The second most difficult part of Science Fair

Scientific Writing Never use the personal pronoun “I”. For instance, do not use, “I think…” Use instead, “The researcher…” or “It was observed that… This applies to all Science Fair – except the log book.

The Research Plan This is a step by step plan of how you will conduct your experiment, how you will analyze the data and a listing of the bibliographic citations of your background research. It must be word-processed and turned in with several forms It must be formatted JUST LIKE it shows!!!! The procedure and materials list from the plan must then be written into your log book.

The directions for the Research Plan can be found on my teacher webpage as “Student Checklist Form (1A) and the Research Plan.”

Here’s How A. Question (Type your question) B. Hypothesis (State your hypothesis. If you are doing an engineering project, state your problem and goal) C. Method and Analysis Procedure (or more steps) Analysis of Data (or more steps)

For the procedure it must be in numbered steps that are so specific that ANYONE could replicate your experiment. Visualize exactly what you will do! DO NOT say, “then… then… then…” Include how you will control all the constants, how many trials you will have, all ways you will measure. Be sure to include each piece of equipment you will need and how it will be used. All measurements MUST BE in METRIC. NOTE: for you watering plants etc., you will need to get a “dosing syringe” from a pharmacist.

If you are using humans or hazardous materials you have MORE to include in your plan!!! See down at the bottom of the page for all you have to include with part C. of your plan.

For the analysis, you must state how you will evaluate your data. What will you compare? What kind of graphs will you use? Those doing “mathy” projects, must find out what kind of statistical tests you will use. See if you can get a math teacher to help you. You may need to use a “t-test” on your data.

Part D is your bibliography. You will be doing this in the computer lab this week.

You will have 3 forms to fill out and turn in with the Research Plan These will be available on my teacher webpage: Form 1 – Adult Sponsor Form 1A – Student Checklist Form 1B – Approval Form (parent must sign) If you are using humans, you must also have EACH human fill out the “Human Subject Form (4)” If you are using any sort of hazardous substance you must fill out form 2 and 3. We will fill out Student Checklist Form 1A and Adult Sponsor Form in the computer lab together this week. Fill any others needed online and then print a copy for me.

So…. Here is your assignment. As homework, write the Procedure and Analysis part of the Research Plan. Have a parent look over it and see what you are missing, according to your notes and this Powerpoint BEFORE you have me look at it. Everyone should do a typed, rough draft and turn on Wednesday, October 8. After that, put it in my basket and I will do my best to make comments on it within 2 days. We will work on forms and the bibliography in the computer lab this week. Any other time in NBI and the computer lab can be spent typing the Research Plan.

Timetable Change I have made a change to the timetable – the final copy of the Research Plan is not due until October 16, along with the forms. BUT, if you are using humans or hazardous materials – you need to get it to me in finished form before that – we have to turn it in to the county office for approval!!!

It is all due October 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the BIG push now!!!

You can do it!!