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Mrs.

Valdes
Science Fair Guidelines and Timeline
2015-2016
Please follow the instructions in this packet as closely as possible in order to get the
most possible points earned for this important project. You must perform an
experiment for your science fair project. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs.
Valdes.
Project may NOT use:
Animal/human testing allowed
Pathogens
Controlled substances
Hazardous substances or devices
Once you have submitted your Problem Statement no changes shall be made.

DUE DATE

ASSIGNMENT

October 29, 2015

Assignment #1:
Problem Statement

November 19, 2015


December 10, 2015
On your own until due date
January 7, 2016

Assignment #2:
Research, Bibliography and
Hypothesis
Assignment #3:
Materials, Procedures and
Variables
Experiment, Data, Results,
Conclusion, Abstract,
Application and Title
Science Fair Projects due
(Display Board and Data Log)

Assignment #1: Problem Statement


1
Problem Statement (Must be in the form of a question)
Assignment #2: Research, Bibliography and Hypothesis
1
Collect research that will assist you with your project
2
Bibliography (Must have at least 3 sources)
3
Hypothesis (I predict that if..then..)
Assignment #3: Materials, Procedures and Variables
1
List the materials that you will need for your project; be specific
0
List the procedures(step by step); last step should mention that
you will repeat certain steps at least two more times
2
Variables (List the constant, control, independent and dependent
variables)
Final Project: Science Fair Project (Display board and data log)
1
Conduct the experiment; Repeat at least two times
2
Record your data (pictures, charts, tables, graphs, etc)
3
Analyze your results
4
Conclusion
5
Abstract (250 words)
6
Bibliography
7
Application
8
Title: Be creative
9
Data log: The log you created as you wrote down what happened
each time
during your experiment

The complete project is DUE on Tuesday, January


7, 2015.

COMPONENTS OF A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT:


THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. Problem
a. Put it into a question format.
b. Draw on ideas and wonderings you have had or written down.
2. Hypothesis
a. It is a prediction (educated guess) about the possible outcome.
b. It must be written BEFORE doing your experiment.
c. It helps you refine your ideas and shows your thought process.
d. Ifthen statements can be a helpful way to phrase a hypothesis.
Example:
I think that if I wrap 25 coils around a larger nail, then it will attract
more paperclips than 25 coils on a smaller nail.
Notice that the hypothesis has the variable and the idea for how to do the
experiment already built into it. It is important to understand that the point of the
experiment is NOT to prove you are right. It is fine if the results of your experiment
do not support what you thought. Many important science discoveries and advances
have been made because scientists were forced to rethink their predictions when
things did not turn out the way they had expected. Scientific inquiry is a process
more than a method.
3. Materials
a. List of all materials needed (including things like scissors, containers, tape,
etc.) and include the amount of each item.
4. Procedures
a. Should be written as detailed step-by-step instructions.
b. Should include control when applicable (provides comparison, shows that
outcome was a result of changing one variable and not a random occurrence
that would have happened regardless.)
5. Results
a. Describe what happens at the end of the experiment.
b. Should be summarized and reflect the data collected during the experiment.
c. Should be displayed in the form of charts, tables, graphs, diagrams and
photographs.
6. Conclusion
a. Refer back to your original question and examine the actual outcome
compared to your hypothesis.
b. Discuss any problems you had.
c. Offer an explanation or further research or investigations that might be done
if your hypothesis turned out to be incorrect.
d. Suggest possible real world application for the results of your test.

