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Regional NIWA Waikato Science & Technology Fair

A student’s guide to

the NIWA Waikato

Science & Technology Fair

2013

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IMPORTANT STEPS

The NIWA Waikato Regional Science & Technology Fair is held each year in August and is open to all year 7 to 13 students.

Get excited about an idea and decide what you will investigate for your science fair project.

Talk with your science teacher. They will help you to decide which class of entry your project belongs in and fill in the necessary entry forms with you.

Start work on your project straight away! It is important to keep a diary (log book) of everything you do.

Prepare your project for completion by the end of July. It must then by selected by your school as one of the school entries to go on to the Waikato Fair.

Leading up to the fair you may like to practice talking about your project to the judges. GOOD LUCK

Scientific Wall Charts, Observational Drawings and Scientific Photography entries must be entered 2 weeks prior to the fair date

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WHAT CAN I ENTER?

Science investigation and research exhibits are entered in classes 1–10 and are

dependent on the area of science you focus on and your year of entry.

Technology projects are entered in an open age category in Class 15, the

Technical Innovation and Inventions section. The remaining classes include

entries entered in the Scientific Wall Charts, Observation Drawings and Scientific

Photography.

Classes 1-10, Science investigation and research

CLASS AGE GROUP INTEREST AREA

Class 1

Year 7 - 8

Living World

Class 2 Material World

Class 3 Physical World

Class 4 *Planet Earth & Beyond

Class 5

Year 9 - 10

Living World

Class 6 Material World

Class 7 Physical World

Class 8 Planet Earth & Beyond

Class 9 Year 11 - 13

Biological Sciences

Class 10 Physical Sciences

(includes Earth & Soil sciences & Astronomy)

Class 11 Year 7 -8

Scientific Wall Chart Class 12 Year 9 – 10

Class 13 Year 11 – 13

Class 14

OPEN Age Group

Observational Drawing

Class 15 Inventions & Technical Innovations

Class 16 Scientific Photography

LIVING WORLD includes: Horticulture, Forestry, Plants, Animals, Marine Studies, Conservation, Agriculture, Behaviour, Health. MATERIAL WORLD includes: Chemistry, Metals, Corrosion, Water Pollution, Chemical Product Testing, Fabrics, Chemical Change. PHYSICAL WORLD includes: Electricity, Light, Heat, Material Strength, Insulation, Magnetism, Speed, Friction. PLANET EARTH & BEYOND includes: Geology, Soils, Pollution, Astronomy, Resource Extraction, Weather.

*Note: Science exhibits should show data gathered through experimentation and/or observation,

analysed results and a conclusion. The exception to this is in Year 7-8 Planet Earth and Beyond,

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which allows entries to have a non-experimental research only focus acknowledging the difficulties of

original experimentation in this strand.

Classes 11-13, Scientific Wall Chart

Topic: How does it work – topic? Water, water everywhere.

Give a scientific description/explanation of the processes involved in the working of this thing/object. Be concise.

Include at least 3 diagrams which help your explanation of the scientific processes involved. Draw these yourself.

The wall charts need to be flat – no 3D models or extras that can fall off.

List references used. Put these in a small box at the bottom right hand corner.

Diagrams should be clear and well labelled. Text should be concise, easy to read, and be able to be understood by a non-science person.

Judges will look for innovation and originality, clear communication, and good scientific content.

Chart size: A2 paper (no larger). Use cartridge or similar weight paper.

Label the back of your chart with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2 weeks before the fair.

Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school in each of the year classes.

Only the finalists will be on display at the fair.

Class 14, Observational Drawing

Topic? Drawing from real life. The drawing should

show an insect.

Clear, sharp, accurate outlines in pencil on A4 paper (no larger please)

Use correct proportions and show a scale.

Label your specimen with its scientific name if possible.

Remember, your drawing must be from a specimen that you are observing and your teacher must sign the back of the your drawing to authenticate this. No copying from a photograph.

Label the back of your drawing with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2 weeks before the fair.

Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school.

Only the finalists will be on display at the fair.

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Class 15, Inventions & Technical Innovations

Inventions and innovations are applications of science and technology which solve a

problem. (This OPEN CLASS replaces all Technology Classes)

You are asked to apply your knowledge to make a device that has a practical

application.

You will need to describe how the invention or innovation uses scientific principles

and ideas in solving the original problem that was identified. The steps and stages in

development should be recorded so that it is clear how you overcame any problems

that were encountered.

Originality and creative thought are important aspects of this Class.

Exhibitors will use the standard display board to present their invention/technical

innovation.

Class 16, Scientific Photography

Theme: Water, water everywhere.

Submit 2 photographs mounted on black A2 sized card.

Link the photographs to the theme.

Include a caption beneath each photograph to briefly explain the photo and include information on how you took the photo and with what kind of camera.

Please ensure that photographs have a reasonable resolution and are printed on photographic paper.

Photographs must be taken by the exhibiting student! Judges will look for: 1. Technical quality (Is the photo in focus? Is lighting in balance? Is depth of field considered/used?) 2. Composition (Are the objects of interest placed well in the photo? Are there distracting elements?) 3. Creativity (Does the photo demonstrate originality?) 4. Relevance to theme (Does the photo ‘fit’ within the photography theme?) 5. Overall impression (Does the photo have a ‘wow’ factor? Is it able to grab viewer’s attention and hold it?)

Label the back of your photography card with your name, year level, home

phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2

weeks before the fair.

Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school.

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1ST STEP – COMING UP WITH IDEAS

One of the easiest ways of thinking up ideas is to find a general topic that you enjoy or have an interest in and start brain storming for ideas. Come up with lots of ideas first. This can be done by jotting down everything you can think of that relates to your broad topic, any questions you would like answered and highlighting anything that interests you about it. If you are still stuck on ideas there are many resources available that can assist you in finding a science fair idea. Use your teachers, library books, relevant news or the internet but remember – your science fair work must be your own!

2ND STEP – CHOOSING A TOPIC

Before choosing an idea from your brainstorm, you need to be aware of three different categories that your idea should fall into: 1. Experimental Research: a project that involves a controlled experiment

E.g. the battery of which brand lasts the longest

2. Technology Development: this is where your idea involves creating or designing something to help people or make life easier:

E.g. inventing a new, more user-friendly mailbox

3. Research to increase knowledge for environmental or social systems: this is where your idea is tested by gathering and analysing data instead of using controlled experiments, such as doing a survey.

When looking at your ideas ask yourself: 1. Does my idea fall into one of the three categories? 2. Can I design a method that is feasible? 3. Can I finish the project within a few months, in order to meet the deadline? 4. If I have to buy equipment to do the project, will it be cheap? 5. Is the project appropriate for my year level? 6. Do I really enjoy finding out the answer or the solution?

When you can answer ‘yes’ to all six questions and are satisfied with the idea, then use that as the topic of your project .

The topic of my project is:

KEEP A LOG BOOK - this is very important! This is like a diary where you can record everything you do from the day you choose your project to the day you present your exhibit for marking. Include all of your ideas and attempts (even failed ones), methods, raw data, calculations, problems you encountered, help you received, tentative conclusions, etc. A simple school exercise book does the job fine. Remember to date every entry as well.

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3RD STEP – THE DESIGN PROCESS

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

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TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

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THE RESEARCH PROCESS

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4TH STEP – PRESENTATION

This is a very important step as your entry can only be judged on the information you communicate – so communication is very important. To give you an idea of how to start, have a look at the board below and see how different sections are typically arranged:

You are limited to a table space of 1.2m wide X 0.75m deep X 1.5m high.

MAKE SURE:

Your display is free standing and robust

Your display is eye catching

Your display is free standing and robust

There are no spelling mistakes or errors

Nobody will be offended by any of the content.

Any graphics are relevant

The information is clear and easy to read.

