BACKScience Fair Guidelines
This Science Fair Guide gives you all of the information you need to have a
successful project. Please review this packet with your parents.
Then fill in your Science Fair Application Form that is on the last page of
this booklet and return it to school no later than Friday, March 2.. There
are extra forms available. We will be reviewing each child’s project to
ensure it meets the guidelines necessary.
Your completed Science Fair project is due on Monday, May 7th. The projects should be brought to your classroom on Monday, May 7th. The projects will be viewed during Open House Thursday evening, May 10th.
WHY
HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
The Park Village
Science Fair is designed to encourage you to learn about an area in which you
have an interest. You will develop a detailed project over a reasonable
length of time using the “scientific method”. The “scientific method”
is a series of steps scientists use when they conduct experiments. Essentially,
it amounts to asking a specific question, forming a hypothesis (or what you
think will happen), testing, and coming up with results. By following
the steps listed in this booklet, you will be able to produce a successful science
project.
WITH WHOM WOULD YOU LIKE
TO WORK?
First decide in
which category you would like to participate:
1. Student alone
(absolutely no parental help or suggestions).
2. Student/parent team (the guidelines for parental help are later in this booklet).
3. Two to three student team members alone (no parent help).
4. Two to three student team members with a parent.
5. Family category - This category is for those families with more than one student who would like to have the fun and experience of doing a Science Fair project together.
CHOOSING A TOPIC - IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION
The next step is to choose an appropriate topic. Look through the list that comes with this guide, examine science guides, talk to your parents (team projects only), look at the extensive list in the Park Village Library or go to the public library where there are books on reserve. Take time in selecting a good topic! Be sure it is something that interests you! Think about hobbies, sports or activities you do regularly.
Now that you have your topic you will need to narrow down the subject. A good topic will deal with one major idea. Learn everything you can about your topic. Become an expert on your subject. Go to the library and read encyclopedias and books. Ask the librarian, talk to experts. Write a summary of what you learned for the research section of your notebook.
Your topic must be an experiment or answer a question about a scientific phenomena. When deciding on your topic put it into the form of a question. This will help you to stay away from demonstrations such as exploding volcanoes, which are unacceptable.
For example, do you like to assemble models? You can ask questions like: Which glue dries fastest? Which glue is the strongest? or What brand of paint covers the easiest?
You will explain the purpose of your experiment in one to three sentences. This will be mounted on your display. You can start this way: “The purpose of this project is to _______________.” This section should also include your “hypothesis”. The “hypothesis” is a scientific guess about the answer to your question. The hypothesis should be written down before you begin your project because it is the basis for the experiment. Be sure to tell why this is your hypothesis.
For example, your topic could be: Do fertilizers make plants grow taller? Notice it is a specific question that is easily measured. The purpose of this project is to see if a plant fed with fertilizers will grow taller than a plant that was not fed with fertilizers. Your hypothesis would be: I think a plant grown with fertilizers will grow taller than a plant grown without fertilizers, because I read that farmers use fertilizers to grow better crops.
At this point, you are a mini-expert on your topic. It’s time to assemble your materials and begin your experiment. In gathering your materials you do not need to spend a great deal of money. Be practical! Use household items whenever possible. List all the materials and equipment you use in the order you used them and the amounts you used - that’s the scientific way to do it. For example don’t list “water,” list “2 mls of water”. Do this in an orderly way, much like the ingredients in a recipe. Save this card for your display.
After you have selected a topic, written a hypothesis and developed a schedule for your project, the data (or information) must be gathered. The key to an accurate experiment is to have enough information (or data) to assure that the information gathered is valid (meaning it will give you a correct answer).
The procedure includes the steps you take in the experiment or survey to get your data. It should be written step by step like a recipe so it can be duplicated by someone else. In many experiments, it is important to have both a control group and one or more experimental groups. A control group is the group to which you do nothing special. For example, in an experiment on the affect of fertilizer on plants, you may have eight bean plants that are the same size. Four of these plants (the experimental ones) would be treated with fertilizer. The other four (the control group) would receive exactly the same amounts of water, light, and other care as the first four plants but no fertilizer would be used. You could then compare the four experimental plants to the four control plants.
