September 2012
Howdy Folks,
It’s finally time to start to really apply what we have been learning since the
beginning of school. We are starting the process of producing our major science projects.
For the next two months every student will be creating the procedures, organizing
the data, polishing the communication of the truths they find in their world through
scientific investigation. My expectations of your student are to produce an award
winning quality, scientifically valid, interesting experiment that is relevant to their own
lives right now. By the end of this adventure my goal is to have lit a fire of curiosity and
exploration in parts of their world that they might not have previously even questioned.
Most parents aren’t excited about science fair type projects, and I understand, but
you shouldn’t be doing one, your student is. I only request two things from you: to be on
your student for the deadlines, and to provide the time and equipment, within reason, for
their data collections.
I will be encouraging students to find a project that interests them and that reflect
a part of their everyday life or hobbies. This may
involve a paintball gun, or talk time on a cell phone
to be relevant as they begin to think scientifically
about the world around them. Demonstrations or
“recipe” projects that have nothing to do with the
student’s life are of little benefit.
This packet of materials will assist you and
your student through this process. I will be making
available 1-2 days most weeks just to work on
science project components. It is imperative that
student be chipping away at the work at home so
that they have something to work on in class on
those days or opportunities will be lost.
Your support is key to a successful project.
A successful project is defined by more than a
pretty board in late November, but by the learning
and love of exploring that are developed in your
young scientist’s mind over the next two months.
If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact me at any time.
At your service,
David Wall
Pg.
1-2
3
4
5
Table of Contents
Cover, Letter from Teacher
Interest Inventory- Brainstorming device to
create project ideas
EDD- Tool to scaffold idea into an
experimental format
Description of deadlines with due dates and
list of experiment categories.
6-8
9-10
11
12
13-14
Steps to a Great Project- Explanations of
how to create a successful project.
Elements of the Final Report explained.
(Maybe the most important pages)
How to write the Abstract- last step in the
writing process.
District Science Fair judging form
Classroom grading form/Rubric
Interest Inventory and
Project Idea Sheet
PERSONAL INTEREST: List 3-5 interests that you have, these may be
hobbies, activities that you participate in after school, athletics, or a science
area that you like.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use the 4 Questions for one of your interest above to brainstorm possible
experiment options.
Ideas
1. What materials are available for experimenting on/with ___________? (nouns)
2. How do _____________ act, what do you do with _______________? (verbs)
3. How can you change the materials for ______________________? (list 20)
(Independent Variable)
4. What can you observe/measure to see if the change affects ________? (list 20)
(Dependent Variable)
(EDD)
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN DIAGRAM FOR SCIENCE
FAIR PROJECT PLANNING
TITLE: The effect of ________________________________ on __________________________________.
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
HYPOTHESIS: If the ________________________________ ___________________________________,
Independent Variable
state how it changes
then the _______________________________ will _____________________________________.
Dependent Variable
state how it changes
Independent Variable
Levels of IV
# Trials or Trial #
Dependent Variable
low
1.
2.
3.
middle
1.
2.
3.
high
1.
2.
3.
Dependent Variable:
Constants: (comprehensive list)
October first half:
The first half of the month includes: brainstorming to determine
direction for the project, and paperwork filled out and returned to students if approved,
beginning research paper, write an educated hypothesis, and procedure preparation.
October second half: The second half will include: computer lab time to research for
background paper, class time to organize and perfect procedure, computer time to type
part of background research paper, and experimenting outside of the classroom.
November first half: Experimenting outside of the classroom with dates to bring in
information and conference on results with peers and teacher, computer lab time to graph
and use data analysis resources,
Deadlines:
Today
Sept
Sept 30
Ideas and brainstorming
Interest Inventory and Brainstorming. DECIDE
Experimental Design Diagram (EDD)
Oct 7
Oct 20
Oct 27
Preliminary Procedure
Begin Project Notebook (everything goes in here)
All official paperwork due(online and printed)
Approved paperwork returned (DO NOT START
EXPERIMENTING UNTIL RETURNED)
Finalized procedure
Background paper due
Nov 2
Nov 16
Raw Data is due in class
Final project is due
Nov 17-18
Nov 21-22
CJH Fair
Presentations in class
Jan 10-12
Moore Public Schools District Fair (MooreNorman Tech Center, Penn campus)
Awards program
UCO Regional Fair
Oct 7
Oct 13
Jan 23
February
CATEGORIES
Animal Sciences
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Biochemistry
Cellular/Molecular Biology and Microbiology
++Chemistry
*Computer Science
*Earth and Planetary Science
Engineering: Electrical/Mechanical and
Materials/Bioengineering
Energy and Transportation
*Environmental Management and Environmental
Science
*Mathematical Science
Medicine and Health Science
++Physics, Physical Science, and Astronomy
Plant Science
Middle School Invention and Robotics
Categories with an * usually have fewer entries (a.k.a.
less competition)
Categories with an ++ are usually quite crowded.
