Ballston Spa Elementary

Science & Engineering Fair

Planning Guide

Grades 3-5: Experiment or Design Project

Name ________________________________________

Follow these steps to Science Fair Success

What Kind of Project Should I Do?

There are two types of Projects: Models and Experiments.

Model or Display—DON’T do This!

DO an EXPERIMENT or Develop a Solution to a Problem Like This . . .

Follow the Steps of the Scientific Method or Engineering Design Process to test your idea. You will propose a hypothesis, keep data,

prepare charts, and make a conclusion--which is the way real scientists and engineers work.

Read on to find out how to complete the project step by step.

Here are the Steps for the Scientific Method:

Identify the problem

Make a hypothesis Predict what might happen,

based on your research

Collect, organize, and analyze data from

your experiment

Form a conclusion Check your hypothesis against the results…

Were you right?

Time to share Use your experiment planning sheets to type (or write)

the sections and prepare your science fair display

Here are the Steps for the Engineering Design Process:

Choosing a Topic Begin by choosing a great question that interests you. Your question will be in one of three major categories. These are the categories:

Life Science This category deals with animals, plants, humans and the environment. Example projects could be: Which Paw Does My Cat Prefer? Can Dogs See Color? Will Dish Detergent Affect Plant Growth? At Which Temperature does Popcorn Pop Best? Does Age Affect the Ability to Dectect Salt? Does Colored Light Make Plants Grow Faster?

Physical Science If you like trying to figure out how things work, or are interested in what things are made off, like chemicals, light, and energy, this category is for you. Example projects could be: Which Battery Lasts the Longest? How Can You Increase the Strength of a Magnet? Which Lasts longer: an Incandescent Bulb or a Fluorescent Bulb? Which Airplane Design is Best? What Tower Design is the Strongest? How can I make Sound louder? Which Plastic Wrap Prevents Evaporation Best? Does Temperature Change Affect Balloon Size? What Factors Slow Down Gas Formation From An Alka-Seltzer Tablet?

Earth and Space Science Investigate rocks and minerals, the solar system or the weather by doing experiments in this topic. Just be sure you are doing an experiment, not making a model. Sample projects could be: How Does Weathering Affect Our Landscape? Does Road Construction Create Problems With the Habitat in an Area? What Effect Does a Period of Drought Have on Local Lakes and Streams? What are the Chances that New York Will Have a Major Earthquake? How Does the Weather Impact Travel? What is the Quickest Way to Remove Snow off the Roads in the Winter? What Type of Rock Takes Up Oil Best? Which Materials Make the Best Compost?

In any of the above topic areas, you might want to do an Engineering Project and ask a question, like: What could I invent to solve _________________?

Step One: Identify the Problem You Want to Investigate –

Come Up with a Good Question

Here are some example questions:

The “Effect” Question: What is the effect of _________________on ______________________? Talking to your plants their growth

Types of detergent grease

Temperature a balloon’s size

Wax skateboard ramp

The “How Does” Question: How does the _________________affect ____________________?

Color of light the growth of plants

Color of fabric heat absorption

Humidity growth of moss

Temperature dissolving rate of sugar

“Which or What” Questions: Which/What_________________ (verb) ____________________?

Paper towel is most absorbent

Foods do slugs prefer

Bubble bath makes the most bubbles

Potato chips has the least grease

Kind of apple has the most seeds

Step Two: Do Research

Find at least three different sources for information. Use the school library, the public library, and/or your computer to find encyclopedias, books, or articles about your topic. You can even interview people who are experts on the topic you are researching, like Veterinarians, Doctors, or Meteorologists. Just be sure to have parent or guardian with you and never write to anyone on the internet without letting an adult supervise it. (*hint: it would be cool to take pictures of yourself interviewing people to include in your project) You will use this information to form your hypothesis: an answer to your problem question. Use your research to come up with what you think is the best solution--see step three below. Be sure to fill in the bibliography worksheet, so that you can prepare a list of your sources of information. See the website for your school’s library for more information on how to make a bibliography in MLA style.

Step Three: Make a Hypothesis

This is a prediction of what you think will happen when you do your experiment. Include your question and research as part of your hypothesis. Make this before you start your experiment. Example Question: Which paper towel is strongest?