Plan the steps for your experiment. Start the experiment and write down observations and dates carefully. Take pictures, if possible, or at least sketch the observations. These sketches and pictures will need to be mounted on the final display and in your report.
It is important that you have enough test groups if it is a comparison like the plants. If you compare three different types of fertilizer you should have at least two plants for each fertilizer used (a total of six plants) and at least two plants in your control group with no fertilizer. In other projects you may have to repeat the experiment many times. Surveys need a very large sample (like 60 people) to make the data valid.
The experiment is over! What happened during the experiment? After the appropriate amount of time collecting your information, you should have a pretty good idea of whether or not the hypothesis is true. Write down all the changes observed during the course of the experiment. Graphs and charts can be used on
the display and in your report. The results should be mounted on the display.
Examine the results and determine what you have found out. Be very careful when drawing conclusions! The conclusion must answer the topic question. Be careful you do not bring in additional data. Also, if you have used only a small sample (like 4 bean plants), can you expect the same results to occur in all bean plants? It is best to write that your results “indicate” rather than “prove” that your hypothesis is correct or incorrect. Scientists don’t like to use the word “always” or “never”; they use words like “usually” or “sometimes”. Your conclusions are the last part of your display panel and should be neatly written or typed and placed on your display.
It’s time to put it all together. On the next page is a drawing of a good display. These are the basic rules for the display:
1. The two display panels must be able to stand securely.
2. Your background should be attractive. Be creative and neat. Place your project title in the form of a question on top. You may want to choose contrasting colors for the cards containing the following:
a. Purpose e. Results
b. Hypothesis f. Conclusions
c. Materials g. Name, grade and category card
d. Procedures h. Optional graphs or carts
3. Lettering should be neat, large and easy to read. For example, you can make your title out of construction paper, use large stencils, use computer lettering or purchase stick-on letters.
4. The center part of your display will include photographs, drawings or charts to illustrate exactly what you did. Label these illustrations so others will know what they represent.
5. On the bottom right corner of your display, place a card approximately 3 inches by 5 inches with:
Name: (John Smith)
Grade: (Third)
Category: (Child/Parent team)
6. If your experiment permits, you may also include parts of your actual experiment. Do not bring in valuable or breakable equipment; a picture would be sufficient. There is no electricity available.
7. Do plan 3 days for assembling your display before it is brought to school. It takes much longer than you would expect.
8. Your report will be placed on the table in front of your display. You must have a written report about your Science Fair Project.
THE REPORT
A separate written report must accompany each display!! A good report is necessary to tell in detail exactly what went on during the project from start to finish. The report should be written clearly to allow someone to understand the experiment without seeing the display. Each section is written out in much more detail than on your display panel. The report is for those who want to really examine your thinking and what you learned. Now is the time to use all that information you found out in your reading. The report will be approximately 2 pages long. Tell each step as you did it. Your report will contain the following sections in paragraph form:
1. The title page with the topic of your report in the form of a question and your name, grade and category.
2. Introduction page to introduce the scientist and the project and indicate why that project was chosen.
3. Research: write a summary of what you learned by talking to experts or reading books, magazines, etc.
4. Your purpose and hypothesis.
5. Detailed list of materials used.
6. Procedure written as a detailed journal of exactly how the experiment was performed.
7. The results of your experiment. What happened? Include your data, charts, diagrams, photos, etc.
8. The conclusion: was your hypothesis correct or incorrect? What does this experiment demonstrate?
9. A bibliography, or where you obtained your information.
It’s an exciting day at school when the projects are displayed at the Science Fair. You will have great pride to know you were able to do an experiment using the “Scientific Method”. Stop by to see the rest of the projects completed this year.
