·         To carry out background research in order to develop an organized body of knowledge on a topic

·         To predict, infer, and hypothesize

·         To identify and control variables

·         To collect, present, and interpret data

·         To identify and minimize sources of experimental error

·         To communicate experimental results graphically, mathematically, orally, and in writing

·         To enlist technology to aid in the analyzing and communicating of experimental results

·         To follow lab safety procedures

·         To allow students to demonstrate ability to follow directions on a task; to ask questions for clarification on a task

·         To present information in a clear, logical, concise way

·         To demonstrate depth of knowledge via an oral presentation

·         To show interest and appreciation for classmates’ work on a project

 Science Fair Project

Your Science Fair Project will consist of the following parts:

1.     Science Fair Booklet- (Computer generated)

2.    Backboard Display

3.    Oral Presentation (using the SMARTboard)

 

Science Fair Booklet (Each bold faced title is a separate page.)

Cover Include the title of your project and add photos, clip art, etc.

Title Page (Contains: Project name, your name(s), and picture/clip art

Scientific Method (Label each page with the following titles)

Question – Write the question that you are asking

Hypothesis – Write your hypothesis (If, then …because)

Materials – List the materials you will need to do your experiment (Be specific; Use metric amounts whenever possible) Format with bullets

Procedure – Write a step-by-step numbered procedure; begin each step with an action verb

Results: Data Table/Excel Spreadsheet and Graph – The data table is done in Word, formatted, easy to read

Also include the excel spreadsheet and graph

Research/Sources – Write at least 3 good paragraphs explaining your topic. Be sure to use your own words. List your sources.

List any books, articles, etc. that you used for information. Use the following format:

BOOK:
Last name of author, Author’s initial(s). Title of source. Place where published: Publisher, publishing date (year).

For example:
Lane, R. How To Wield A Sword. San Francisco: Nueva Press, 1990.

ARTICLE:
Last name of author, Author’s initial(s). “Name of article.” Journal name. Month, Year, pages.

For example:
Smuin, S. K. “My Life in Middle School.” Life. November, 1990, p. 13.

CD-ROM:

Title, publisher, publishing date (year)
For example: Encarta Encyclopedia, Grollier’s Publishing, 1995.

INTERNET:
Title of site, Author of site, date (year) or URL address.

For example: Burlingame Intermediate School Home Page, Burlingame Intermediate School, 1996 OR http://www.smcoe.k12.ca.us/besd/bis/BIS.html.

Conclusion – Briefly summarize your results and explain whether or not your hypothesis was supported or not supported. Explain why you got the results you did. Use research to explain your conclusion.
 

Analysis – Think about your experiment. Write at least 2 paragraphs. One paragraph should explain the errors or mistakes that could have been made while doing your experiment. Don’t hesitate to mention difficulties you had or what you would do differently.

The second paragraph should explain what you thought went well while doing your experiment. Also include what changes you could make to your experiment or what you want to know next.  Give one or two suggestions for what the next experiment might be (related to your experiment) based on your results.
 

Backboard Display – 3 sided display

Oral Presentation – Explain your project to the class. Follow the steps of the scientific method to tell about your experiment.

Science Fair Timeline

September 2 -14 - Look for ideas; Submit idea for approval

September 15 - Science Fair topics due/parent signature

September 21 – Science Testing Day at school

September 22 – Begin to work on Booklet – (computer lab)

September 29 – All data tables complete (Word)

September 30 – October 7 - Use Excel to make data table and graph

Type and print out parts of SF Booklet:

Title page

Question Page

Hypothesis Page

Materials Page

Procedure Page

Results: Data Table/Excel Spreadsheet and Graph

Research

Sources

Conclusion

Analysis

September 31 – October 13 – Research

Look up your topic. Find answers that explains why you got the results you did. Write out your research in your own words. Write at least 3 paragraphs. Include your sources.

October 6 – 22 Work on Backboard Display

Practice your oral report

ALL WORK IS TO BE COMPLETED IN SCHOOL. IF YOU NEED EXTRA TIME THAN THE TIMES PROVIDED, COME IN BEFORE SCHOOL OR AT LUNCH RECESS!

October 26 -27 SF projects are due. Oral presentations given to the class.