Title of Project
Be creative and make sure that it the catches the readers attention.
Scientific Method
A science project is an investigation using the scientific method to discover the answer to
a scientific problem. Before starting your project, you need to understand the scientific
method. The scientific method is the "tool" that scientists use to find the answers to
questions. It is the process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and
testing each possibility to find the best solution. The scientific method involves the
following steps: doing research, identifying the problem, stating a hypothesis, conducting
project experimentation, and reaching a conclusion.
You may use many references from printed sources (books, journals, magazines, and
newspapersas well as electronic sourcescomputer software and online services).
You may gather information from professionals (instructors, librarians, and scientists, such
as physicians and veterinarians).
Research
Research is the process of collecting information from your own experiences,
knowledgeable sources, and data from exploratory experiments. Your first research is used
to select a project topic. This is called topic research. Choose a topic that is safe for you to
do.
After you have selected a topic, you begin what is called project research. This is research
to help you understand the topic, express a problem, propose a hypothesis, and design
one or more project experiments designed to test the hypothesis. The result of this
experiment and other research give you the needed information for the next step
identifying the problem.
Variables
Independent variable: the variable you purposely manipulate (change).
Dependent variable: the variable that is being observed, which changes in response to the
independent variable.
Controlled variables: the variables that are kept controlled (the same) during the
experiment.
Constant variable: the variable that has nothing added or done to it
Displaying Data
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/
Graphs and charts are great because they communicate information visually. Consult
website for creation of your three visual displays.
Make sure that the graph has a title, both axes are labeled clearly, and that the
correct scale is chosen to utilize most of the graph space.
1
Record all observations.
2
Include photographs

Data Log
All scientists keep a record of their observations in some form of a data log. The data log
will begin with the date and time the experimenter collects the data. Sometimes data will
include environmental values such as humidity, temperature, etc. Entries must be written
clearly and with detail of description so that another scientist can read the data log,
simulate the conditions of the experiment, and repeat the experiment exactly.
Analysis of result: Ask yourself, what happened? Did the results agree with your
hypothesis?
Applications:
The application is how the information or knowledge gained in the experiment can be used
in the real world for the benefit of society.
Abstract
After finishing research and experimentation, you are required to write a 250 word, onepage abstract.
Abstract Format
All abstracts need to be typed. Should you not have access to a computer at home, please
use library computers. Your abstract should contain 5 paragraphs (250 words) in the
following order:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Procedures
Results
Conclusion
Paper should be double spaced using 12 pt Times New Roman font. No other font or size
will be allowed.
Presentation:
You're going to have to make a presentation to your teacher and classmates. So remember
the Boy Scout Motto--"Be Prepared." Know what you are going to say before you have to
say it by rehearsing your presentation over and over. Pretend you're lecturing to a large
audience that has come to find out about your experiment. Explain it to them again and
again until you can do so clearly and effortlessly. Imagine them asking you questions. How
will you answer? Try to find people to play the role of the judges. Start off with friends and
family members, but try to find some people who are as knowledgeable about science as
your judges are likely to be. Practicing your presentation for them, will give you the selfconfidence you need to stay calm and composed come science fair day.
3
Practicing your presentation is absolutely essential if you want to do well. You'd hate
to do all the hard work to carry out a killer project only to lose because you couldn't
explain yourself clearly, right?

4
How to Write a Bibliography
For a Book by One or Two Authors
Gilbert, Martin. The Second World War: A Complete History.
New York: Henry
Holt, 1989.
Sorensen, Sharon and Bob LeBreck. How to Fly a Kite. New York:
Amsco
Publications, 1994.
An Article in a Reference Book (like an encyclopedia)
Ollman, Bertell. Mars. Academic American Encyclopedia. 1989
ed.
Government. American Heritage Dictionary. 1986 ed.
Trainen, Isaac N., et al. Bone Repair Rates in Mice.
Encyclopedia of Biology.
Ed. Warren T. Reich. 4 vols. New York: Free Press, 1978.
An Article from a Magazine
Begley, Sharon. A Healthy Dose of Laughter. Newsweek 4 Oct.
1982: 74.
Motulsky, Arno G. Genetic Ethics in Medicine. Science 14 Jan.
1983: 135-40
An Article from a Newspaper
Colling, Glenn. Single-Father Survey Finds Adjustment a
Problem. New York
Times 21 Nov. 1983: 20.
Dalin, Damon. A $7 Greeting Card? Yes, but Listen to the
Melody It Will Play
for You. Wall Street Journal 10 May 1983: A37.
A Video
Alzheimers Disease. Videocassette. Prod. Hospital Satellite
Network. American
Journal of Nursing, 1985. 28 min.
A CD-ROM
Frey, Herbert. Mars (planet). The New Electronic
Encyclopedia. CD-ROM.
Danbury, CT: Grolier Inc., 1991.
Cocker Spaniels. Microsoft Dogs. CD-ROM. Microsoft Corp.,
1995.