REMEMBER PROJECTS MAY BE BROUGHT TO YOUR CLASSROOM ON MONDAY, MAY 7th.
Here is a short summary outline of what will be required for the Science Fair.
1. Choose a topic. Choose a project question that can be answered by doing an experiment.
2. Research that topic.
3. State the purpose and your hypothesis (a scientific guess about the answer to your question). Don’t forget to tell why this is your hypothesis.
4. Plan your procedure. Determine the steps of the experiment you will use to test your hypothesis. Include a list of all your materials in the order you use them.
5. Begin the investigation (s) and observations.
6. Keep accurate records of everything done and any changes observed. Photographs are strongly encouraged. Record your results.
7. Determine your conclusion. Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect? Tell why.
8. Write or type your report neatly. Include a bibliography.
9. Prepare the display.
10. Complete the checklist.
1. DO choose a topic that is something that interests YOU.
2. DON’T decide on a topic because it seems easy.
3. DO keep good records and pictures of your research.
4. DON’T throw everything together in the last day or two.
5. DON’T expect your family to do your work, even if it is a team project.
6. DO make your display as attractive and eye catching as possible. Use lots of color in your graphs and titles.
The Science Fair is a much more enjoyable experience for you if you plan a schedule and do your project in a timely manner. It is a great feeling of accomplishment for you if you have your project finished before it is due and can avoid the frantic last minute rush. Check the sample timetable on the next page.
NOTE: This is a sample timetable. Each project will be different, so each project will need a different timetable. It is best for you to make a timetable that fits your needs.
WEEK ONE:
1. Read the Science Fair Packet with your parents.
2. Narrow two or three possible topics downs to one topic.
3. Buy a notebook to record project activities.
4. Fill out the Science Fair Application Form, due March 2nd.
1. Begin your research by reading magazines, science books, science fair books, and reference books.
2. Take library notes and start a bibliography for the books you read.
3. Write to companies and other sources of information.
4. Talk to scientists, parents, science fair winners, teachers, and others for information.
1. Continue your research and note taking.
2. Plan your experiment. (The experiment and exhibit must meet the science fair rules.)
3. Collect your materials.
4. Notebook: Write the title page, introduction, purpose, and hypothesis.
1. Set up your experiment.
2. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day to make observations and record data in your notebook.
3. Begin your experiment.
4. Notebook: Write the materials and procedure.
1. Continue experimenting, recording, and observing.
2. Begin constructing your display.
3. Begin collecting materials for your display.
4. Notebook: Put data in your results section.
1. Complete your experiment.
2. Draw the conclusions from your experiment.
3. Make posters with text, diagrams, graphs, and pictures for your exhibit.
4. Complete your exhibit.
5. Notebook: Write the results and conclusions.
6. Project due on May 7th.
1. Be alert and work carefully. Don’t fool around. It could be dangerous to yourself and others.
2. Follow direction carefully. If you have questions, ask a responsible adult.
3. Report any accidents to responsible adult.
4. Wear protective clothing. Wear an old shirt or lab coat to protect your clothes.
5. Wear goggles or safety glasses over your eyes when using chemicals or materials that could be harmful to your eyes.
6. Wash your hands after handling chemicals or animals.
7. Have safety equipment available. Know the location of the fire extinguishers, fire alarm, first aid kit and safety showers.
8. Keep your work area clean. Return materials back to their proper place.
9. Never taste chemicals or solutions. Don’t eat food while doing your experiment.
10. Get approval to do experiments with animals. Do not mistreat any live animals.
11. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
12. Use electricity carefully. Pull plugs from an outlet by the plug, never by the cord.
If you are doing a Student Parent Team project here are some guidelines:
1. Although this is your child’s project and is to be his or her effort, there is no substitute for your support. Make sure you encourage your child. A parent should do no more than 15% of the work.
2. Ask your child guiding questions so they can come up with the information themselves. Try not to give them the answers. Listen to and praise your child. Let them know you are interested in their ideas.
