3. Avoid topics that are limited. A student should not write a report on a topic that can be explained in a few words or a sentence. Bad topic: What crops are grown in our county? Better topic: What is the economic impact of peanut production in our county? CHOOSING A TOPIC

4. Avoid topics that are too broad. Topics which are too big make it impossible to find all the information that is needed to cover the topic adequately. Bad topic: What happened during the Civil War? Better Topic: The Role of Columbus, GA in the Civil War CHOOSING A TOPIC

5. Some topics do not have enough available information. We often do not know exactly why people did what they did in the past. Bad topic: Why did Henry Hudson get into trouble with the crew of his ship? CHOOSING A TOPIC

6. Avoid topics that are confusing because it cannot be determined what specific information is being explored. Bad topic: What do people of Japan like? Better topic: A Comparison of Japanese sports and American sports. CHOOSING A TOPIC

7. Avoid topics on which people throughout the world cannot agree. The topic should be supported with facts. The facts are used to arrive at a conclusion. Bad topic: What is the most powerful country in the world? Better topic: Why might Japan be considered one of the strongest economic powers in the world? CHOOSING A TOPIC

8. Research the topic from a social studies viewpoint rather than investigating it as a natural science topic. Example: Nuclear power as a political issue rather than "how it works" CHOOSING A TOPIC

9. The paper should be… –typed. –bound in a folder with a cover page. –placed in front of the triboard. Research Summary Paper Format

10. The cover should… –add to the overall aesthetic appearance of the project display. –clearly show the name of the project, student name(s), school name, grade level, and the name of teacher. Research Summary Paper Format

11. The body of the paper should… –have 3-5 double-spaced typed pages. –include the Statement of the question being explored. –have Methodology to explain the steps in the research process. –include Research findings. –end with a Conclusion presenting a summary of the key idea. Research Summary Paper Format

12. The paper should… –have a bibliography located at the back and include where research was obtained. Research Summary Paper Format

13. Should include Question or Problem Statement Methodology Conclusion Graphs, Pictures, etc… TRIBOARD

16. 4-6 Weeks Project topics governed by the ISEF Topics should be… –interesting to the student. –approved by teacher. –be on grade-level. –testable. THINGS TO KNOW

17. www.secondaryinstruction.com Projects contain 3 basic parts: –Logbook or Project Data Book –Research Paper –Triboard (if selected as a school winner) HELPFUL HINTS & TIPS

18. www.secondaryinstruction.com Detailed, step-by-step account of the project from start to finish Written in ink -no erasing or pages torn out Most important part of project Logbook or Project Data Book

19. www.secondaryinstruction.com Narrative version of the logbook Includes background research, results, conclusions, etc. Research Paper

20. Will only be required for students if their project wins at the school fair Triboard or Visual Display

21. Creative Ability 30 pts. Scientific Thought/Engineering Goals 30 pts. Thoroughness 15 pts. Skill 15 pts. Clarity 15 pts. Judging Criteria

22. Complete project timeline will be given out to students in class. Other Dates –Early Due Date - December 19 –Final Due Date - January 10 –School Science Fair - January 11 –CRSEF - February 7 Due Dates