A Web Page These are tricky! List information in this order:


Author. Title of page or article. Title of Complete Work. Date
last updated [if available.]
URL. Date you visited.
Example:
Abilock, Debbie. Research on a Complex Topic. Nueva Library
Help. 8
August,1996.http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/~debbie/library/res
earch/advice.html. (3 Sept. 1996.)

Project Board Set-up

Students should write their name on the back left side (behind the
problem and hypothesis) of the display board.

Project Title
Problem Statement
(step 1)

Hypothesis
(step 2)

(different from the


Problem statement)

Results

Procedures
Materials (step 3)
(step 3)
Variables (step 3):
control, constant,
independent and
dependent

Conclusion

Application

Abstract
Bibliography

Data:
Table, Chart and/or
Graph
Pictures-relevant,
labeled
(take photographs during
important phases/parts of
the experiment and label
what is happening)

(How can your project be


applied to the real world?)

Science Fair Agreement


Students Name: _______________________________________________
Date_______________
Problem Statement (must be in the form of a question):
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
___
By signing below, my child and I have agreed that he/she will complete
a project for the Science Fair in accordance to the established Science
Fair Guidelines and timeline. We have reviewed the timeline together
and have complete understanding of each due date. We realize that
doing the project will require many work hours outside of the school
day. Please understand that a significant portion (two test grades) of
your childs Science grade will come from the Science Fair project.
Failure to complete a Science Fair project will result in a low academic
grade in Science. Please make sure that your childs project is gradeappropriate.
Please sign, date, and return this form to Mrs. Valdes.
__________________________________________
_________________________
Students Signature
__________________________________________
_________________________
Parent/Guardians Signature
__________________________________________
Parent/Guardians Name (printed)

Date

Date

Problem statement and the Science Fair agreement


form must be turned in by October 29, 2015. Once your
project is approved, please do not change it. If you
experience any problems, please contact Mrs. Valdes
immediately.

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR SCIENCE FAIR INVESTIGATIONS:


1. What is the effect of wind on the amount of water that a plant needs? (Biological
Science)
2. How can you get kidney beans to grow fastest? (Biological Science)
3. How can you affect the shape of a magnetic field? (Physical Science)
4. How high do you have to raise a smooth board to get a block to slide down it? How does
covering
the block with felt or sandpaper or other materials affect that height? How does changing
the weight
of the block, affect height? (Physical Science)
5. What affects how fast an ice cube melts in air? How many ways can you get it to melt
faster than it
does in air at room temperature? (Physical Science)
6. What are the effects of detergent on water? (Physical Science)
7. Which magnifies newsprint more clear water drop or a soapy water drop? (Physical
Science)
8. What is the biggest shadow you can make with a piece of paper 8 inches by 11
inches? What is the smallest shadow you can make with the same piece of paper?
(Physical Science)
9. What is the effect of turning young plants upside down as they grow? (Biological
Science)
10. How can you get seeds to germinate fastest? (Biological Science)
11. Which seeds germinate fastest? Do little seeds germinate faster than big seeds?
(Biological
Science)
12. What species of seedling can survive longest in just damp cotton wool in the dark?
(Biological
Science)
13. Does a water-pick clean your teeth better than a standard toothbrush? (Biological
Science)
14. How do different deodorants affect skin and clothes? (Biological Science or Physical
Science)
15. What is the fastest way to cool a cup of hot water? (Physical Science)

