Science Fair Student Handbook Science Research and the Process of Science. “if…then” statement Non Inquiry Based Research Methods that may differ from the scientific method. Engineering Projects Create new things. Computer Science Projects Creating problem solving methods or simulations. Mathematics Projects Language of science; explains. Theoretical Projects Thought experiments; mathematical models, etc.

Science Fair Student Handbook Getting Started Pick your topic scientific investigation questions are ideal. Research your topic Ask why or what if…..questions. Organize Narrow thinking by focusing on particular area. Make a time table Follow Science Fair timeline; stay focused. Plan your experiment Design controlled experiment. Consult with your adult sponsor and get approvals Discuss research plan and determine if additional forms will be required. Note 9/25/2006 deadline for protocol projects. Conduct your experiment Keep detailed logbook notes. Analyze your results Organize finding via graphs and photos. Draw Conclusions Did results support hypothesis?

Science Fair Student Handbook Elements of a Successful Project 1) Project Data Handbook Make winning projects. 2) Research Paper Make available with project. a) Title page and table of contents Organization is easy to follow. b) Introduction Sets scene for report. c) Materials and Methods Could it be replicated? d) Results Include statistics and raw data. e) Discussion Compare results; other findings. f) Conclusions Summarize results briefly. g) Acknowledgements Give credit to those who assisted you. h) References/Bibliography Use APA style or MLA format.

Science Fair Student Handbook Elements of a Successful Project 3) Abstract Include purpose, procedures, data and conclusions. 250 words maximum. Complete after research and experimentation. 4) Visual Display Attract and inform. Helpful hints for display a) Current year Board reflects current year only. b) Photographs Use to involve elements that are not practical or safe for the fair. c) Be organized Follow a simple sequence for reader. d) eye-catching Make your display stand out; contrast. e) Correctly presented and well constructed Make sturdy and well within specifications. f) Note about research Judges are judging research and your science efforts in the display; give the science priority over a high price visual display board.

Science Fair Student Handbook Elements of a Successful Project 5) Judging They focus on (1) what the student did in the current year, (2) how well the student followed the respective scientific methodologies, (3) the detail and accuracy of research in logbook, and (4) whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way.