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Science Fair Project - 2015 – Student Rubric

Student's Name ______

Title of Project ______

This is my grading sheet. I will use this to score your science fair project. Below each category are examples of how the possible points are earned. Please go for 10’s!

The basis for judging the projects will be:

Creative AbilityPossible points

  • The questions asked are student-initiated and original(0 – 6)
  • The approach to solving the problem is creative(0 – 6)
  • Equipment is creatively used or had to be made/modified(0 – 6)
  • Interpretation of the data shows creative and original thinking by student(0 – 6)
  • Student has understanding of project implications beyond their research(0 – 6)

Total possible points30

Scientific Thought

  • Clear and unambiguous statement of problem(0 – 5)
  • Clearly defined procedural plan for obtaining a solution(0 – 5)
  • Variables clearly recognized and defined; proper controls used correctly(0 – 5)
  • Data adequately supports student’s conclusions; limitations recognized(0 – 5)
  • Student understands project’s ties to other research(0 – 5)
  • Scientific literature cited, not just popular literature (i.e. newspapers, web)(0 – 5)

Total possible points30

Thoroughness

  • Original question was completely addressed(0 – 3)
  • Conclusions are based on repeated observations (not single experiments)(0 – 3)
  • Project notes/lab notebook are complete(0 – 3)
  • Student is aware of alternate approaches or theories(0 – 3)
  • Student spent an appropriate amount of time on the project(0 – 3)

Total possible points15

Skill

  • Data was obtained and analyzed appropriately by student(0 – 5)
  • Student worked largely independently(0 – 5)
  • Student has required skills and understanding to continue research on own(0 – 5)

Total possible points15

Clarity

  • Clear discussion of project (not a memorized speech)(0-2)
  • Written material/poster reflects understanding of research project(0-2)
  • Data and results are presented clearly.(0-2)
  • Presentation is forthright(0-2)
  • Student designed and created poster largely independently(0-2)

Total possible points10

Maximum Total100

HOW TO PREPARE A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

1. SELECTING A TOPIC:Choose something you are interested in and something you want to learn more about. Talk to your teachers, parents, or media specialists for ideas. A hobby may lead to a good topic. Don’t forget to look through science books, magazines, or check museums and zoos for ideas.Once you have selected a topic, you must get your parents approval (remember some materials can be very expensive) to perform your experiment. With parent permission, you may get your teacher’s approval.

2. RESEARCH: After you have selected your topic begin the research process. Collect information from books, magazines, encyclopedias, or the internet. Contact experts or companies that might be able to supply information. Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable resource.

3. PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose is a description of what you will do. The hypothesis is an educated explanation of what you think will happen.

4, EXPERIMENT:Plan and organize an experiment using controlled conditions. Keep careful records in a special notebook that is used only for the research paper.

5. EXHIBIT:The exhibit is a visual presentation of your project. Prepare it carefully. Use charts, graphs, and clear bold lettering to highlight this display. Avoid “fancy” lettering as it is hard to read.

USE A SCHEDULE TO GET ORGANIZED

This a long range project, so it is very important to prepare a schedule and stay organized. Science fair projects often require several weeks for completion. Don't let a due date that is many weeks away interfere with your planning; there are many things to do. Here are the due dates of each piece of the project that will provide ample time to complete all phases of the project:

CHECK OFF EACH WEEK WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING.

Deadline for completion of Requirements:

October 2, 2015 Form “A” due- topic, purpose, hypothesis, parent signature

October 16,2015Form “B” due- explanation of experiment

November 6, 2015 Complete entire experiment- results, data, analysis, conclusion, etc.

November 6-20, 2015Build your display so that it is ready to turn in

November 20, 2015*Science Fair Project due *

TBDScience Family Night at EFMS

A CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT

To conduct a scientific investigation, care must be taken to follow experimental procedures. You must design an experiment to TEST your hypothesis. When planning your experiment, remember to keep everything the same except for the single variable being tested. A variable is something that can be changed in the experiment. It is what you are testing. Everything else must be the same and only one variable or condition is altered or changed. A control group should be used when conducting an experiment. This group receives the same attention as the test groups; however, it will not be influenced by the variable the other groups are testing.