16. How can you grow the biggest crystals of alum? (Physical Science)
17. How does light affect plants?
18. Do sweet, salt, and bitter substances taste the same to everyone?
19. How can you affect the time it takes for bread to rise?
20. What happens when you soak egg shells in vinegar? What about when you soak them
in lemon
juice or other kitchen chemicals? (Physical Science)
21. What kind of fruit rots fastest?
22. Do plants grow faster if you talk (or sing) to them regularly? (Biological Science)
23. Do people who play sports regularly have the same heart rate as people who dont? Do
sports
people recover from exercise more quickly than less active people? (Biological Science)
24. Will seeds sprout faster in soil or in a plastic bag with damp cotton wool? (Biological
Science)
25. What is the fastest way to get food to rot? Warm or cool places? Damp or dry? Light or
dark? In the presence of other moldy things? (Biological Science)
26. Do preservatives in manufactured foods really work? Try different ways to get
Twinkies to rot!
27. Which gum keeps its flavor the longest? Which blows the best bubbles? What is most
stretchy?
Which loses the most weight after you chew it? (The weight lost is the sugar your saliva
dissolved
away.)
28. How can you make suds last longest? Compare shampoo to dishwashing detergent.
Compare different brands of shampoo to each other and different brands of dishwashing
detergent to each other. (Physical Science)
29. Investigate all the different effects of static electricity. What is the effect of static
electricity on paper,
plastic, different kinds of breakfast cereal? (Physical Science)
30. Which brand of paper towel stays strongest when wet? (Physical Science)
31. Which freezes fastest - Coke, Kool-Aid, strong salt water, or weak salt water? (Physical
Science)
32. How can you stop cut apples from going brown? (Biological Science)

33. What mixtures will a filter separate? (Physical Science)


34. How can you make the best cup phones? (Physical Science)
35. How do lenses and pieces of glass bend light? What else can bend light? (Physical
Science)
36. What is the best way to keep steel from rusting? (Physical Science)
37. Which filtering systems work best to clean dirty water? (Physical Science)
38. How does the color of light affect plant growth? (Biological Science)
39. What conditions affect the growth of mold? (Biological Science)
40. How does temperature influence yeast cell reproduction? (Biological Science)
41. How does the angle of an inclined plane affect the work to lift an object? (Physical
Science)
42. Which surfaces provide the least amount of friction? (Physical Science)
43. Which fruit and vegetable juices make good indicators for acids and bases? (Physical
Science)
44. How does water depth affect water pressure? (Physical Science)
45. Which materials insulate best against the cold? (Physical Science)
46. Which mouthwashes retard the growth of bacteria? (Biological Science)
47. Do bacteria grow better in the light or dark? (Biological Science)
48. Compare two parts of your body to see which normally harbors more bacteria.
(Biological Science)
49. Find the best way to wash a finger and remove the most bacteria. You could try paper
towel drying
compared to air drying. You could try the effect of soap compared to air drying. You could
try the effect of soap compared to no soap. (Biological Science)
50. Compare the amount of bacteria in soil samples from two different places.
51. Does toilet paper stop bacteria getting through? Try touching agar with a naked finger
and then with
a finger wrapped in one layer of toilet paper. (Biological Science)
52. Which materials conduct electricity? Try different kinds of liquids too. (Physical
Science)

53. How does the shape of a reflective surface affect the reflection of light? (Physical
Science)
54. What is the relationship between magnification and the focal point of a lens? (Physical
Science)
55. Does the color of a container affect the amount of light energy absorbed? (Physical
Science)
56. How do offspring reflect parents traits? (Biological Science)
57. What part(s) of a plant can be used to propagate a plant? (Biological Science)
58. Which design of paper plane will fly the furthest? (Physical Science)
59. Who can react faster to a bell - children or adults? (Biological Science)
60. Can people identify different kinds of Kool-Aid by taste alone? (Biological Science)
61. What is the effect of detergent on the life in pond water? (Use containers of pond
water dont pollute a pond.) (Biological Science)
62. What effect does salt have on the properties of water? (Example: Acidity lathering
ability with soap, dissolving ability of sugar, freezing and boiling points.) (Physical Science)
63. What affects the success of making sponge cake? (Physical Science)
64. What affects the rate of the baking soda and vinegar reaction? (Physical Science)

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