Welcome to the Science Fair
Agenda:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Introductions
Important Dates
Science Fair Overview
Project Guidelines
Science Fair Project Example
Helpful Websites to get you started
Introductions and Contact
Information
Ms. Colleen Simone, Science Fair
Coordinator, simonec@citrus.k12.fl.us or
by phone, 795-2211
Mr. Mulder, assistant principal
Mrs. Glenn, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Kassay,
Ms. Spires, and Mrs. Hackey
Important Dates To Remember
 Project Proposal to Teacher due by October
7, 2011 (the sooner you get it in to be
approved, the sooner you can start)
 Science Fair Projects Due to School:
November 8, 2011
 School Science Fair Date: November 15, 2011
 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Date:
December 7th, 2011 at Citrus County Auditorium
 RSEF Awards Ceremony Date: December 12,
2011 at Curtis Peterson Auditorium
Elementary Science Fair
Projects
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project
The Scientific Method
You should always follow the 9 steps
of the scientific method when doing a
science project to be successful.
Step 1 – Select a Topic
A. Student
What is my interest?
Selected Topic
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?
SCIENCE FAIR
REGISTRATION
Title of Project:___________________________________________________________
Student name(s):__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Teacher:__________________________________________________
Brief description of project:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
**I have discussed the purpose and procedures of the school science fair with this
student.
Teacher’s Signature:_____________________________________________________
**I have read the school science fair guidelines with my child and approve of his/her
intended project.
Parent’s Signature:_______________________________________________________
Date: _________________________Phone :__________________
The deadline for submitting this registration to your teacher is October 7, 2011.
Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student
 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?
Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent
 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?
Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher
Is the project at the student’s ability level?
Does the project meet the rule
requirements?
Is there parent approval?
What is the timeline for each step?
Locate needed resources for students.
Are the students meeting the timelines?
Data/Project Log - REQUIRED
The log starts on the date you select and it
is approved by the teacher
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typedin a notebook
ALL observations and measurements are to
be recorded
Remember all measurements are metric
Step 2 Identify the Problem
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.
Step 3 Collect Background
Information
BOOKS:
Encyclopedias
Topic Books
Magazines/Newspapers
RESEARCH about Project
Media Center
Minimum of 5 references
INTERNET:
Websites
Search by Topic
CD ROM:
Grolier
Compton
Research Notebook - REQUIRED
 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 paper 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
Step 4 Form a Hypothesis
 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.”
Step 5 Design an Experiment
 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.
Step 6 During Experiment
Observe:
Watch
Look
During the
Experiment
Record:
Notes
Journal/Log
Results
Analyze Data:
What have I
learned from
the results?
Step 7 Repeat the Experiment
The experiment is to be repeated
at least 3 times.
This is done in order to prove the
results as true.
Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion
This is a sentence or sentences that state
what did happen during the experiment.
What did you learn from the experiment?
Example: The can kept the soda cooler
longer than the glass bottle.
Step 9 Application
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?
Guidelines for Elementary
Projects
Review of the Elementary Science Fair
Projects Guidelines Sheet
Science Fair Rubric
Title_____________________________________________
Okay
Weak
10
Good
Point Value
Strong
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Outstanding
Name(s)
NUMBER_________
8
6
4
2
Visual Presentation
1. Project is neat, clear, complete, creative, appealing and has a title
2. Abstract 150 words or less
Scientific Thought
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Clear and specific Purpose (Is a scientific question asked?)
Clear and specific Hypothesis (Is it measurable?)
Complete and thorough Materials list, including reference materials
Complete and thorough Procedure (include variables, step by step)
Complete and thorough Observations (logs, graphs, tables, photos…)
Complete analysis –student has tested 3 times / trials and data is verified
for each trial or shows averaged results
9. Conclusion supported by data, written clearly and logically
Clarity and Thoroughness
10. Student can discuss and explain the project
Student Total
Points earned
Total points ______ out of 100
Questions for judges to ask:
Why did you choose this project?
What could you have done differently?
What did you enjoy most about you project?
What did you learn?
What did the experiment prove?
0
The Display Board
Title/
Question
Hypothesis
Graphs
Data/
Results
Charts
Conclusion
Pictures
Application
Procedure
*Abstract
Optional
Notebook and Log
Required
Helpful Websites
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
Good Luck
You are able to be successful!