Los Angeles County Science Fair March 23 – 25, 2017 Pasadena Convention Center

Judging Standards 100 points Creativity – 30 points – Originality of the problem uniqueness of approach and the handling or interpretation should be at grade level. Scientific Thought or Engineering Goals – 30 points – The project shows depth of study and effort in employing scientific procedures toward the solution of a clearly defined problem. Thoroughness – 15 points – The study is complete within the scope of the problem. Scientific literature has been searched, experiments repeated, and careful records kept. Skill – 15 points – Credit is given for special skills needed for the construction or use of equipment and for mathematical, computational, observational, and design skills. Clarity – 10 points – The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly explained orally and through the display. The project notebook is well organized, neat and accurate.

Questions to be asked at the Hale and LA County Science Fair Why did you choose this experiment? Why is the significance of this project to your life? What were your variables? What were your controls? How did you make sure to run a fair (controlled) experiment? What were your significant findings? (Results) Did your results match your research? Did you have any discrepant events? What further results/experiments might you now be interested in doing?

Interview Tips & Tools Think of yourself as belonging to the science community You are sharing your ideas among colleagues Find a way to get physically comfortable with yourself just before you begin. Breathe easily! Draw from what you know by heart – so that it doesn’t sound overly “memorized” Speak from your place of confidence! Communicate in a natural manner, not rushed, perhaps just a bit slower than usual. Give each idea its moment in the sun. Let your opening start with a BIG IDEA, then connect it to your research topic. Place your project into context.

Interview Tips & Tools Provide a brief overview of highlights, like an abstract or a movie trailer. Excite your audience about your project! Allow questions and comments to guide the direction of your presentation. Pause from time to time to allow for dialogue. If you don’t know, use the moment to think out loud with your colleagues. Show the quality of your thinking process! Used sparling, humor, charm,, and eye contact may help you connect with your colleagues. Stay focused on the science story!

Student Project Categories Animal Biology Animal Physiology Behavioral Science – Non Human Behavioral/Social Science – Human Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Chemistry – Applied Chemistry – General Earth/Space Science Ecology Engineering Application Engineering Research Environmental Management Material Science Mathematics/Computer Sciences Microbiology Pharmacology Physics – Aerodynamics/Hydrodynamics Physics – Electricity & Magnetism Physics – General Plant Biology Plant Physiology Product Science

Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project The first you thing you need to know is that a science fair project is different from a school report on a special topic like whales, planets, or climate change. It is also different from making a model such as a volcano or solar system. A science fair project involves conducting an experiment to answer a question or solve a problem. The key to a successful project is combining the correct use of scientific method with an original idea.

Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project The key to getting the most out of your science fair project is to start working on it as soon as possible! If you wait until the last minute you will feel rushed, which leads to feelings of frustration and anxiety, which makes good science harder than it needs to be. These steps for developing a science project work, even if you procrastinate until the last possible minute, but your experience won't be as much fun! Think about what interests you. Think of a testable question.

Student Code of Conduct All Students Must Dress in a Professional Attire During the Hale and LA County Science Fair. Students will act with good sportsmanship Students will act with integrity and treat others with courtesy Students will respect Fair volunteers, staff, and judges and their decisions

LA County Science Fair Winners 2016 The Effect of Runoff Substances on the Fertilization of Sea Urchins Help Me Concentrate! Does Chewing Gum Effect Concentration? Drop by Drop: Manipulating the Surface Tension of Water to Find the Best Way of Cleaning Building Better Earthquake Resistant Structures

LA County Science Fair Project 2016 Sand Vs No Sand: Which Desalinate Will Yield More Fresh Water? Can We Purify Our Ocean’s Water So We Can Drink it? How Does Acid Rain Affect Building Materials? What Materials Obstruct Wi-Fi? Building a Light-Tracking Bristlebot Fighting Fire: Fire Extinguishing Robot with Sensor Which Cereal Has the Most Iron? Does a Horse’s Shoulder Angel Affect its Stride? Fly Me to the Moon Jellyfish: The Study of Jellyfish Disintegration and Ocean Acidification

Awards For Students Each student exhibitor, individual, who participates in the Los Angeles County Science & Engineering Fair, receives a Certificate of Participation. First Place, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention in each Project Category and Division, will receive a Medal of Merit. Students who do not place 1st, 2nd, 3rd or Honorable Mention will receive a Recognition Metal. Special Award Winners will be selected by corporate, scientific and professional organizations. Prizes range from cash awards, gift certificates and internships.