Science Fair Project
Experimental Outline
I.
Project Title (1 point):
II.
Category (1 point):
III.
Question (2 points):
IV.
Name:
Period:
Due Date:
Points _______/30
Oct 5th
Variables (3 points): Write in complete sentences. Include how the variable is measured.
1. Independent:
2.
Dependent:
3.
Controls:
V.
Mentor (1 point): Person who will notarize your data table/lab book.
VI.
Materials (2 points): If you have to order materials through the school you must include a list of
those materials
VII.
Experimental Procedure (25 points): Complete in a word document, print and attach to this sheet.
First list the equipment and supplies needed with the approximate quantities. Draw a sketch of your
equipment setup if needed. Next include all procedures numbering each procedure. Be very specific
in your procedures. Finally, label a new section as Sample Data Table. This table won’t have any
data in it as it will only be a sample of the table(s) you will use to collect your data. Show the
correct column and row labels including appropriate metric units that you will use to record your
actual data. Once approved, transfer this procedure to your log book.
Things I’ll be looking for in Logbook Check #1
Date Due Oct 19th__Per_____
Points _________/20
I. When purchasing a log book, look for:
 A bound logbook, such as a “Composition Book” (black, marble-type) (NOT: spiral, 3-ring, loose leaf)
II. These are things you must keep in mind when doing entries and/or research:
 All entries in BLUE or BLACK INK (colored pencil may ONLY be used to color-code graphs).
 You MUST put the correct chronological date on each entry.
 Your logbook must show that you frequently are thinking and working on science fair (min. 2x/wk).
 OK to state: “Purchased materials at Home Depot” (& tape the receipt), or “Emailed Dr. Smith with these
questions: (and list them)”.
 All your entries should be meaningful; i.e.: you should not have a page stating “today I did nothing”. If
you ran out of things to say on one page and went to the top of the next page, draw a diagonal on the blank
area and sign your initials across the diagonal line.
 If you made an incorrect entry that is more than 1 line in length, draw a diagonal line across the incorrect
statement or information and sign your initials across the diagonal line
 No printed material should be taped or stapled into the logbook (i.e.: no background from the internet that
you printed out) with the exception of: PHOTOS, RECEIPTS, and computer generated GRAPHS.
III. Specific items to be included (15 points):
 Number each and every page (front and back) from beginning to end of logbook IN PEN at the
bottom outside corner. Start with the very first page!
 Page 1 is the Title Page. Print your project title, your name, teacher’s name, date you started project. (See
“A” below)
 Page 2 is for the Table of Contents. (See “B” below)
 After the Table of Contents, label a section called Dated Entries. Record all activity that had anything to
do with your project. Tape any receipts you might have and say, “Today I went to Home Depot and
purchased _________.”
 The next section is for your Research. Copy this from your annotated bibliography.
 After the Research section, copy your Experimental Outline.
 After the experimental outline section, leave a page or two for any revisions you might need to make in
order for your experiment to work. Call this the Revisions section. It might never be needed, but you
never know….
 Next comes the Data section. Setup your accepted data tables. Make sure labels and units are included.
 After the data section, leave a few pages for any Acknowledgements you may which to make.
 Make a neat pocket to fit all your forms and paperwork, folded in half, on the INSIDE BACK COVER.
IV. Miscellaneous (5 points):
 Required Science Fair Forms which should be in the pocket in the back of the logbook (in addition to the
forms found in this packet): Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1), Research Plan (1A), Research Plan
Attachment, Approval Form (1B), any other forms that your specific project needs
 At least 5 valid references, each with at least 3 facts per reference. Thorough bibliographical info is
necessary even for internet-derived sources. (This should be copied from the Annotated Bibliography you
completed with changes suggested by me included)
Things I’ll be looking for in Logbook Check #2
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Date Due Nov 9th__Per_____
Points _________/20
5 pts Data: All of your data should be collected by this date and present in your log book.
2 pts Pictures: Include pictures in your log book that show the progression of your project. A logical
place for your pictures in the dated entries section.
8 pts Discussion: Write a rough draft of you discussion after the data section of your log book. Use
the guide included on "How to Write a Research Paper.
5 pts Graphs/Analysis: Complete all graphs or other analysis of your data. Refer to these in your
discussion.