September 4, 2015
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Soon, your son or daughter will begin a science project. The science project’s objective is to give every
child hands-on experience using scientific processes. In addition, each student will have the opportunity to
independently research a topic of his or her interest. The purpose of the Science Fair is to design and conduct an
experiment in which students change ONE variable and then measure the effect of that change. Projects that are
simply displays will not be approved. You can help motivate your son or daughter by taking an interest in the
project, however, the project is to be completed by your child. Please keep in mind that the project is to be
completed at home.
As an eighth grader, your student will participate in a school science fair. Students will be expected to
display and orally present their projects to the class. This is a great opportunity for students to practice their
communication skills, as well as to receive feedback for refinement of their projects. All students will submit
their projects to our Summit Academy Science Fair open house in February. Students and parents are invited to
check out the other projects at this open house- more details will follow. At the fair, students will receive
feedback from judges who work in the field. Selected projects may advance to the district science fair. The
emphasis on our project is not on winning, but on having positive learning experiences and having fun.
I am including with this letter a copy of a timeline for our project due dates and multiple resources to
assist your child. Please review the science fair packet with your child. I encourage you to check your child’s
science fair timeline on a regular basis. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions or
concerns.
Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
Ms. Brittany Schreiber
bjschreiber@mpsaz.org
480.472.3342
Science Fair Resource Website: www.mpsaz.org/summitclimb/staff/bjschreiber/sciencefair/
Summit Academy
SC20 Science Fair Information
As a student in the advanced science class, you are required to complete a science fair project. You will need to
spend time out of class on your project. In class work time is limited; therefore, I encourage
students/partners to attend help sessions regularly. You will be graded on each step of the project as it is
completed. There are due dates throughout the year in which components of your project must be submitted. If
you complete all steps of the project and have all required parts by the turn in date of January 27, 2016, your
project will be entered for judging in the Summit Academy science fair open house. If your project places, then
it may be entered into the Mesa Public Schools District Science Fair February 19-21, 2016. If your project
places first for the district in its category, it will be entered into the Arizona State Science Fair. Your science
fair project must adhere to the Arizona State Science Fair (AzSEF) and ISEF rules and regulations. If you are
truly serious about placing, you must see the ISEF website for their rules and regulations.
[https://student.societyforscience.org/international-rules-pre-college-science-research] If you do not adhere to
their guidelines, your project cannot be entered in their fair.
The purpose of the Science Fair is to design and conduct an experiment in which you change ONE
variable and then measure the effect of that change. As you think of possible topics, consider what it is
you will be changing and what you will be measuring as a result of that change.
Topics that will NOT be approved:

Most mold/bacteria projects (unless performed in a supervised lab)

