science fair 2018 - berkeley county schools how - to guide to your science fair project...

Elementary School 2017-2018

Science Fair 2018

A How - To Guide to Your Science Fair Project

Introduction: The purpose of this booklet is to provide information on how to complete a

science fair project. Ideas are given on how to choose, develop, and display a project, as well as how to prepare for judging. Although alot of hard work goes into preparing a project, remember that the purpose of a project, which is a reflection of you and your interests, is to provide you with an enjoyable learning experience. So above all, enjoy working and doing science, because SCIENCE IS FUN!

Steps to a Successful Project:

1. Understand the rules -Before you start your project, familiarize yourself with the rules. Read the

list of some of the important things you need to know, checking off each item as you read. Ask you teacher to explain any that you do not understand. Refer back to this list of rules as you are working on your project and after you have finished it to make sure you have followed them. The list of rules are at the end of this booklet.

2. Pick your Topic -Get an idea of what you want to explore! Choose a topic for your project,

you could look through magazines, books, textbooks, etc. that deal with the type of science that interest you. Ideas might come from hobbies or problems you see that need solutions. List the categories or ideas that you have selected and choose a specific topic


3. Research your Topic -Go to the library or Internet and learn everything you can on your topic.

Gather existing information on your topic. Look for the unexplained or the unexpected. Talk to professionals in the fields, write or email the companies for specific information , and obtain suggestions from them. Take notes on what you find out about your topic leaving out the information that is not helpful. Keep a bibliography (or record) of your sources of information.

4. Organize -Organize everything you have learned about your topic. Develop a question

about the topic and form a hypothesis to test. Some suggestions are listed at the end of this booklet.

5. Plan your Experiment -Once you have a project idea, you must design an experiment. This plan

should explain how you will do your experiment and exactly with what you need to do it . Make a list of materials and equipment, and all the steps you will do in your experiment. Discuss it with your teacher to make sure it is designed scientifically well. Design an experiment that not only interests you, but can be done in the amount of time you have.

6. Complete your “Paperwork” -Use a calendar (or the worksheet in the back of the booklet) to identify

important dates. Leave time to fill out the forms and review with your teacher. Allow plenty of time to experiment and collect data. Even a simple experiment does not go as you may plan. Also leave time to write a paper and put together a display.


7. Conduct your Experiment & Take Photographs -During experimentation. keep detailed notes of each and every step,

measurement, and observation. Keep a research journal and give dates and times when possible. Try to take photographs as you are doing your experiment and the results of the experiment. Remember to change only one variable at a time when experimenting, and make sure to do a control experiment in which none of the variables are changed. Make sure you include at least five or more test subjects in both the control group and experimental groups. Note any unusual changes you had to make in your procedure and that may show up in the results.

8. Examine your Results -When you complete you experiments, examine and organize your findings.

Use a chart, graph, table, etc. to show your results. Did your experiment give you the expected results and why or why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Are there other explanations that you had not considered or observed? Remember that understanding unusual results is NOT a scientific failure, but still is valuable information to be reported.

9. Draw Conclusions -Answer the following questions: Which variables are important? Did you

collect enough data? Do you need to conduct more experimentation? Did you support your hypothesis? If your results do not, what may have happened? Remember an experiment is done to prove or disprove an hypothesis.


10. Prepare a Report -Prepare a written report on what you have learned and how you have learned

about your topic. First make a rough draft, writing in enough detail so that the reader could repeat your research if he/she wanted. Leave plenty of space between lines to allow room for corrections. Think about what to say and express it clearly. A good report will include: 1) a title, 2) acknowledgments of people who helped, 3) an introduction to your topic, 4) discussion of the problem, 5) list of materials and equipment you used, 6) your step-by-step procedure, 7) observation and results, 8) conclusions, and 9) bibliography. When the rough draft is completed, proofread it carefully, correcting all spelling and grammar errors, checking it for complete sentences and good paragraphs. Ask a parent or teacher to read it after you have made your corrections. Write your final report neatly on white lined paper or type it.

11. Design your Display -Now that your research and scientific work is done, you must display what

you have learned. Neatness, clarity, and organization are keys to a successful display. Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar, as well as the accuracy and completeness of your information.

Your display materials need not be expensive. You will need some type of free standing backboard. It can be posterboard, fabric on a frame, cardboard, plywood, masonite, etc. that stays within the measurements specified in the rules. Use color, creativity, and care as you organize an attractive display.

Your display may include whatever objects that are not excluded by rules to show what you have learned. Your display should include: title, question, hypothesis, report, list of materials & equipment, procedure, observations, conclusions, and abstract. Refer to the back of the booklet for the list of what may NOT be included and an illustration of a display.


