SCIENCE FAIR DEMONSTRATOR

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HOW TO CREATE A GREAT SCIENCE

FAIR PROJECT!

PURPOSE

MATERIALS

PROCEDURE

PROBLEM

RESULTS

HYPOTHESIS

VARIABLES

CONCLUSION

DATA GRAPH

Third Edition

PURPOSE PROBLEM

HYPOTHESIS

RESULTABSTRACT

DATA

VARIABLES GRAPH

PROCEDURE MATERIALS

CONCLUSION

SAMPLE TITLE SETS...CUT OUT AND GLUE ON BOARD TO MAKE SAMPLE PROJECTS.

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TITLE DEFINITIONS...CUT OUT AND GLUE ON BOARD WITH

CORRESPONDING TITLES.

PURPOSEA statement about what will be

discovered during the experiment.

PROBLEMThe specific problem that is going to

be investigated. State this in the form of a question.

HYPOTHESISAn educated guess presuming the

outcome of the experiment. Follows background research and definition of

the problem.

ABSTRACTShort (250 words) summary of the entire project. It should summarize the purpose, procedure, and results.

There will be a specific format.

DATA / RESULTSObservations of everything that

happens during the experiment. Use metric measurements. Repetition

(repeated trial) provides convincing results. Final results are displayed in

the form of tables, graphs, and photographs.

VARIABLESThese are the factors that have an

effect on your experiment.

PROCEDUREStep-by-step instructions describing the entire experiment. Steps should be explained so that another person could duplicate the experiment. Any

changes must be added as an addendum to the procedure.

MATERIALSA detailed list of all items used in the

course of the experiment. Exact amounts and/or units of these items

must be listed.

CONCLUSIONWritten summary of findings.

Evaluate accuracy of hypothesis. Determine any extraneous variables.

Note future changes. List applications and benefits to real-life situations.

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SAMPLE GRAPHS...CUT OUT AND GLUE ON BOARD TO MAKE SAMPLE PROJECTS.

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TO HELP STUDENTS CREATE A SUCCESSFUL DISPLAY BOARD!!!

DISPLAY TIPS FROM SHOWBOARD, INC.

I. OVERALL APPEARANCE

II. PROJECT CONTENT

III. JUDGING

By using SHOWBOARD products, your project can have a winning appearance without spending a

Great deal of time or money in setting up your display. Let us take you through some of the tips

That we have learned throughout our years of science fair research:

I. OVERALL APPEARANCE

A. Board size – most fairs limit the size of the tri - folded board you can use.

Check your fair requirements and then locate the appropriate size

Showboard.

B. Board color – your board can be a basic white board or any one of our

vibrant eight colors. Just be sure it has a clean surface. You can also color

coordinate your board color to your subject matter, i.e. Botany (green board),

Space (black board).

C. Borders – any type of border can be glued to the outer edge of our

Showboard. Use a contrasting color or print that coincides with your

particular subject matter. D. Title words – Each component of your science fair project must be clearly

defined. By using Showboard Science Fair Title Sets, which contain all

divisions of the scientific method, this is easily achieved. It is essential that

you make it easy for a judge to readily identify each component. Showboard

also adds additional interest by providing our title sets in eight different

colors (black, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, light blue, and fuchsia.)

Along with the color boards, the combinations can be endless.

E. Header card – besides giving you additional space on which to present your

project, header cards also establish a focal point on to which your title can

be printed. Header cards also come in white and eight colors that match the

display board colors. Mix and match with title sets.

F. Matting – by using construction paper to mount your written sections of the

project, you again draw interest to your project. Again, you can use a color

to contrast or you can even double mat, by using two colors for an added

point of interest.

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I. PROJECT CONTENT

A. Project title – make it simple and catchy. If it is supposed to be in the form of

a question, make sure you word it as such. It must be written in large type

and easily readable.

Examples: 1. “Gummy in My Tummy”

2. “Wild Wake-Ups”

3. “Are You Heart Smart?”

B. Graphs – there are several types of graphs that can be used.

a. circle

b. line

c. bar

Even here you can be creative and clever by incorporating your

subject with the graph. (Ex.: dogs and their favorite bone; use

bones on a bar graph to show results.) Make your graph bold and

colorful.

