Lake Roosevelt Elementary 2016 Science Fair
Entry Form and Student Handbook
Participation is purely voluntary and open to all students grades K-8. Our goal is to provide an
opportunity for kids to apply the scientific method to an area of personal interest. All participants will
receive a certificate noting their achievement, and a couple motivated few will receive prizes.
The science fair is conducted for many reasons:
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To focus attention on scientific experiences in school.
To stimulate interest in scientific investigation beyond routine class work.
To recognize and commend youthful scientific talent and hobby pursuits.
To offer an opportunity for display of scientific talent through exhibit and demonstration.
To stimulate public interest in the scientific abilities of students.
There are many important things to remember when planning and conducting a project. This handbook
will assist you with questions you may have and give you the information you need for completing the
project correctly. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to carry out the project and have fun in
the process. Please read the handbook carefully as you decide upon your topic and prepare your
science fair project.
The Science Fair will be held April 22nd or April 29th (exact date of fair judging is dependent upon
academic testing) from approximately noon to end of the school day. Further information about poster
set up and science fair judging will sent to participants after science fair projects are approved.
The entry form must be filled out and returned to the Lake Roosevelt Elementary Office by Friday,
February 19, 2016. Entry forms can also be mailed to Rebecca Hunt at 1001 Camas Street, Coulee
Dam, WA 99116.
Questions? Please call Rebecca Hunt at 509-633-3571 or email at beccabean@hotmail.com; or email
Cathy LaPlace at cathylaplace@yahoo.com. A question and answer session about the science fair will
occur at the Title VII/JOM Family Night Event February 17, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 pm. If you have
questions about how the science fair will work, need project ideas, want to see an example project, or
have any other questions please visit our booth at the Title VII/JOM Family Night.
Table of Contents
Science Fair Guidelines, Safety, Expectations, and Procedures.................................................................... 3
Guidelines ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Science Fair Project Safety ........................................................................................................................ 4
Grade Level Project Expectations ............................................................................................................. 5
Procedures… Step by Step ........................................................................................................................ 7
Science Fair Required Elements .................................................................................................................... 8
Displays ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Science Project Notebook ....................................................................................................................... 10
Science Project Report ............................................................................................................................ 10
Helpful Information .................................................................................................................................... 11
Overview of the Scientific Method ......................................................................................................... 11
All About Variables.................................................................................................................................. 12
Student Project Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 13
Hints ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Advice For A Winning Project ................................................................................................................. 14
Helping Your Children With Their Science Fair Projects ........................................................................ 15
Rules For Judging ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Science Fair Project Judging Form .......................................................................................................... 17
Science Fair Websites ................................................................................................................................. 18
Science Fair Guidelines, Safety, Expectations, and Procedures
Guidelines
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Each project must submit a completed and signed entry form to the Lake Roosevelt Elementary
Office on or before Friday, February 19th, 2016.
A student may enter a project as an individual or a group (such as a group of 3 or a class project).
Students can complete in one individual/small group project AND one class project.
Class projects will compete only compete with other class projects
Small group projects will compete with individual projects and will not be judged separately.
Teachers and technically trained professionals may give information and advice to all students
entering science fair projects, but may not do the research or work for students.
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Science Fair entries are to include 3 parts: An eye catching display, a research report, and
a science notebook.
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The display for each project is limited to a tabletop area approximately 3’x3’. This includes any
poster board display plus any objects or manipulatives that are part of the display.
Two separate folders/composition books are required with the project. One contains a short (age
appropriate) report on research related to the project. The second is a science notebook.
Displays should not require access to an electrical outlet.
We recommend the typical 3-segment “poster board” display for presenting the project. (These can
be found at craft stores, as well as many grocery stores and drugstores.)
The student’s face may not appear in pictures on the display board, in the research report or in the
notebook.
A student’s name should not appear on the front of the project. Student information (name,
address, phone number, parent’s name, grade, school, and teacher) should be placed in an envelope
attached to the back of the display board.
