Transcript Elementary Science Fair Projects

Science Fair Projects
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project
The Scientific Method
You should always follow the 9 steps
of the scientific method when doing a
science project to be successful.
Step 1 – Select a Topic
A. Student
What is my interest?
Selected Topic
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?
Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student
 What are my interests?
 What would I like to learn about?
 Do I have a question about something?
 Where to look for topics?
Science Fair book
Internet
Teacher
 Does my project meet the rule requirements?
Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent
 Could I help with the selected topic?
 Has the teacher approved the project?
 Does the selected project meet the rule
requirements?
 Do we have the needed materials for the project
or know where to purchase or borrow?
 Help set a timeline for my child.
 Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?
Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher
Is the project at the student’s ability level?
Does the project meet the rule
requirements?
Is there parent approval?
What is the timeline for each step?
Locate needed resources for students.
Are the students meeting the timelines?
Data/Project Log - REQUIRED
The log starts on the date you select and it
is approved by the teacher
 Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed
ALL observations and measurements are to
be recorded
Remember all measurements are metric
Step 2 Identify the Problem
This is a sentence or question about the
problem.
Example: “What type of container will
keep my soda cooler longer?”
Or “I would like to compare the
temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a
can of soda.”
Step 3 Collect Background
Information
BOOKS:
Encyclopedias
Topic Books
Magazines/Newspapers
RESEARCH about Project
Media Center
Minimum of 10 references
INTERNET:
Websites
Search by Topic
CD ROM:
Grolier
Compton
Research Paper/Notebook REQUIRED
 Must be written in your own words. Do not just
print the pages from the computer.
– Research your topic in books and online
– Make notes as you gather background information for
the research paper
– Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
– Research paper may be typed or handwritten
– You are to have a minimum of five sources
– Must list your sources in the bibliography in the
correct format
Step 4 Form a Hypothesis
 A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe
will happen in the experiment. This statement is
based on the research you have done.
 Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler
longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay
cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”
Step 5 Design an Experiment
 Materials List:
All materials
needed to conduct
the experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.
 Procedure:
The procedure is a step
by step set of directions
on how to do the
experiment. Use metric
measurements.
Step 1 – gather all materials
Step 2 – set up experiment
Etc.
Step 6 During Experiment
Observe:
Watch
Look
During the
Experiment
Record:
Notes
Journal/Log
Results
Analyze Data:
What have I
learned from
the results?
Step 7 Repeat the Experiment
The experiment should be repeated
at least 5 times.
This is done in order to prove the
results as true.
Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion
This is a sentence that states what did
happen during the experiment. What did
you learn from the experiment?
Example: “The can kept the soda cooler
longer than the glass bottle.”
Explain here why this happened.
Step 9 Application
What can the results be used for?
How can I use the knowledge I have
gained from the experiment?
How will I use what I have learned?
How can others use the information I
have gained from the experiment?
The Display Board
Title/
Question
Hypothesis
Graphs
Data/
Results
Charts
Conclusion
Pictures
Application
Procedure
*Abstract
(Required)
Notebook and Log
Required
2007-08 Websites
1) Science Fair Center www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#1
2) Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents –
www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=11249928173913392
3) What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html
4) Discovery School .com – http://.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
5) Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html
6) Science Projects 13.01 http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42
7)
IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/
8) Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html
9) Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html
10) Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html
11) Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html
12) Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects - http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
13) Lycos Search http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=1
14) Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html
15) Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm
Good Luck
You are able to be successful!