SCIENCE FAIR DUE DATES

Please note change in date of step #5. I apologize for the inconvenience.

ITEM DUE                      DATE DUE

1. QUESTION and           FRIDAY,SEPT. 9, 2011 ***   

PURPOSE

 2. RESEARCH and         FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2011***  

HYPOTHESIS

 3. MATERIALS AND       THURSDAY, OCT. 6, 2011***    

PROCEDURES

 4. RESULTS (1^st set)     THURSDAY, OCT. 27, 2011***

 5. RESULTS (analysis   TUESDAY, NOV. 22, 2011  ***               

 and graphs)

6. CONCLUSION and       FRIDAY, DEC. 9, 2011  ***

ABSTRACT

7. FINAL PAPER              WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21, 2011  ***

8. BACKBOARD               THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 2012 ***

9. ST. ELIZABETH          MONDAY, JAN. 30, 2012   
                                       SCIENCE FAIR IN CAFETERIA

SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANTS

Students may volunteer to do an independent science project that involves both research and experimentation. This begins in August and is worked on until completion in January. Specific directions and due dates are given for various segments of the project. These specific dates and helpful hints can be found below. Students choosing to do a project will be given 15 extra credit points per quarter for the first, second, and third quarter. All points will be applies at the end of the third quarter and ONLY to those students who follow the project through to completion. These students must participate in the Saint Elizabeth, the Pittsburgh Regional, and PJAS science fairs in order to receive their points. (6^th graders can not participate in the PJAS fair.)

HOW TO PREPARE AND PRESENT A SCIENCE PAPER

The first step in planning a paper and oral presentation is to select the essential features of the problem. The report should be based on a clear statement of the problem (question), background information and related research, and the importance of the investigation (purpose). A brief description of how the data was collected (procedure) and a summary of the conclusion drawn from the experimentation must be included.

The use of visual aids will increase tremendously the effectiveness of both an oral and written report. Charts, diagrams, models, materials— serve to promote audience interest in what is being presented. These aids must be large enough to be seen (large font, size 16 approximately, black ink on white paper) by the entire audience and simple enough to be effective.

THE ESSENTIALS OF A RESEARCH PAPER

TITLE PAGE

A title should be short and indicate the contents of the report. It should not convey too little or suggest more than what is contained in the paper. Capitalize only the principle words and center them on the paper.

A title can and should encourage am reader (or judge) to continue reading. It is the selling tool of your project. The title should emphasize a benefit or an answer. This may be the same title that appears on your display board.

ABSTRACT

An abstract is a summary or overview of your project. It should be no longer than 100 WORDS and written on only one side of a page. The abstract should be very concise, choose your words wisely. The abstract must include the following:

PURPOSE-- Why did you do your project? What was the question you wanted to answer, or What was the problem you tried to solve?

PROCEDURE-- Briefly explain your plan of attack or how will conduct your experiment.

RESULTS-- What were the important facts learned from your experiment?

CONCLUSION--What do your results mean? Can you compare these results to anything else you know? Do your results give you any ideas for future experimentation?

INTRODUCTION

The body of the report usually begins with an introduction which states the exact nature of the problem, the reasons for choosing it, the precise question to be answered, and the goal of the study. The introduction serves to orient the reader so that the experimental procedures, data, and observations may be clearly understood.

Any background information which has a definite connection to the problem should also be added. An introduction may, but does not need to, include the following:

The limitation of the problem and the extent of its treatment—what it is and what it is not.

The writers understanding of the problem and their attitude toward it.

The importance or need of the study.

The methods by which information was gathered and sorted.

A definition of terms—perhaps in the form of a glossary.

The history or background of related reports/studies and a discussion of them.

An acknowledgment of any outside help received in performing the experiment.

PROBLEM (QUESTION)

The problem should state exactly what the investigation is attempting to discover. Choose a problem you are capable of investigating thoroughly and one that will challenge your imagination and abilities. It should be presented in a clear and concise manner. Here are some examples:

Poor Statement of a Problem:

¨      Cancer

¨      Vitamins and rats

¨      Growth Rate of Plants

¨      Chromatography

¨      Friction and Lubrication

Good Statement of a Problem:

¨      What is the effect on the growth rate of rats fed a diet deficient in Vitamin D?

¨      Can the growth rate of plants be accelerated with supplemental feedings of sucrose and amino acids?

¨      Can different inks be separated in to their component parts?

¨      What is the relationship between acceleration, friction, and different types of oils used on a smooth surface?

HYPOTHESIS

Come up with an original answer or intelligent guess at the solution to your problem. This answer should be devised from the wide reading and background research you do on the subject. You should be able to back up your hypothesis and demonstrate your reasoning for suggesting it: show why you think it could be the answer to the problem.

MATERIALS

Materials listed should include everything that is essential to the duplication of the experiment. The amount of each material used, must be listed. These amounts must be converted to the Metric System. If the equipment was made, the physical properties should be given. Any unusual features of the materials should be explained if they will assist in understanding the experimental procedures.

PROCEDURE

In describing experimental work, chronological order is the best approach. In this way the reader can follow the process step by step. This can be a lengthy and monotonous task. Steps listed should be detailed and very specific. Again measurements (length, weight, density, volume, time, speed, etc.) should be listed in the Metric System. The measurements and conversion formulas can be found in the appendix of most math and science books, or on line at www.onlineconversion.com.

