Victoria Elementary School presents Parents’ and Student’s Guide to the Science Fair

What Is A Science Fair? A science fair is an opportunity for students to gain an understanding, through first hand experience, of the steps of scientific investigation.

But mostly it is a time to have fun with science discovery!

What are the steps of investigation? Do Research. (Write a paper.) Name the Problem. (Ask a question) Develop a Hypothesis. (Make a guess.) Do the Project Experimentation. Keep Documentation. (Journal) Write up Conclusion. (Results)

It all starts with research. Through research you will find a topic you find interesting and develop an interesting question.

Problem/Question State the problem simply and clearly. Examples: -Which battery will last the longest? -What type of music makes your heart beat faster?

Hypothesis Write a statement telling what you believe will happen in your experiment. Example: I think that the Duracell batteries will last longer than the Energizer batteries.

Materials Neatly list all supplies used in the experiment.

Procedure: Explains what you did This should be placed in a prominent place on your board and should be stated clearly. You may also want to include step by step photographs of the experiment.

Experimentation Perform the experiment. Include in your display items, photos, or drawing of items used in your experiment

Documentation Keep a journal. The journal is a record where you explain what happens with the experiment each day/step. The journal is one of the most important parts of a science project. Include an in-depth bibliography (that includes texts, encyclopedia, primary sources, professional journals, etc.)

Data Show your results in graphs, charts, and in a statement.

Conclusion Your conclusion must be logical, based on data or observations collected, and relevant to the problem/hypothesis. For example: My hypothesis was incorrect. Energizer batteries lasted 6 hours longer than Duracell batteries.

Abstract An abstract is a brief overview of all the parts of your project.

Sample Abstract What Makes Good Electrical Conductors? Objectives/Goal: The objective of my project is to determine which materials make the best electrical conductors. Methods and Materials: I used wood, plastic, copper, steel, tin, and grass as materials to be tested. I also used a volt/ohms meter and the test probes to make my measurements. Results: The meter I used showed the metals to all be excellent conductors and that the plastic and wood did not conduct an electrical current. Conclusions: My conclusion is that the metals I tested are excellent conductors of electrical current and that neither wood or plastic conducts electricity.

Science and Engineering Fair Categories Behavior Science Biology Animals Biology/Other Kingdoms Chemistry Consumer Science Earth Sciences Environmental Education Engineering Physics Math

Creating a Display Board The board tells the whole story of your experimentation. Be sure to include each of the following parts, clearly stated: Hypothesis Materials List Procedure Journal Research Report Graphs, data Models, visual aids Results Conclusion Abstract Caution Parents: Allow the students to complete the board on their own. Give suggestions to help guide them. Do not do the project for them.

Project Mistakes Don't leave large empty spaces on the backboard. Don't leave the table in front of the backboard empty. Display models (if any), report, copies research, and your journal here.

More Mistakes Don't hang electrical equipment on the backboard so the cord runs down the front of the backboard. Don't make titles hard to read by using uneven lettering, letters of different colors, or disorganized placement of materials. Don't hand-print the letters on the backboard or make mistakes in spelling words.

Planning Is Important ! Is the project the result of careful planning? Great projects aren’t created overnight. Trial and error may take time.

Safety First Does the project meet all safety requirements? Liquids/chemicals are not to be displayed in bottles that might break or spill. No knives, sharp instruments on displays Articles of value should not be left out on your display. No crystals or molds No laser devices No poison

Keys To A Successful Project Does the project represent the student’s own work? Does the project demonstrate the student’s creativity and resourcefulness? Does the project show a solid understanding of the topic? Does the project include a notebook, written record, or final report? (Include a bibliography when you use someone else’s work.) Does the project include a number of visual aids? Is the project sturdy, neat, and well- constructed?

Inland Fair Requirements Please note additional safety requirements for Inland competition: No animal displays; no stress to animals. No tobacco, alcohol, drug related projects No living plants or animals allowed. No human tissue/blood samples allowed

Judging Criteria : Entries will be judged on the following: Originality Comprehension of scientific thought and practices Organization and completeness Effort and motivation Clarity

Remember... Do the research... on a project that interests you.

Allow plenty of time for unexpected mistakes.

And most importantly... HAVE FUN !