STEP 1: BRAINSTORM IDEAS: Use the Interest Inventory, 4 Questions, &
Experimental Design Diagram to design an experiment around a topic that is interesting to
you. The best experiments do not always employ the most complex scientific concepts.
Creating a thoughtful experiment & considering variables carefully can take you to the
Regional Science Fair.
 ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE EDD YOU WILL HAVE DIRECTION.
 These components will also be due for a grade on September.
STEP 2: START A PROJECT DATA BOOK: A project data book is a
notebook in which you keep accurate and detailed notes of your project. The data book
should contain all of your research notes, procedures, and data. All entries must be
dated, neat, legible, and handwritten.
STEP 3: COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL PAPERWORK: GO TO: INTEL
INSEF Science Fair Rules Wizard at:
http://www.sciserv.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp
 Read & select the options which pertain to your project.
 As an 8th grader, you cannot select an experiment that would require
IRB or SRC approval.
 Complete forms online as PDF files. Help conserve paper by printing
only those forms you have FINISHED!
 DEADLINE!!!! This paperwork must be completed and submitted for
approval to me by OCTOBER 7th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO NOT BEGIN YOUR “EXPERIMENT” UNTIL YOU
HAVE RECEIVED YOUR APPROVED PAPERWORK
BACK FROM MR. WALL!!!!
STEP 4: FINALIZE YOUR EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Determine
what materials you will need and make decisions about procedure. You must create a
finalized procedure in your project data book and submit it by October 20th 2010.
STEP 5: GATHER INFORMATION / BACKGROUND RESEARCH: Go
to the library or on the internet to find information about the topic of your science fair
experiment. For example, if you are interested in running, you may have developed an
experiment to examine the independent variable training schedule and dependent variable
performance time during a race. To introduce your experiment in the science fair paper
which you will write you could discuss running as a sport, the equipment used, a proposed
training schedule, successful runners and what they have done. This is also a good place to
mention why you have chosen this topic and why it is interesting to you. This is where
you communicate to the world why this experiment is important and how we will
better understand or improve on the world with this knowledge.
 DEADLINE: The background paper is due for a grade on October 27th.
But you can always turn it in early
 The background research portion of your paper should be between 150 – 500 words
in length. The rough draft of your paper should be in your project data book.
STEP 6: CONDUCT YOUR EXPERIMENT: When you have received your
forms back approved you may begin collecting data. Be sure to follow your procedure and
RECORD EVERYTHING IN YOUR PROJECT DATA BOOK. Include written
commentary about your experiment as well as numerical data. If there were problems (and
there will be), it is important to make notes. If you have an A-ha moment, write that down
too. You can never record too many observations. Remember to stick to your plan! Do
not change your experiment.
 DATA: Bring your raw data to class on November 2th.
 We will use computer software to analyze the data if
applicable.
 Take Pictures of your experiment and the procedure. (Each is
worth a thousand words!!!) This will bring the actions to the
fair for the judges.
STEP 7: COMMUNICATE YOUR FINDINGS: You will create a display
board and a report which will communicate your experiment to others in addition to the
project data. The project data book is your personal record of everything your have done,
what you think, what you would do differently next time. Now you will create a formal paper
and translate it to the display board. First things first. The report paper is the much
larger portion of the grade and should be tackled first, then modified to fit the
display board.
PAPER COMPONENTS
1. TITLE PAGE: Includes: The title of your experiment. “The effect of _______
on ____________.”; First and Last Name; Teacher, Hour & Class; and Fall 2011
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS: LIST ALL OF THE COMPONENTS THAT
FOLLOW AND THEIR PAGE NUMBERS
3. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND RESEARCH: This section introduces
your topic and provides basic information about the subject you will study in your
experiment. Included in the introduction should be a brief explanation of why you
are interested in doing this experiment.
4. QUESTION: “What is the effect of _____________ on ______________.”
5. HYPOTHESIS: If ________, then ______ will _________, because _______.
6. MATERIALS & METHODS: This section is an explanation of what you did and
how you did it. You should describe in detail the materials and equipment you used
and the procedures you followed to collect your data. This section is to be written so
clearly and completely that another person could repeat your experiment just by
reading your paper.
7. RESULTS: This is the most important part of the report. In this section you
discuss the main findings of your investigation. This section contains your data and
observations. Data tables and graphs must be included, but you are encouraged to
include others forms of data such as pictures, drawings, photographs, diagrams, etc.
Include a discussion of possible errors and what you would do differently if you
repeated the project in the future.
