Weaver Middle School
Purpose of the Project
To use science process skills including
observation, classification, communication,
measurement (metric), prediction, inference, and
collecting and analyzing data
To design and conduct a scientific experiment
that identifies the problem; distinguishes
manipulated,responding and controlled variables;
collect, analyze, and communicate data; and
makes valid inferences and conclusions
To use traditional reference materials and current
technologies to explore background, historical,
and current information related to a science
concept
Comparison of the Writing of a Lab Report versus the
Science Fair Project
Lab Report
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Title Page
Introduction
Materials/Procedures
Experiment
Data/Discussion
Conclusion
Science Fair Project
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Choose a Problem
Research the problem
Develop a hypothesis
Write Procedures
Experiment
Collect data; Discuss
Report Results (Research
Paper)
Special Projects are projects involving
any of the following:
Human Subjects
Non-Human Vertebrate Animals
Human and Non-Human Vertebrate
Animal Tissue
Microorganisms (Bacteria, Viruses,
Fungi)
Hazardous Chemicals or Devices
Recombinant DNA
Controlled Substances
Due to recent changes in SSEF and
ISEF Rules and new liability issues,
school SRC/IRBs will NOT be
recognized.
ALL SPECIAL PROJECTS MUST BE
REVIEWED and APPROVED BY
REGIONAL SRC/IRB
before research begins.
Seven Steps to Prepare a
Science Fair Project
Select a Topic
Research
Purpose and Hypothesis
Experiment
Research Paper
Exhibit
Judging
Seven Steps to prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 1:
Select a Topic
Select something that is of interest to you!
Go on Internet and search for articles on those topics
Only check valid web sites (universities, research labs, etc)
Look for questions in that area that might be worth exploring
Be as specific as possible. Time and resources may be limited.
Write it as a question that you want to answer.
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 2:
Research
This means you look for any and all information associated with
the topic you have chosen.
Use any and all sources of information available to you.(Books,
magazines, Internet, interviews, etc.) Keep a Working Bibliography in your
Log Book.
Write a Research Plan that includes a problem, hypothesis,
procedures, and bibliography. This is to be submitted for approval of
your project.
Identify any equipment that you may need.
Obtain all necessary forms.
Use the information to establish a time line of events.
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 3:
Purpose and Hypothesis
The Purpose is a description of what you will be doing and
why.
This is part of the introduction of your Research Paper and
must capture the attention of the reader.
The Hypothesis is the conclusion of the introduction. It is a
testable, educated guess that answers the question posed by your
topic.
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 4:
Experiment
List materials and procedures to be followed
How will the equipment be used?
Identify the control and experimental groups.
Identify all Safety Concerns
Provide a detailed description of the experiment being
performed
Take detailed notes of measurements and observations. Record
these in your Log Book!
Upon completion of the experiment, provide a detailed
discussion of the experimental results and any sources of error .
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 5
The Research Paper
 Compile your work into a comprehensive report that presents:
 The background and history of your topic
 Any information collected
 Complete description of your experiment
 A discussion of your findings
 A conclusion that refutes or accepts your hypothesis
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 6
The Exhibit
 This is your visual presentation of your project. It should be an organized,
eye-catching, attention-grabbing presentation from the title of your project
to the construction and presentation.
 It must contain:
Log Book
Research Paper
Photographs
Charts
Graphs
Abstract
Required Forms
It Cannot contain:
Moving parts
Living or dead specimens
LASERS
Live electrical devices (unless approved by SRC)
Photos or Visuals of vertebrates in
other-than-normal conditions
Chemicals including water
 It is restricted to a specific size.
Depth:
76 cm (30 in.)
Width: 122 cm (48 in.)
Height: 274 cm (108 in.) [Floor Display]
198 cm (78 in.) [Table Display]
Seven Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project
Step 7
Judging
 You will be asked to present your topic to a group of qualified
scientists. Therefore, know your project!
 Judges will evaluate you and your project on:
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How well you followed the scientific method.
The detail and accuracy of notes.
Whether tools/equipment were used in the best possible way.
How well thought out the research was.
How freely and confidently you can speak about your project. Be
prepared to answer questions outside the scope of your project.
 The appearance and presentation of your display.
Areas Of Concern
Bibliography
Project Notebook
Log Book
Research Paper
Abstract
Appendices
Forms
Bibliography
This is defined as a listing of the resources and
references used during the research phase of
your project to develop your hypothesis.
The bibliography should be written in the APA
Style. This is the prescribed style for scientific
papers. The APA Handbook is available in
most libraries. Your English teacher can assist
in this format as well.
Bibliographic examples
Web Site Example
Iguchi, L. (2003, February 3). Japan
warfare. History of Japan. Retrieved March
11, 2004, from http://book.edu/japan
Drums from Africa. (2002). Retrieved May 17,
2005, from http://www.abcd.com/africa/b2k
Project Notebook
Contains the Originals of the following:
Abstract on the Official Abstract Form
Form (1) Teacher/Sponsor Checklist
Form (1A) or Team (1A) Research Plan
Form (1B) Approval Form
Any additional forms as required by your
project
Research Paper
The sheets can be found at
www.uga.edu.oasp
Log Book
Your log book should contain detailed and accurate
notes of everything you do.
Requirements:
– All entries should be dated
– It must be written in ink only (blue or black). No computer
generated log books will be accepted!
