WEST HEMPSTEAD MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE PROJECT
SCIENCE PROJECT 2014
Important deadlines and dates
September-October –Students will learn authentic research including how to use EBSCO, Gale and NOVEL databases.
September-October (prior to Library visit) – Science project packet distributed to classes.
[October 21, 2014] - Students must have project schedule sheet signed.
[October 27, 2014] – Project topic sheet and problem submitted
[October 31, 2014] - First research article W/summary due.
[November 5, 2014] – Second research article W/summary due.
[Friday, December 1, 2014] – Hypothesis (Hypothesis worksheet)
[Monday, December 22, 2014] –Typed rough draft of – RESEARCH PAPER.
The research paper should include a title, background information, problem, hypothesis, materials used, procedure, (method), scientific relevance, references (bibliography).
Final Project – January 6, 2014
Thursday, January 9 – West Hempstead Science Expo
Remember that aspects of your project will be due at scheduled times throughout
the term. Various parts of your project will be graded as a part of your 2nd quarter grade.
Deadlines are to be strictly adhered to.
Student’s Signature: ______
Parent’s Signature: ______
NAME: ______DATE: ______
WEST HEMPSTEAD MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
The Project Topic:
Topic ideas and problem question due October 27, 2014
Steps for deciding a topic:
1. Start with a topic that interests you.
a. Think of your hobbies and how they might relate to your selection.
b. Look for ideas in several sources.
2. Focus on a specific term or terms for your topic. In other words, what are you going to research?
Helpful Websites:
http://www.sciencefair-projects.org/
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects.php
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
http://www.education.com/science-fair/
Your Topic (Area of interest):
Your Question (Problem to be solved):
** Having a difficult time selecting a topic? Please see me.
Some things you should be thinking about!
There are different types of science projects.
For example:
1. An Investigation – This is where the student identifies a problem ands follows the
scientific method to solve a problem. Your experiment should test one variable
with a control group included.
Problem- Do seeds need sunlight to germinate?
2. Construction of a kit or a model – Using kits or building your own model from
scratch is a great way to present the concept(s) associated with your topic.
Problem – Show the chambers of the heart and how blood flows through the
heart.
3. Demonstration of a scientific principle – Scientific principles can be taught to the
class through a demonstration. Either using an experimental setup or building
a working model gets the job done. Sometimes group involvement makes
getting the point across more enjoyable.
Problem – How does food move through the digestive system?
4. A combination – A combination of either a model or a demonstration can be used to
get your point across.
Problem – Show by use of a model the process of digestion throughout the
digestive system.
Gathering Information
You have now selected a topic and stated a question. The next step in the Scientific Method is to Gather Information on your topic and question. Gathering Information will require that you locate reference materials like books, magazines, newspaper articles, and Internet sites pertaining to your topic.
When you are gathering information it is important to record general information on the book, newspaper article, Internet site, etc. If something in the source you are viewing looks like it might be useful, you should record the following:
\
1. Title
a. Web page title
b. Name of magazine or newspaper and title of article.
c. Book title
2. Author (if there is no author, then use the editor)
3. Publisher
4. Year published
a. Date web page was created
b. Date of newspaper article
5. Location of publisher (city, state or country)
6. Pages you can locate your information
a. Web page address
7. Importance of material
The best place to record this information is on an index card and kept in your binder.
You want to record this information because you might want to locate the material at a later date. If you decide to use any of the material you have gathered you will be required to list all sources at the end of your report. (What we call a bibliography).
Gathering information is important because you want to be able to make an educated guess on what your results may be. An educated guess is referred to as the hypothesis. I like to refer to the hypothesis as a possible answer to your question, or solution to the problem. If you are doing a model/demo you may want background information to strengthen your knowledge during your presentation.
HINT: Google, Ask.com or any other search engine DOES NOT count as a source. The sites they guide you to are the reference sites.
Name: ______Date: ______
THE HYPOTHESIS:
Due: December 1, 2014
1. Think of a hypothesis. Remember the hypothesis is a proposed solution to the problem question you have already turned in. It should be a statement/prediction answering your question from the problem.
There is no explanation needed at this time.
Your Hypothesis:
Your Sources (2): In MLA format:
List below the bibliographic entry for your first two research articles used in your project.
1.
2.
Name: ______Date: ______
PROOF THAT YOU ARE TESTING YOUR HYPOTHESIS
The following questions can be helpful in putting together your rough draft.
Directions: Answer all of the questions! Do not leave anything blank!
1. What is your hypothesis?
2. What type of project are you conducting? (Experiment/Investigation, Model and/or Demonstration). Choose one.
3. What materials are you using to test your hypothesis?
4. How will you test your hypothesis? This is your procedure/ method.
Use a separate sheet of paper or attach a copy of your experiment/demonstration.
(List step by step procedures).
