Science Fair Project Schedule – Fall/winter 2014-15
The following is an overview of assignments that will be completed in order to carry out your science fair
project. In depth details for each component may be found in the IJAS Policy and Procedure Manual.
Assignment
Topic Selection
Purpose (Question)
Research Plan &
Bibliography
Review of Literature and
Reference List
Variables and Hypothesis
Safety Sheet (and
Endorsements, if
applicable)
Materials and Methods
of Procedure
Conducting the
Experiment
Results
Conclusion
Abstract
Rough Draft
Assignment Description
In Class
Due Date
Scientific observations; topic brainstorming. Use resources on Ms. M’
website and IJAS Policy & Procedure Manual.
The precise question the student you are attempting to investigate in the
science fair project.
The Research Plan is a roadmap of the research questions that need to be
answered. The Bibliography is a list of the sources that will be used to
answer the research questions. Source Requirement: at least three
journal articles (online database - EBSCO)
The purpose of the review is to report to the reader background
information and/or work done in the past that is related to your project.
References should be cited in Reference List. The review of literature
should include:
 The history of similar experiments or inventions.
 Definitions of all important words and concepts that describe the
experiment.
 Answers to all the background research plan questions.
The Reference List should be in APA format and include all sources cited
in the Review of Literature.
An explanation of which factors will be changed (independent variable)
while conducting the experiment and a hypothesis on the expected
outcome.
Point
Value
N/A
5
5
10
5
All safety hazards and precautions must be identified. Endorsements
when human or non-human vertebrates or microorganisms are used.
5
A detailed list of the materials that will be used to conduct the
experiment and the detailed steps that will be followed while conduct the
experiment
There should be a minimum of two weeks here to allow multiple runs of
their experiments. Minimum Trials: 3 runs of experiment. If working
with plants, should have 3 plants for each variable tested.
The analysis of the experimental data. A summary of the findings of the
experiment. Include tables and graphs.
5
N/A
5
An explanation of the results of the experiment.
5
st
A concise summary of your work; 1 sheet of research paper.
A report that collects all the above written assignments in one place plus
title page, table of contents, acknowledgments, Will be peer and teacher
reviewed.
5
10
Final Report
A final, edited, complete version of the report.
100
Display Board
The final project board that will be displayed at the science fair.
20
School Science Fair
The date the students must turn in their projects to the teacher or to the
school science fair.
N/A
Visit the Fair!
Parents may visit the science fair at this date and time.
N/A
City/County Science Fair
TBD
TOTAL
/180
Checklist and Order of Final Written Report (details for each component may be found on page 13 of IJAS
Policy & Procedure Manual)
Component
Complete?
Abstract
Safety Sheet
Endorsements
Title Page
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Purpose and Hypothesis
Review of Literature
Materials and Methods of Procedure
Results
Conclusion
Reference List
Science Fair Resources
IJAS Policy & Procedure Manual Manual 1014-15 on Mrs. Meredith’s website and Schoology
m-meredith.weebly.com
May find:
 Illinois Junior Academy of Science Policy & Procedure Manual 2008-2010.
o All details for the science fair, including: categories, selecting a topic, rules and regulations,
safety guidelines, info on the project session, research paper guidelines, oral presentation and
display guidelines, and judging criteria.
 Science fair deadlines and important dates
 Helpful links to science fair project websites
 Documents provided in class