– It must be in a composition notebook that is bound (glued
and stitched).
– It must be divided into sections and each page numbered,
– It must contain your Working Bibliography.
– It must contain the rough draft of your Research Plan.
– It must include your raw data and your thoughts about the
results obtained.
Divisions of the Log Book
Division
Number of pages
Title Page
1
Table of Contents
1
Review of Literature
5-10
Description of Experiment
5-10
Materials
1-2
Data
3-6
Conclusion
2-5
Bibliography
2-3
Log Book
(Example of how a page should look)
Table of Contents
Page
Review of Literature…………………………….. ?
Description of the experiment…………………… ?
Materials…………………………………………. ?
Data………………………………………………. ?
Conclusion……………………………………….. ?
Bibliography……………………………………… ?
Log Book
(Contents of each Division)
Review of Literature
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[Daily Log]
Working Bibliography
Notes
Sketches
Additional questions
End with a rough draft of the
introduction for your Research Paper
Log Book
(Contents of each division)
Description of Experiment
 Step-by-Step listing of Procedures
 Identify all Safety Precautions
 List all materials and equipment to be used (include
quantities, qualities, dimensions, etc.)
Log Book
(Contents of each division)
Data (Daily Log)
All notes, observations, sketches, drawings,
precautions, comments, etc. are to be
recorded in this section.
There should be a Discussion of the Data at
the end of this section.
Log Book
(Contents of each division)
Conclusion
Revisit your hypothesis. Restate it.
State whether you accept or refute your hypothesis.
State specific facts, associated with your data, that
support your conclusion.
Log Book
(Contents of each division)
Appendices
(This is any information that you refer to, but did not have room to
place it in the document.)
Photographs
Charts
Graphs
Data Tables
Acknowledgements
Log Book
(Contents of each division)
Bibliography
You may use the MLA guidelines taught in your English
courses.
It is highly recommended that you use the APA format.
(a copy of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association is available in most libraries)
Research Paper
A paper describing your research is required, and should be
displayed in your Research Project Notebook, along with any
necessary forms, or other relevant written materials
A good research paper includes these sections:
TITLE PAGE
Project title, name, address, school and grade
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Number each section as you finish writing
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS/CREDITS
Credit assistance received from mentors, parents. teachers. And other
sources
Research Paper
INTRODUCTION
The introduction should explain the background information about your topic
and the reasoning behind your choice of study Refer to previous research as
well as your own experiments. Establish a strong rationale for the study by
emphasizing unresolved issues or questions Conclude by stating the research
hypotheses
MATERIALS & PROCEDURES
Describe in detail the methodology used to derive your data and observations
Use photographs and drawings of your equipment to describe your experiment
further. Include a precise description of the sample, any apparatus that was
constructed or modified for the study, and methods of data collection
Research Paper
RESULTS
Present the data collected in the experiment in tables and graphs;
summarize the data in narrative form Include statistical analysis of the
data Do not include raw data Include only information collected during
the current year's study
DISCUSSION
Your results and conclusions should flow smoothly and logically from
your data. Be thorough Compare your results with theoretical values,
published data, commonly held beliefs and/or expected results. A
complete paper should include a discussion of possible errors or
problems experienced
CONCLUSION
Briefly summarize your results. Discuss if your data supported of your
hypothesis and what your next steps in experimentation may be
Research Paper
REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY
Your reference list should include any material that is not your
own (ie, books, web sites, papers, journal articles and communications
cited in the paper) Follow the prescribed bibliographic style manual
Abstract
PREPARING AN ABSTRACT
When you finish your research and experiments, you are required to
write a (maximum) 250-word abstract on the Official Abstract Form.
An abstract is a concise summary of the entire research project.
The following elements should be included in a proper
abstract:
TITLE
The title should be brief and descriptive. The title must be used for all forms
and display. The Title is limited to 65 characters and spaces.
PROBLEM
The statement of the problem tells the reader what specific questions are
addressed in the study. The variables and limitations are identified. The intent
and objectives of the research effort are made explicit in this statement.
Abstract
PURPOSE
The purpose states the usefulness of the study. It answers the question why
the project was undertaken.
HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis is an educated guess that shows the relationship between a
set of observed facts and a theory. The hypothesis limits the scope of the
investigation and unifies the research design. Oftentimes it is an IF/Then
statement.
P ROCEDURE
The procedure provides a brief summary of what was done.
CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions provide a concise statement of the outcomes of the
investigation. They should be written in nontechnical language and be
related directly to the hypothesis. The conclusions should identity unsolved
aspects of the original problem or any new problems identified.
Abstract
RULES FOR ABSTRACTS:
.The abstract must be typed on the Official GSEF
Abstract Form, in Officifical Rulebook and also found on the
web site.
.The abstract is limited to the square on the form.
Do not include cover sheets, graphics, etc.
.The abstract must be 250 words or less.
ONE Copy of the abstract must be attached to the
GSEF registration form and the original placed in your
notebook or on your Exhibit Board.
Abstract
HELPFUL HINTS:
.Use past tense and third person
.Use correct spelling and sentence structure
.Try to avoid use of highly-specialized words or abbreviations
.Restrict procedure to identification of method or type of process
employed
.State results, conclusions, or findings in clear, concise fashion