Secrets of a GREAT Science Fair Project … and how parents can help Dr. O.C. Lam

Because a Science Fair is Why do a Science Fair? Because a Science Fair is FUN Really! 

Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair “Don't be afraid to try something even though it might not work. Let your imagination run wild and be creative.“ Top 3 students at the Intel ISEF. Each received a $50,000 scholarship.

Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair “Read science magazines... and research on the Internet to see what is currently being done in science. Always choose a topic that interests you and make sure whatever you choose is possible to do in time and with the equipment available. “

More advice to students at Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair “Ask your science teacher for help. Don't be shy--call professors at local universities or even E-mail them. “ More advice to students at http://www.sciserv.org/isef/students/tips_advice.asp

Cash Awards Great prizes Scholarships Summer positions Credentials for college admissions Meet famous scientists Develop friendships with people you meet

Five Types of Projects Inquiry Project Engineering Project Computer Science Project Mathematical Project Theoretical Project

Inquiry Project Data driven. Analysis and application of that data. Demonstration projects, library research or informational projects, explanation models or kit building ARE NOT appropriate for research based science fairs.

"Scientists try to understand how nature works; engineers create things that never were." An engineering project should state the engineering goals, the development process and the evaluation of improvements. Engineering Projects

Engineering Project Ask "How can I make this better?" Do background research Build and test a prototype Consider reliability, repair & servicing. Retest and redesign as necessary. Product testing. Present results

Computer Science Project Often involve creating and writing new algorithms to solve a problem or improve on an existing algorithm. Simulations, models or 'virtual reality' are other areas on which to conduct research.

Mathematical Projects These involve proofs, solving equations, etc. Math is the language of science and is used to explain existing phenomena or prove new concepts and ideas.

Theoretical Projects These projects may involve a thought experiment, development of new theories and explanations, concept formation or designing a mathematical model.

GETTING STARTED

Pick Your Topic Hardest part of the project How do you start? Brainstorm with friends. Choose a limited subject. Make sure it’s interesting to you Ask a ‘testable’ question Go to Science Buddies for help: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/recommender_register.php

BAD BAD PROJECTS! Asking for people’s preferences Topics for people to recall things from the past Effects of colored light, music, etc. on plants, blood pressure, memory, emotions, etc. Astrology, ESP, Handwriting analysis Projects with dangerous, illegal, or hard to find items Studies involving drugging, pain, or injury to vertebrate animal. Study creating physical or psychological risks Collecting tissue samples from humans or vertebrate animals.

Good Projects Measure quantitative changes to important variables. Controlled experiment Safe experiments Materials and equipment which are available and reasonable in cost Sufficient time for experiment - including practice and learning how to do fundamentals (such as growing plants) Project meets all the rules for the science fair

Research your topic Go to the library or internet to learn more about your topic Ask Who, What, Why, When, Where, How or What if Look for unexplained or unexpected results Network and talk to teachers & professionals in the field.

Organize everything you have learned about your topic. At this point narrow your thinking by focusing on a particular idea. Think of this as your roadmap

Develop a time line to manage your time efficiently. Make a Timetable Develop a time line to manage your time efficiently. Remember you need to fill out forms and review the Research Plan with your sponsor. Some projects need prior Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Allow time to experiment and collect data. You need time to write a paper and put together a display or 'board'.

Plan Your Experiment Give thought to experimental design. Make sure you include sufficient numbers in both control and experimental groups. Once finished with the experimental design fill out the appropriate forms.

Consult with Adult Sponsor for Approval Obtain a signature of approval from your adult advisor. Determine if additional forms and prior approval are needed.

Test your hypothesis through experimentation and analysis of data. Use graphs to help see patterns in the data. Draw conclusions based on experimental evidence. Prepare your report and exhibit.

Conduct your experiment Keep detailed notes of every experiment, measurement & observation in a log book. Do not rely on memory Judges love logbooks! Do not copy to create a neat log. We like stains, mark-throughs, etc. Use data tables or charts to record your quantitative data.

Analyze your results Examine and organize your findings. Use graphs to make 'pictures' of data. Identify patterns from the graphs Statistically analyze your data using statistics that you understand.

Draw conclusions Did the variable tested cause change? What are patterns from graph analysis? Never alter results to fit a theory. It’s OK if results do not support the hypothesis. Think of practical applications. How would you improve the experiment?

Research Paper Research paper explains the theory behind your experiment and why your experiment turned out the way it did. It should include: History of similar experiments or inventions Definitions of important words and concepts related to the experiment Any mathematical formulae needed to describe experimental results.

Display Board

Overall, judges look for: well thought-out research the significance of your project in its field how thorough you were & your log book

During the interview: No memorized speeches Don’t be nervous, we understand about interviews Speak confidently about your research Judges often ask questions such as "What didn't you do?" and "What would be your next step?"

What to Bring to the Fair: Project Notebook (Include originals of abstracts, required forms, research paper, or report) Bound Log Book (pages dated & written in ink) Visual Display

Isn’t success enough of a reason to do this?

Then…. JUST DO IT!

Tips for Parents helping with your child’s project Give encouragement, support, & guidance. Make sure the work is primarily the work of the child. Realize the main goal of a science fair project is to help your child use and strengthen the skills he or she has learned and develop higher-level skills. The main goal should not be the ribbon or prize.

Tips for Parents helping with your child’s project Provide transportation to libraries, nature centers Locate Internet access, either at home or at a school or library Help your child design a project that is safe and properly supervised

Tips for Parents Helping your child with THEIR project Help plan a reasonable timeline to prevent a last minute project. Some projects may take 6 to 10 months. Allow at least 12 weeks to conduct an experiment and prepare the presentation Do not get upset if your child doesn’t win a prize at the science fair. The skills gained are worth all of the effort.

Tips for Parents Helping your child with THEIR project Help your child begin to plan for next year. Feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when the science fair is over. You and your child have earned it!

In May 2010, the best and brightest science students in the world will be gathering in San Jose, California to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. You could be there!