Participants will have the opportunity to stand by their project during the open viewing time to
describe their experiences to those who walk through the exhibits and the science panel volunteers.
In the absence of the participant, the documentation on the display should be self-contained and
provide a complete overview of the project and its results.
Parents and families are more than welcome to become involved with the student’s project.
The Science Fair Committee is not responsible for items lost or damaged at the fair. Please make
copies of all research done and your notebook. Since the exhibit areas cannot be completely
secured, please copy anything that could not be replaced. Students could display photographs in
place of actual objects
The decisions of the science fair judges and officials are final and are not subject to review. Protests
will not be accepted.
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Science Fair Project Safety
For safety reasons the Lake Roosevelt Science Fair DOES NOT ALLOW experimentation using dangerous
equipment or substances that may be harmful to students or others. If you are uncertain about any
safety rules, contact the Science Fair Committee (see contact information above). Determinations of
safety are made by the Science Fair Committee.
Students MUST:
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Obtain approval of the Science Fair Committee BEFORE beginning any project involving vertebrate
animals, human subjects, or any potentially dangerous substance, material or equipment (excluding
surveys).
Have adult supervision when using equipment, sharp objects or chemicals (including household
chemicals).
Observe proper safety protocol at all times.
Students MAY NOT conduct experiments that:
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Involve poisons, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices or the ingestion or
application of any over-the-counter medications to animals or humans.
Involve any microbial cultures, mold, or disease causing fungi, including rotting or spoiled foods, or
any other possibly pathogenic substances. (Exception: Experiment with baker’s yeast so long as
rDNA studies are NOT involved.)
Involve microbial presence/growth. (Exception: Experiments using manure with composting to test
variables.)
Involve human parts, blood or other body fluids. (Exception: Experiments may include sterilized
teeth that were naturally extracted by a dentist, primary teeth that were naturally removed, or hair
clippings.)
Cause or may cause harm or injury to animals or human subjects.
Involve explosives including guns, ammunition and rocket propellants.
Involve highly caustic or toxic substances. Experiments involving mildly caustic or toxic substances,
including household chemicals, must be approved by Science Fair Committee.
Grade Level Project Expectations
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades
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Whole class project can be used to support instruction of Investigation and Reasoning
It is to the teachers discretion to enter whole class projects in science fair
All projects that will be judged must present the project on a display board
Must use project display board for any project that will be judged in the science fair
Project categories: (types of descriptive investigation):
o Collection with Classification: Describe properties of objects using labeled categories o
o Exhibit: Describes how something works or describes a “system” or its parts
Individual / Team projects – are optional and allowed
o Can do an experiment and it is the student(s) responsibility to complete independently
outside of class
Collection with Classification: A collection is a set of objects, which have been placed into groups
according to similar properties.
Assessed on the rubric:
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Title
Research Report
Classification Scheme
Conclusions
References and Acknowledgements
Examples:
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Fabric types by textures
Objects that sink or float
Rocks by shape Buttons
3rd Grade
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Whole class projects can be used to support instruction of Investigation and Reasoning
It is to the teachers discretion to enter whole class projects in science fair
All projects that will be judged in the campus fair must present the project on a display board
Project category: (type of descriptive investigation):
o Exhibit: Describes how something works or describes a “system” or its parts
Individual /small group projects – are optional and allowed at the discretion of the teacher
o Can do an experiment and it is the student(s) responsibility to complete independently
outside of class
Exhibit: Demonstration, Model, or Display: A demonstration or model describes how or why something
works. A display reveals details about the topic.
Assessed on the rubric:
Examples:
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Title
Research Report
Exhibit Explanation
Conclusions
References
Acknowledgements
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The Brain
The Life of Bees
Hurricanes
What are Gluten Free Foods?
Orcas
How Do Magnetic Trains Work?