All extra material/models/support information must fit inside your display area. Oversized entries will not be accepted unless you have written permission from the science

fair organisers.

Please check safety rules for any that may apply to your exhibit. (refer to pg

15)

Display boards are available from Kiwians Club brian-barb@actrix.co.nz

or Phone 07 829 7166 or 07 854 3634

Ma

xim

um

heig

ht is

1.5

m

Maximum width is 1.2m

Title Research

Aim

Method/

Concepts

Results/

Testing

Conclusion

Bibliography/ Acknowledgments

Pictures

Graphs/Diagrams

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JUDGING CRITERIA

It’s a good idea to look at your project carefully along side the judging criteria and

look to improve any areas you feel you might not have covered strongly.

Judges will generally use the following criteria in assessing your project:

Scientific Thought & Understanding

clear scientific thought, the application of appropriate scientific methods, an appreciation of the need for accuracy in observation, measurement, data collection and reporting

an understanding of the underlying or related scientific principles embraced within the project

Technical & Graphic Skill

assembled with skill and dexterity, equipment, models and the frame of the project have been well constructed

graphic materials have been carefully prepared and presented

living plants and animals have been well cared for

working parts are reliable

the whole is well planned and neatly finished

Originality

uniqueness of approach

resourcefulness in obtaining and interpreting data

ingenious use of illustrative objects, inventive apparatus

insight conclusions

inspired applications of the principles, process or product

Thoroughness & Effort This is reflected in:

the scope of the topic

the scale of the investigation

the detail obtained

the extent of the results

the repetition of the experiments

the construction of the project and its illustrative items

written material and other displays

Presentation

well designed and developed to be attractive, visually interesting, informative on all aspects of the investigation

well illustrated with photographs, models, specimens or samples

has wide public appeal

NOTE: In Year 7-8 Planet Earth and Beyond Projects the criteria are widened to include non-

experimental investigations. I.e. A question is still posed, but information may be gathered from

sources other than experimentation.

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WHAT CAN I WIN?

CLASS & SPECIAL PRIZES

Class Prizes

For Classes 1 -10, 15 & 16

1st $60.00

2nd $40.00

3rd $20.00

For Classes 11-14

1st $50.00

2nd $30.00

3rd $10.00

NOTE: Second and third placing, merit certificates and special prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Special Prizes (Award focus and sponsors from previous year as indication ONLY)

Award focus Sponsor

1. Water/Atmosphere NIWA

2. Biological Investigation Waikato University – Biological Sciences Dept

3. Chemistry NZ Institute of Chemistry

4. Engineering/Construction NZ Institution Professional Engineers

5. Earth Sciences Waikato University – Earth Science & Oceans Dept

6. Mining Australasian Mining & Metallurgy

7. Natural Resource Management

Environment Waikato

8. Conservation Department of Conservation

9. Statistics NZ Statistical Association

10. Biotechnology Biozone

11. Agricultural Science NZ Institute of Agricultural Sciences

12. Senior Material World Waikato Uni – Materials & Process Engineering

13. Life Sciences Ag Research

14. Inventions WaiCAM

15. Technological Innovation Waikato University – Physics & Engineering

16. Food Safety Ecolab

17. Native Plants Waikato Botanical Society

18. Food Science NZ Institute Food Science & Technology

19. Soil Science NZ Soil Society

20. Special Award Ulrich Aluminium

21. Flour Products Use NZ Bread & Flour Users

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MAJOR PRIZES

Best in Fair $500 + medallion

Best in Fair Runner Up $300 + medallion

NIWA work experience scholarship for best senior student (Age 16+)

Paid holiday work

Best Living World Exhibit $200 + trophy

Best Material World Exhibit $200 + trophy

Best Physical World Exhibit $200 + trophy

Best Planet Earth & Beyond Exhibit $200 + trophy

Best Inventions and Technical Innovations Exhibit $200 + trophy

Best Senior Biological Services $200 + trophy

Best Environment Exhibit $200 + trophy

REALISE THE DREAM NATIONAL COMPETITION

Each year top entries from the Waikato Science and

Technology Fair are nominated for the ‘Realise the Dream’

competition in Wellington. This is a five-day national

science and technology event paid for and organised by

the Royal Society of New Zealand. It is run each year in

December and the programme includes a wide range of

activities like hands on workshops, media training and

lectures on communication and science related topics. The

finale is marked by a formal celebration dinner, where

many big prizes like study grants up to $7000 and travel

awards are handed out.

