Success at the Science Fair Andrea Berninger

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Congratulations!!! You are embarking on one of the most exciting, challenging, and fun projects in Elementary School!! A science fair project is all about answering questions to something you have always been curious about. Everything you need to know is in this Powerpoint If you have ANY questions, concerns, or fears about your project, just find me and I will help and guide you in any way that I can! Good luck and contact me if you need me. berninga@manateeschools.net 751-8165 ext. 2044 Andrea M. Berninger

Steps in the Scientific Method Problem- What are you trying to answer and what are you wondering about in the natural world? Research- Use textbooks, articles, and the Internet to come up with at least 8 sentences about your topic. Hypothesis- What do you think, based on your research, will happen when you complete your experiment? If I do __________, then this will___________ because________________________ Materials- Make a list of what you will need in order to conduct your experiment. Procedure- The steps I used to conduct my experiment. Results- Numeric data you collected while doing your experiment. Conclusion- Reflect on your hypothesis and what happened in your experiment.

Problem or Question Think of something that you are curious about in science. Make sure it involves a topic that is interesting to you. Is your question something that has puzzled you or made you wonder? Did you read something that you want to prove or disprove to be true? ???? Think about : Can I test my question? Can my results be measured? Do I have enough time to complete my project? Will I be able to find enough research on the topic?

Research Find background information for researching your topic. Use the library, trade books, articles, and the Internet to help find some relevant information. The research you include on your board should include at least 8 sentences with relevant information on your topic.

Hypothesis Use your research to form your hypothesis to make an educated guess. Your hypothesis is a statement of how you think the experiment will turn out. Use the “If __________________ then ____________________________ because ________________________ format.

Materials List all of the materials needed to complete the experiment. Be specific about type, size, brand, etc. Your list should be itemized like a shopping list and it should be either numbered or bulleted. (Example) Tap water Dish soap Drinking glasses, cups, or small bowls (2) Spoon 1 cc syringes (2) Penny Paper towel or dish towel Lab notebook

Procedure The procedure is a very detailed description of each step of the experiment. Write out each step of your experiment. Remember to number each step and clearly explain what to do. You should be very clear when writing your procedure. A scientist should be able to perform the experiment just as you did by following your directions.

Variables Independent Variable Something that is changed by the scientist. Something that is tested Something that is manipulated Controls A variable that is not changed Also called constants Allows for a “Fair Test” Dependent Variable Something that might be affected by the change in the independent variable What is observed What is measured

Results Use sentences, charts, tables, and graphs to represent your data. In other words, your data should be quantitative and qualitative. Your data should be organized . Your data should be graphed. Quantitative data uses numbers, standard metric units, and scales. Qualitative data uses words and descriptions. Describe the trends or patterns found in the data. Include comments or reasons for the trends or patterns. Along with tables and graphs, include sentences describing the trends and patterns. Temp. Change in Celsius

Conclusion A conclusion tells what happened and what you learned. Restate your hypothesis Clearly relate your conclusion to your data What was learned? How does what you learned relate to life? youngsciencegi.wikis

Display Board Your Display Board should be: Neat Colorful Creative 1 Display Board Your Display Board should be: Neat Colorful Creative Original Displayed following the steps of the Scientific Method 4 feet in height, 3 feet in width when opened, and 12 inches deep Self Standing. Projects must be constructed and developed by the STUDENTS Help must be limited to ADVICE ONLY

Science Fair Log Your Science Fair Log is like a science diary that you maintain from start to finish. Using a binder allows you to insert pages easily and you have the ability to include tabs. The notebook represents all of your: Thoughts, Questions Written work Data Research Steps of the Scientific Method from start to finish You don’t necessarily have to write neatly on EACH page, however date each page. Organize the pages according to sequence and the steps of the scientific method. YOUR SCIENCE LOG MUST BE DISPLAYED WITH YOUR SCIENCE BOARD . The log is not on the board, but it is included in front of the board.

Summary or Abstract A summary or abstract is a very brief summary of the most important parts of the project. Write one or two sentences about each step of the scientific method that you used while you worked on your project.

Prohibited Items Students are NOT ALLOWED to experiment with the following which are dangerous: Firearms Knives Any item that may be considered a weapon Fireworks Explosives Controlled substances Prescription drugs Alcoholic beverages Tobacco

Project Guidelines and Restrictions Projects Involving Non-Human Vertebrates A Designated Supervisor Form is required Any DEATH in any vertebrate animal is NOT permitted to be entered. Behavioral Studies should be limited to pets or farm animals Projects Involving Invertebrates: Must have a clear purpose Must have scientific significance Invertebrates must be treated humanely