Elementary Science Fair 2017-2018 Correlated to the Elementary Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Inventions Fair Handbook Division of Science

A Science Fair Project Guide Step 1: Choose a Topic Get a notebook to record all information collected for your project. Do research to learn as much as you can about the experiment topic. Ask questions about your topic that you want to answer. More research may be needed after you decide what to investigate in your experiment. Try the library and the internet. Cite your sources in the Bibliography. Write a brief summary (1-2 paragraphs) of the background information you gathered.

Step 2 Ask a Question Identify one question that can be answered by performing an experiment. An experiment is a set of steps you follow to test a hypothesis. This question will be the Problem Statement. Make sure your problem is approved by your teacher before proceeding with your experiment.

Step 3: Make a Hypothesis Look at the Problem Statement and identify the one factor that can be tested. This is the test (manipulated/independent) variable. Form an idea or educated prediction that can be tested by an experiment. Write down your Hypothesis: “If (I do this) then (this) will happen.” Be specific!

Step 4: Plan the Investigation Identify and record the factors that can affect the results of the experiment under Variables. 1. Test (independent/manipulated) variable or the factor that is changed in the experiment. 2. Constant/Control variables if applicable or all the factors to be kept the same in the experiment. 3. Outcome (dependent/responding) variable or the data to be collected during the experiment. Let’s come up with some examples using the following Problem Statement: Does chemical fertilizer affect plant growth?

Step 4 Planning Continued Write your procedures or the steps you will follow in your experiment. Each procedure step needs to be numbered. (1.. 2.. 3..) Each step needs to begin with a verb. (mix, cut, etc.) These procedures will insure that all variables are kept the same (constant) or controlled except the one you are testing (independent). Be very specific in your procedures! Another scientist should be able to conduct your experiment without confusion. Figure out and collect the materials needed for the experiment. List materials in column form and with amounts (3 ounces of water)

Step 5: Collect, Organize, and Display Data Start the experiment. Observe and record the quantitative data (numbers or measurements) collected during the experiment on a data table. Repeat the experiment three or more times to confirm results. Take pictures during the experiment. NO faces. Graph your data from all trials using a chart/table. Display chart/table and pictures under Data section. Restate your data in a narrative form under Results.

Step 6: Drawing Conclusions What was investigated? (Describe the problem statement.) Restate your hypothesis, and tell if it was supported (true) or not supported. Use CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to determine if you hypothesis was supported or not. What were the major findings? (Explain your results.) Look at everything that may have affected your results. What possible explanation can you offer for your findings? Write conclusion in a narrative format. The results and conclusion are NOT the same!

Step 7 Making Applications What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment? Explain what you learned from your experiment that could be applied in real life. List any new question(s) that your experiment lead you to ask that could be tested in a new investigation. Write application in narrative format.

Step 8 Abstract and Bibliography The abstract is a complete summary of the investigation and must consist of 3-5 paragraphs with a total of approximately 250 words that includes the following: Describe your purpose and hypothesis. Briefly describe your procedure. Describe and explain your results. Explain your conclusion. State if your hypothesis was supported or not by the results. Explain your project’s applications. List your cited bibliography of three or more sources.

Sample Display Board