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THE THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

SCIENCE-MATHEMATICS-ENGINEERING FAIR

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK________________________________

Sponsored by:

Morgan State University School of Education and Urban Studies

Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education

National Society of Black Engineers, Alumni Extension-Region IIBaltimore Metropolitan Alumni Chapter

NASA Goddard Professional Chapter

An Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Affiliate

Table of Contents

Science-Mathematics-Engineering (SME) Fair History…….…………………….…….3

Current Mission ………………………………………………………………………….3

Schedule of Events …………………………………………………………………….....4

SME Steering Committee Members .……………………………….……………….…...5

Contact Information ……………………………………………………………………..5

Why Complete a SME Fair Project ..…………….…………………………………... 6 -7

Who May Enter ………………………………………………………………………….8

Entry and Exhibition Rules ..…………………………………………………..……..8-10

Student Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………...10

Parent Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………10-11

Judges ……………………………………………………………………………......... 11

Judging Criteria ……………………………………………………………………11 - 12

Getting Started ……………………………………………………………………..13 - 14

Suggested Timeline for Development ……………………………………………..15 - 16of Research Projects

Typical SME Fair Timeline …………………………………………………………….16

Elements of a Successful Research Project …………………………………………17-19

Helpful Hints ……………………………………………………………………......20-21

Presentation to Judges …………………………………………………………………21

Official Entry Forms ………………………………………………………………22 - 32

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Science-Mathematics-Engineering (SME) Fair History

The first Annual Morgan State University Science Fair was held on May 8, 1981 in the McKeldin Center Ballroom. The objectives of the first Fair were: to identify and encourage promising and creative students in science; to provide an opportunity for students to have practical experience in developing a good science project; to develop a good cooperative relationship between the Morgan State University Comprehensive Science Education Department and area Maryland High Schools and to provide an opportunity for Science Education majors to experience the planning and logistics for organizing and implementing a Science Fair.

Several schools participated in the first Fair. The Fair was open to students in grades 8 through 12. Junior Division (Grades 8-9) and Senior Division (Grades 10-12) trophies and certificates were given in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Planetary Science.

Since 1988, Morgan’s Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) governs the Fair. The Fair is open to students in grades 6 through 12 Junior Division (6-8) and Senior Division (9-12) in the categories of Physical Science, Biological Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Engineering and Team Projects. Student/Teacher workshops and school visitations are continuously provided for those in need. The Fair received affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair in 1993. Starting in 1999, winners from the Junior Division participate in the National Discovery Young Scientist Challenge sponsored by Discovery Communications Inc. with Science Services. In 1996 a Winner’s Corner was established for the exhibition of projects from elementary school students for recognition only. Every year, since 1993, the top winners and their teachers from the senior division of the Fair each receive an all expense paid trip to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair. The team projects are encouraged to build team cooperation, research skills and better communication among students.

As an incentive for the students to participate in their respective school SME fair and the Morgan State SME Fair, an array of prizes and awards including scholarships, trophies, certificates and monetary funds are given annually.

Current Mission Identify and encourage promising and creative students in science, mathematics and

engineering

Provide opportunities for students in grades 6-12 to have practical research in developing a quality science-mathematics-engineering project.

Maintain a good cooperative relationship between science, mathematics and engineering departments of Morgan State University and Baltimore Area secondary schools.

Provide an opportunity for science, mathematics and engineering majors to experience the planning and logistics of organizing and coordinating a science-mathematics-engineering fair.

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Schedule of Events

The Thirty-second Annual Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair is being presented in the Hill Field House on March 14-15, 2014.

Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair Steering Committee

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Event Thursday Friday SaturdayMarch 13 March 14 March 15

Exhibitors 5:00 P.M–7:30 P.M. 7:00 A.M–9:00 A.M.Set Up

Judging 9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.

Open to Public 10:00 A.M–5:00 P.M. 1:00 P.M.–2:00 P.M.

