Science Fair

1
Science Fair
An Exercise In
A review of project strategies
and suggestions
Critical Thinking
2
Scientific Process
A logical, educated, organized approach for
finding a solution to a problem
A Plan of Action!
3
Problem

• Select a topic
• Determine the question for
• which you will seek an answer
• Be original and relevant
• Pick something of interest to you

4
Research

• Gather background information

• Books, magazines, newspapers, other print
• materials
• People, companies, organizations
• Online sources

2. Take notes and keep a record
5
Hypothesis

• Prediction as to the outcome of
• the problem being investigated
• Educated guess based on prior
• knowledge and experiences
• Use if, then statement
• Provide a reason for your guess

6
Materials

• List items and equipment to
  
• be used, make sure they
• are available and not too
• costly
• Include information about
• types of measurement and
• quantities (in metric only!)

7
Procedure

• Step-by-step outline of planned
• experimentation (repeat trials!!!)
• Provide enough details so that
• others are able to duplicate it
• Include critical details such as
• safety measures and controls

8
Results

• Presentation of facts, observations
• Organize words in a log, chart or pictures
• Display numbers in tables, graphs

• line graphs display comparison of values,
  trends, rates of change
• bar graphs (histograms) show comparisons well
• pie graphs display the relationship of a part to
  a whole

• Use complete, clear labels units

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Conclusion

• Restate the hypothesis, tell if you were
  correct or incorrect
• Describe the reasons for an incorrect
  hypothesis
• Suggest improvements for the experiment
• Explain what was learned, how the results could
  be applied to the real world, and any final
  conclusions about the experiment

10
Points to Ponder
Allow yourself enough time to complete the
experiment. For example, working with plants
needs to be planned carefully.
Dont be afraid to venture into new frontiers,
but select a topic of interest its going to
be with you a long time!
You dont have to win an award to gain experience
that will benefit you in the future (but it
doesnt hurt!)
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Rules

• All food stuff must be sealed.
• All experiments involving animals must be
  conducted with a respect for life.
• No live animals may be displayed.
• No chemicals/household cleaners may be displayed.
• Photographs may not contain faces of the
  participants in the experiment.

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Important Dates

• February 3rd Final Projects are due projects
  should be brought to the childs homeroom class
• February 4th Projects will be judged
• All projects will be sent home February 4th.
  There will not be an evening event.

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Helpful Websites

• http//school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
• http//www.nyelabs.com
• http//www.all-science-fair-projects.com/resources
  .php14
• http//www.rossarts.org/naples/ideas.htm
• http//www.sciencehunt.com/