
Agenda:
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Introductions
Important Dates
Science Fair Overview
Project Guidelines
Science Fair Project Example
Helpful Websites to get you started




Ms. Simone, Science Fair Coordinator,
simonec@citrus.k12.fl.us or by phone, 7952211
Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Luce, Mr.
Mitchell, and Mrs. Spikes
Mrs. Bockiaro, Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Clark, Mrs.
Dixon, and Mrs. Lewis
Mrs. Hackey





Project Proposal to Teacher due by October
3, 2012 (the sooner you get it in to be
approved, the sooner you can start)
Science Fair Projects Due to School:
November 26, 2012
School Science Fair Date: November 29,
2012
Regional Science and Engineering Fair Date:
January 30, 2013 at Citrus County
Auditorium
RSEF Awards Ceremony Date: February 1,
2013 at Curtis Peterson Auditorium
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project


A successful scientist uses the
scientific process in order to conduct
investigations.
Pieces of the scientific process
include forming a question to
investigate and then a hypothesis,
designing and implementing a
procedure, collecting data, and
forming a conclusion based on your
data.
A. Student
What is my interest?
Selected Topic
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?



What are my interests?
What would I like to learn about?
Do I have a question about something?
 Where to look for topics?
Science Fair books
Internet
Teacher

Does my project meet the rule
requirements?






Should I help with the selected topic?
Does the selected project meet the rule
requirements?
Do we have the needed materials for the project or
know where to purchase or borrow?
Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be
done on time?
Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?
How should I help to put the research paper and
display board together?


Your child’s teacher will review the project
proposal and make sure that it meets the
requirements.
Your child’s teacher will also ask:
 Is the project at the student’s ability level?
 Is there parent approval?

Your child’s teacher will provide you with a
timeline of due dates for particular pieces of
the science fair project.





The log starts on the date you start your
investigation
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed- in a
notebook
ALL observations and measurements are to
be recorded
Remember all measurements are metric



This is a sentence or question about the
problem.
Example: What type of container will
keep my soda cooler longer?
Or I would like to compare the
temperature of a glass bottle of soda to
a can of soda.
BOOKS:
Encyclopedias
Topic Books
Magazines/Newspapers
RESEARCH about Project
Media Center
Minimum of 5 references
INTERNET:
Websites
Search by Topic
CD ROM:
Grolier
Compton

Must be written in your own words. Do not
just print the pages from the computer.
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Research your topic in books and online
Make notes as you do the research
Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
Research may be typed or handwritten
You are to have a minimum of five sources
Must list your sources in the bibliography in the
correct format (on the materials list)


A hypothesis is a statement of what you
believe will happen in the experiment. This
statement is based on the research you
have done.
Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler
longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will
stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

Materials List:
All materials
needed to conduct the
experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.

Procedure:
The procedure is a
step by step set of
directions on how to
do the experiment.
Remember to use are
metrics.
Step 1 – gather all
materials
Step 2 – explain how to set
up experiment
Etc.
Observe:
Watch
Look
During the
Experiment
Record:
Notes
Journal/Log
Results
Analyze Data:
What have I
learned from
the results?


The experiment is to be repeated at
least 3 times. This is part of the
rubric.
This is done in order to prove the
results as true.


This is a sentence or sentences that state
what did happen during the experiment.
What did you learn from the experiment?
You can also use the conclusion to compare
and contrast your results with your
hypothesis, and compare and contrast your
different trials.





What could the results be used for?
How could I use the knowledge I have
gained from the experiment?
How will I use what I have learned?
How could others use the information I
have gained from the experiment?
Use your research in this step!!!
The Display Board
Title/
Question
Hypothesis
Graphs
Data/
Results
Charts
Conclusion
Pictures
Application
Procedure
*Abstract
Optional
Notebook Log
Required
1) Science Fair Center www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#1
2) Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents –
www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=11249928173913392
3) What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html
4) Discovery School .com – http://.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
5) Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html
6) Science Projects 13.01 http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42
7)
IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/
8) Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html
9) Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html
10) Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html
11) Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html
12) Yahoo – Ask Earl - http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/ask_earl/20020123.html
13) Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
14) Lycos Search http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=1
15) Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html
16) Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm
You are able to be successful!