Awards Banquet 7:00 P.M. New Student Center

Dr. Kevin Peters Dr. Russell KelleyMorgan State University Retired, Morgan State University

Dr. Cecelia Wright Brown Ms. Corliss RiddickUniversity of Baltimore Morgan State University

Mrs. Sharon McClain Gibson Dr. Anasuya Swamy Retired, Baltimore City Public Schools Retired, Morgan State University

Mr. John Hires Mrs. Willilexia Royal CoxRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools Retired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Charles Matthews Mr. Douglas ParkerRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools Retired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Mrs. Delores Biggs Mrs. Lois S. WatersRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools Baltimore City Community College

Dr. Gabrielle McLemore Ms. Kathryn DysonMorgan State University Morgan State University

Ms. Tia Bossiwa Ms. Camille HinmonBaltimore City Public Schools Baltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Bryan Thomas Ms. Gloria HayesBaltimore City Public Schools Retired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Ms. Khadijah Mitchell Mr. Marc MartinGraduate Student, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Lydell Henry Mr. Marcus WolfeBeat the Street Graduate Student, Morgan State University

Ms. Maureen Sullivan Mr. Luke AndersonMaryland Science Center Mollo LLC

Mr. Pete Yancone Ms. Billie PartlowMaryland Science Center Retired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Contact Information

Corliss Riddick Phone: 443-885-3134Morgan State University FAX: 443-885-8234

E-mail:[email protected]

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Why Complete a SME Fair Project?

First

A science fair project is the ultimate answer to the often-asked student question: "Why do I need to learn this stuff, anyway?"

It integrates, into one functional activity, virtually all of the skills and arts that are usually taught separately (sometimes not at all or without obvious "purpose") in many schools. When brought to completion, the project is an amalgamation of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics, statistics, ethics, logic, critical thinking, computer science, graphic arts, scientific methodology, self-learning of one or more technical or specialty fields, and (if the project qualifies for formal competition) public speaking and defense in front of expert judges. It is, perhaps, the only educational activity that allows students to teach themselves, to take from the established information what they need to discover something exciting and new, and to identify and choose the tools that they need to conduct and conclude their project. When a student completes a SME fair project, year after year, through junior and senior high school, the SME fair process yields mature, self-confident, skilled, and competitive young leaders who have career goals and the preparation, discipline, and drive to attain them.

Second

A SME fair project can be self-validating and exciting because it is not just practice. It involves real discovery of little known or even unknown information.

It develops personal power of importance in students, where perhaps none or little existed before. The project usually is based on scientific questions or interests that the students already have, and allows them to develop the questions independently into formal, testable, solvable problems. When such studies are undertaken in earnest, the students often become driven by their projects. Learning the outcome and finding the answer can be an electrifyingly powerful moment of discovery. It proves to students, and to others, that they were successful and that they did it on their own! The result? An ordinary student is motivated to become an excellent student, and an excellent student to become a scholar. Of all the programs that a school might offer a student to improve self-esteem, it seems that participation in a SME fair is one sure-fire way to build student confidence, challenge potential, and instill the incredible feeling of independent achievement that the successful SME fair project provides.

Finally

SME fair projects can pay off in cash and open the doors of academic opportunity.

Well-done projects generally lead to competition and awards at Intel® ISEF-affiliated regional fairs. First-place winners at regional fairs usually have the opportunity to compete for additional awards in the Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair. Top first-place winners from junior and senior divisions in many fairs are selected as sweepstakes winners and receive cash awards. Additionally, selected senior sweepstakes winners (the best of the best) go

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on to compete with other grand prizewinners from throughout the world for substantial cash and scholarship prizes at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Perhaps most importantly, however, graduating high school students with records of awards for original research or engineering at the regional fair and beyond, have a distinct advantage over other college applicants in being considered and accepted by the schools of their choice. This is because science fair honors rank high among the screening factors used by admissions officers at most top universities.

Lastly, students who participate in Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair have their projects evaluated by top local scientists from research and industry. Participants whose projects are judged to be worthy of international competition will be judged by the top scientists of the world. Imagine your student discussing a project with a Nobel Prize winner. The exposure and self confidence such an opportunity generates cannot be quantified.