12. Prepare for Judging -Your project will be judged using a point system based on six areas. These

areas are scientific thought, creativity ability, understanding, clarity, dramatic value, and technical skill.

The oral presentation is an important part of the judging process. During your presentation, you should explain to the judges: why you chose your topic and question, how and where you gathered your information, how you tested your hypothesis and what observations you made, and what conclusions you reached. You may want to write note cards or refer to parts of your display in order to plan what you are going to talk about. Be well rehearsed and know what you are going to say - do NOT read it. Your presentation should be only be 3-5 minutes. Practice in front of your family or friends. Keep in mind that the judges are looking for the student who has learned from the experience of completing a science fair project.

Although it is natural to be a little nervous about the judging, remember the judges are not there to trick or embarrass you. They are interested in you and in what you have discovered through your science project. So be pleasant, courteous, and enjoy yourself. Above all, show them you are proud of the work you have accomplished!


Bibliography

Please remember to keep a record of all resources as you research your topic and write your report. Your bibliography should be organized with the following information about each source then listed in alphabetical order by the first word of each entry.

Information For A Bibliography

Book Author, Title, Place of Printing: Publishing Co., Date, Pages

EXAMPLE: Shippen, Katherine B., A Bridle for Pegasus, New York: Biking Press,

` 1991, pp. 28-42

Encyclopedia Author, “Title of Article”, Name of Encyclopedia, Year, Volume, Page

EXAMPLE: Piccard, Don, “Balloon,” The World Book Encyclopedia, 1994,

Vol. 2, pp. 39-44

Magazines Author, “Title of Article,” Name of Magazine, Volume: Number, Pages, Date

EXAMPLE: Lewis, C., “the Navy Unveils Rockets,” Aviation World, Vol. 68: No. 6,

pp.; 49-51, November 3, 1958

Internet Author (if known), “Title of Article or Webpage,” Web Address, Date Documented

EXAMPLE: ________________ , “NASA Space Shuttle Launches,” http://science.ksc.

nasa.gov/shuttle/missions/missions.html, September 11, 2000

Media Program Title, Type of Media (be specific as possible), Date

EXAMPLE: 60 Minutes, Television, Cable GS Communications Channel 7,

September 10, 2000

Interviews Name of Person, Position, Company, Location, Date Interviewed

EXAMPLE: John C. Jones, Lawyer, Jones & Sons, Martinsburg, WV, August 15, 2000

http://science.ksc


Checklist Date _____ 1. You have chosen your category. _____ 2. Your topic, question, and hypothesis has been developed. _____ 3. You have researched your question in the library and on the Internet. _____ 4. Your experiment has been designed and your plan has been approved by

your teacher & the Science Fair Review Committee. _____ 5. You have gathered your materials & set up your experiment. _____ 6. You record your data and observations in a journal as you experiment. _____ 7. The data is organized in charts and graphs to analyze in your

conclusions. _____ 8. You write your abstract to include your question, hypothesis,

materials, step-by-step procedure, results and conclusions using 250 words on the approved form.

_____ 9. You can make or buy a display board for your project that is no more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) front to back, 48 inches (122 centimeters) wide or 108 inches (274 centimeters) high.

_____ 10. Your project has a title, a question or problem statement, a hypothesis, a list of materials used, a step-by-step procedure, a record of observations made, a conclusion, a report and a list of the sources of information.

_____ 11. Your display shows what you have learned and how you have learned about your topic. You must show this using pictures, graphs, charts, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, collections, tape recordings, etc. A collection or model may be exhibited if it follows all science fair guidelines.

_____ 12. You may receive advise and direction from others but you must do all the work yourself. Include in your project who, if anyone, helped you.

_____ 13. Your report should include: a title, introduction to the topic with any past research, description of the experiment, a summary of your results, a listing of those who may have helped you and references (bibliography).

_____ 14. You must write and practice a 3-5 minute oral presentation to give to the judges. Substitutes or audio/vidoetaped presentations are not permitted.

_____ 15. Projects must adhere to safety restrictions and display regulations including: no live or dead plants or animals; no human or animal tissue other than teeth, hair, dried animal bones, and under prepared microscope slides; no glass; no liquids; no water; no hazardous or household chemicals; no photographs of dissected animals/humans; no open batteries; and no human or animal food.

_____ 16. Individuals may enter no more than one project. _____ 17. No student or school names should appear on projects or abstracts. _____ 18. No student or participant facial photos should appear on projects. _____ 19. Fair Directors have the final decision on matters not covered in the fair rules.

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Elementary Science Fair Abstract

Division ____Elementary______________ Category ___________________________

Title of Project __________________________________________________________

Briefly complete the information below concerning your project.

1. Describe the purpose of your project. ( What did you want to find out?)

2. Describe the procedure you used to test your hypothesis.

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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3. Explain the conclusion(s) you reached.