3. Help them to brainstorm before they determine their final project. Encourage them to do a project they will enjoy. Discourage them from doing a project just because it is easy.
4. Provide a space at home where your child can work without worrying about brothers, sisters or pets.
5. Help your child acquire the materials needed for the project.
6. Offer to provide transportation to places such as libraries, museums, nature centers, etc., that can help your child find information about the topic.
7. Allow the children to do as much of the display as possible.
8. Proofread their spelling, but do not change their words.
9. You may help with the display, but remember it is the child’s. The most important thing is that the display is attractive, well organized, easy to understand, and as neat as would be expected for their grade level.
10. Your project needs to be taken from the classroom on May 10th at the conclusion of the Open House.
11. YOU OR YOUR CHILD SHOULD DO AN EXTRA CHECK ON THE CHECKLIST NEAR THE END OF THIS BOOKLET TO BE SURE YOU DID NOT MISS ANY SMALL DETAIL. YOU CAN ONLY EARN A BLUE RIBBON IF YOU HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION.
If your child is doing a project alone, there should be no parental help except for proofreading of spelling and double checking the checklist.
Every student will receive a participation certificate. If the student has completed everything on the checklist to a standard appropriate for their grade level, they will receive a blue ribbon. If you follow this Science Fair Guide, you will have all the components necessary for an excellent Science Fair project. HAVE FUN!!
DISPLAY
____ Display board can stand alone.
____ Name, grade and category on a card on the bottom right hand corner
____ The topic is listed in the form of a question
____ Purpose written on display & appropriate for grade level
____ Hypothesis (the scientific guess about the answer to the question)
____ Procedure is written in step-by-step form
____ Materials are listed in the order used and with the exact amounts
____ Pictures, charts or graphs are displayed (optional but recommended)
____ Results are listed and relate directly to the purpose and hypothesis
____ Conclusion is logical and is justified by the experiment
____ The display is neat and attractive
____ Unbreakable items (if applicable) are on the table in front of the display
REPORT
____ Title Page with: the topic in question form, name, grade and category
____ Purpose
____ Hypothesis is stated as a prediction of what will happen
____ Procedure is listed in more detail than on the display
____ Materials are listed in the order used and in exact amounts
____ Results are recorded. We recommend charts or graphs.
____ Conclusion is stated clearly and is specifically related to the purpose and the hypothesis
____ Bibliography (where you got your information)
PLANTS
1. Will vitamins affect the growth of a plant?
2. Do weed killers affect house plants?
3. How do the moon phases affect plant germination?
4. How fast do roots grow?
5. Does the amount of light on plants affect their growth?
6. Does the amount of water given plants affect their growth?
7. What is the effect of detergent on bean seeds?
8. Under what color light do plants grow best?
9. In what kind of material (sand, clay, etc.) do seeds grow best?
10. What is the effect of chlorinated water on plant growth?
11. How do the number of seeds produced by different plants compare?
12. Will frozen seeds sprout?
13. Will plants grow better in soil or water?
14. What can be done to increase the decomposing rate of plants?
15. Do living plants give off moisture?
16. Do living plants give off oxygen?
ANIMALS
Important! Treat all animals with respect. Do not mistreat animals in your experiments.