The following statement is excerpted, with thanks, from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Web site.

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http://www.GSDSEF.org/

http://www.GSDSEF.org/

Who May Enter

Any student in grades 6-12 enrolled in a school (public, private or parochial) or being home schooled in Baltimore City with the exception of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

Division IHigh school students, Grades 9 through 12

Division IIMiddle School students, grades 6 through 8

Note to prospective participantThe project must be original and must result from the student’s own interest and research.

I. General Categories for Project

A. Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics)B. Earth/Planetary and Environmental ScienceC. Biological (Life) Science dealing with animal and/or plant life.D. Mathematics and Computer ScienceE. Engineering

II. Team ProjectsTeams may consist of up to three (3) members. Each team should appoint a team leader to coordinate the work and act as the spokesperson. However, each member should be able to serve as a spokesperson, be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all aspects of the project.

Team projects compete against each other in an interdisciplinary category.

The team should submit one abstract. The final work should reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same rules and similar judging criteria as the other categories.

Entry and Exhibition Rules

Individual schools have the responsibility of selecting projects to be exhibited in the Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair.

Participants chosen to represent their individual school in the Morgan State Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair must submit an Official Entry Form to the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education on or before Monday, February 10, 2014.

Each participant must submit one copy of the Summary of the Project (Abstract Form 2014) on or before February 10, 2014. The abstract form is a single page containing:

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1. Title of the Exhibit2. What the participant intended to accomplish by the project3. Steps taken in the preparation of the project4. Conclusions reached. The abstract must be computer generated or typed in the third

person. A second copy of the abstract must be displayed with the project.

All exhibits must be durable and safe. Movable parts must be firmly attached. Where electrical equipment is used, the display must operate on 110-volt alternating current (AC), single phase. Each such exhibit must be provided with at least 10 (ten) feet of extension cord with popular style parallel, or male plug. Battery operated circuits need not be so treated. Live, warm-blooded animals, plants, dangerous chemicals, open flames, explosives, poisonous reptiles and arachnids, may not be exhibited. Morgan will not provide facilities for running water, gas or compressed air for exhibits.

Exhibits may consist of a demonstration model, an experiment, a working mechanism, or of charts, diagrams, or collections with a scientific objective. These must be no larger than 76 cm (30 inches) deep (front to back) by 122 cm (48 inches) wide (side to side) and no higher than 274 cm (108 inches) including table thus meeting International Science Fair specifications. No backing or rear display board of any kind will be provided for the exhibit. Tables at the Fair are slightly less the 91cm (36 inches) and it is suggested, though not required, that exhibitors construct displays like a miniature stage affair, with three sides and a floor.

The participants will be responsible for setting up and removing his/her display. Neither name of exhibitor nor name of school shall appear on exhibit before or during the judging. A number and slot will be assigned to each exhibit based upon division, category and order in which entry blanks are received, for identification prior to the judging.

No Exhibit May Be Dismantled Before 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2014.

Individual schools should send all forms to:

Morgan State UniversityC/O Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education

1700 E. Cold Spring Lane 101 Banneker Hall

Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Participants are to set up projects in the Talmadge Hill Field House on the campus of Morgan State University between the hours of 5:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M, Thursday, March 13, 2014 and 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. Friday, March 14, 2014.

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Viewing by the public will commence at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 14, 2014. Judging will take place Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. The Exhibition Hall will be closed to everyone with the exception of judges, participants and Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair Committee members. Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participants at 1:00 P.M. The Hall will be reopened to the general public from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. All Projects Should Be Left In Place Until 2:00 P.M.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Awards Banquet for participants, parents and teachers to be held in the:

Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom, New Student Centerat

7:00 P.M.Saturday, March 15, 2014

Awards

The winners will be awarded trophies and other prizes.

Student Responsibilities

1. Each participant will bear full responsibility for his/her project. (Setting-up/removal).2. Each participant must assume full responsibility for his/her own project as to damage or

injury to participant or viewers.3. Only students that participate in the Science Fair Judging on Saturday, March 15, 2014

from 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. will be invited to attend the Awards Banquet unless other arrangements have been made with the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education, Morgan State University.