It’s a long Way to the Top! (food chains /
webs)
What is a Solar Eclipse?
4th - 8th Grade
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Individual /small group projects are the student(s) responsibility to complete independently outside
of class
It is to the teachers discretion to enter whole class projects in science fair
Teacher discretion to allow small groups
All projects that will be judged in the science fair must present the project on a display board
Project categories:
o Comparative Investigation
o Experiment
 Project must have a testable (investigable) question
 Use data to support a hypothesis
Assessed on the rubric:
Examples:
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Title of Experiment
Problem / Question
Definitions
Hypothesis
Background Information
Experimental Materials
Experimental Procedure
Results (Data)
Conclusion
References and Acknowledgements
Testable Questions: How does temperature
affect the strength of magnets? How does
freezing popcorn kernels affect the number
of kernels that pop?
o WEAK Testable Question: Do frozen
popcorn kernels pop? (does not
indicate what is being tested)
o NOT a Testable Question: How do
magnets work? (this gives
information – so it is an exhibit)
 Comparative Questions: Which diaper
brand holds the most liquid? Detergent
War! (Which detergent gets the stains out
best?)
Procedures… Step by Step
Remember to make notes in your Science Project Notebook (see page XX) each time you work on the
project.
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Start as soon as possible to prevent a last minute project and give yourself plenty of time to
investigate your question. A 4 to 8 week plan is best.
Decide on a topic. Narrow down interest to a certain field of study.
Decide on a question to investigate. Be sure the question is appropriate to the child’s ability level.
Research information about what is already known about the topic and question. Remember to
keep notes on resources used.
Develop a hypothesis. (What outcome do you expect?)
Identify the variables (see page 13 for information and examples of variable)
Gather and list the project materials needed.
Develop an investigation. Be sure to take notes on the steps taken. (procedure)
Conduct the investigation. Make notes about observations, problems that arise, changes needed
when repeated, and additional information discovered.
Record the results. Consider using a table, graph, pictures or chart to display the results.
Interpret the data and other observations.
Draw appropriate conclusions.
Write the report. (see page 12)
Create a display board/exhibit. (see page 10)
Science Fair Required Elements
Displays
The Lake Roosevelt Science Fair DOES NOT ALLOW the display of organic or potentially dangerous
materials and the display of non-essential objects is discouraged. Anything that could be considered
hazardous to the public is prohibited. Final determinations of allowable components on displays are
made by the Science Fair Committee.
Display Requirements:
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The display board must be self-supporting, single-sided and must NOT exceed the size requirements:
30 inches deep, 32 inches wide, and 108 inches high. (from floor to top of exhibit)
Personal information including names, addresses, or phone numbers (student, teacher, parents, test
or survey subjects), information identifying the student/school/district), and acknowledgements
may NOT be included on the display or in reports/journals.
When possible photographs/drawings should be used instead of actual objects or apparatus.
Electronic exhibits are prohibited. The site does not accommodate the use of electricity for project
displays.
Project displays may NOT include the following items:
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Liquids, including water
Food “stuffs” or wrappers (candy, gum, popcorn, etc.)
Food or liquid containers
Living plants or plant materials, which are in their raw, unprocessed, unmanufactured or natural
state such as leaves, seeds/nuts, bark, stems, or roots
Live animals (vertebrate or invertebrate) or animal tissues including eggs or egg shells
Preserved animals or their parts including teeth and hair
Soil (sand, clay, rock, etc.) or waste products
Laboratory / household chemicals (including detergents)
Dry ice or other sublimating solids
Syringes, needles, pipettes or similar devices
Flames, open or concealed, or flammable display materials (including candles)
Lasers
Inflated balloons
Photographs showing the face of the student or subjects
Photographs showing dissections, animal parts, trauma or injuries
Typically each display provides the following information:
Left Panel:
 Problem: background
information that gives
context to the project.
 Hypothesis: statement
of the specific issue or
question that is being
tested.