1. What kind of life can be found in 1 square meter of backyard soil?
2. How does a bird embryo grow in an egg?
3. Can mice distinguish color?
4. How do meal worms respond to light?
5. How does an earthworm react to light and darkness?
6. Do different kinds of caterpillars eat different amounts of food?
7. Do mint plants repel insects?
8. What color of flowers attract hummingbirds best?
9. What colors attract moths and other insects at night?
10. Does temperature affect the flash rate of fireflies?
11. At what rate do pets drink water?
12. What is the effect of temperature on the activity of (meal worms, crickets, etc.)?
EARTH AND SPACE
1. Does the moon rise every night at the same time and in the same location in the sky?
2. How accurate are long-range weather forecasts?
3. Is rainwater absorbed at the same rate in different kinds of soil?
4. From which direction does the wind blow most frequently?
5. How warm is it under the snow?
HUMAN BODY
1. Which grows faster, body hair or scalp hair?
2. How do fingerprints differ?
3. Do all people have the same normal body temperature?
4. Are certain dominant traits exhibited in the same family?
5. Who has bigger hands, boys or girls?
6. How accurately can you tell the temperature of an object by touch?
7. Who are generally taller - boys or girls?
8. How fast do muscles get tired?
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1. What is the effect of heat when dissolving sugar? Salt?
2. Why is salt put on icy sidewalks?
3. What is the acidity of various household products?
4. How fast do fabrics burn?
5. What kind of materials can put out a fire?
6. Do all crystals have the same shape?
7. How much of the air is oxygen?
8. Can sea water be “desalted” by freezing?
9. How is the strength of a magnet affected by glass, cardboard and plastic?
10. What is the best shape for a kite?
11. How does a pulley help you do work?
12. How does the use of paint prevent the formation of rust?
13. Which holds two materials together better: a screw or a nail?
14. Do all objects fall at the same speed?
15. How does the weight of a pendulum affect the swing?
16. How is the distance a cart rolls affected by the mass in the cart?
17. On what kind of surface will a ball roll fastest?
18. Which kind of metal conducts heat best?
19. Does sound travel best through solid, liquid, or gas?
20. What materials provide the best insulation?
21. What is the effect of temperature on the volume of air?
22. How does the length of a vibrating body affect sound?
23. How does the design of a paper airplane affect its flight?
CONSUMER SCIENCE
1. Which chewing gum holds its flavor the best?
2. Which detergent breaks up oil the best?
3. How does the absorption rate of various paper towels differ?
4. Which detergent makes the most bubbles?
5. How does the wattage of a light bulb affect energy use?
6. Which brand of popcorn pops the fastest?
7. Which brand of glue holds two boards together best?
8. Which brand of diaper holds more water?
9. Which type of battery makes toys run longest?
Park Village is going to have a Science Fair!! Participants are 3rd graders. The Science Fair allows you to choose a topic that interests you and have your work displayed. You can have fun learning and researching an area in which you have an interest. You have approximately six weeks to develop a detailed project.
These projects which will be on display at Open House, May 10th. Participation and effort in the Science Fair will be reflected in the student’s grade in Science.
The attached application is due March 2nd.
1. Check on the application form for project classifications.
2. Choose a topic that interests you and that covers one main idea. Put it in the form of a question for your project title.
3. Research that topic. Go to the library, talk to experts, parents (for team projects), examine science guides and encyclopedias.
4. State your hypothesis (a scientific guess about what you think will happen).
5. Plan your procedure (the steps you will take to prove your hypothesis.)
6. List the materials you will need.
1. Run experiments and collect results (write down what you see, take pictures, record dates.)
2. Analyze the data and write the final report. Include a bibliography.
3. Prepare the display.
Although this is your child’s project and is to be his or her effort, there is no substitute for parent support. Make sure you encourage your child. However, a parent should do no more than 15% of the work.
A more detailed guide explaining the requirements plus a checklist has been given to each student.
Extra application forms will be available.
DUE ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY March 2nd.
CHECK CLASSIFICATION:
_____ 1. Child alone (absolutely no parental help)
_____ 2. Child/parent team
_____ 3. Two-three students team alone
_____ 4. Two-three students with parents
_____ 5. Family category - please submit an application for each student participating
PROJECT QUESTION ____________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
HYPOTHESES (What do you think the answer to your question will be? Tell why.) ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE (How will you set up your project?)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHEN WILL YOU START? _____________________________________________________
WHEN IS THIS PROJECT DUE? _________________________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE ________________________________________________________
PARENT SIGNATURE ________________________________________________________