Parkwayschool District

Science Fair

Guide

ParkwaySchool District

Student Name ______

School ______

Teacher ______

SCIENCE FAIR PHILOSOPHY

Science fair is a time for students to develop and explore their own questions in science. Through the processes of observation, research, and planning and conducting controlled experiments, students have the tools they need to investigate their curiosities. Please remember to foster this process of inquiry and the joy of science. It is not about the competition, but about the pleasure of discovery and doing their personal best.

Sincerely,

Becky Litherland, Ph.D. –

Science Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Science Project Time Line3

Categories of Science Fair Studies4

Science Fair Project Vocabulary Words 5

How to Do a Science Fair Project7

How to Write a Bibliography19

How to Prepare a Science Fair Display20

How to Write an Experimental Report or Display/Logbook22

*Parkway high school students will do a formal report.

PARKWAYSCIENCE FAIR WEBSITE

or

Select the Science Fair link on the Science Website.

SCIENCE PROJECT TIME LINE

Here is a time line to help you complete the steps of your project. Be sure to read and follow the instructions in this guide or those given to you by your teacher and to check the Science Project Scoring Guide as you work through each step of your project. Note: For 2013, Parkway middle school students may elect to submit an e-project.

Date DueCompletedSteps

______Begin a log book. (For e-projects the log book may be a Word document.) Keep a detailed record of your work throughout the process of developing your science fair project in your log book. Start the logbook by listing possible topics and ideas for your project.

______Explore several of your topics and select a topic for further study.

______Gather background information about your topic. Include historical information, the significance of the topic, facts about the topic, and methods of study for your topic. Prepare a bibliography of your sources.

______Develop a testable question to design a controlled experiment for the topic you have chosen. Identify your independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), and constants (conditions you will keep the same).

______Write a draft of the procedure for your experiment and make a list of materials needed.

______Collect the materials you will need and do a trial run of your procedure, to be sure that it is going to work as planned. Make sure your measurement tools and units are appropriate for the data needed for your experiment. (Purchase a display board for your project.For e-projects, the display board will be replaced by a Powerpoint presentation.))

______Prepare a data table for recording results (See sample).

______Conduct at least THREE trials of your procedure and collect data using metric measurements. Take photographs or draw pictures being sure NOT to include peoples’ faces.

______Record the data collected in the data table. Determine the mean value (average) using data from at least the 3 trials.

______Construct a graph that shows the averages of your results and write a summary of your findings that includes claims and evidence.

______Write the conclusion and discuss the scientific worth of your project.

______Write the project report (high school only).

______Prepare the items for the display and arrange them attractively on the board. For e-projects design the Powerpoint presentation to include the same information that would appear on a display board in an attractive and easy to read style,

Your completed science fair project is due on ______.
CATEGORIES OF SCIENCE FAIR STUDIES

2012-2013

Behavioral/Social Science

(BBS)

Includes any study that might be done by a sociologist, anthropologist, psychologist or linguist that examines animal activities to discover recurrent patterns. For example, trigger of fear, learned behavior, effect of color on choice, pecking order, group size.

Biochemistry (BBC)

A project that focuses on the chemistry of life processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, enzymes, diffusion or similar projects. The study focuses on the chemicals and their reactions. All five of the studies are possible in this category.

Botany (BBO)

A project that studies plants and their life cycle, structure, growth, processes, and classification. The study might include the sciences of agriculture, agronomy, taxonomy and related sciences. For example: algae growth, leaf gas exchange, power of swelling seeds, germination, development sequence, tropism responses. Any type of investigation design is possible: collection, observation, model, experiment or invention/engineering.

Environmental Science (BEV)

A project that focuses on the response of living organisms to man-altered or nature-altered environmental changes. For example: pollution effects, disaster effects, profile of organism density in a specific environment. The experiment type of investigation is generally done in this category.

Medicine and Health (BMH)

A study that explores diagnosing, improving, and/or preserving health. The study focuses on disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology, nutrition, speech, hearing, and related areas of science. For example: monitoring health aspects of persons enrolled in diet or body-building programs, checking for hearing or sight loss. Because of protocol, the types of investigations most often done are collections, observations or models.

Microbiology (BMB)

Studies of the activities and effects of microorganisms, such as algae, fungi, protozoan, virus and bacteria as related to their life processes. For example: bacteria in milk, water or soil, growth rates, identity of organisms. Five types of studies can be done in this category. Be careful of pathogenic agents which require a protocol, safety forms and compliance.