C. Pictures – actual pictures create human interest. They show you doing your

project and they can express your actions during each stage of the project.

They also can add the advantage of color to your project.

D. Project title sets – use as an outline for your project. Each word and

definition can be found in your guide.

E. Abstract – this should contain the written data of your complete project, from

beginning to end. See examples in “Your Guide.”

II. JUDGING

A. Spelling and grammar – check carefully.

B. Be friendly and polite when conversing with each judge. Introduce yourself.

Know your project well enough to explain each step.

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USE THESE IDEA SHEETS TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE A PROJECT!

SECTION ONEEARTH / SPACE SCIENCE

How Does Light Affect the pH of Soil?Will Reflected Light Change the Efficiency of a Solar Cell?Which Type of Grass Reduces Erosion the Most?Do All Pencil Leads Erase the Same?Which Mulch Conserves Moisture the Longest?The Effect of Temperature on Luminescence of Minerals.Correlation Between Sunspots and Tropical Cyclones.Analysis of Root Development in Soil Layering.Analysis of Seedlings Within Altered Gravity.Percolation in Polluted vs. Unpolluted Soils.What Are the Effects of Land Slopes on Soil Erosion?Using Sunspots to Measure Solar Rotation.Which Color Absorbs Solar Energy the Best?How Do Detergents Affect Pond Life?Which Water Filter is Effective in Reducing Chemicals?Which Soil is the Most Absorbent?Does Dirty Water Flow Faster Than Clean Water?Estimating the Rotational Speed of the Sun by Using Sunspots.Quiet Please. Using Trees and Shrubs as Sound Barriers.Which Compositing Material is Best?Testing Mortars.Sacrificial Metals: The Factor That Prevents Corrosion.Hey! How Good Are These Ear Plugs Anyway?Are Oysters Safe to Eat?Can Today’s Clouds Predict Tomorrow’s Weather?Can Soil Type Be a Factor in Landslides?

SECTION TWOBEHAVIORAL / SOCIAL SCIENCE

Auditory and Visual Memories of Males and Females.In a Bad Mood? Blame the Barometer.Do Dogs Inherit the Trait to Be Left or Right Handed? “Put Your Paws Up.”What Do Teenagers Fear?Sleep Deprivation: Can it Affect the Way We Test?Do Noises Affect Your Ability to Memorize Things?Music and It’s Effect on the Heart Rate.How Do People React to Violence?Do Your Senses Influence Your Taste Buds?Preference of Color in Small Children.Are the Name Brands Really Better Than Those Generic Brands?Grip Strength: Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Hand.Does Music Affect How You Sleep?Does the Gravitational Pull of the Moon Affect the Birth of Children?Chewing Gum: Memory Booster.Dying For Dance: An Eating Disorder.Teacher Morale vs. Student Performance.Memory: Do Mnemonic Techniques Improve Learning?Adapting to the Use of the Non-Dominant Hand.Therapeutic Effects of Feline Companionship.Which Color Light Bulb Attracts the Most Insects?The Effect of Intervals on a Melody’s Catchiness.Personality Types vs. Blood TypesThe Impact of Exercise on a Student’s Grades.

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USE THESE IDEA SHEETS TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE A PROJECT!

SECTION THREEBOTANY

Lichen Regrowth After Fire.Does Soil Compaction Affect Growth and Yeild of Corn?Enhancement of Androponics Through the Use of Reused Water.Do Manures Contain the Right Balance of Nutrition for theGrowth of Wheat?Can Compost and Biodegradable Products Affect Plant Growth?The Effects of Synthetic Auxins on Seed Germination.Will a Plant Change Color in the Presence of an Acid or a Base?Filtered Light and Plant Homeostasis.The Effect of Increased Co2 Levels on Pinus Elliottii.Salinity Levels and the Growth of Gracilaria.The Effects of Nitrogen-Fixating Bacteria on Legumes.Can Plant Stress be Detected Using IR Analysis?Gibberellic Acid on Leaf Length and Frequency.Does Location of the Tree Affect the Amount of Vitamin C?Assessing the Effects of Mineral Deficiencies on Plant Growth.What Makes African Violets Grow: Estrogen or Plant Fertilizer?The Effects of Centrifugal Force on Corn Plant Growth.Do Amino Acids Affect the Growth of Plants?Irrigation: Drip or Regular.The Effects of Different Water Sources on Plant Growth.The Effects of Pruning on a String Bean Plant.The Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth of Plants.Will Exposure to Microwaves Affect the Germination of Seeds?What is the Effect of Ammonia on the Growth of Radishes?Most Effective Coloring Agent in Dyeing Carnations.The Effects of Co2 on Sweet Potato Growth.