Projects designed to kill vertebrate animals, toxicity studies using vertebrate animals, improper
treatment of animals
***Projects using human subjects have very strict guidelines and will need to submit paperwork to the SRC
prior to beginning the project. Please see the ISEF website above for details***
Notice: As a general rule in science, do not use personal pronouns for any part of the Science Fair.
Science Fair Due Dates
*Dates subject to change. I encourage all students to attend help sessions for additional assistance.
Date Due
Assignment
Format
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015
Signed Partner and Safety Agreements
Signed Document
Monday, Sept. 14, 2015
Project Ideas: 3 Testable Questions
Fill in template
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
Background Research and Work Cited page
Typed
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015
Testable Hypothesis, Variable Chart, Materials,
and Procedures with Parent Signature
(Testing may begin once Experiment Design and
Procedures are returned and signed off by Ms.
Schreiber)
Typed
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015
Prior Research Paper
Typed
Monday, Dec. 7, 2015
Completed Data Table(s) - all testing is completed!
Handwritten- will
type in class
Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015
Data Tables, Graph(s), and Data Analysis
Typed
Friday, Jan.8, 2016
Conclusion
Typed
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016
Abstract
Typed
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016
Project Display Boards and Logbooks DUE- begin
oral presentations.
Everything is TypedNo Personal
Pronouns!
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016
Summit Academy Science Fair Open House
4:00-5:30 pm
Feb. 19-21, 2016
MPS District Science Fair
During School
***Help is available during weekly tutoring hours- Wednesday from 3:50-4:30 pm,
however, additional help times may be scheduled with me.***
Science Fair Required Elements
(All work is to be completed in your logbook!)
1. Logbook: folder with prongs so papers may be added or rearranged as needed.
All ideas, notes, and data collected should be recorded in the logbook. It must be handwritten, not
typed. Logbooks serve as evidence that the students completed the project. Science fair projects cannot
be submitted without a logbook. Students who choose to work in groups still need an individual logbook
for each member.
All logged entries must include date, time, and topic of discussion for each session. Students should
record all information, research, and data in the logbook. A logbook should also include a table of
contents with three columns. The columns are the topic, page number, and date of completion. Each
step of the science fair is to be recorded in the logbook. A safety contract or a reference to safety
should be in your logbook.
2. Topic Approval
Students should submit a testable question and two back-up questions aligned with the topic
category for each. Parents and students must both sign off on the topic. Students who decide to work
with a partner must also include an agreement contract that outlines the responsibilities and work time.
The Partner Agreement Contract form must be signed by parents of both students. Be sure to avoid any
personal pronouns when writing the question.
Science Fair Categories
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth and Planetary Science
Engineering
Environmental Science
Mathematical Science
Medicine and Health
Physics and Astronomy
Plant Sciences
3. Background Research and Work Cited
What research did you do to better understand your topic? You may use books, magazines, and online
resources to find your information. All information must be cited correctly. I suggest using the MPS
databases for information and using NoodleTools.com to create your work cited page. Cite your sources as
you use them. Do not wait until the end of the project to start your work cited page. Use the provided
template to complete this portion of your science fair project.
4. Testable Hypothesis
A hypothesis should be your prediction about the independent and dependent variable. It will often be
written in the “If…then…” format. It should include both variables and should answer your scientific
question.
5. Variable Chart
The chart must include the independent variable, control and experimental groups, dependent variable,
and any controlled variables (min. 3). (Template provided). You need to clearly identify each on your
display board.
6. Procedures and Materials List
Describe the procedures that you will follow to complete your experiment. Use the correct format for
writing procedures, (steps numbered on the left side, start each step with a verb, avoid transition words, do
not use personal pronouns, etc.) These steps must be followed exactly during your experiment. You must
record any necessary changes. List all materials in a bulleted form. Include safety rules to follow during
your experimentation. The Procedures and Materials section must be signed off by your parent before you
turn it in to me, and must be signed off by me before you begin any testing!
7. Prior Research Paper
Explains why your project is interesting and relevant. Explains what you found in your research and
how it is related to your experiment. An additional paper will be provided to outline this section of your
project.
8. Data Table and Graph
All data should be measured in metric. Data that does not follow this criteria will not be accepted. Be
sure to use a data table to organize your data. Create a graph to best represent your data. Remember to
properly label your data table and graph.
9. Data Analysis
You will describe and explain your results. You need to explain the relationship between the IV and
DV. Interpret your data- what does the data mean? Compare the data to the control(s) and explain any
outlying data (extraneous variables). Discuss sources of uncertainty or unexpected results. Also, add
anything else pertinent to the experiment that is being conducted.
10. Conclusion
Restate your hypothesis and whether it was supported or not supported by the results. Explain what
evidence shows whether the hypothesis was supported or not. Evaluate the effectiveness of your
procedures. Describe extensions or improvements to your investigation.
11. Abstract
An abstract provides an overview or summary of the project. It should emphasize why this experiment
is important for others to be aware. The abstract must be typed and should describe the student’s
conclusions in 250 words or less. The abstract will be attached to the display board. It will be the first
component of your display board.
12. Display Board
The display should contain all parts of the scientific process. Use of a commercially available display
board is strongly recommended. Displays are limited to 30in deep, 48in wide, and 108in high. Most are
considerably smaller. Your display should stand on its own. Lettering should be neat and uniform and
spelling should be accurate. The attractiveness of the display is important. Use of personal pronouns
anywhere on the display board is not permitted. Please be sure to follow this rule from the beginning to
avoid major edits later on. Some class time will be spent in class covering what a display board should look
like and techniques for properly putting a display board together. Additional help after school will be
available for students who wish to have additional support when building their display.
Experimental
Design Chart
Analysis
Conclusion
and future
research
Work cited
*Sample set-up
13. Conventions
Did you proof read your work? Did you run a spell check and grammar check? No personal pronouns
are allowed on your board!
14. Oral Presentation
You will have a brief period of time to present your project to your class. Practice, practice, practice!
Use flashcards if needed.
15. Science Fair
Set-up instructions will be provided by your teacher before the fair.
*This project is to be completed at home. I strongly encourage students to attend help sessions for
additional assistance.
Background Research
Making a Background Research Plan: How to Know What to Look For
Background research is necessary so that you know how to design and understand your experiment. To make a background
research plan -- a roadmap of the research questions you need to answer -- follow these steps:
1. Identify the keywords in the question for your science fair project. Brainstorm additional keywords and concepts.
2. Use a table with the "question words" (why, how, who, what, when, where) to generate research questions from
your keywords. For example:
Throw out irrelevant questions. You can always find more information to research, but some questions just don't
have anything to do with the experiment you will define and perform. Questions that will help you design and
understand your experiment are called relevant. Questions that will not help you design and understand your
experiment are called irrelevant. Our table of question words is a great way to generate ideas for your background
research, but some of them will be irrelevant and we just throw those out. Some of those irrelevant questions
might be very interesting to you; they just don't belong as part of your science fair project. We have to focus our
efforts on what we feel is most important, or another way of looking at it, let's not spend time researching anything
we don't need to. (I'm sure you have other things you'd like to do, too!)
3. Add to your background research plan a list of mathematical formulas or equations (if any) that you will need to
describe the results of your experiment.
4. You should also plan to do background research on the history of similar experiments or inventions.
5. Network with other people with more experience than yourself: your mentors, parents, and teachers. Ask them:
"What science concepts should I study to better understand my science fair project?" and "What area of science
covers my project?" Better yet, ask even more specific questions.
Identifying Keywords
The place to start building your background research plan is with the question for your science fair project (see, we did that
first for a reason). Let's imagine that you have asked this one:
Question: Does drinking milk help decrease spiciness better than water or Pepsi?
Begin by identifying the keywords and main concepts in your question. In this case keywords would be:

Milk

Spiciness

Pepsi

Water
Question Words Table
Filling in a little table can help. Let's do it for our keyword spiciness:
Fill Your Keywords (or Variations on Your
Keywords) into the Blanks
These are just samples to get you thinking;
there are always many more questions and the
most important ones for your project may not
be in the list!
Possible Questions for Background
Research
Relevant?
Why
Why does ________ happen?
Why does ________ ________?
Why does spiciness happen?
Why do spicy foods taste hot?
No
Yes
How
How does ________ happen?
How does ________ work?
How does ________ detect ________?
How does one measure ________?
How do we use _________?
How does the tongue detect
spiciness?
How does one measure spiciness?
Yes
Yes
Who
Who needs ________?
Who discovered ________?
Who invented ________?
Who needs spiciness?
No
What
What causes ________ to increase (or
decrease)?
What is the composition of _________?
What are the properties and characteristics of
________?
What is the relationship between _______ and
________?
What do we use ________ for?
What causes spiciness to increase
(or decrease)?
What are the properties and
characteristics of spicy substances?
Yes
Yes
When
When does ________ cause ________?
When was _______ discovered or invented?
When does spiciness cause upset
stomachs?
No
Where
Where does ________ occur?
Where do we use ________?
Where in the body does spiciness
occur?
Yes
Question Word
Background Research and Work Cited Template
Record All Notes in Your Science Fair Logbook, then transfer them into the format below!
Internet Research Tips:
1. Avoid articles without authors.
2. If the article/page does list the author, check his or her credentials.
a. Check educational background.
b. Discover if he/she is published in a scholarly journal.
c. Check if he/she is an employee of a university or institution.
3. Check the URL (end of the web address).
a. “.edu” is generally a college or university, and normally safe to use.
b. “.gov” is a government site. These are also usually reliable.
c. “.org” is a non-profit organization. These can be okay, but often need to be verified.
d. Avoid “.com” addresses, as they are often biased.
4. Use well-known journals and news sources that include bibliographies for their articles.
5. If you are unsure of a source, check with your teacher.
6. Try to locate the same information in more than one location to verify.
7. Keep a record of all sources and cite them when you use them!
Reminder: Cite your sources as you use them. It will be difficult to retrace your steps. You may use
NoodleTools.com to assist you in citing your sources. You are required to use AT LEAST 3 sources.
Source 1:
Title of Source: ____________________________________________________________________________
Date Source was Accessed: _________________________
Data Extracted (written in paragraph form): What information did you gather from this source? How is this
information beneficial to your science fair project? What new questions do you now have?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Work Cited: ______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
***Continue using this format for at LEAST two other sources! (Three total). This must be typed before
you submit it to me***
Testable Hypothesis, Variable Chart, Materials, and Procedures with Parent Signature
DUE: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015
Use this template to help, but this should be typed before submitting it to me! Remember that
the use of personal pronouns in science is forbidden. Parents: please signed your student’s Outline
and Procedures before it is submitted. Unsigned work will not be accepted.
1. Question: ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2. Hypothesis: __________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3. Experimental Design:
Experiment Outline
Independent Variable (IV):
Control Group (CG):
Experimental Group (EG):
Dependent Variable (DV):
Constants (CV):
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Materials:
Procedure Steps:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:______________________________________ Date: _____________
Teacher Signature:_____________________________________ Date: _____________
Prior Research Paper
Due Date: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015
Directions: This worksheet will help you write your prior research. Look at the example purpose given to you to
help you in your writing. Please type the final copy.