 Methods and materials:
description of the
experiment design and
data analysis to be
performed.
Center Panel:
 Title
 Research
 Experiments
 Variables: charts,
graphs, diagrams,
photos, etc.
Right Panel:
 Results: description of
what the data show.
Refer to charts, etc
 Conclusion: does the
data prove the
hypothesis?
 Summary: evaluate
overall project or
experiment. Make
suggestions for future
analysis.
Science Project Notebook
All the data gathered during your investigation should be carefully recorded in a science project notebook. This
includes the data gathered as a result of the investigation itself, but it can also includes much more. BE SURE TO
DATE EACH ENTRY IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.
Your Notebook should include:
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Project title
A list of all the materials used
Notes on all the preparations you made prior to starting your experiment, including brainstorming sessions.
Information about the resources you use (books, people, libraries, museums, etc.).
Detailed day-by-day notes on the progress of the project from your first brainstorming session through to
your last work session:
* What you are actually doing *Problems you encounter with the investigation * Things you would change if
you were doing this investigation again.
6. Any drawings that might help explain your work.
7. Data that was gathered during the course of the investigation (notes, charts, tables, graphs).
8. Any required forms.
Science Project Report
Your report should include:
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Project title
Your question
Your hypothesis, along with your reasoning for why you arrived at that hypothesis
Your research
List of variables
Materials
Procedure
A summary of your observations and results from the investigation
Statement of support or non-support of the original hypothesis based on the data gathered in your
investigation
Description of any problems or unusual events that occurred during the investigation that might have
affected your results
Changes you would recommend for next time, and what further investigations might need to be done to
fully answer the question
Anything you learned in addition to what you expected to discover
Acknowledgments. You should always credit those who assisted you including individuals, businesses, and
institutions.
References
Helpful Information
Overview of the Scientific Method
The steps involved in a science fair project are referred to as the Scientific Method. For elementary level
students, the scientific method can be summed up in 4 easy steps. These steps, along with some examples of
their application, are given below.
Step 1: Asking Questions
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Pick a topic of interest
Do some preliminary research
Begin to ask some questions
Pick one interesting question and turn it into a hypothesis.
Example: I like plants and gardening. I read in a book that some plants grow better when music is played
around them. I wonder if this is true?
Hypothesis: Plants grow better when music is played around them.
Step 2: Gathering Data
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Thing about what data or information would be required to test the hypothesis; decide ahead of time how
you will analyze the data.
Design an experiment and/or define a set of observations that could be used to generate or collect relevant
data. Try to design the experiment to control for other factors that could impact the hypothesis being
tested.
Conduct the experiment.
Record the data in a log book.
Example: I will take 20 bean sprouts and separate them in 2 groups of 10. I will put 10 in 1 room in my home
and put 10 in another room. They will be put on a table near a window. The room will be on the same side of
the house so that both groups will receive the same amount of sunlight. I will water both groups the same
amount each day. In 1 room I will keep a radio on during the day. Each day I will measure the length of each
plant to the nearest cm and count the number of leaves and record these observations in my log book. At the
end of 2 weeks, I will calculate the average growth rate for each group of plants. If my hypothesis was correct, I
would expect the group that has the music to show more growth.
Step 3: Making Sense of the Data
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Perform the analysis of the data
Determine whether or not the data support the hypothesis
Perform additional research to put the conclusion within some scientific context.
Example: I will add up the total growth for all 10 plants in each group and divide that number by the total
number of plants to get the average growth estimate. I will do the same thing for the leaves. I will compare the
number from both sets to see if the data support my hypothesis. In either case, I will perform additional
research to try to find out why or why not. Also, if the data does not support my hypothesis, I might want to
review my experiment and suggest variations of it that could be used for future study.
Step 4: Communicating the Results
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Provide context for the project
State the hypothesis
Summarize the experiment design and methods used to collect and analyze the data.