SECTION FOURCHEMISTRY

Determination of Lead in Paint Samples.How Much Vitamin C is Really in Our Juice?How Temperature Affects Viscosity.The Effects of Heating and Cooling on the Strength of Glass.What Color Dyes are Found in Powdered Drink Mix and Colored Markers?Do Batteries Last as Long After They Have Been Recharged?Does Temperature Have an Effect on the Strength of Vitamin C?The Effects of Octane on Gasoline Mileage.Do Coins Rust Faster in Salt Water or Fresh Water?Does pH Matter in the Removal of Carpet Stains?Which Indoor Paint Undercoat Adheres the Best to Pine Wood?Investigation of De-Icing Salts.Does the Speed of Photographic Film Affect Image Quality?Which Band-Aid Stays on Best When Placed in Water?What Band-Aid Works the Best?The Secret Life of Waterproof Mascara.Does Spending More Money for Your Sunscreen Give More Protectionfrom the Sun?Which Carpet Cleaner Works Best?Liquid or Powder: Wonderful World of Laundry Detergent.Sunscreen Testing: Is There Consistency Among Levels of SPF 15?How Ion Concentration Affects Corrosion?Why Does Low Atmospheric Pressure Affect Lead Batteries?The Affects of Ultraviolet Light on Polymers and Copolymers.Which Coating Affords the Best Protection for Metals?

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USE THESE IDEA SHEETS TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE A PROJECT!

SECTION FIVEPHYSICS

What Media Filters Out Tobacco Smoke Particles the Best?Under What Conditions Does Weather Affect a Rotating Baseball?Which Golf Ball Goes Further?When Does the Ball Lose Its Bounce?What Taping Pattern Best Protects Glass in a Hurricane?Will Water Quality Affect a Laser Passed Through the Water?Wood, Styrofoam, of Aluminum: Which Insulates Best?Two-Piece or Three-Piece Golf Balls: Which One Travels a GreaterDistance?What Solids Best Reduce the Amount of Electromagnetic Radiationfrom Microwaves?The Effect of Temperature Flow of Different Liquids.The Effect of Temperature on the Velocity of Sound Using Open Resonating Tubes.The Effects of Temperature on the Viscosity of Oil?What Effects Does the Height From Which a Ball is Dropped Have on the Height of Its Bounce?Will the Length of the String Affect the Number of Swings on thePedulum?Will a Water Balloon Dropped From 6 Feet Make a Larger SplatThan a Water Balloon Dropped From 1 Foot?How Does Oxygen Affect How Fast a Candle Will Burn?Does the Shape of a Parachute Affect Its Falling Time?“Geronimo!” Does the Length of Parachute Strings Affect ItsFalling Rate?Which Type of Fabric Dries Quicker?

What is the Most Effective Way to Pop Popcorn?Testing Bandages.Do All Kinds of Soap Make the Same Amount of Suds?Can Substances Reduce the Freezing Point of Water?Do All One Pound Bunches of White Grapes Have the SameNumber of Grapes?Do Red Apples or Green Apples Have More Seeds?Which Colors Do Meal Worms Prefer?Which Juice Has More Vitamin C?Do All Liquids Melt at the Same Speed?Do Fish Respond to Color?Which Color Popsicle Melts the Fastest?Which Color Holds Heat the Longest?Does the Shape of a Magnet Affect Its Strength?Which Soap Dissolves the Fastest?Mealworm Mania: Does the Amount of Light Affect Mealworms?Which Sweets Do Ants Like Best?How Do Different Liquids Affect Water Surface Tension?Do All Chocolate Ice Creams Melt at the Same Time?The Marigold Project: How Does Light Affect a Seed Growth?Typing Time: Does the Time of Day Affect Typing Accuracy?Does a Predominately Right or Left Handed Person Throw MoreSixes on a Dice?Which Plant Food Makes Bean Seeds Grow the Fastest?Does the Size of the Fruit Affect the Amount of Seeds It Has?