4. Write in the space below or attach a separate list of your sources of information in a form of a bibliography.

Berkeley County Schools Science Fair Project Judging Form - Team

Project Title ____________________________________________________________

Project Category _____________________________ Project Number _________

Criteria: Scientific Thought (25 Points) ________

Is the problem concisely stated? Are the procedures appropriate and thorough? Is the information collected complete? Are the conclusions reached accurate? Comments:

Creativity: (25 Points) ______ How unique is the project? Is it significant and unusual for the age of the student? Does the project show ideas arrived by the student? Comments:

Teamwork : (20 Points) ________ What did the team learn about the project? Did the team use appropriate literature for research? Can the WHOLE team answer questions about the topic? Was the work evenly distributed among the team members? Comments:

Clarity: (10 Points) ______ Are the problems, procedures, data, and conclusions presented logically? Can the objectives be understood by non-scientists? Are the written materials clear and articulate? Comments:

Dramatic Value: (10 Points) ______ How well did the student present the project? Is the display visually appealing? Is the proper emphasis given to important ideas? Comment:

Technical Skill (10 Points) ______ Was the majority the work done by the student? Does the written material show attention to grammar and spelling? Is the project well-constructed? Comments:

Total Points _______ (based upon 100 points)

Berkeley County Schools Science Fair Project Judging Form

Project Title ____________________________________________________________

Project Category _____________________________ Project Number _________

Criteria: Scientific Thought (30 Points) ________

Is the problem concisely stated? Are the procedures appropriate and thorough? Is the information collected complete? Are the conclusions reached accurate? Comments:

Creativity: (30 Points) ______ How unique is the project? Is it significant and unusual for the age of the student? Does the project show ideas arrived by the student? Comments:

Understanding: (10 Points) ________ What did the student learn about the project? Did the student use appropriate literature for research? Can the student answer questions about the topic? Comments:

Clarity: (10 Points) ______ Are the problems, procedures, data, and conclusions presented logically? Can the objectives be understood by non-scientists? Are the written materials clear and articulate? Comments:

Dramatic Value: (10 Points) ______ How well did the student present the project? Is the display visually appealing? Is the proper emphasis given to important ideas? Comment:

Technical Skill (10 Points) ______ Was the majority the work done by the student? Does the written material show attention to grammar and spelling? Is the project well-constructed? Comments:

Total Points _______ (based upon 100 points)

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_________________________ ______________________________

APPLICATION FOR ENTRY OF SCIENTIFIC EXHIBIT BERKELEY COUNTY SCIENCE FAIR

February 2-3, 2018 Student's Name______________________________ School_____________________________________

Last First

Home Address__________________________________________________ Home Phone____________

__________________________________________________ Grade___________

Title of Project__________________________________________________________________________

Categories - Check One __ 1. Animal Sciences __ 10. Energy

__ 2. Behavioral & Social Sci. __ 11. Engineering

__ 3. Biochemistry __ 12. Material Science

__ 4. Biomedical & Health Sciences __ 13. Mathematics

__ 5. Cell & Molecular Biology __ 14. Microbiology

__ 6. Chemistry __ 15. Physics & Astronomy

__ 7. Computational Biology & Bioinformatics __ 16. Plant Sciences

__ 8. Earth Science & Environmental Sciences __ 17. Robotics & Intelligent Machines

__ 9. Embedded Systems __ 18. Systems Software

Note: Teams will be integrated into 1-18

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS 1. Have you reviewed the Display and Safety Regulations required by ISEF rules? ___YES___NO

2. Are all the following forms attached to this application?

Elementary Junior Senior __ Abstract __ Abstract __ Abstract

__ Checklist 1 __ Checklist 1

__ Research Plan 1A2 __ Research Plan 1A2

__ Approval Form 1B __ Approval Form 1B

3. Is your project larger than 76 cm deep, 122 cm wide, or 274 cm high including table? This is max size.

___ YES ___ NO

4. Does you display use photographs? ___ YES ___NO

If yes, no photographs of animals in other than normal conditions; no dissection photographs nor

laboratory techniques can be shown; no faces of individuals.

5. Does your display require an electrical supply? ___YES __NO

If yes, you must supply your own grounded extension cord (minimum of 9 feet).

CERTIFICATION I hereby apply for space in the Berkeley County Science Fair with full intention of entering an exhibit. I

agree to abide by the Display and Safety Rules and Regulations, which I have read. I certify that the project is

essentially my own work.

Student's Signature

I certify that to the best of my knowledge this project was essentially the work of the student named

above, and I give my approval for it to be entered in Science Fair Competition.

Adult Sponsor's Signature (Teacher) Parent/Guardian's Signature

science fair 2018 - berkeley county schools how - to guide to your science fair project...

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