it has to be passed back to correct will have 2 points deducted.
The paperwork will be worth 50 points. Each time it has to be passed back to correct will have 5 points deducted.

28. The science fair project will include a presentation and be worth 100 points.
Rubric
Creative ability 30 points,
Scientific thought 30 points
Thoroughness 15 points
Skill 15 points
Clarity 10 points.
*slight adjustment for team projects

29. Have Fun!!!