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Student Science Fair Resource Guide

1. What Is a Science Fair?

2. Ideas for Projects

3. Keep on Track

4. Experimentation

5. Log Book

6. Project Display Board

7. Are You Ready?

8. Judging / Oral Presentation

9. Where Can You Go From Here?

Science Fairs!!!

What Is a Science Fair?

It is important to get students involved inthe practice of science. This is why sciencefairs are so critical to the development of a school’s curriculum. The project does nothave to be elaborate or be able to discovera new scientific principle for it to be success-ful. The success comes from the studentlearning and understanding the scientific method. A science fair is a time for learningthrough independent experimentation.Although awards are a nice incentive to keep the studentsmotivated, the true reward is the hands-on experience they receive with a scientific process.

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Glossary of Terms

Scientific Method - Principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Topic - The subject of interest that will be explored. This should be something of student interest and to which he or she can relate.

Background Research - Learning about the topic by reading books, newspapers and magazines/journals OR by watching TV, films and filmstrips OR by interviewing knowledgeable people. Information gathered is 3-5 pages in length using the formal writing procedure (3rd person only - no I, we, or you).

Problem - The specific problem that is going to be investigated. State this in the form of a question.

Purpose - A statement about what will be discovered during the experiment.

Hypothesis - An educated guess presuming the outcome of the experiment. Follows the background research and definition of the problem. Written in If...Then format.

Procedure - Step-by-step instructions describing the entire experiment. Steps should be explained so that another person could duplicate the experiment. Any changes must be added as an addendum to the procedure.

Materials - A complete list of everything used during the experiment, including equipment, chemicals, organisms, etc.

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Dependent Variable - Variable that may or may not be changed as a result of effect of the experiment. It is the variable that will be observed at the end of the experiment.

Extraneous Variable - The unanticipated, unwanted events which may cause incorrect experimental results and wrong conclusions.

Controls - Conditions which do not change during experimentation. Used for comparison. For validity, include as many controlled variables as possible.

Scientist’s Data Notebook - Record of all notes, information, events, data, sketches, etc. This will be monitored by both parents and the teacher in order to determine progress of the student’s project.

Data / Results - Observations of everything that happens during the experiment. Use metric measurements. Repetition (repeated trials) provides convincing results. Final results are displayed in the form of tables, graphs, and photographs.

Conclusion - Written summary of findings. Evaluate accuracy of hypothesis. Determine any extraneous variables. Note further changes. List applications and benefits to real-life situations.

Display - Board presenting experiment. Will follow specified format given to the student.

Abstract - Short (250 words) summary of the entire project. It should summarize the purpose, procedure, and results. There will be a specified format.

Independent Variable - Variable that causes change. It starts the experiment. It is the first thing that is allowed to change.

*This information was provided by Science Fairs: Building a Successful Event.

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Ideas For Projects

How Do I Choose A Topic?Good Question! Your Topic Should be:

*Something you are interested in...

*Something you can investigate yourself... (Volcanoes are interesting, but you can’t really investigate one yourself!)

*Worded as a question so you can answer it by experimenting...

*An investigation where the results can be timed, weighed, or somehow measured...

I Have My Topic...Now What?

Before you bagin experimenting, you will needto find out some background information aboutyour topic. Some places to look are:

*encyclopedias (be sure to look in more than one)

*science magazines: Ranger Rick National Geographic World NatureScope

*school text books (science, health)

*library books on your topic

*people: talk to people who are involved in your topic (doctors, veterinarians, engineers, professors, etc.)

*This information was provided by You, The Investigator.

