The Making of Science Investigatory Projects
A. Getting Started:
* Scientific Method:
* Your Question:
* Laboratory Notebook:
B. Doing the Background Research
• Background Research Plan:
• Finding Information
• Bibliography
• Research Paper
C. Constructing a Hypothesis
• Variables
• Variables for Beginners
• Hypothesis
D. Testing the Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
• Experimental Procedure
• Materials List
• Conducting an Experiment
E. Analyzing your data & Drawing Conclusion
• Data Analysis and Graphs
• Conclusion
F. Communicating Results
• Final Report
• Abstract
• Display Board
• Science Fair Judging
Science Fair Judging Criteria
1, Creativity, Resourcefulness and Inventiveness (30 pts.)
A. Is the project creative, neat, attractive and organized?
B. Is the project an investigation, an invention that was
tested and/or compared w/ a commercial product, or
a survey ( not something created and put on display)?
C. Is it clear that the student(s) put time and effort into
the project?
A. ________
B. ________
C.
________
Comments:
•
•
•
What are the strengths?
What are the weaknesses?
What could be done to make it better?
2. Scientific Thought and Engineering Goals (30 pts.)
A. Is it clear that the student(s) followed the steps of scientific
method?
B. Does the project improve the student(s) knowledge of
science and technology?
C. In the student(s) conclusion, is it clear/ they developed a
reasonable explanation on their current idea?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
A. ________
B. _________
C.________
3. Thoroughness ( 10 pts.)
A. Does the project contain all required information
(ie.Display Board & Research Paper)
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
A. _______
4. Research Skills ( 10pts.)
A. Did student(s) use at least 3 primary resources?
B. Did student(s) correctly list references in bibliographic form?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
A. _______
B. _______
5. Exhibit ( 10pts.)
A. Does the display board follow all the requirements ( size,
title, problem,hypothesis, abstract,materials,variables,data,
results & conclusion)?
B. Are the extra items that enhance the project ( ie. Photographs
/sketches, items used during the project, or data book, etc. )?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
A. _______
B. _______
6. Oral Presentation ( 10pts.)
A. Is the student(s) speech clear w/ few mistakes?
B. Is it clear the student(s) knows & understands the
topic?
C. Is the speech engaging & interesting to the judges?
D. Is the student(s) enthusiastic about the project?
E. Can the student(s) correctly answer the judge’s
questions?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
* What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
A. ____
B. ____
C. ____
D. ____
E. ____