1. The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

2. The Scientific Process
A successful scientist uses the scientific process.
The scientific process includes:
question
hypothesis
materials
procedure
variables
trials/ collecting data
conclusion based on your data.

3. Where to look for topics?
Select a Topic
What are my interests?
What would I like to learn about?
Do I have a question about something?
Where to look for topics?
Science Fair books
Internet
Teacher
Does my project meet the rule requirements?

4. Science Journal
The log starts on the date you start your investigation
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed- in a notebook
ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded

5. Science Journal Examples

6. Science Fair Journal

7. Testable Question This is a sentence or question about the problem.
Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer?
Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.

8. Research BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers
INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic
RESEARCH
INTERVIEWS:
Reliable source

9. Background Research
Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer.
Research your topic in books and online
Make notes as you do the research
Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
Research may be typed or handwritten
Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format (on the materials list)

10. Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done.
Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

11. Design an Experiment Materials List:
All materials needed to conduct the experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.
Procedure:
The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metrics.
Step 1 – gather all materials
Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment
Etc.

12. Variables A variable is something that changes in an experiment.
Manipulated variable- something you change
Responding variable- something that changes because of what you change
Controlled variable- parts of the experiment that stay the same for all trials.
A science experiment should have only ONE manipulated variable.

13. During the Experiment During the Experiment Observe: Watch Look
Record: Notes Journal/Log Results
During the Experiment
Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results?

14. Repeat the Experiment
The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times. This is part of the rubric.
This is done in order to prove the results as true.

15. Examples of Tables and Graphs
Day
Day 2
Day 3
Plant with sun
3 cm
4 cm
6 cm
Plant with no sun.

16. Conclusion
This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment?
Use the conclusion to compare and contrast your results with your hypothesis, and compare and contrast your different trials.

17. The Display Board Title/ Question Graphs Charts Pictures
Data/
Results
Conclusion
Application
Hypothesis
Materials
Procedure
Notebook Log Required

18. Display Board

19. Display Board

20. Helpful Websites: These will be put on the school’s website!
1)      Science Fair Center -
2)      Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents –
3)      What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?
4)      Discovery School .com –
5)      Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) -
6)      Science Projects
7)      IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide -
8)      Successful Science Fair Projects -
9)  Science Fair Prep -
10)  Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) -
11)  Science Fair Ideas – USGS –
12)  Yahoo – Ask Earl -
13)  Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects -
14)  Lycos Search -
15)  Science Fair Resource Center -
16)  Science Fair Links -

21. You are able to be successful!
Good Luck
You are able to be successful!