Science Fair

Scientific Method

Ask a Question Ask a question about something you observe…What? When? Who? Which? Why? Or Where? Must be measurable.

Background Research Research your topic to learn as much as you can about it. Has your question already been answered?

Construct a Hypothesis If ____ (I do this)_____, then ___(this)_____ will happen. Must be in an “If….then” statement NO PRONOUNS! Make a prediction!

Test your hypothesis This must be done three times…at least! Take pictures! Record EVERYTHING!

Analyze Data and Conclusion Analyze your findings and decide if you hypothesis was true or false. Either way is good!

Communicate your results Final Report Poster Talking about it at Science Fair

Finding an Idea Topic Selection Wizard https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/recommender_register.php Science Fair Central https://www.sciencefaircentral.com/students/scientific-projects Education.com https://www.education.com/science-fair/middle-school/

Finding an idea YOU CANNOT JUST DO THE PROJECT FROM A WEBSITE! YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!

ASSIGNMENT:

Lab Notebook You will need to keep track of all the background research and data you collect. You will need to keep things organized! A lab notebook is a great way to keep it all together. You can use a composition notebook or spiral notebook. Keep EVERYTHING!

Research Plan Research Plan is a roadmap of the research questions that need to be answered. Make a list of key words and form questions that need to be answered. Then find the answers!

Example Questions

Finding Information

Bibliography

MLA Format

ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH PLAN BIBLIOGRAPHY AT LEAST THREE SOURCES ONE NON-ELECTRONIC SOURCE

RESEARCH PAPER PURPOSE IS TO GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION TO UNDERSTAND YOUR PROJECT. INCLUDE: History of similar experiments or inventions Definition of all important words and concepts that describe your experiment. Answers to all your background research questions. Mathematical formulas if any No more than 3 pages.

Assignment: Research Paper Checklist

Variables Independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. Dependent variables are the things that the scientist focuses observations on to see how they respond to the independent variable. Controls are quantities or conditions that are the same or constant in the experiment Examples

Writing a Hypothesis If….then statement with no pronouns Examples.

Assignment

Experimental Design Experimental Group – the group that has the independent variable changed Control Group – the group that nothing happens to Number of Trials – ATLEAST THREE!!

Materials A list of EVERYTHING you need to conduct the experiment Include amounts!

Procedure Step by step! In a numbered list! NO PROUNOUNS! Like a recipe! Must be reproducible!

Assignment Turn in materials list and procedures

Conduct the experiment Conduct your experiment according to the procedure. Repeat it three times or have things in triplicate!

Data Analysis and Graphs Review your data. Did you miss something? Did you make a mistake? Calculate an average for the trials. Make a clearly labeled graph and table including units! Place your independent variable on the x-axis.

Assignment Show Mrs. Zimmer a graph from your experiment.

Conclusion Summarize your project in a few sentences. State whether or not your supported your hypothesis. Summarize your procedure and make comments. Suggest changes.

Example

Assignment Turn in conclusion

Abstract Abstract is an abbreviated version of your science fair project final report.. Introduction Problem statement or hypothesis Procedure Results Conclusion

Example

Final Report Title Page Abstract Table of Contents Question, Variable, Hypothesis Research Paper Material List Procedure Data Conclusion Ideas for further research Acknowledgements Bibliography

Assignment Turn in Final Report

Display Board

Requirement MUST BE APPROVED BY MRS. ZIMMER BEFORE GLUEING MUST BE TYPED – NO HANDWRITING MUST BE STRAIGHT AND NEAT NOT TOO BUSY