Example Hypothesis: Paper Towel A will be the strongest because it is the thickest, and costs more than Towels B and C.

No need to say “I think” – Since it’s your hypothesis – it must be what you think will happen!

Do not use Brand Names. Label them with a Letter. In the conclusion you can reveal the Brand.

Did you know: Scientists study their data to decide if their results match up to what they hypothesized. If it does, the scientist says the data "supports" the prediction. If the data does not match up, then they say the data "refutes" the prediction. Usually, when scientists refute a hypothesis, they come up with another possible hypothesis (prediction) for the problem, and do more experiments to test their new idea.

Step Four: Design Your Experiment or Building and Testing Plan

Design an experiment or build a design to test your prediction. You need to determine: the idea you will change as you test and the data you will collect (scientists call them variables), the factors you want to keep the same (controls), and the equipment and materials you will need. Remember you need to measure something and use numbers to record data. You will also need to make observations. Keep the directions clear, but simple, and NUMBER YOUR STEPS. Sample Project: Strength of Paper Towels First: List your Materials—Three Brands of Towels (A, B, and C), Graduated Cylinder, 500 pennies, testing frame, water, masking tape, empty picture frame, blocks of wood or books, stop watch Second: Identify your Variables Independent variable: The Idea you Test—such as kind of paper towel

Dependent variable: The Data you Collect – such as number of pennies

Controlled factors: What you keep the same—such as amount of water, the temperature of the water, size of the towel, and the distance frame is from table top. Third: Write your procedure in numbered steps. 1. Cut three pieces of each kind of paper towel.

2. Place one piece of Brand A in a testing frame, such as an empty picture frame.

3. Tape the towel securely around all edges with masking tape.

4. Place frame off the table on blocks which are 3 inches thick or use books to get this off the table.

5. Pour 10 mL of water near the center of the towel.

6. Wait one minute until water absorbs.

7. Place pennies one at a time near the middle until a tear occurs or the pennies fall through.

8. Record data and make observations.

9. Repeat with all of the nine samples.

BEFORE you begin your experiment - Prepare a Data Table (this can go in your Photos, Charts, & Graphs section) that will allow you to fill in the data for each of your variables; in this case you would have a column labeled ‘Type of Paper Towel’ and a column labeled ‘Number of Pennies’. Since you are doing three trials of each sample, you would divide that column into three columns labeled ‘Trial 1’, ‘Trial 2’, and ‘Trial 3’. Also, make space to record your observations (label it).

Step Five: Design a Graph of your data.

Photos are a great way to show your results.

Use your data table and graph the results. Bar Graphs usually work best.

Label the horizontal axis (X-axis) with the idea that you tested (Independent Variable).

Label the vertical axis (Y-axis) with the data you collected (Dependent Variable).

Be sure to title your graph (The Effect of ….. on……), and use a key if there is more than one color.

You may make your graph by hand with graph paper (in planning packet), or use the computer to make your graph.

Step Six: Write a Conclusion This is a summary of what you have learned. It needs to be written in paragraph form. Include answers to the following:

1. Was your hypothesis supported, partially supported, or refuted? (Did your data match up to what you predicted would happen– or some of of it – or not at all? – write a sentence with your prediction, don’t just say yes or no.)

2. How does your data support, partially support, or not support (refute) your

hypothesis? Remember scientists are wrong more than they are right. Use your data as supporting evidence. What did the data say? What

were the average and the range of your data?

3. What observations did you make during the experiment or design process?

4. What did you learn from this?

5. How would you change your experiment or building design to solve your problem?

6. Who might use the information that you have found?

7. Why is your experiment or design important? What do we understand from it?

What other questions does it lead to?

Step Seven: Prepare Your Display

1. Title of Project (Problem studied in form of question)

2. Purpose- why you did the project 3. Hypothesis 4. Background description – summary of research

5. Materials, Procedure, Variables 6. Data Charts and Graphs 7. Photos with Captions 8. Results summary 9. Conclusion 10. Bibliography 11. You may bring appropriate samples to add to your display (see rules and safety

sections).