Show the data and results of the analysis
Summarize the results
State if the results support the hypothesis
Discuss the conclusion in light of what you’ve learned in your research of the subject
Example: I will prepare a display that will describe my activity. I will follow suggestions provided in procedures
in setting up my display board.
All About Variables
DEFINITIONS of Variables and Control(s)
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Manipulated Variable - What you change on purpose in the course of your procedure.
Responding Variable - What you do not change directly, but rather changes by itself in response to changes
in the manipulated variable during the course of your procedure.
Controls - The factors you keep constant or hold fixed. A control is held fixed so that it doesn’t affect the
outcome of the experiment.
Students must only change one variable at a time, conduct repeated trials, and note their results. If they change
more than one variable at a time, they will not know what affects their results.
Examples Of Variables
Let’s say that the following hypothesis had been selected: The cheaper the paper towel, the less water it will
absorb.
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Manipulated Variable: price (brand) of paper towel
Responding Variable: amount of water that is absorbed
Control(s): size of paper towel amount of water poured on each towel temperature of the water used
container in which towels are placed method of pouring
Student Project Checklist
NAME: _____________________________________________________________________
This project is not a model, a demonstration, or a product comparison.
Can your question be answered through an experimentation process?
Do you have a materials list?
Can you identify the
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Variable? __________________
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Control? __________________
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Factors being held constant? __________________
Could someone else set up and carry out your experiment from your step-by-step directions?
Can your investigation be measured in specific metric units?
Are you keeping an investigation log/journal?
Have you collected data and displayed it on a graph?
Is your conclusion a reflection of the data?
Is your abstract in the bottom left hand corner?
Did you include a bibliography on your abstract?
Is your project sturdy and free-standing?
Hints
A GOOD TITLE: Your title is an extremely important attention-grabber. A good title should simply present your
research and should make the casual observer want to know more.
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS: Many projects involve elements that may not be safely or practically exhibited at the fair
but are an important part of the project. Photographs of these phases of experimentation can be used in the
display. You may NOT use photographs depicting animal dissections or other surgical techniques. You must
receive permission to photograph or videotape human test subjects.
BE ORGANIZED: Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read.
EYE-CATCHING: Make your display stand out. Use neat, colorful headings, charts and graphs.
CORRECTLY PRESENTED AND WELL-CONSTRUCTED: Be sure to adhere to the size limitations and safety rules
when constructing your display. Display all required forms in your project notebook.
Advice For A Winning Project
CAREFULLY PREPARE YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT NOTEBOOK AND REPORT
A science project notebook is your most valuable piece of work. It is a day-to-day record of the experiment.
Accurate and detailed notes make for a logical and winning project. Good notes show consistency and
thoroughness to the judges, and help when writing a paper.
A well written report that includes all needed information is essential to a good project. Check your sentence
structure, flow of ideas, and spelling and make certain the report is a summary of all of your work.
VISUAL DISPLAY You want to attract and inform. Construct a clear and concise display. Make headings stand
out and label everything clearly and correctly.
Helping Your Children With Their Science Fair Projects
Things a parent may do:
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Give encouragement, support, and guidance. (Be positive!)
Make sure your child feels it is his or her project. Make sure the project is primarily the work of the child.
Realize that the main purpose of a science fair project is to help your child use and strengthen the basic skills
he or she has learned and to develop higher-level skills.
Realize your child will need help in understanding, acquiring, and using the major science process skills
(researching, organizing, measuring, calculating, reporting, demonstrating, experimenting, collecting,
constructing, presenting).
Realize that your child may be using reading, writing, arithmetic, and social skills in a creative way to solve a
problem.
Help your child design a safe project that is not hazardous in any way.
Provide transportation to places such as libraries, nature centers, universities, etc. that can help find project
information. Several sources will take time to help your child find ideas and give suggestions for successful
project.
Help your child develop the necessary technical skills and/or help the child do the technical work such as
building the exhibit and doing the photography.