Zoology (BZO)

A study of animals, life cycle, anatomy, classification. For example: identify, classify earthworm growth, butterfly life cycle, unique structure. All five types of studies can be done although observations are best for vertebrates. Be aware of protocol required for vertebrates

Chemistry (PCH)

A study of matter, its composition and its interactions. Includes inorganic and organic matter, natural and man-altered materials. For example: pH of household substances, controlling rate of reaction, producing a desired substance. All five types of studies are possible: collection, observation, model, experiment, and invention/engineering. Be careful of dangerous chemicals.

Gerontology (BGE)

The study of the aging process.

Earth Space (PES)

Any study that deals with the soil, water and air of our planet and objects in space. Includes geology, meteorology, astronomy. For example: identify rocks or stars, forecast weather. All five types of studies are possible.

Engineering (PEG)

A study that puts scientific knowledge to work and includes civil, chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering. For example: building robots, new electrical switches, faster pine wood derby cars, etc. All five types of studies are possible. Models and inventions/engineering are frequently used.

Mathematics (PMC)

A study that deals with numbers: types, relationships, and manipulation. Includes concepts and applications related to algebra, geometry, calculus. For example: abacus design, pattern of repeating decimals, families of numbers. Collections, models and invention/engineering are used frequently.

Computer Projects(PCS)

A study that modifies or uses the hardware or software of a computer in a new way. For example: using an application in a new way. Collections, models and invention/engineering are used.

Physics (PPH)

A study that deals with the energy of matter interactions. Includes motion, mechanics, electricity, sound, light and related areas. For example: forces on a falling object, trajectory of an object, electrical circuits, etc. All five types of investigations may be used.

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2012-2013

2012-2013

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT VOCABULARY WORDS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - Statements which give recognition to anyone who helped with the project. General terms such as "teacher", "parent", specialist", "expert", should be used in place of individuals’ names.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION - Report which contains information collected from research notes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY - Alphabetical list of the resources used when completing research notes that is written in a special way listing authors, titles, publisher, pages etc.

CONCLUSIONS - Statements that summarize the experiment and relate the results to the hypothesis and the background information. (See score sheet for more detailed list of components of a conclusion.)

CONSTANT CONDITIONS - The many conditions of the experiment that are kept the same during all tests

CONTROL - The part of the experiment with no change to the independent variable or a level of the independent variable that is used as a standard of comparison

DATA TABLE - A chart listing the levels of the independent variable, the data collected (dependent variable) for each trial, and the average calculation for each set of trials. Include a title for the table which includes the independent and dependent variables and title each variable. Also indicate the units for all measurements. All measurements should use metric units.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE - The condition in the experiment that you must wait and see what happens. It is what is watched and measured. The results of the tests should be recorded in metric measurement, when applicable.

DISPLAY BOARD - Three-sided, free-standing board that displays the parts of the project. There are no size restrictions.

FUTURE STUDY - A statement which tells what you might do if you decide to perform this experiment again.

GRAPH - A bar or line graphof the averages previously recorded on the data table. Select the type of graph appropriate for the data. Use a bar graph for discrete data and a line graph for continuous data. The horizontal or "X" axis is labeled with the independent variable and the levels of that variable. The vertical or "Y" axis is labeled with the dependent variable. Include units in labels. A title including the independent and dependent variables should be written at the top.

HYPOTHESIS - A prediction or description of the relationship of the independent variable and the dependent variable that describes the expected results of the experiment. It is written with "If " as the first word in the statement, "then" in the middle of the statement . Be specific.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE - The part of the experiment that is changed by the experimenter and tested as the experiment is done at least three different ways (levels). List the levels tested. Example: three different brands of popcorn are tested; each brand is a level of the IV. Test each level at least three times (trials).

LOG BOOK - Daily of every step of the experiment which is generally handwritten. It includes dates, notes, photographs, data, interviews, thoughts or reflection. Pages must be dated and numbered.

MATERIALS – A list of the materials used in the experiment/project including measurement tools.

PROBLEM - A question that asks what will be tested in the experiment.

PROCEDURE –A list of the exact steps done to complete the experiment. This part is to be written carefully so that if another person were to perform the test, he/she could follow the procedure easily.

RESEARCH NOTES - Collections of information about the experiment that come from electronic and/or print resources and/or interviews. Includes statements that assess the quality of the study and describe any scientific advantage to knowing the results.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS - One or two statements which explain trends shown in the graph.

TESTABLE QUESTION – A question about a problem that can be answered by doing a controlled experiment (fair test). The question includes a factor that can be changed (independent variable) and something that can be measured (dependent variable).

TITLE- Includes the independent variable and dependent variable. “The effect of….on…...”

TRIAL - One entire run of the experiment for the control and each level (alteration) of the independent variable. A minimum of three trials is recommended.