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Scientific Project Schedule

AssignmentDateDue

DateCompleted

ParentCheck

TeacherCheck

Choose a topic that you find interesting. You may firstwant to visit a museum, zoo, or science center forideas.

Write your big question. Make sure it is a question thatyou can investigate by yourself.

Research your topic using books, magazines, ency-clopedia, and information from professionals, such asdoctors, scientists, teachers, librarians, and so on.

Write a hypothesis or a good guess about what youthink the outcome of your experiment will be.

Write a step-by-step procedure.

Collect all the materials needed for your project.

Conduct your experiment and collect data in a journal.

Record the results of your experiment: you may needto form and test new hypotheses.

Draw a conclusion and organize the results of yourexperiment(s) on easy-to-read charts or graphs.

Write a report that includes the question, thehypothesis, the step-by-step procedure and the results.

Build a display using charts, graphs, photos, illustrations, neat lettering, and models of yourexperiment.

Prepare and oral presentation to explain your projectto others.

Keep On Track

*This information was provided by the Science Project Folder. 14

Experiment!

Designing Your Experiments...A chef probably has a recipe to follow to concoct that deliciousdish. You, as the investigator, will have to write a “recipe” fordoing your investigation.

That recipe is known as the “step-by-step directions” for yourinvestigation. You need to list all the steps, one at a time, sothat another investigator could repeat your experiment withoutyour help.

As you plan your step-by-step directions, you will have to be sure that your test is a fair test. Just like the runners in a raceshould have all the same conditions, your experiments mustbe done under the same conditions. These conditions areknown as variables.

Your directions should indicate exactly how you will performthe tests. If a test is to be repeated three times, be sure yourdirections state that. Don’t assume that other people will knowwhat you have planned.

Is Once Enough?

In some things, once is enough! But not in a science investigation. A goodinvestigator gathers as much data as possible about his or her experiment.

For instance, if you are growing plants, you will want to have at least six toten plants in each group. You will need to record the measurements of theplants every three or four days for at least a month.

Your measurements and other observations about the conditions of the plants should be recorded in your spiral notebook. Be sure to date eachentry and refer to specific plants. (Your plants should be labeled for easyreference.)*This information was provided by You, The Investigator.

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Log Book

As you gather information, you will want to make notes in case you decide towrite a research paper later to go with your project. Without your notes, youmay leave out an important piece of information or forget what source it camefrom.

Here are two ways to take notes and stay organized while you do it:

1. Decide what types of information you need of your topic. Write each heading on a 3x5 or 5x8 index card. If your topic is plants, you might have these headings: Plant Parts Types of Plants How Plants Reproduce What Plants Need to Grow

As you find information, write it on the card with the right heading. Be sure to record all the information about the resource: title, author, page number, and copyright date.

2. Keep a journal or log of information you find. Each time you look up some information, write the date, the resource, and the facts in a spiral notebook. Don’t use the notebook for anything else.

How Do I take Notes?

*This information was provided by You, The Investigator.

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Project Display Board

How Will I Display My Project?

You will need to construct or purchase a 3-sided display board. You will mount all the components of your investigation project on this board.

1. The board must be sturdy and stand on its own.

2. The lettering needs to be neat and bold enough for others to read easily.

3. Each component (topic, purpose, hypothesis, procedure*, data charts, graphs, and conclusions) need to be written on plain white paper and then matted on construction paper before being attached to the board.

4. Only use one or two colors on your display so that the color does not overwhelm the project.

5. Use rubber cement if possible as it will enable you to change things around as you complete the display.

6. If you have a journal or log and a research paper, they can be displayed on the table in front of you standing display.

*Procedure includes materials, variables, and the step-by-step directions.

The Three Sided DisplayThere is not just one correct way to display the components of your investigation.Check with your teacher to see if he or she has any special rules for you to follow.It is especially important to make sure you are aware of any size limitations for thedisplay.

If there are no special rules you have to follow, arrange the display so that the variousparts are in some logical order. If doesn’t make sense to have the conclusions displayedbefore the hypothesis and procedure. People are used to reading from left to right andwill be most comfortable if your project is arranged that way.