Parent Responsibilities

The STUDENT is the PRIMARY RESEARCHER. His/her role is to:

Choose the topic Do research Plan and conduct experiments/demonstrations Record data Prepare the report and do artwork or the display

The PARENT has three LESSER roles:

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LAB ASSISTANT-help gather materials, assist with construction, and supervise "dangerous" activities.

CONSULTANT-ask questions, give advice, ask questions, make suggestions, and ask questions. Ask student to explain his/her reasoning. Do not make decisions, encourage the student to work it out.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD-may reject projects on the basis of high cost, lack of proper research facilities, and so on. Rule on safety issues.

The above statements are excerpted, with thanks, from the Oak School Science Fair Handbook 2001 K-3

Judges

A cadre of noted scientists, mathematicians, engineers and educators serve as judges.

Judges evaluate and focus on:1. What the student did in the current year.2. How well a student followed the scientific methodologies.3. The detail and accuracy of research as documented in the data book4. Whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way rather than

supporting equipment.

Judges look for well thought-out research. They look at how significant your project is in its field, how thorough you were, and how much of the experiment thought and design is your own work.

Judges applaud those students who can speak freely and confidently about their work. They are not interested in memorized speeches – they simply want to TALK with you about your research to see if you have a good grasp of your projects from start to finish. Besides asking the obvious questions, judges often ask questions to test your insight into your projects such as “What was your role?”, “What didn’t you do?” and “What would be your next step?”

Judging Criteria

Individual Team Projects

A. CREATIVENESS 30 251. The problem is original or is a unique approach to an old problem (considering the student’s grade level)2. Equipment and materials are used ingeniously3. Interpretation of data is appropriate for student’s grade level4. Applications of project information shows student’s creative

involvement5. Student shows evidence of understanding that unanswered

questions remain6. Creativity is evident

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B. SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT OR ENGINEERING GOALS SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT 30 25

1. The hypothesis is clearly stated and the project is clearly designed2. The project shows depth of study and effort3. Project exhibits orderly recording and analysis of data4. Sampling techniques and data collection are appropriate

for the problem5. Scientific procedures are appropriate and organized6. Conclusions formulated are logical, based on the data

collected, and are relevant to the hypothesis

ENGINEERING GOALS 30 251. The project has a clear objective relevant to needs of potential

User2. Product or process had been tested3. Product or process is both workable and feasible economically

and ecologically4. Project exhibits orderly recording and analysis of data5. Testing procedures are appropriate and organized6. Conclusions are logical and based on the data collected

C. THOROUGHNESS 15 121. The study is complete within the scope of the problem2. Scientific literature has been searched3. Experiments have been repeated and careful records

have been kept

D. SKILL 15 12 1. Special skills needed for construction or use of equipment

is evident2. Special mathematical, computational or observational skills

are evident3. Project is skillfully designed so that it yields valid, reliable,

and accurate data

E. CLARITY 10 101. The project notebook is well organized, neat and accurate2. The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly

outlined and the title accurately reflects the problem F. TEAMWORK – Team projects only -- 16

1. The tasks and contributions of each team member are clearlyoutlined

2. Each team member’s full involvement with the project and familiarity with all respects of project evident

3. Final work reflects the coordinated efforts of all team members

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Getting Started

1. Pick Your Topic. Get an idea of what you want to study. Ideas might comefrom hobbies or problems you see that need solutions. Due to limited time and resources, you may want to study only one or two specific events.

2. Research Your Topic. Go to the library or internet and learn everything you can on your topic. Observe related events. Gather existing information on your topic. Look for unexplained or unexpected results. Also, talk to professionals in the field, write or email companies for specific information, and obtain or construct needed equipment.

3. Organize and Theorize. Organize everything you have learned about your topic. At this point you should narrow down your hypothesis by focusing on a particular idea. Your library research should help you.

