St. Jerome Catholic School
Science Fair Project Guide
2015-2016
Name______________________
Number____________________
Important Dates:
Topic Selection Work Day: Wednesday, October 7th
Binder and Journal purchased: Wednesday, October 21st
Purpose, Hypothesis Work Day: Wednesday, October 28th
Materials, Procedures Work Day: Wednesday, November 4th
Tests and Variables Work Day: Wednesday, December 2nd
Completion of 3 trials due: Wednesday, January 6th
Observations and Data Analysis: Wednesday, January 6th
Conclusion and Error Analysis: Wednesday, January 13th
Work Day (Printing, binder, board): Wednesday, January 20th
Work Day (Printing, binder, board): Wednesday, January 27th
Science Fair (journal, binder, board DUE): Thursday, January 28th
Diocese of Oakland Science Fair: Saturday, February 6, 2015
Scientific Method Sections
Purpose:
 State your problem (what you are trying to solve) in the form of a
question or statement.
 This should be one sentence. Example: The purpose of this
experiment is to determine if a hot, cold, or room temperature
environment will affect the height of a ball bouncing.
• Don’t make your sentence too complicated – keep it simple. Don’t
explain ‘how’ you will perform your experiment, just ‘what’
you are going to do.
Hypothesis :
The hypothesis is an educated guess about what you think will
happen after you complete your three trials. It follows the following
format:
“If ___________________ [I do this] ____________________,
then ______________[I think this will
happen] __________________.”
Materials
• You must include all materials that will be required to perform the
experiment.
• Be sure that all measurements are specific and given in the metric
system and Celsius degrees.
Procedure
• The procedure is a detailed step-by-step process, similar to a
recipe. Include as much detail as possible about
measurements and techniques.
• Tell “how” to set up you experiment. Be very literal and specific don’t assume or skip any detail, no matter how small. For
example, “open the bag and use your fingers to take out one
lemon”. Act it out if your need, then write it all down.
• Each experiment must contain 3 trials. The trials should not be run
on the same day.
Experimental Design
Variables:
Independent Variable: variable that is changed by
scientist. Your experiment should have only one
independent variable.
Dependent Variable: variable that the scientist
observes for changes. The variable must be able to
be measured. The change to the dependent variable
is caused by the change to the independent variable.
Control Variable: these are all the parts of the
experiment that the scientist wants to remain
constant so that they don’t interfere with the results
of the experiment.
Tests:
Control Test: the part of the experiment where the
independent variable is not changed, but the
dependent variable is observed and measured.
Experimental Test: the part of the experiment where
the independent variable is changed and the
dependent variable is observed and measured.
Ex: Pea Plant Experiment
Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to see if mineral
water will have an effect on the growth of a pea plant.
Hypothesis: If a pea plant is given mineral water, then it will
not grow as fast as a pea plant given tap water.
Variables:
Independent Variable: type of water
Dependent Variable: plant height (how tall it grows)
Controlled Variables: type of pea plant, soil type, pot
size, sunlight exposure
Tests:
Control: normal growing conditions for a pea plant (tap
water)
Experimental: mineral water given to pea plant
Observations
• Write down observations in your journal while you conduct
experiment and observe your results.
• Be sure to separate Trial 1, Trial 2 and Trial 3 observations.
• Use your 5 senses to make observations. Record the observations
in your journal.
• Be specific in your measurements, i.e., the plant grew 3
cm. Always use the metric system.
• Take pictures of your setup and experimental results. These can
be used on your Science Fair Board.
Data Analysis
• You will generate a graph to depict the quantitative and or
qualitative observations made during your three trials. The xaxis represents the independent variable, and the y-axis
represents the dependent variable.
• Be sure your graphs match your observations and results. Please
type all graphs, do not hand draw them.
• You should have data for each trial, as well as a graph or chart
depicting an average of all three trials.
• We will spend time in class reviewing how to create graphs in
Microsoft Excel
Conclusion:
•
•
•
•
Restate your hypothesis.
State whether you supported your hypothesis or not.
Briefly explain the results of your experiment.
Begin the last sentence with, “If I were to conduct this experiment
again, I would…”
Error Analysis:
• In your journal, write down all information or changes to your project
as it happens. This will help you to write your error analysis.
• Almost every experiment will have errors or revisions to the original
procedure.
• Give a brief explanation of the errors in your experiment, and how
they could be corrected.
Science Fair Journal, Binder, and Board
The Science Fair journal, binder, and board are the three aspects of your project
that will be used to calculate your Science Fair grade. These three items will be
displayed on the day of the Science Fair. During the next three months, there will
be journal and binder checks. These checks are used to help keep you on task
as you work on your project. Name should not be displayed on any item!
Journal
The Journal is an important part of any research project. It is a detailed account
of every phase of your science fair project.
•
•
•
•
Use a lined composition notebook
Write your Science Fair number on the front cover of the journal
All entries should be hand written, not typed, and always in pen.
Date every entry. Write in brief, concise statements. There is no need for full
sentences, but each entry should contain at least 3-5 statements.
• The journal should follow the scientific method (Start your first entry with
the purpose of your experiment. After include your hypothesis,
materials, procedures, trials and variables, and observations as you
complete each trial)
• Make sure to include any changes made to the procedures or materials list, or
any mistakes or errors in the procedure.
• Record all observations made during your experiment.
Binder
The Binder is a 1/2”, 3 ringed binder with a clear plastic sleeve on the front
cover. The binder should contain tabs for each part of the science fair project,
and include a Table of Contents. Please write your Science Fair number on the
front of your binder.
Sections of Binder (tabs)
Purpose
Hypothesis
Materials
Procedure
Variables and Tests
Observation of 3 Trials
Data Analysis of 3 Trials
Conclusion and Error Analysis
Board
The Science Fair Board is a 36” by 48” tri-fold board that is used to display all
elements of your project. The board will also display any pictures or images that
relate to your project. If pictures are used, no faces can be visible. Please write
Science Fair number on the back of your board!