A catchy title is usually arranged in the center of your project where it draws attention.(Use it in addition to your stated question, not instead of it.)*This information was provided by You, The Investigator.

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Are You Ready?Checking Myself

1. Is my topic question something that I can investigate?

2. Did I find background information about my topic?

3. Did I restate my question in this form: “The purpose of my investigation is to find out...”?

4. Did I make a hypothesis about what would happen in my investigation?

5. Did I list all my materials in metric units?

6. Have I identified all the variables in my investigation (manipulated, responding, and held constant)?

7. Are my step-by-step directions clear enough for someone to follow?

8. Have I recorded my measurements and other observations in a log or journal?

9. Have I collected enough data (by using many subjects or repeating trials at least 3 times)?

10. Have I graphed my data accurately?

11. Do my conclusions include a summary of my data, a comparison of my hypothesis and the data, and a statement of support or rejection? Did I include a revised hypothesis if my hypothesis was rejected?

12. Did I follow all the school rules in displaying my project? Is it the right size?

13. Am I well-prepared to answer questions about my investigation and research paper? *This information has been provided by You, The Investigator.

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Judging / Oral PresentationEvaluation Criteria

1. Problem - To what degree is the problem new and different for the student and how well is it written?

2. Hypothesis - To what degree is this a testable prediction?

3. Experimental Design - How well is the plan developed to validate the hypothesis?

4. Experimental Procedures - To what degree does the sequential experimental process connect the hypothesis, data, and results?

5. Variables and Controls - How well are the variables identified and controlled?

6. Materials / Equipment - How were the items utilized in an appropriate and/or new way?

7. Data Collection - To what degree are the method, number of trials, and quantity of data appropriate?

8. Data Presentation - How well do the graphs, tables, logs, charts, etc. present the data?

9. Data Analysis - How well are the results interpreted? How well have the possible errors been analyzed?

10. Outcomes - How well are the conclusions and/or products identified and interpreted: How important are the findings?

11. Applications - How well are the new relation- ships, ideas, and/or additional investigations identified and presented?

12. Visual Display - How well is the project constructed and organized? Are spelling and sentence structures correct?

13. Oral Presentation - How clear/well prepared is the presentation? How complete is the presenter’s knowledge and use of resources?

14. Interview - How precisely are questions answered? How complete is the student’s understanding of the experimental work?

*This information was provided by Science Fairs: Building a Successful Event.19

How Do I Do An Oral Presentation?

If you are asked to do an oral presentation to your classmates, parents, or judges,these guidelines should be helpful:

1. Make sure your personal appearance is up to par. Wear something nice that you are comfortable in. Make sure your hair is clean and neat. Looking nice will give you added confidence.

2. Stand up straight. Try not to wiggle or sway back and forth.

3. Tell the important facts about your investigation. Tell what you did and how it turned out. Explain how you have arrived at the conclusions listed.

4. Answer any questions that are asked about your project.

5. Smile!

*This information was provided by You, The Investigator.

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Where Can You GoFrom Here?

Visit the following web listings for informationabout where your science fair project cantake you.

http://schl.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/

http://www.sciserve.org/isef

THERE AREENDLESS

POSSIBILITIES!!!

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Bibliography

Schlichting, Sandi. You, The Investigator. Second Edition. Riverview, Florida: The Idea Factory, 1988. Pages - 5, 13, 15, 23, 27, 39, 41, 43, 53.

Showboard, Inc. has sold over 5000 copies of this science fair guide book. Itis newly revised and is available in English or Spanish. Appropriate for students ages 6-12, it is a must for any elementary library.

Oleksak, Mark. Science Fairs: Building a Successful Event. Third Edition. Tampa, Florida: Showboard, Inc., 2003. Pages - 20, 22, 28.

Science Fairs: Building a Successful Event includes all the main ingredients to conduct a science fair. It is a great companion for first year science faircoordinators to for those looking to brush up on the science fair process. Thispublication is used in the Showboard¨ Science Fair Workshop¨.

For information on purchasing any of the publications listed above, pleasevisit www.showboard.com or call us at 1-800-323-9189.

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