DATA (Results) PLEASE ALSO SEE THE NEXT SECTION: Analysis of data or Results

All results obtained should be presented in full detail to clarify the problem. Display your analysis in some easily readable and understandable manner. Tables, graphs, and photographs are useful tools. Tables are good for conveying numbers and graphs are excellent for showing change. Both allow a large amount of information to be conveyed in a small space. No data should be omitted because it seems irrelevant; everything that happens is important. The following is suggested for keeping accurate data records:

¨      All entries should be dated. If a specific result occurs, an hour-by-hour log of the procedure and how it affected the experiment should also be included.

¨      Any questions, ideas, or weaknesses that may arise should be noted for future reference.

¨      The use of tables to record continuous data is highly recommended because it conserves time and is easily understood. Tables are more articulate than numbers written in prose.

¨      A photograph or diagram is often superior to a written description and should be included if applicable.

ANALYSIS OF DATA OR RESULTS

The relative success experienced in acquiring information or solving the problem should be evaluated. State what you found as a result of doing the experiment. Tell how the data either supports or denied your hypothesis. It may be necessary to elaborate upon the results of the investigation in an item-by-item discussion. The analysis is the only section of the report where opinions may be expressed. If possible, comparisons should be made with experimental data from similar experiments. Opposing data should also be shown.

Possible sources of error which existed or arose during the course of the investigation should be discussed. These could serve as a guide for future experimentation. The following questions may serve as guide, but each does not need to be answered, in the analyzing experimental data:

¨      What degree of success was attained in obtaining answers to the problem? (Hypothesis supported or denied.)

¨      Were all possible resource materials exhausted?

¨      Was new information discovered during the research? (Tell about new questions that arose as a result of your experiment.)

¨      Has the experiment been of a nature that might prove profitable in applying them to classes, to other scientists, or in later life? (State the practical value of your research.)

¨      Was the experiment conducted free of prejudice and bias and with an open and receptive mind?

¨      Was the experiment completely controlled? (Was only one variable changed?)

¨      What external factors could have interfered with or influenced the results?

¨      Were the experimental techniques and research habits the most efficient and practical methods which could be employed?

CONCLUSION

The conclusion is the final step in the scientific method and is the primary reason you did the project. Don’t gloss over it or simply restate your hypothesis, adding that it seems to be true or not. Take the time to properly wrap up your project. State whether you believe your hypothesis was confirmed or denied based on the acquired data. Tell why and list any source of error that may have influenced your results. One question judges always ask is, “What you could do to make this project better?” don’t be afraid to include as answer in your conclusion.

Four items I look for in conclusions are:

¨      Was your hypothesis supported or denied? Support your answer with results from your experiment.

¨      What did you learn from doing this experiment?

¨      How does this project relate to everyday life? How is it useful?

¨      How could I make this project better? What could I do to improve it?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The bibliography contains only those pertinent sources which were used for the investigation. This list should include books, periodicals, websites, interviews, and other reference materials. No more than two websites are allowed, neither may be from Wikipedia. At least five sources must be listed in the bibliography. Bibliographies should follow the standard format.

HINTS ON WRITING

After the first draft is finished, it should be set aside fir a few days before an attempt is made to revise it. In this way, the writer will be able to return to the subject with a more objective attitude. He/she will be less likely to “think” the same errors again and more likely to see the work as the reader will see it. At this time the first draft should be thoroughly read, watching the gaps in the train of thought that need revision and developing each idea clearly and adequately for readers who are unfamiliar with the subject. The order of the ideas should be checked to see that the material has been presented in clear-cut stages which a reader can follow easily.

If possible, the first draft should be read to an audience. English text should be checked for possible errors. Revisions should be made, several times if necessary, until a clear, concise style of expression is attained. When the first draft is in the best possible form, the copy for the final draft can be prepared. Typewritten reports are not required, but they are preferable. When completed the work should be proofread twice to make sure that no typographical errors were made and to catch any mistakes that may have been missed in the revising of the first draft.

Hints for the usage of “AFFECT” and “EFFECT”. The verb AFFECT means “to influence”. For example: The amount of fertilizer used will affect my results. The verb EFFECT means “to cause to happen”. For example: The lack of sunlight will effect the height of my plants. The noun EFFECT means “result”. For example: The effect was that the plants grew only 3 centimeters high.

HOW TO WRITE A SCIENCE FAIR SPEECH

A science fair speech should be a short synopsis of your entire project. Concentration should focus on your data/results as this is the most important part of your project. A speech should include the following information in the following order:

YOUR NAME AND SCHOOL

TITLE OF PROJECT

BACKGROUND MATERIAL (IF NEEDED)

QUESTION AND HYPOTHESIS

MATERIALS

PROCEDURE

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS/DATA

CONCLUSION.

Your speech should be written on index cards and memorized for the fairs. Judges frown on students reading from their cards. They are impressed with smartly-dressed and confident presenters. Please do not wear jeans and tennis shoes. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself and shake the hand of your judge or judges. (This will not be possible at PJAS) Students participating in PJAS should see me concerning transparencies.