4. Make a Timetable. Choose a topic that not only interests you, but can be done in the amount of time you have. Use a calendar to identify important dates. Leave time to fill out the application forms. Allow plenty of time to experiment and collect data - even simple experiments do not always go as you might expect the first time, or even the second time. Also leave time to write a paper and put together an exhibit.

5. Plan Your Experiment. Give careful thought to experimental design. Once you have a feasible project idea, write a research plan. This plan should explain how you will do your experiment and exactly what it will involve.

6. Consult your Adult Sponsor and Get Approvals. You are required to discuss your research plan with an adult sponsor (teacher, mentor or parent) to get approval for proceeding with the plan.

7. Conduct Your Experiments. During experimentation, keep detailed notes of each and every experiment, measurement, and observation. Do not rely on your memory. Remember to change only one variable at a time when experimenting, and make sure to include control experiments in which none of the variables are changed. Make sure you include sufficient numbers in both control and experimental groups. A group must have five or more subjects to be statistically valid.

8. Examine Your Results. When you complete your experiments, examine and organize your findings. Did your experiments give you the expected results? Why or why not? Was your experiment performed with the exact same steps each time? Are there other causes that you had not considered or observed? Were there errors in your observations? Remember that understanding errors and reporting that a suspected variable did not change the results can be valuable information. If possible, statistically analyze your data.

9. Draw Conclusions. Which variables are important? Did you collect enough data? Do you need to conduct more experimentation? Keep an open mind – never alter results to fit a

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theory. If your results do not support your original hypothesis, you still have accomplished successful scientific research. An experiment is done to prove or disprove a hypothesis.

10. Method. Describe in detail the methodology you used to collect data, make observations, design apparatus, etc. Your report should be detailed enough so that someone would be able to repeat the experiment from the information in your paper. Include detailed photographs or drawings of self-designed equipment. Only include this year’s work.

11. Discussion. The discussion is the essence of your paper. The results and conclusions should flow smoothly and logically from your data. Be thorough. Allow your readers to see your train of thought, letting them know exactly what you did. Compare your results with theoretical values, published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or expected results. Include a discussion of possible errors. How did the data vary between repeated observations of similar events? How were your results affected by uncontrolled events? What would you do differently if you repeated this project? What other experiments should be conducted?

12. Conclusion. Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Never introduce anything in the conclusion that has not already been discussed.

13. Acknowledgements. You should always credit those who assisted you, including individuals, businesses, and educational or research institutions.

14. References/Bibliography. Your references list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e., books, journal articles). See an appropriate reference in your discipline for format. For instance, APA style:

(1) Journal articles, one author -

Bekerian, D.D. (1993). In search of the typical eyewitness. American Psychologist, 48. 574-576.

(2) Reference to an entire book -

Cone, J.D., & Foster, S.L. (1993. Dissertations and theses from start to finish: Psychology and related fields. Washington, DC: American Psychology Association.

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Suggested Timeline for Development of Research Projects

September

____ 1. Learn rules and regulations____ 2. Formulate topic ideas____ 3. Demonstrate scientific procedure

October

____ 1. Research topic ideas____ 2. Choose a topic____ 3. Begin recording bibliography____ 4. Plan an outline____ 5. Write an introduction____ 6. Write a purpose____ 7. Present introduction to the review committee____ 8. Present purpose to the review committee____ 9. Present hypothesis to the review committee____ 10. Make project revisions if necessary

November

____ 1. Decide on permanent project____ 2. Formulate experimental procedures____ 3. Begin researching, testing, and experimentation of project____ 4. Correlate written material for research paper____ 5. Write abstract

December

____ 1. Submit draft to the teacher for approval____ 2. Make revisions if necessary

January

____ 1. Submit final draft to the review committee for revisions____ 2. Make revisions if necessary____ 3. Type final copy of research paper____ 4. Make Draft of display board____ 5. Select colors to be used for board____ 6. Assemble display board

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February

____ 1. Practice giving presentations____ 2. Participate in the mock science fair____ 3. Critique individual presentations____ 4. Make final preparations for the science-mathematics-engineering fair____ 5. Discuss suggestions for next year____ 6. Discuss topic ideas for next year