Here is an example (you may NOT use this as your project):

PURPOSE: How will the amount of fertilizer used affect plant growth?

HYPOTHESIS: I think increased doses of fertilizer will cause greater growth in tomato plants.

The test variable will be the amount of fertilizer used, so all other variables and conditions must stay the same. That means the following:

1. The seeds must all come from the same package and should be randomly selected.

  1. All seeds must be planted in the same sized pots with similar soil.
  2. All plants must receive exactly the same amount of water and light.
  3. The temperature should be the same for all test plants.
  4. More than one plant should be used in each test group (ideally at least three).
  5. Set one group as the CONTROL GROUP. This group is not given any fertilizer.
  6. Set up two other test groups. One group received a certain amount of fertilizer each week. The other group received twice as much fertilizer.

RECORDING OBSERVATIONS AND DATA

Use a separate notebook for recording all measurements and observations. Record information on a daily basis and consider the following things:

Make sure that accurate metric measurements are given in your data. Give masses in grams, volumes in milliters, and linear measurements in centimeters.

It is better to have too much data than not enough. So keep a lot of notes.

When making an observation write down the date and time.

Keep track of the materials used, their quantities, and cost.

Consider taking photographs to be used as part of your display.

GRAPHS AND CHARTS

Your daily log of observations will be the best means for sharing the data and information collected during the experiment. Charts and graphs will provide a good way to share data in an easy to read and understandable fashion. There are different kinds of charts and graphs. Some examples are bar graphs, line graphs, data tables, etc.

PREPARING THE EXHIBIT OR DISPLAY BOARD

The display board is a visual way to communicate your project to others. Take your time and do a good job.

Be sure to check with your teacher or sponsor about the rules for the dimensions of the exhibit. Most exhibits have three sections and may be expected to stand on their own. Displays are often placed on card tables so there are limits to the size.

  • For almost every science fair project, you need to prepare a display board to communicate your work to others. In most cases you will use a standard, three-panel display board that unfolds to be 36" tall by 48" wide.
  • Organize your information like a newspaper so that your audience can quickly follow the thread of your experiment by reading from top to bottom, then left to right. Include each step of your science fair project: Abstract, question, hypothesis, variables, background research, and so on.
  • Use a font size of at least 16 points for the text on your display board, so that it is easy to read from a few feet away. It's OK to use slightly smaller fonts for captions on picture and tables.
  • The title should be big and easily read from across the room. Choose one that accurately describes your work, but also grabs peoples' attention.
  • A picture speaks a thousand words! Use photos or draw diagrams to present non-numerical data, to propose models that explain your results, or just to show your experimental setup. But, don't put text on top of photographs or images. It can be very difficult to read.

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT DECISION SHEET

Directions: This sheet will help you decide what areas of your science fair project still

need attention. Have your parents assist in filling out this form. Use the

following point scale:

5 well done and complete

4 almost complete

3 needs improvement

2 lacking

1 not done

______1. EXHIBIT – attractive, self-standing with proper dimensions, and clear bold lettering

______2. TOPIC – not too broad or complicated, yet displaying a sufficient degree of difficulty

______3. CREATIVITY – unique design, project has pizzazz

______4. CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT – all factors are kept the same except for the

one factor or variable being tested.

______5. VALIDITY OF RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS – measurable results supported by enough trials

______TOTAL POINTS

24-25 Everything looks great - bring on the fair!

20-23 Some additional time and work required.

15-19 Get cracking; there's work to do and soon.

Below 15 Check with teacher.

Science Fair URL’s - Science Buddies .Com is a great start

FORM A: TOPIC SELECTION, TITLE, & HYPOTHESISDue date: Oct 2, 2015

Student Name ______

Topic ______

Title ______

Hypothesis ______

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My child has explained every item required in completing their project, and I approve of their plan.

Parent Approval ______

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Please sign and then print your name. Thank you.

FORM B: DESCRIPTION OF YOUR EXPERIMENT Due Date: Oct 16, 2015

Topic Title ______

What materials will your experiment require?

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How will you set up the experiment and keep it scientific? (Use the back to complete.) Do you have a control? What are your variables? Describe your procedure thoroughly. How will you communicate your data results?

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