12. Bring your completed planning packet to the Science Fair.

Hints for Your Board

Keep lettering neat and a dark color like black or blue.

Frame your work with a complimentary color.

Lay out your papers before you glue.

Use a ruler to keep it straight.

Type or print very neatly.

No Cross Outs. Erase Neatly.

No tape should be showing! Glue sticks work well!

Space your items.

Fill empty space with drawings or clip art, but do not clutter.

Use a larger font for titles.

Each section should be titled.

Follow the sample display format as closely as possible. It makes it easier to read.

Yellow is a hard color to read for lettering. Only use it to frame a picture.

Do not use too much color.

Keep it simple and attractive.

Be creative with your title to invite the audience to read it.

Place your notes or sample materials (if appropriate) in front of your board along with your completed packet.

Use photos to document your experiment. Ask your parent to be your photographer.

Science & Engineering Fair Rules

1. You may have up to three students per project.

2. The project is usually independent of classroom work assigned by classroom

teachers and is not meant to replace homework or other assignments that are

required for school. While classroom teachers may be resources for students,

the Science Fair Project Planning Committee is the best resource for students

who have questions or need guidance.

3. Adults can help! Parents/guardians are encouraged to work with your child

to help them work through this process.

4. This must be an experiment, not a model.

5. You must perform the experiment in advance of the science fair to prepare

your display presentation. You may bring sample results to the Science Fair

to enhance your presentation so long as you do not bring inappropriate items.

6. Nothing you display should be a safety hazard. You may not include glass,

harmful chemicals, bacterial cultures, sharp objects, or any source of heat or

flames. No live or preserved animals are allowed.

7. Any food or plant items must be pre-approved by the Science Fair Planning

Committee. Please only contact us for this approval if the item is directly

related to your science project.

8. No electrical devices may be used because plugs will not be available.

9. All Science Fair projects are due on the day of the Science Fair. Participating

students in Grades K-5 will display their projects at the Science Fair on the

morning of the event.

10. While there will not be formal judging, adults and/or HS students (dressed

in science coats) will walk around and ask students about their projects.

Students should be knowledgeable in all aspects of their project in order to

earn stars on their Scientific Investigator’s License.

Safety Rules

1. Do not eat or drink during the experiment.

2. Wear safety goggles when the activity could lead to eye injury. You may ask

the Science Fair Planning Committee to check out a pair of goggles to you if

you need them. Please remember to return them when you are finished.

3. Respect all life forms.

4. Any project involving drugs, firearms, or explosives is

not permitted.

5. Use the internet safely with parent permission and approved sites. 6. Sharp tools like knives and electric tools, or chemicals must be supervised and

used with adult help.

Helpful Websites Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ Hands-on Science Resources for Home and School. Looking for inspiration for a science fair project? Science Buddies has over 1,150 Project Ideas in all areas of science. The Topic Selection Wizard tool can help you find a project you will enjoy! This website has extensive information to guide you through the entire science fair project process. Science Fair Central at Discovery.com http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral "Creative investigations into the real world." This site provides a complete guide to science fair projects. Check out the 'Handbook' which features information from Janice VanCleave, a popular author who provides everything you need to know for success. You can even send her a question about your project. Science Project Lab http://www.scienceprojectlab.com/1st-grade-science-fair-projects.html A selection of ideas for science fair projects, including collection projects, with short project descriptions or examples as well as links to the actual science fair projects. Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/ Are you looking for some help with a science fair project? If so, then you have come to the right place. The IPL will guide you to a variety of web site resources, leading you through the necessary steps to successfully complete a science experiment. Try Science http://tryscience.com Science resource for home that gives you labs to try and 400 helpful links all related to science. Science Fair Primer http://users.rcn.com/tedrowan/primer.html A site to help students get started and run a science fair project. Neuroscience for Kids: Successful Science Fair Projects http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html Site made by Lynne Bleeker a former science teacher, science fair organizer, and judge. Gives a thorough and detailed description of the step s to a successful science fair project.

This Planning Guide was prepared by the BSCSD Science Fair Planning Committee based on The Elementary Science

Fair Planning Guide by Lora Holt and a modified packet by Berkeley Lake Elementary