WAIKATO PRIZEGIVING CEREMONY

If you are a prize winner your school will be notified for you to attend the prize

giving ceremony.

This takes place on Friday Pricewaterhouse coopers Lecture Theatre (different room to

last year) at the University of Waikato at 7pm.

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ETHICS APPROVAL

Animal ethics approval

If your investigation involves animals, including humans you many need

animal/human ethics approval prior to beginning your project. Refer to the flowchart

below to determine whether or not you require ethics approval. Online application

forms, information and ethics approval be obtained from www.nzase.org.nz.

Human ethics approval

If your project involves adults and children as subjects (e.g., taste testing) then you

need to get the informed consent of all participants. There are no human ethics

committees but information and guidelines are available from the above website.

Select Royal Society of New Zealand, then students (secondary) then Science and

Technology Fairs and scroll down to Human Ethics.

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SAFETY RULES

The following safety rules for construction of projects are necessary to prevent electrical fires and prevent injury to exhibitors and visitors: 1. Construction must be durable and stable when on display 2. Electrical Rules:

Apparatus must be constructed following standard electrical safety laws. Check with an electrician or other qualified person.

An AC 230 volt supply is available if required, but only NZ standards approved switches can be used and these must be suitable mounted.

All wiring, switches and metal parts that carry current from a supply of 230 volts (or higher) must be completely enclosed by barriers that positively prevent observers from reaching into the exhibit and receiving an electrical shock. The barrier material can be clear to allow working parties to be seen.

Properly solder and tape electrical joints.

Wire used must be properly insulated for the voltage in use.

A clearly visible sign must warn of voltages higher than 230 volts.

Heating elements and light bulbs must be well ventilated and insulated to prevent hazard from fires.

4. Dangerous chemicals and explosives must not be exhibited. 5. No gas supply is available. You may only use a portable gas supply with

permission from the organising committee.

6. Animals must be fed daily and their containers kept clean. A certificate of approval from the NZASE Animal Ethics Committee is needed for projects that involve manipulation of animals (See pg14).

7. Human participants in projects must be fully informed – see your teacher for

information and before carrying out your investigation, get approval. (See pg14)

ALL PROJECTS WILL BE INSPECTED BY THE SCIENCE FAIR COMMITTEE AND THOSE THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

Responsibilities: The Science Fair Committee will take due care of equipment and exhibits on display, but does not take responsibility for loss or damage.

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RESOURCES

http://www.projects.org.nz/

This student-run website was designed by the 2008 Waikato Science &

Technology Fair winner – Jake Martin – to help you through the process of

doing a science and technology project. It has information to help you

through every stage of doing your project.

http://www.realisethedream.org.nz/

Visit this website if you want to find out more about the national Realise the

Dream Science camp. You can also read about past participants’ projects

there and perhaps use them as an inspiration for yours!

There are many websites you can surf through to help inspire you you’re your

own science fair idea. Remember though – the best idea is your own! www.all-science-fair-projects.com

www.super-science-fair-projects.com

www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/

www.nzase.org.nz/safety.html

This website has all the safety guidelines you need to know when doing

experiments in laboratories.

And of course, when you’re stuck or unsure, you can always ask your

teachers or parents for help!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Remember to thank all the people or organisations who have helped you with your

project. Acknowledgements are important as the judges need to know how much

help you’ve received, in order to avoid any suggestions of plagiarism.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about the NIWA Waikato Science & Technology Fair please

contact the Fair Manager – waiscifair@vodafone.co.nz