8. CONCLUSIONS: State whether or not your data support or fail to support your
hypothesis. Then explain WHY you think it happened like it did. No wrong answers
if supported by your data.
9. APPLICATIONS: Describe how your findings relate to everyday life.
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Number and list references alphabetically by author. You
must have at least 5 references (See sample Bibliography)
11. ABSTRACT: The abstract is a one page summary of your experiment.
STEP 8: MAKE YOUR DISPLAY
Your project should be displayed on a three-sided, self-supported backboard. You must
have, in order and worded correctly, the steps of the scientific method.
Some helpful hints for a good display.
 Make it attractive and informative.
 Make it easy for interested persons and judges to understand your
experiment.
 Use photographs. Many projects have elements that may not be
displayed but are important to the overall project. These
parts/phases can be photographed and the pictures displayed.
Final Report
This is the most important part of the project and your grade. Many believe the backboard is more
important, that is a MYTH! The information you kept during experimentation and how you
present and organize it is much more important to show your work than a pretty backboard.
Title Page/Cover Page
This will include the title of the project, the student’s name, grade, and school name. The title
relates to the independent and dependent variables that were investigated.
Table of Contents
This will make it easier for judges to locate information in the report and notebook.
Abstract
This is a shortened version of your entire notebook. Others can read your abstract if they do not
have time read your entire notebook. It should include information about you at the top: project
title, category, name, grade, and school. The abstract should be composed of three short
paragraphs: Purpose, Procedure, and Results. See addendum later in packet. This will be one of
the last things you will come back to and write.
Introduction and Question
The introduction will set the scene for your report. The introduction includes your hypothesis, an
explanation of what prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve. Describe the
rationale, purpose, and hypothesis for the investigation. Use three questions to guide your
writing. (1) Why did you conduct the experiment? (Rationale). (2) What did you hope to learn?
(Purpose). (3) What did you think would happen? (Hypothesis).
Variables and Controls
Fully describe all variables involved while testing. The independent variable was the one thing
that was changed in order to test, the dependent variable is the result of the change, and the
controlled variables are all of the things you kept constant or the same while testing. Explain each
of the variables roles in the experiment and how you managed or monitored the variables.
Background Research
This page should include what you learned while researching your topic. Report work and
research conducted by others in the past that relates to your topic and facts that help introduce
readers to the topic.
Hypothesis
In an “If _____, then _____” format state what you think will happen while testing your problem
question. What have you learned through your research that helped you create your hypothesis?
Materials
List all of the materials and supplies needed in order for another person to conduct your
experiment. Quantities and amounts of each should be indicated clearly.
Procedure
In detail, list all of the steps that are required in conducting your experiment, number them
sequentially.
Observations
Include all raw, smooth and analyzed data, in all forms including charts, graphs, tables,
photographs and diagrams you created or collected in the course of the project. This section will
probably be a number of pages in length.
Results (WHAT)
Tell what you learned from the project while experimenting. What new information was provided
as a result of pursing the topic? What do you know now that you did not know before?
Conclusions (WHY)
Begin by stating your question, or problem. Then explain whether your hypothesis was correct or
not. What were the actual results of testing? Do your results support or reject your hypothesis?
Explain why your results came out the way they did. Use the research you found to help explain
your results. Describe the purpose, major findings, an explanation for the findings, and
recommendations for further study. Use the following questions to guide your writing: (1) What
was the purpose of the experiment? (2) What were the major findings? (3) Was the hypothesis
supported by the data? (4) What possible explanation can you offer for the findings? (5)
What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment?
Application
How does your experiment apply to the world of science? What practical applications can be
made from your testing? What are some future areas of study with regard to your topic?
Bibliography and Acknowledgements
List the resources you used while completing your research. Acknowledge those that helped you
while working on your project. 5 or more sources are recommended with at least one not being
digital. Remember “Google” and other search engines are not the source anymore than “the
library” is a source. Site specific books, primary websites, individual people, etc.
Each student who completes a science fair project must write an
abstract to be displayed with the project. An abstract gives the
essence of the project in a brief but complete form — it should not
exceed 250 words. Judges and the public should have a fairly accurate
idea of the project after reading the abstract.
The abstract must focus on the current year's research and give only
minimal reference to previous work. Details and discussions should not
be included in the abstract, but may be put in the longer, written
research/background paper (if required), or given on the project
exhibit board.
Purpose of the Experiment


An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the
project.
A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied.
Procedures Used



A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the
investigation was conducted.
An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly
influenced the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation.
An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work
done by a mentor (such as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student
involvement must not be included.
Observation/Data/Results


This section should provide key results that lead directly to the
conclusions you have drawn.