The prior research section is where you introduce your project topic. It does the following things:
Helps explain why your experiment is interesting and relevant (by stating facts gained in your prior
research)
Explains what you want to accomplish in your experiment
Briefly outlines the variables (IV, DV, C)
AND it gets the attention of the audience so that they will want to read the rest of your project
The Prior Research section is 2 paragraphs long.
o The first paragraph is where you explain what you found in your research
o Also explains how the research relates to your experiment.
o Needs to be written in a way that makes your topic sound interesting.
Second paragraph is where you explain the purpose behind the experiment
Writing:
1st paragraph:




Pose an interesting fact.
List 3-4 facts that you found that relates to your topic. (don’t forget to parenthetically cite your sources!!!)
End with the research question that you are trying to answer.
Use appropriate transitional words between fact statements.
2nd Paragraph:
The intent/purpose of this project is to…(what are you comparing?) _____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The variable to be tested and changed is… (list the IV here) _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ Any changes will be noted
by… (how are you measuring the DV?)__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The research will show…. (what do you want your experiment to show?) ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Display Board and Logbook
Due: Wednesday, January 27th, 2016
What Should Be on My Display Board?










Title- choose a creative title that will attract
 Procedures (revised to match exactly what was
people to view your board
done in your experiment)
Abstract
 Data Tables/ Graphs
Scientific Question (If it is not your title)
 Data Analysis
Hypothesis
 Conclusion
Variable Chart- IV, CG/EG, DV, CVs
 Any pictures or diagrams/ drawings of your
experiment
List of materials used
 Works Cited for your background research
Prior Research Paper
What Should NOT Be on My Display Board?
Personal Pronouns
 Your name- this should be on the BACK of the
board ONLY
Pictures of people that are not you or your partner
 If in doubt- ASK!
Acknowledgements of people who helped out
How Should I Set-up My Display Board?

Choose a title that will catch the attention of viewers- make it large enough that it can be read across the
room. (Before doing this, make sure everything else will fit on your board!
 Neatness counts. More attractive boards are more likely to advance through judging. Make sure papers are
glued on straight.
 Type all text. Use at least size 18 font (captions can be slightly smaller).
 Organize your information so that it flows like a newspaper- left to right, top to bottom.
 Don’t get too crazy! This is a science project- not a scrapbook! All edges should be straight lines (don’t use
edging scissors or try to cut out unusual shapes.)
 Use colored paper behind the white paper to frame your text and make it stand out. Choose a single color to
use with your whole board. A complementary color can also be used as a second layer or to make certain
information standout.
 There is no one way to organize your board, but make it make sense! Checkout the following webpages for
additional tips and ideas:
o http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/display/layoutflow/
o http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml
What Should Be in My Logbook?
Notes and data in your logbook should be handwritten. If you are working with a partner, you and your partner
both need your own separate logbook.





Table of Contents
Copy of signed Safety Contract
Scientific Question
Hypothesis
Experiment Outline- identify
your IV, CG/EG, DV, and CVs




Background Research
Prior Research Paper
List of materials used
Procedures (revised to match
exactly what was done in your
experiment)




Data Tables/ Graphs with data
Data Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited for your
background research
Safety:
Students will need to select topics with safety in mind.

No animals above the insect level are allowed in an experiment and no pictures of people other than you
are allowed.

No mold or bacteria may be cultivated.

Students should not be using hazardous chemicals or materials.