HOW TO DO A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Begin a Log Book

The log book is a hand-written or electronic start to finish dated record of all work done on a project. It is generally hand-written with all pages numbered in the top right corner. It is to contain detailed notes of every step of the project from beginning to end - all notes on background information, all observations, all plans and actions, all data, and all thoughts, reflections, and conclusions. You may acknowledge those who helped you but refer to them as teacher, parent, etc. Do not include names of any people in your log book, report, or on your display. (The signed safety sheet will have your name on it. Fold it in half and place it in the front cover of the log book. For e-projects scan the safety form and add it to the Word version of the log book.) The log book is the single most valued piece of work in your project. Your log book begins with a record of possible topics and ideas, areas of interest, and a brainstorming list of possible problems to study. You always keep your log book with you whenever you work on your project. It is your personal record of your science fair project.

The log book must include:

*A signed copy of the Safety form attached to the inside cover of the logbook.

*Description of how safety guidelines were followed throughout the project.

Background information

Description of project

Detailed recording of the process of doing the project

Detailed recording of observations and data collected

Summary of findings in tables, graphs, diagrams

Conclusion – Claims supported by evidence

Thoughts and reflections

*See website for form and guidelines

Select a Topic

For many students, one of the most difficult parts of a science project is selecting a topic. It is a challenge to decide on a topic that is original and interesting. An experiment can be done on many things. Topics do not have to be “science stuff". In other words, you do not have to use test tubes, microscopes, batteries, etc. Begin with your interests. Do you like sports? Run a test on techniques used in sports. Do you like cooking? Alter a recipe and measure the results. Do your parents work in a field in which a test could be run such as: building industry, art, media, photography, etc.? Experiments can be conducted in many non-science as well as science areas. WRITE DOWN ALL YOUR IDEAS IN YOUR LOG BOOK.

A more common way of selecting a topic is to find a topic, or an experiment, in a book or online. If you find an interesting experiment, you can alter the experiment to make it different, or original, by changing the independent variable. Consider, for example, the experiment, “What is the effect of the number of paper clips on the nose of a paper airplane on the distance the airplane can fly?" The independent variable was the number of paper clips on the nose of the paper airplane. The dependent variable is the distance the airplane can fly. The constants will includekeeping the same the size of paper, the airplane design, the size of paper clips, the amount of thrust to fly the plane, a breezeless hallway, and the angle of release. Bykeeping the number of paper clips the same and changing one of the constantsyou have a new independent variable.

Examples:

1.What is the effect of the type of paper used to make a paper airplane on the distance that it can fly? (construction paper, tissue paper, cardboard, typing paper)

2.How does the design of the paper airplane affect the distance that it can fly? (glider, dart)

4.What is the effect of different amounts of thrust used to fly a paper airplane on the distance that it can fly? (fast, slow, moderate speed)

5.How will different amounts of wind currents affect the distance a paper airplane can fly? (no breeze, low fan speed, medium fan speed, high fan speed)

6.What is the effect of different angles of release on the distance that a paper airplane can fly? (210 degrees, 180 degrees)

7.How will the placement of the paper clips on the plane affect the distance that the paper airplane can fly? (nose, tail, wing)

Please remember the following Science Fair Safety Guidelines as you consider ideas.

1.Refer to the Safety Guidelines found on the website.

2.Do not do human research (except observations).

3.Do not use vertebrate animals in your research other than observations of animals under natural circumstances.

4.No research involving disease-causing agents, recombinant DNA, blood or other human tissue, or controlled substances (tobacco, alcohol, or drugs) is allowed.

Choose your Study Design

Parkway middle school and high school students are expected to do projects based on controlledexperiments. Elementary students may select from a project for any of the fivetypes of projects given below and use the design suggested.

1.I’ll be collecting something in order to identify it. Use the collection design.

2.I’ll be watching a natural situation to find a pattern. Use the observation design.

3.I’ll be building something to show how it works or to show a scaled model. Use the model design.

4.I’ll be altering one condition, while keeping others constant, and watching what happens to another condition. Use the experiment design.

5.I’ll be doing a series of designs and tests to create a product or process to solve a problem. Use the invention design.

STUDY DESIGNS
Type / IV / DV / CCs / Results
Collection / General characteristics of the selected items / Recorded specific characteristics / When, where and how the collecting is done / A diagram or table with characteristics, identity, and relationships
Observations / Observable characteristics about an object or event / What is recorded about each selected IV / When, where and how the observing is done / The rearranged data showing a pattern
Model / The design of the replica being built, if it works or if it is scaled / What the completed replica looks like / When, where, and how the materials are assembled / The model and evidence that it works or is scaled
Experiment / The condition that will be altered / What will respond to the IV and is observed and measured / When, where, and how the study is set up / Data table and graph
Invention / The condition that will be altered, first, then second, etc. / What will respond to the IV and is observed and measured / When, where, and how the study is set up / Evidence that the product or process meets expectations

Gather Background Information