Burke County Middle School Science Fair Burke County Middle School

Purpose of Science Fair To demonstrate your ability to solve problems and think critically. To utilize the scientific method. Observing some phenomena. Asking a research question about it and developing a hypothesis. Designing a method for research and experimentation. Measuring, recording and analyzing your data. Presenting your results and conclusions. To be creative and inventive. Using your imagination. Showing a different perspective. Opening up new possibilities or alternatives. To communicate and present your project in a clear, logical and well documented manner.

Concerns About Science Projects (Don’t Do) Human Subjects You may not use yourself or other people as a part of your experiment. (This would include surveys). For example: An experiment to test how music affects someone’s ability to concentrate. Animal Subjects You may not use any vertebrate animal as a part of your experiment. For example: An experiment to test how dogs respond to different sounds.

More Concerns (Careful) Microorganisms Microorganisms found in the environment may be used in the experiment; however, if they are cultured, it must be in a non-breakable petri dish, sealed throughout the experiment. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms may not be used. Blood or body fluids of any human or vertebrate (fresh or frozen) may not be used (including microorganisms from those sources). Hazardous Chemicals Hazardous chemicals may not be used except under the direct supervision of the science teacher. An assessment must be made to review these factors: toxicity, reactivity, flammability, and corrosiveness. Appropriate precautions must be made. (See rules and attachments).

Discovery vs. Demonstration Good Thing Not so much! Discovery: A project that tests a research question that you don’t already know the answer to or you can’t easily look up an answer (or you think the answer might be wrong). This is what Science Fair is all about! Example: Are organic/natural solutions as effective as synthetic/man-made solutions in killing bacteria on laminated surfaces like kitchen and bathroom counters? Demonstration: A project that simply demonstrates a scientific principle or leads to well-known results. This is not a good idea for a Science Fair Project! Examples: Mentos in Diet Sodas, Baking Soda in Vinegar, using bleach to take out stains, melting, freezing, boiling points.

Creativity Creativity is one of the most important features of a Science Fair project. (worth a full 20 points by itself!) Don’t do a project that has already been done countless times before. Spend some time brainstorming on ideas. Find a question that really interests you, that you couldn’t easily find the answer to without conducting an experiment. You should focus on opening up new possibilities or alternatives to what is currently being done (as supported by your project results).

Research Plan on doing some research on your topic before you begin to plan your experiment. You should summarize all of your research and cite your sources (at least 3!). Your research should relate directly to the scientific ideas you are investigating and should guide your method of doing an experiment.

Measurement and Data Use the appropriate tools to make accurate measurements and observations. Thermometers, rulers, pH paper, microscopes, triple beam balance, spring scales, timers, measuring cups. Make precise and accurate measurements and describe your observations in detail. Record your measurements and observations immediately in your log book! Take pictures showing your progress and results (if possible).

Your Finished Project Includes: Your project board. This is usually a “tri-fold board” containing short typed sections, pictures, charts and graphs. Details are in your handout. Your Research Paper. This should be typed and includes all of your initial research, properly cited. It may also contain the typed details you include on your project board. Details are in your handout. Your Log Book. This must be a bound booklet (like a composition notebook), that contains your handwritten details of your experiment: your question, your plan, your measurements, calculations, observations and results. Again, details are in your handout.

Judging Your Project will be judged in the following categories: Research Question (10 points) Clear, Focused, Testable, Makes a contribution to field of study. Design & Methodology (15 points) Variables/Controls defined, Well designed plan/data collection. Execution: Data Collection, Analysis/Interpretation (20 pts) Systematic, Reproducible by others, Use of Math/Statistics Creativity (20 points) Imagination, Inventive, New Possibilities/Alternatives Presentation (35 points) Logical organization, Clarity of words/graphics/legends Supporting Documents (research paper and logbook) displayed

Where to Begin? Decide whether you are working alone or with up to 2 other individuals (3 person teams-max). Decide on your Research Question and discuss this with your teacher. Do your background research, summarize it in a report and cite your sources! (this may help refine your Question). Complete the “Science Buddies Project Proposal Form” and go over this with your teacher. Students and Parents must sign the SBP Proposal Form and the Minor Consent form, return this to your teacher. Review all Science Fair rules, requirements, and suggestions. (most of these will be in your handout packet) Develop your overall plan including how you plan to present, before you begin your experiment. Review checkpoints.