March___ 1. Make final preparation for regional science fair____ 2. Exhibit in Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering

Fair

TYPICAL SCIENCE-MATHEMATICS-ENGINEERING (SME) FAIR TIMELINE

1. Deciding on a project - 1 - 2 weeks

2. Background research - 2 - 3 weeks

3. Developing a hypothesis / designing procedures - 1 - 2 weeks

4. Submit forms for teacher approval - before starting experimentation

5. Experimentation - 4 - 8 weeks

6. Results, conclusions, analysis - 1 - 2 weeks

7. Writing the Report - 1 -2 weeks

8. Building the Display Board - 1 - 2 weeks

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Elements of a Successful Research Project

1. Project Data Book

A project data book is your most treasured piece of work. Accurate and detailed notes make a logical and winning project. Good notes show consistency and thoroughness to the judges, and will help you when writing your paper.

2. Abstract

After finishing research and experimentation, you are required to write a (maximum) 250-word, one-paged (typed only) abstract. An abstract should include the following:

a. Purpose of the experimentb. Procedures usedc. Datad. Conclusion

It may also include any possible research applications or future research. Only minimal reference to previous work may be included.

Sample Abstract

Effects of Marine Engine Exhaust Water on AlgaeJones, Mary E.123 Main Street, Hometown, PA 17405Hometown High School, Hometown, PA.__________________________________________________________________

This project in its present form is the result of bioassay experimentation on the effects of two-cycle marine engine exhaust water on certain green algae.The initial idea was to determine the toxicity of outboard engine lubricate. Some success with lubricants eventually led to the formulation of “synthetic” exhaust water as the test substance.

Toxicity was determined by means of the standard bottle or “batch” bioassay technique. Scenedesmus quadricauda and Ankistrodesmus sp. were used as the test organism. Toxicity was measured in terms of a decrease in the maximum standing corp. The effective concentration –50% (EC 50) for Scenedesmus quadricauda was found to be 3.75% exhaust water; for Ankistrodesmus sp. 3.1% exhaust water using the bottle technique.

Anomalies in growth curves raised the suspicion that evaporation was affecting the results; therefore, a flow-through system was improved utilizing the chateristics of a device called a Biomonitor. Use of the Biomonitor lessened the influence of evaporation, and the EC 50 was found to be 1.4% exhaust water using Ankistrodesmus sp. As the test organism, mixed populations of various algae gave an EC 50 of 1.28 % exhaust water.

The contributions of this project are twofold. First, the toxicity of two-cycle marine engine exhaust was found to be considerably greater than reported in the literature (1.4 % vs. 4.2%). Secondly, the benefit of a flow-through bioassay technique utilizing the Biomonitor was demonstrated.

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3. Research Paper

A research paper must be displayed along with a project data book, and any necessary forms or relevant written materials. A research paper helps organize data as well as thoughts. A good paper includes the following sections:

a. Title Page. Center the project title, and put your name, address, school, and grade at the bottom right.

b. Table of Contents. Include a page number for the beginning of each section.

c. Introduction. The introduction sets the scene for your report. The introduction includes your hypothesis, an explanation of what prompted your research, and what you hope to achieve.

d. The Experiment. Describe in detail the methodology used to collect your data or make your observations. Your report should be detailed enough so that someone would be able to repeat the experiment from the information in your paper. Include detailed photographs or drawings of self-designed equipment. Only include this year’s work.

e. Discussion. The discussion is the esse essthe essence of your paper. The results and conclusions should flow smoothly and logically from your data. Be thorough. Allow your readers to see your train of thought, letting them know exactly what you did. Compare your results with theoretical values, published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or expected results. Include a discussion of possible errors. How did the data vary between repeated observations of similar events? How were your results affected by uncontrolled events? What would you do differently if you repeated this project? What other experiments should be conducted?

f. Conclusion. Briefly summarize your results. Be specific, do not generalize. Never introduce anything in the conclusion that has not already been discussed.

g. Acknowledgments. You should always credit those who assisted you, including individuals, businesses, and educational or research institutions. Identify any financial support or material donations received.

h. References. Your reference list should include any documentation that is not your own (i.e., books, journal articles). See an appropriate reference in your discipline for format.

ex: Foley, J.D. (1987). Interfaces for Advanced Computing. Scientific American, 257, 127-135.

