Science Fair Information Packet
Experiment
Project Due Date: Thursday, Jan. 25
Science Fair Date: Thursday, Feb. 10
In this packet:
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Project Overview
Instructions
Timeline
Outline / checklist
Grading rubric
My experimental question:
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I understand my child’s project and have reviewed this packet with him/her.
I understand that the majority of the project will be done at home.
Science Fair Experiment: Overview
Your science experiment has 2 parts:
1) The experiment
2) The write-up
** Notice: You will not create a Science Fair board! (Unless you are invited to the Science Fair.)
1) The Experiment
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You must do it yourself (getting help is fine!)
 You must collect data while you do it
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2) The Write-up
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Should be several pages long
Should include all of the sections and headings in this packet
Will be done on Google Docs (if Google Docs is an issue for you, please see Mr. Childers for an
alternative)
NO SCIENCE FAIR BOARD! (Yet)
Phew! 
Step-By-Step Instructions
Not sure what to do next? Use this list to help direct you!
1. Write your question.
2. Get your question approved by Mr. Childers
3. Do Background Research for your question.
4. Write your background research into 2-3 paragraphs.
5. Design your experiment.
6. Write your hypothesis.
7. Conduct your experiment.
8. Write the Results and Observations.
9. Write the Conclusion.
10.Write the Discussion.
11.Re-read and edit the write-up on Google Docs.
Experiment Outline / Checklist
These are the headings that you must use (in this order) in your write up. Use this checklist to make sure
you include everything you need to!
Question (1 sentence)
o I wrote my question as a question
o I included words that show what I am measuring (taller, faster, shorter, heavier)
o I am comparing at least two things (conditions)
Hypothesis (2-3 sentences)
o It is written as a prediction (I predict that ______ will happen when I _______.)
o I have explained why I made that prediction
Background Research (2-3 paragraphs)
o I have written at least 2 paragraphs
o My background research includes important information to help people understand my project
o I have included at least 4 sources cited in MLA format (easybib.com)
Materials and Procedure (2 lists)
o
o
o
o
o
I have listed everything I used for my experiment
I included quantities of items if I used more than one
Materials are described in detail if necessary
I numbered my procedure step by step (1, 2, 3…)
I have a step-by-step of what I did
o My procedure is in sequential order
Results and Observations (data table and graph)
o
o
o
o
I have enough data to answer my question
I made a data table that has all of my data
I made a graph that shows my data
The graph and data table have titles, labels and units (oF, inches, seconds…)
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
o I stated whether I proved or disproved my hypothesis and used numbers to support what I said
o I summarized the data
Discussion (1 paragraph)
o I explained problems in my experimental design if I had problems
o I explained what I learned
Science Experiment Grading Rubric
Science Experiment Question and Hypothesis
0=No Evidence
1=Some Evidence
2=Clearly Evident
Is the topic original, or does it present an original twist to a
commonly done project?
Is there data to be collected?
Is only one variable being manipulated and is there a control?
Is the hypothesis been worded so that it can be tested?
Is there an explanation with the hypothesis?
Total Score:
Comments:
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
/10
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
/10
Science Experiment Background Research
0=No Evidence
1=Some Evidence
2=Clearly Evident
Is the research focused on the research question and support
making a hypothesis?
Is the research relevant and thorough?
Is the research written in a coherent way?
Is there evidence of editing and revision?
Are at least 4 sources cited in MLA format?
Total Score:
Comments:
Science Experiment Materials and Procedure
0=No Evidence
1=Some Evidence
2=Clearly Evident
Are all necessary materials/equipment listed in the materials
list?
Have the materials been described in sufficient detail?
Have exact quantities of items been listed if more than one is
needed?
Is there a step-by-step list for all the procedures?
Are the steps in the procedure in a logical, sequential order?
Total Score:
Comments:
0
1
2
0
0
1
1
2
2
0
0
1
1
2
2
/10
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
/10
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
Science Experiment Results and Observations
0=No Evidence
1=Some Evidence
2=Clearly Evident
Is there a sufficient amount of data to answer the question and
to know whether the hypothesis is correct?
Is the data table created and labeled properly?
Has the appropriate graph type been chosen to display the data?
Does the graph(s) have a title and labeled axes?
Is the data plotted correctly on the graph?
Total Score:
Comments:
Science Experiment Conclusion and Discussion
0=No Evidence
1=Some Evidence
2=Clearly Evident
Is it stated as to whether the student proved or disproved their
hypothesis?
Is there a summary of the results and findings?
Is data used to support the conclusion?
Did you explain what you learned?
If something went wrong with the experimental design is it
mentioned here with possibilities of how it could be corrected?
Total Score:
Comments:
Total Score:
/50 points
/10