It should not give too many details about the results nor include tables or
graphs.
Conclusions


Conclusions from the investigation should be described briefly.
The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state
some applications and extensions of the investigation.
2011-2012 Moore Public Schools District Science Fair
Circle the appropriate rating for each of the following items:
Excellent
5
Very Good
4
Good
3
Partial
2
Creative Ability
a. Is the topic idea original?
b. Is the approach to solving the problem creative?
c. Did they use the equipment and information services resourcefully?
d. Was the interpretation of data creative?
e. Was the question/title clearly identified and innovative?
f. Is the information included in the display interesting?
Attempted
1
Absent
0
Score
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
10
10
10
10
10
10
30 Points Possible
Scientific Thought
a. Problem is stated clearly
b. Statement of expectation or prediction
(Did they explain what they think will happen?)
c. Statement of explanation or hypothesis
(Did they explain why they think it will happen?)
d. Established an original procedural plan for obtaining solution and
clearly communicated the plan.
e. Variables are clearly recognized and defined?
f. Is a project notebook provided with the display?
Score
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
30 Points Possible
Thoroughness
a. Does the project tell the complete story?
b. Is the problem adequately answered or pursued?
c. Adequate data to support the conclusion
Score
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
15 Points Possible
Skill
a. Does the project represent the student’s own work?
b. Is there adequate data to support the conclusion?
c. Is necessary scientific skill demonstrated?
Score
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
15 Points Possible
Clarity
a. Do the conclusions make sense based on the results and are they
related back to the hypothesis?
b. Did they relate the conclusions back to their hypothesis?
Score
5 4 3 2 10
5 4 3 2 10
10 Points Possible
Judges Notes
Total Score
100 Points Possible
Form used for grading project for class.
Name:_______________ Hour:____
I. Final Report
Title Page/Cover Page
This will include the title of the project, the student’s name, grade, and
school name. The title relates to the independent and dependent
variables that were investigated.
Table of Contents
Abstract
The abstract should be composed of three short paragraphs: Purpose,
Procedure, and Results.
Introduction
The introduction includes your hypothesis, an explanation of what
prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve.
Variables and Controls
Fully describe all variables involved while testing. Independent,
Dependent, (Controls), and Constants.
Background Research
This should include what you learned while researching your topic.
Hypothesis
In an “If _____, then _____” format state what you think will happen
while testing your problem question.
Materials
List all of the materials and supplies needed in order for another person
to conduct your experiment.
Procedure
In detail, list all of the steps that are required in conducting your
experiment, number them sequentially.
Observations
Include all raw, smooth and analyzed data, in all forms including
charts, graphs, tables, photographs and diagrams you created or
collected in the course of the project.
Results (WHAT)
Tell in paragraph form what you learned from experimenting. What
new information resulted from pursing the topic? What do you know
now that you didn’t know before? What happened? (The WHAT)
Conclusions (WHY)
Begin by stating your question, or problem. Then explain whether your
hypothesis was correct or not. What were the actual results of testing?
Do your results support or reject your hypothesis? Explain why your
results came out the way they did. (The WHY)
Application
What are some future areas of study with regard to your topic?
Bibliography and Acknowledgements
List the resources you used while completing your research.
Acknowledge those that helped you while working on your project.
Log Book
Includes dates and entries for every part of the project with data tables
and anecdotal information.
Report Point subtotal
Possible
Points
2
2
8
3
5
5
3
5
5
5
10
10
2
5
5
75
Student
Score
Teacher
Score
II. Project Quality
Originality in Topic or Approach
The problem is original or is a unique approach to an old problem
Scientific Thought
A. The hypothesis is clearly stated and the project is clearly designed
B. The project shows depth of study and effort
C. Project exhibits orderly recording and analysis of data
D. Sampling techniques and data collection are appropriate for the
problem
E. Scientific procedures are appropriate and organized
F. Conclusions formulated are logical, based on the data collected, and
are relevant to the hypothesis
Display Board or PowerPoint
A. Title name, date and class on display board
B. Purpose
C. Scientific process displayed
D. Overall presentation: neat, creative, organized
E. Edited for mechanics of grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
F. Completeness: contains evidence of all components of scientific
method
G. Use of visuals: graphs, pictures, models, etc.
Oral Presentation
A. Communicates clearly
B. Reflects preparation
C. Faces audience with poise & eye contact
D. Projects voice, displays enthusiasm
E. Answers questions confidently
Over All Clarity and Neatness
A. The project notebook is well organized, neat, and accurate.
B. The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly outlined and
the title accurately reflects the problem. The project is selfexplanatory.
Project Point subtotal
Carryover Report subtotal
Overall Point Total
Additional Comments:
5
10
10
10
5
40
75
115