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4. VISUAL DISPLAY

You want to attract and inform. Make it easy for interested spectators and judges to assess your study and the results you have obtained. Make the most of your space using clear and concise displays. Make headings stand out, and draw graphs and diagrams clearly and label them correctly.

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Helpful Hints

1. A Good Title. Your title is an extremely important attention-grabber. A good title should simply and accurately present your research. The title should make the casual observer want to know more.

2. Take Photographs. Many projects involve elements that may not be safely exhibited at the fair, but are an important part of the project. Since live plants and animals or anything which might be considered hazardous cannot be displayed, you might want to take photographs of important parts/phases of your experiment to use in your display.

3. Be Organized. Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read. A quick glance should permit anyone (particularly the judges) to locate quickly the title, the experiment, the results and conclusions. When you arrange your display, imagine you are seeing it for the first time. Your name as well as your school name should not appear on the front of the display.

4. Eye-Catching. Make your display stand out. Use neat, colorful headings, charts, and graphs to present your project. Home-built equipment, construction paper, and colored markers are excellent for project displays. Pay special attention to the labeling of graphs, charts, diagrams and tables. Each item must have a descriptive title. Anyone should be able to understand the visuals without further explanation.

5. Correctly Presented and Well Constructed. Be sure to adhere to the size limitations

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and safety rules when displaying your project. Display all required forms for your project. Make sure your display is sturdy, as it will need to hold up for quite a while. Do not hesitate to ask for advice from the adults if you need it. (Remind them to check the display rules.)

Presentation to Judges

This is an important part of your project so take the time to plan and practice the presentation you will make to the judges. Plan in advance what you want to say but, don’t memorize your presentation. Write key phrases or ideas on index cards and use them as a reference but, don’t depend heavily on them.

Here is an approach you may wish to use for making your oral presentation.

1. Greet the judges and introduce yourself.2. Give the title of your project and your grade.3. Tell how you became interested in this topic.4. Give some background information about the topic.5. State the purpose of your investigation.6. Discuss your review of literature.7. Describe in a step-by-step fashion the procedure you followed for conducting your

investigation. Point to sections of your display and refer to charts, graphs, and photographs. If you have equipment on display allow the judges to examine it.

8. Explain the results of your experiment and be sure to discuss controls and variables. Remember to keep all measurements in metric units.

9. Identify the conclusion that you could logically draw from the experiment.10. Discuss any future plans you may have to continue research or experimentation

related to your topic. Include a few statements about any changes you made in your scientific approach during your early investigation.

11. Ask the judges if they have any questions. Remember if you don’t know an answer say so and indicate you will look into it. If judges insist on asking questions in unrelated areas, redirect the conversation back to your specific topic.

12. Thank the judges for their time and any suggestions they may have offered to improve your project.

Good manners, appropriate dress, and enthusiasm for what your project will help to impress the judges. Here are some tips:

1. Wear appropriate dress.2. Be polite and practice good manners.3. Make good eye contact with your judge and be sure to give each judge your

attention. Don’t just look at one.4. Stand up straight and to the side of your exhibit.5. Speak with enthusiasm, clarity, and assuredness.6. Don’t do anything to distract the judges such as shuffle your feet, chew on gum or

look at the ground.7. Relax, smile and have FUN.

