So You Want To Do A Science Fair Project?

2011-2012John Adams Elementary Individual or group projects (No more than 3)Individual, group or class projects K-5

Scientific Method

Question – stating a problemResearch – find out all you can that

relates to the problemHypothesis – after research, make an

educated guess about what the answer to the problem will be

Materials – complete list of what needed for the investigation

Scientific Method, cont.

Procedure – a step-by-step description of how to do the investigation

Investigation – do the tests to find out if your hypothesis is correct, record data, take pictures, write in your journal, keep a timeline, measure anything needed

Data – organize the observations into graphs, charts and/or tables

Scientific Method, cont.

Results – put the data into words, explain what actually happened, use your notes and the timeline

Conclusion – analyze the results and write a conclusion explaining what happened and why.

Starting off:

What are you interested in?

Think of a question

Your teacher can help

Research – make sure to take notes books The Internet encyclopedias

Hypothesis

Based on information you get from research

Clear and briefYou can test it, do an experimentYou are not doing a demonstration of

something you already know or asking people what they like or do not like (a survey)

Materials

Prepare a complete list of everything you will use, make sure to include size, quantity, kind and/or temperature of all items.

A good materials list:

40 half pint milk cartons (with folded tops cut off)

80 bean seeds of the same variety gravel

Measuring cups and spoons surface near a sunny window

A cardboard box cut into small pieces water supply

Plastic wrap Potting soil Styrofoam pellets

Black and white newspaper shredded into strips

Nail for poking holes into milk cartons

Design the Investigation

What is being tested? (the subject)What condition are you changing?

(the variable) This is the part that is different with each subject of the experiment.

What conditions is NOT changed? (the control) These have to be the same for all subjects in your experiment

Procedure

A step-by-step list of how to do the experiment that anyone can follow

Make sure you have enough samples in case something goes wrong

Three – do each part of the experiment three times, three tests

Control group – you do not change any variable with the control group

Procedure Page for ExperimentWhat? When? Done( )

Estimate the time needed for each step to help your planning. You may even make a schedule with dates.

Create a Log Sheet

Precise record keeping is essential for accurate results. Create a log sheet before you begin the investigation.

1 min 2 min 3 min 4 min 5 min 6 min 7 min 8 min 9 min 10 min

90° c91 °c 93 °c 94 °c 95 °c 95 °c 96 °c 96 °c 96 °c 96 °c

Sample #1 Change In Temperature 6°

Log sheet to record temperature over a 10 min period.

Date Time Liquid Absorbed Group A

Liquid Absorbed Group B Comments

Log sheet to record liquid absorbed

Doing Your Experiment

Follow the procedure you have written Gather data, record it in log sheet or chart Keep a timeline of what you do each day Be accurate in your measurements and careful

in recording the results. Record and write at the time you make your observation, not later. Photographs help, too.

If you need to change your procedure, note the changes and tell why they were made.

Sometime nothing happens! That is a result!

Organize Data and Write Results

When your experiment is complete, you need to look at the written observations and put them in order.

You may want to create bar graphs or line graphs to show your data.

At the bottom of each chart, table or graph, write a brief explanation to explain what happened.

Title and label each chart, table or graph carefully.

When you have completed your graphs, write a summary of your observations and measurements. This should be short and simple.

Conclusion

This is the analysis of what happened Tell what you learned from the trials and tests Compare your results with the original

hypothesis. Your hypothesis may be true OR false. It may

also be inconclusive. Your data may not be enough to prove or

disprove your hypothesis. Look for patterns! End your conclusion with how your learning

can connect to the real world.

Presenting Your Project

You are now ready to present the project! You will need two (2) things-

A notebook/Journal that should include your: Background research Table of Contents Bibliography Copies of each of the steps in your project A timeline of what you did for your project each day Data sheets (charts, tables and graphs) Each student is required to complete a journal.

Presenting Your Project, cont.

A display board A good display will attract attention and help others

learn from what you have done. Your display MUST include summaries of the

problem, hypothesis, procedures, results, and conclusions. You may also include graphs and photos.

The display should be neatly and carefully done and may be colorful.

A clever title will make it more interesting, too.

Display Board example

Taking it all to the Science Fair

Make sure all of these items get turned in and come to the science fair:Display boardJournal, complete with all required pagesPut your name and room number on the

BACK of the display board and on the cover of the journal

Turn it in on time: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 for judging

Important Science Fair Dates

•Adams Family Learning Night/Science Fair-Tuesday, January 24th, 2012•District Awards Ceremony, Thursday, March 15th, 2012