Science Fair Project Villa Victoria Academy Grades 4 – 6 Fall/Winter 2010 – 2011

Purpose of the Project *To have the students learn the Scientific Method. *To learn the steps of creating a science fair project. *To use time-management skills and organizational skills. *To learn about science and have fun completing the work.

What is the Scientific Method? The Scientific Method is the steps that scientists use to find a conclusion to a problem. The Scientific Method is as follows: *Purpose *Research *Hypothesis *Experiment *Analysis *Conclusion

Step 1 – State the Purpose of Your Project The first step is to write a question – this is your problem – what you want to know. This later become the project title. Examples: How does the dark affect the growth of mold on white bread? Problem – The purpose of this experiment is to determine if bread mold will grow on white bread.

Step 2 - Observations The second step is to make observations…you need to research your topic. The first step is to go to your public library and get books on your topic. Research the scientific aspects of your topic. You can use your textbook, encyclopedias, science encyclopedias and science books. Another source is the Internet with parental guidance. Write all of your information in your log book and date your work. Example – December 1 – Research the ingredients in bread and how it is made. The ingredients are as follows:…….

Step 3 - Hypothesis Based on the research you have done, you will be writing an answer or solution – you’re a hypothesis is a single statement prediction of the outcome of the experiment. It is an educated guess because you have not done the experiment yet, but you have done research on your topic. Make sure you write down your hypothesis before you begin your experiment. Example – Since bread mold does not contain chlorophyll; it will grow on white bread left in the dark.

Step 4 - Experiment After completing your hypothesis, you need to design an experiment/procedure to test the hypothesis. The procedure is to be written like a recipe. You must first list your materials and then, step by step instructions on how you will complete the experiment. It is suggested that you do the experiment more than one time to verify or confirm your results.

Step 5 - Analysis Based on your experiment, write down and observations based on your experimentation. Record your results in your log book. Chart any information that you have found in your results. If you take any pictures, this would be part of your analysis. You can make graphs to better show the analysis of your work. You can make conclusions based on the experiment and the results.

Step 6 - Conclusion After completing your analysis, then you can make a conclusion based on your results. Did the results confirm or disprove your hypothesis? Why? If your results do not support your hypothesis, DO NOT CHANGE YOUR HYPOTHESIS. Give reasons for why the results of your experiment do not support your hypothesis. It is ok to disprove your hypothesis…you learn from your mistakes.

Abstract The abstract is a written report of your science fair project. It is to be placed in a plastic report cover and should be placed in front of your project. The abstract should have the title of your project but do not include your name. The abstract should be three to four paragraphs long. The first paragraph contains the problem investigated and your hypothesis. The next paragraph describes the procedure that you followed to complete your experiment. The final paragraph contains a summary of the data you collected from your investigation and your conclusions. A reference list should be included with your abstract of all of the research your did and the sources where you found your information.

Science Fair Board Project Title Procedure Materials Step by Step Instructions (Typed) (Drawings, Photos, Etc.) Question Hypothesis Results - (Tables, Graphs, Photos) Conclusions

Reference Sheet This is how you reference your resources. You will need to type the information and submit it in your abstract. Books Author. Title of Book. City of publication: Publisher, Year Encyclopedias and Reference Books Author of Article (if given). “Article Title.” Title of Book. City of Publication: Publisher, Year. Magazine Articles Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine. Date: Page(s).

Reference Sheet (cont.) Newspaper Articles Author. “Title of Article.” Name of Newspaper, Date, edition: Page(s). Television Programs “Title of Episode or Segment.” Credit (Performer or author). Title of Program. Name of Network. Call letters (if any), City of Local Station, Broadcast Date. Website Creator’s name (if given). Web Page Title. Institution or organization. Date of access. Web address.

Final Thoughts  Pick a topic you want to learn about. Make sure you can research the topic and create a realistic experiment based on your work.  Use your time wisely. Be aware of due dates and the work that needs to be completed. Be neat in your log book and be careful of spelling and grammar mistakes. Date all of your entries. Don’t wait until the last minutes to complete any component of your project.  Complete your experiment more than once to verify your results.  Be neat with your poster, project, and abstract. Type all information and back with construction paper on your board. Make your board look visually pleasing to the eyes.  Have fun and good luck!