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CEMSE Staff Only34th Morgan State University Science-

Mathematics-Engineering Fair

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM 2014

Express Registration

REQUIRED FORMS

Due date on or before

February10, 2014 (Monday) Official Entry Form 2014 (Middle School)

Project Information Form (Middle School) Abstract Form (Summary) MUST BE TYPED (Middle School)

Send to: Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education 101 Banneker Hall

Morgan State University 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane

Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001

For more information please call: 443-885-3134

Fax: 443-885-8234

E-mail: [email protected]

22

34th Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM DUE FEBRUARY 10, 2014

MIDDLE SCHOOL INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

SCHOOL/MENTOR INFORMATION

School Name: __________________________________ School Phone:______________

Teacher Advisor: ________________________________ Phone: ___________________

Scientist/Mathematician Mentor: _____________________________________________(Full name and title)

Mentor Organization: ____________________________________ Phone: ___________

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PROJECT INFORMATION

DIVISION: (Check one)

____ Senior (9-12) ____ Middle/Junior (6-8)

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

____ Biological Science

____ Earth/ Planetary Science and Environmental Science

____ Engineering

____ Mathematics and Computer Science

____ Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics)

____ Team

PROJECT TITLE:________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION: ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Does this project need 110-volt AC electricity?(Students must provide extension cord.) _____yes _______no

Do you plan to attend the Awards Banquet? _____yes _______no

If yes, do you plan to attend with ___1 Parent/Guardian ___2 Parents/Guardians

Each participant is given 1 ticket for participating and 1 ticket for a Parent or Guardian. Additional Tickets can be purchased Saturday, March 15, 2014 after 1:00 P.M

24

Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering FairABSTRACT FORM 2014

REQUIRED OF ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS

PLEASE TYPE AND RETURN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 2014.

Title of project ___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name ____________________________________________________Grade _________

School _________________________________________________________________

Subject Category _________________________________________________________

SUMMARIZE YOUR PROJECT IN 250 WORDS OR LESS

25





REQUIRED FORMS


February 10, 2014 (Monday)

Official Entry Form 2014 (Middle School) Project Information Form (Middle School)

Abstract Form (Summary) MUST BE TYPED (Middle School)



Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001


Fax: 443-885-8234

Email: [email protected]

26

mailto:[email protected]



MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM INFORMATION

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

SECOND STUDENT

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

THIRD STUDENT

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

SCHOOL/MENTOR INFORMATION





27

PROJECT INFORMATION

DIVISION: (Check one)

____ Senior (9-12) ____ Middle/Junior (6-8)

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

____ Biological Science

____ Earth/ Planetary Science and Environmental Science

____ Engineering

____ Mathematics and Computer Science

____ Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics)

____ Team

PROJECT TITLE:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Does this project need 110-volt AC electricity?(Students must provide extension cord.) _____yes _______no

Do you plan to attend the Awards Banquet? _____yes _______no

If yes, do you plan to attend with ___1 Parent/Guardian ___2 Parents/Guardians. Each participant is given 1 ticket for participating and 1 ticket for a Parent or Guardian. Additional tickets can be purchased Saturday, March 15, 2014 after 1:00 P.M.

28

Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair

ABSTRACT FORM 2014

REQUIRED OF ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS

PLEASE TYPE AND RETURN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 2014.

Title of project ___________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name ____________________________________________________Grade _________

2nd Team Member __________________________________________Grade _________

3rd Team Member ___________________________________________Grade ________

School _________________________________________________________________

Subject Category _________________________________________________________

SUMMARIZE YOUR PROJECT IN 250 WORDS OR LESS

29





REQUIRED FORMS


February 10, 2014 (Monday)

Official Entry Form 2014 (ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ONLY)



Baltimore, Maryland 21251


Fax: 443-885-8234

Email: [email protected]

30



ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INDIVIDUAL INFORMATIONPROJECT TITLE__________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

PROJECT TITLE_________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________

PROJECT TITLE_________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________SCHOOL/MENTOR INFORMATION





31



ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEAM INFORMATION

PROJECT TITLE__________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________SECOND STUDENT

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________THIRD STUDENT

Name: _____________________________________________ Female: ____ Male: ____

Home Address: _____________________________________________ Apt. #________

City: _________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: _____________

Phone: ________________________ Grade: _________________ Age: _____________SCHOOL/MENTOR INFORMATION





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