You cannot use humans as test subjects without proper approval and considerations
Safety Guide
Science is a lot of fun, and you’ll have the most fun if you avoid accidents. Some simple precautions can
go a long way to ensure the safe and successful completion of your project. The major causes of laboratory
accidents are carelessness, lack of attention, and inappropriate behavior. Following the safety guidelines below
will greatly reduce your chances of having an accident. While you are working on a science experiment at
home, even a minor accident can cause serious injuries, so be very careful.
• Know the locations of the fire extinguisher, telephone, and first-aid kit in the event of an emergency.
• Always have an adult (parent or teacher) supervising the data collection phase of your science experiment.
• Wear safety goggles and tie back loose hair and clothing when working with any chemical, flame, or heating
device.
• Wear an apron and gloves when using acids and bases.
• Never smell or taste a chemical unless instructed to do so by your teacher.
• Never use an electrical device with a frayed cord. Never use an electrical appliance with wet hands or with
water nearby.
• Never eat any part of a plant used in an experiment.
• Whenever possible, use plastic test tubes, beakers, and flasks. Check all glassware for chips and cracks. Glass
containers used for heating should be made of heat-resistant glass.
• Whenever possible, use a hot plate rather than an open flame or burner. Make sure to turn off and unplug a
heating device when you are through with it.
• Check with your state board of education before experimenting with and exhibiting animals. Permits and/or
veterinarian supervision may be required. Also, wash your hands with hot water and soap after touching any
animal.
• Students and adults should wear ultraviolet safety goggles during operation of UV light.
• Do not use cultures from any warm-blooded animal.
• Discuss the safety of your materials with your teacher or another scientist.
http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/hst/HSTGP221.PDF
Safety Contract
I, _______________________________, hereby certify that on this day of _____________________, I have
successfully completed a review of safety procedures for a science project. I agree to follow the safety
guidelines listed below, and I will take every necessary precaution to operate safely throughout my
experiment.

I will follow the safety guidelines of my teacher and my school.

I will keep my work area neat and free of unnecessary papers, books, and materials. I will keep my
clothing and hair neat and out of the way, and I will wear a safety apron and/or gloves if necessary.

I know the location of all safety equipment (such as the fire extinguisher and first-aid kit) and the nearest
telephone.

I will wear safety goggles when handling chemicals, working with a flame, or performing any other
activity that may cause harm to my eyes.

I will not use chemicals, heat, electricity, or sharp objects until my teacher or parent instructs me to do
so, and I will follow the adult’s instructions carefully.

I will be especially careful when using glassware. Before heating glassware, I will make sure that it is
made of heat-resistant material, and I will never use cracked or chipped glassware.

I will wash my hands immediately after handling hazardous materials. I will clean up all work areas
before I leave the laboratory, put away all equipment and supplies, and turn off all water faucets, gas
outlets, burners, and electric hot plates.
I understand and agree to the above and all other safety precautions presented to me in class. I am
hereby ready to undertake my science project with safety from this day forward.
__________________________________________
___________________________________________
Student’s Printed Name
Student’s signature
__________________________________________
___________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Printed Name
Parent’s/Guardian’s signature
Science Fair Partner Agreement
Though it is not required, some students may choose to work with a partner for their science fair project.
Please note that if you make the choice to work with a partner, this choice cannot be changed after Friday,
September 18, 2015. If you choose to work with a partner, you, your partner, and your parents must agree to
and understand the following:

Partners must be chosen from within the same science class. Partners cannot be switched after
September 18, 2015.

Groups are limited to two students (you and one other student).

Both individuals should know each other well and trust each other without question.

Both are responsible for research into the project.

Any expenses should be shared.

The research needs to be carried out at one of the student’s home (if done at a home) due to controls.

Meeting times need to be scheduled ahead of time and followed through.

Transportation needs to be worked out with the parents.

Most importantly, this partnership is for the duration of the project and there shall be no
complaints to the teacher about the other person not doing their fair share. In other words, choose
your partner wisely!!

Other:______________________________________________________________________________
Students: by signing below, you understand the expectations listed in the statements above and agree to follow
them as best as you can.
Parents: by signing below, you understand that working with a partner is a choice your child made and that
they are responsible for completing the project despite any schedule or personality conflicts.
Partner A:
Partner B:
Student Name:
Student Name:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Student Signature:
Student Signature:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Parent Signature:
Parent Signature:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________