5. Provide at least FIVE sources of material (Internet site, Software, Books, Magazines, etc.) You may include the two sources of material from the assignment “Gathering information.” Be sure to include title, author, publisher (if book), year published or created, location of publisher (if book), pages of information can be found or web page address and importance of material.
Example: your textbook.
(title), (year published), (editor), (publisher), (location of publisher), (pages information is found on), (importance, scientific relevance)
Name: ______Date: ______
PROJECT RESEARCH PAPER
Rough draft of Research Paper
Due: Friday, December 19 – typed
Final project due
Due: January 6, 2014
For your rough draft you will need to hand in a typed outline of your research paper.
For the final project presentation you will need to hand in a typed research paper and bibliography.
The format for the research paper is listed below:
TITLE (Cover Page)
Should reflect the nature of your project
ABSTRACT
Should reflect the nature of your project and state the problem
HYPOTHESIS
Possible answer to your question (problem)
BACKGROUND INFO
A summary of facts gathered from library/independent research
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
List or summarize the steps you used to solve the problem or demonstration.
For rough draft list steps you will be using to solve your problem.
RESULTS (DATA)
Using graphs, charts and other visuals, state exactly what was observed.
CONCLUSION
Interpret the results. Do they support the hypothesis?
FUTURE WORK
How can this project lead to other research projects?
BIBLIOGRAPHY (References)
Total of 5 sources are required
Science Expo Tri-Board Template
Title for Tri-Board SectionsTitle
Abstract (includes problem/question)
Hypothesis
Experimental Design ( background research, materials & procedure)
Data (Results)
Conclusion
Future Work (optional)
Bibliography
Please be familiar with this rubric.
This will be used to judge your project.
Category / Criteria / Points Awarded(10 per
category)
Abstract and Bibliography / 1. The abstract provides a clear statement of the problem.
2. The abstract concisely summarizes methods.
3. The findings are condensed and clearly summarized.
4. The bibliography indicates an appropriate review of literature.
5. Bibliographic entries are well organized.
*If school is identified, deduct 1 point.
*Please note, if information is totally absent, a zero (0) is to be
given for this section.
Originality of
Project Creativity of Idea / 1. The study has some original approaches or construction.
2. Ideas have been adapted or modified from other investigations.
3. The student recognizes or identifies any similarities of this
study to others.
Statement of Problem or Question
Hypothesis Formation / 1. The student identifies the problem or question that is being
addressed.
2. The student explains why this problem or question is worth
investigating (significant).
3. The hypothesis is phrased in such a format that it may be
tested.
4. The hypothesis is based on preliminary information (reading
or observation).
5. The hypothesis relates to the original problem as stated.
*Please note, if NO hypothesis is presented, a score of zero (0) is
to be given for this section.
Experimental Design / 1. There is a planned use of the scientific method.
2. The experimental design attempts to test the hypothesis.
3. The equipment used is appropriate for the experiment.
*Be careful not to judge the ability of a school to provide
resources.
4. A control was used. The student can identify it.
5. The sample size is appropriate.
6. If weaknesses exist in this design, the student can identify
them (might not contain any).
Implementation of Design Representation of Data
(Results) / 1. The student carefully measured and recorded data.
2. The student has a notebook/log of daily activities, procedures,
and findings.
3. The data tables/graphs reflect the findings of the experiment.
4. The student is able to explain the results.
5. It appears that the student invested sufficient time and effort.
Validity of
Conclusions / 1. The student forms a conclusion based on the data and data
analysis (project and grade appropriate).
2. The student refrains from forming a conclusion that is too
generalized.
3. The conclusions refer back to the original question asked or problem identified.
4. The conclusions relate back to the hypothesis. The student determines whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
5. The student recognizes sources of error.
Future Work / 1. The student can identify how the project leads to further avenues of research.
2. The student can explain the significance of the work – whether it confirms known information or is new.
3. The student can explain why he/she would/would not
continue with the project.
4. The student can describe improvements that could be made to
the experimental design if the experiment were to be repeated.
Display and
Log / 1. The visual presentation tells a complete and concise story about the project.
2. The display catches and focuses attention. Consider neatness, correct spelling, expression, eye appeal
3. The display discloses organized procedures and thinking.
4. The guide marks, labels, and descriptions are neatly, yet briefly presented.
*If school is identified, deduct 1 point.
Oral
Presentation / 1. The oral presentation tells a complete and concise story about the project.
2. The oral presentation was understandable.
3. The presenter was enthusiastic/showed interest in the project.
4. The presenter was prepared/well-‐rehearsed.
5. The presenter maintained focus on the topic (or was too much time spent on superfluous, tangential, or background information).
*If it was a team presentation, all members participated. If not, deduct points accordingly.
Answers to Judges Questions / 1. The student understands the underlying concepts and
implications of the project.
2. The judge’s questions are answered successfully.
3. The student’s answers indicate that he/she did the work on his/her own.
4. The student is able to explain the importance/significance of
what was done.
5. The student can explain how he/she came up with the idea for
the project.
Total Possible Points:100
Total______
10