Help your child understand that science is not just a subject, but a “way of looking at the world around us”.
Be sure that your child states in the paper and/or exhibit the help he or she has received from you or others.
This will help judges to make a fair evaluation of the project.
Look over the project to check for grammar, neatness, spelling and accuracy. Make suggestions on how it
can be corrected.
Buy or help find the necessary materials to complete the project.
Realize that a good project doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Many times a simple project that is well
displayed and explained is the best.
Help your child understand that a weekend chore, or one or two posters, is not a project.
Help your child keep a record (science project notebook) of all he or she does and a list of references used.
Find an area in the house where your child can work on the project and not have to worry about pets or
brothers and sisters.
Explain to your child that he or she should consult with you or the teacher when problems arise. Set aside
time for help sessions. Make them short and constructive. Be an interested and enthusiastic listener.
Have your child present his or her science project to you before he or she takes it to school.
Help transport your child and the science fair project to and from the school/district/ regional science fairs.
Be positive and supportive if your child doesn’t win a prize at the science fair. The skills the child has gained
are worth all the effort. Help your child to begin a plan for next year.
Things parents may not do:
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Choose a science fair project for your child, even if he seems to be having trouble deciding upon one.
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Find books, print articles or otherwise do the research for her. She needs to learn how to do it on her own
and face the rewards or consequences of a job well or poorly done.
Tell your child what part of the project he needs to complete and when. He may needs some help figuring
out what needs to be accomplished and help budgeting his time, but in the end it’s his responsibility to
figure out what’s manageable for him.
Write the hypothesis and create an experiment. The key here is to be a guide, not an active participant.
Allow your child to conduct an experiment using dangerous chemicals or which proposes to do anything
unsafe, no matter how excited he is about the idea.
Do the experiment or give your child step-by-step instructions.
Yell, scream or belittle your child’s efforts. Making mistakes is all part of the process and provide
opportunities to learn.
Create the graph or spreadsheet for your child or announce the conclusion before she has discovered it
herself.
Write the presentation for him or create his visual aids, no matter what you see before you. It’s okay to
provide constructive criticism if you think something isn’t working, just make sure to provide suggestions for
alternatives as well.
Tips For Kindergarten Projects
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Help your child choose a topic, which is interesting and age-appropriate for him or her.
Encourage your child to draw pictures or write as much as possible on the backboard. Inventive spelling is
acceptable. You as the parent can write for him or her, but let the child tell you what to write and record his
or her words faithfully.
Have your child tell another adult about the project. This will help prepare for the judge’s possible
interview.
Start the project early so you both have time to work a little each day. Trying to complete the project during
long sessions will cause much distress for you both.
More important than the project is your child’s attitude toward science investigations. Help make the
project fun and motivating.
A simple log book with words or drawings is appropriate for Kindergarten projects.
Model for your child your interest in science and science capabilities. Don’t let your lack of comfort or
interest in science stand in the way of your child’s natural curiosity and eagerness to explore and discover
something new.
Rules For Judging
Judges look for well thought-out research. They look at how significant your project is in its field as well as how
thorough you were. Judges are not interested in memorized speeches. They simply want to talk to you about
your project and see if you understand it from start to finish.
Two independent judges will judge each project. Scores from the two judges will be added together to arrive at
the total score.
Before starting your project, read the Science Fair Project Judging Form carefully. Make sure you understand
each of the categories because your project will be judged on these categories. If you have questions, please
discuss them with your teacher or Science Fair coordinator.
Science Fair Project Judging Form
Science Fair Websites
Listed below are several popular science websites. These are just suggestions. Many will help you get started
on your project by suggesting topics to study and specific science fair ideas. There are many, many websites
devoted to science. Feel free to search the web and have fun!!
www.all-science-fair-projects.com
www.scienceclub.org/kidporj1.html
www.school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral
www.scifair.org