1. Brian Beaty Thomasville City Schools
Science Fair
Brian Beaty
Thomasville City Schools

2. What is the purpose in teaching science in school?
Why Science Fair?
What is the purpose in teaching science in school?
“Real life” science skills
Teaches the skills that students really need to be successful thinkers and problem solvers
Makes learning more concrete for the struggling students
Provides an outlet for gifted learners

3. One of best learning experiences a student can undertake
Problem Solving
Learning to plan
Research Skills
Writing Skills
Communication Skills
Interpret and Analyze Data
In depth content knowledge

4. Bad Science Fair Projects!

10. Good Science Fair Projects

11. Bugs and drugs

12. Microbial Fuel Cells

13. Organizing the assignment Navigating the forms
Today’s Agenda
Organizing the assignment
Navigating the forms
Organizing the local fair
Q and A

14. Organizing the Assignment
Choose a topic
Research and write a background research report
Develop a research plan that includes the question/engineering goal and research hypothesis.
Turn in applicable forms
Begin experimentation once forms are approved

15. Organizing the Assignment
Collect and analyze data
Write Research Paper and Abstract
Design backboard and prepare for presentation

16. Choosing a Topic
Often the most difficult step. Students need to Keep the following ideas in mind:
Choose a topic you like and your parents approve
Narrow topic to a single aspect and plan your time wisely
Projects need to be as original as possible

17. Background Research
Background information on the topic should be recorded in log books—periodic log checks).
Minimum of 5 sources
Students often need a handout with examples of proper citations
Background Research Paper

18. Forms Must be completed before students begin projects. 1
1A and Research Plan 1B
Abstract
Any projects involving humans must be approved by an IRB committee

19. Forming an Irb Committee
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that must evaluate the potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving humans.
Who makes up the IRB?
-consists of a minimum of three members:
an educator, a school administrator, and a medical expert (often the school nurse)
The student’s adult sponsor or designated supervisor may not serve on the committee.

20. Using Humans
All projects involving humans must fill out the human subjects form and get IRB approval.
Minimal risk does not need test subject parent approval (taking a test, filling out a survey, walking and chewing gum etc.)
No more than minimal risk exists when the probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater than those ordinarily encountered in everyday life or during performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.

21. Microbes or Fungus
Need form 6A - Will be filled out by designated supervisor and signed by SRC chair.
Any research involving bacteria or fungus must be conducted in a lab with a dedicated supervisor.

22. Vertebrates
Studies using behavioral observations are exempt from SRC Review.
Scientific Review Committee - include a minimum of three persons: (1) a biomedical scientist (earned doctoral degree, such as Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., PharmD., or D.O.) , (2) an educator, (3) at least one additional member
A Qualified Scientist or Designated Supervisor must directly supervise all research involving vertebrate animals, except for observational studies.
Additional Forms Required:
-Vertebrate Animal Form (5A)
-Qualified Scientist Form (2)

23. Approved or Not?

24. Finally, Students may begin their research
Try to have them ready to experiment by they end of the fist 9wks
Students growing plants will need to start earlier
Students will need to keep a bound journal to record their data

25. Abstract
Should be completed after the experiment and on the official abstract forms.
Make sure students are using the GSEF abstract and not the ISEF.

26. Research Report – usually due before Winter Break
Culminating project
Use a rubric
Background Research Paper will become the introduction to the Research Report.
Research Plan will become the procedures
Presentation of Data (Tables and Graphs)
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowlegements
Abstract Form

27. Display Log Book Research Report Display Presentation of
Project to Class

39. Summary of Assignments}
Topic
Log Book Check #1
Bibliography
Log Book Check #2
Background Research Report
Forms
Log Book Check #3
Abstract
Research Report
Display
Due first grading period }
Due second grading period
} Due early in the third grading period

40. Navigating the forms All Projects
Additional Forms that may be required
Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form
Form 1A: Student Checklist/Research Plan
Form 1B: Approval Form
Abstract
Form 1C: Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form
Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form
Form 3: Risk Assessment Form
Form 4: Human Subjects and Informed Consent Form
Form 5: Vertebrate Animal Form (5A and 5B)
Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form
Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form
Form 7: Continuation Projects Form

41. Navigating the forms Adult Sponsor (required)
teacher, parent, university professor, or scientist in whose lab the student is working—must have a solid background in science
responsible for reviewing research plan for safety issues; must be familiar with rules
Qualified Scientist (not required)
should possess an earned doctoral/professional degree in the biological or medical sciences as it relates to the student’s area of research
can be the adult sponsor

42. Navigating the forms The Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Evaluates the potential physical and/or psychological risk of research involving human subjects.
Required for all projects involving human subjects, even if only surveys are used.
Composed of
an educator,
a school administrator (preferably, a principal or vice principal),
and one of the following who is knowledgeable and capable of evaluating the physical and/or psychological risk involved in a given study: a medical doctor, physician’s assistant, registered nurse, a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed social worker or licensed clinical professional counselor.

43. Navigating the forms Be familiar with the rules and refer to often!
Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF) lebook.pdf)
International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

44. Common issues
All approval dates must be before the date that experimentation begins
No bacteria cultures can be grown at home (review other special rules)
Any projects that involve tasting something must have informed consent (signed by parents)
Research plans must be complete
Incomplete or missing forms

45. Organizing your local science fair

46. Set a Date Check the school calendar and set a date for the fair.
Be sure the date of your local fair is at least a week or two before the regional fair deadlines.
Friday science fairs often work best for judges coming from local technical schools and colleges.

47. Set a Location
Great spots for science fairs: media center, gym, cafeteria
Need 1 to 2 days for setting up the projects, a day for judging and a day for breaking the projects down.
Make sure space is big enough and safe enough for all of your projects.
Meet with the school principal for final say on the dates and location of the fair.

48. Ordering Ribbons and Trophies
An often overlooked item
Ribbons are relatively cheap way for rewarding students for all of their hard work.
Prepare extra gifts for the top finishers.

49. Get Judges Letters need to be mailed out several weeks ahead of time.
Contact local hospitals, colleges, schools
Make a list of addresses and phone numbers for future references.
Try to avoid using teachers from your school.

50. Logistics for Judging Projects
Develop a rubric that judges will use for the projects.
How many projects will be judged?
How many time will the projects be judged?
Will the projects be set up in categories or grade levels?
Try not to overload the judges. They may not want to come back!
Have refreshments and party favors!

51. Involve Parents and the Community
Host an open house after the judging
Ask school newspaper and TV production class to cover the event.
Announce winners at the end of the judging day and post all ribbon winners in the halls.
Send in a picture and article for the paper

52. Benefits GPS, GPS, GPS—Characteristics of Science!
Students will develop skills they will use the rest of their lives
Research skills
Communication skills
Organization & time management
Creativity
Students will learn to “talk science” with peers and with other adults (judges)
Students will have the opportunity to connect with students from across the state

53. Benefits Opportunities for students
Recognition at local, region, and state fair
Cash, savings bonds, and other prizes
Make connections with university professors and other professionals from across the state
Free trips (ISEF, National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, and more)—some include the teacher!
National Youth Science Camp

54. Benefits Positives far outweigh the negatives
It is OK for students to get help from their teachers, parents, and other professionals
Students who get “too much” help will be caught at region competition when they are interviewed by the judges

55. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
-Albert Einstein