1. Task Definition Evaluation Science Fair Projects Location & Access
Information Seeking
Strategies
Science Fair
Projects
Location & Access
Synthesis
Use of Information

2. Science Fair Projects USING THE BIG 6 PROCESS
In this project, students will apply the "Big Six" information gathering process to do research for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS.

3. THE BIG SIX #1 Task Definition “What do I need to know?”
What am I supposed to do?
What are the possible topics?
Science Fair Idea Exchange
What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?
Science Fair Criteria for Judging Projects
Final Check List for Projects

4. “What can I use to find what I need?”
THE BIG SIX #2
INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES
“What can I use to find what I need?”
What are the possible sources of information I can use? Click here to find science fair web sites.
What are the best sources for this assignment?
Have I used a variety of resources? (Projects which use only Internet sources will send a message that students have not searched widely for sources and will be judged accordingly)
*Go to next slide for additional information resources*

5. Science Projects: How to do them
Science Project Guidelines
 Science Projects: Samples/Ideas
High Schools Idea list
Youth Science Foundation : Useful ideas organized by grade level
Chicago Academy of Sciences idea list

6. THE BIG SIX #3 LOCATION & ACCESS “What can I use to find what I need?”
SIRS Discoverer / Pendergast Schools District Libraries
The Internet
Do I know how to use the Internet?
How to use Internet Search Engines
*Go to next slide for additional information resources*

7. *Go to next slide for additional information resources*
Magazines/News Services Online
Science Daily
Science News
The Why Files
Houston Museum of Natural Science ASK OUR EXPERTS!
Science Projects: other useful resources
Science Fair Resources
The Ultimate Science Fair Resource.
Science Fair on the Web
Science Fair Internet Resources
*Go to next slide for additional information resources*

8. INTERNET: Search Engines
Alta Vista Yahoo About Lycos
SCIENCE Links (General)
Houston Public Library's Science Links
Houston Public Library Kids Page Science Links
Houston Public Library Kids Page Science Experiments Links
Yahooligans Science Experiments (K-5)
Internet Public Library Science Project Page:

9. “What information can I use?”
THE BIG SIX #4
USE OF INFORMATION
“What information can I use?”
How will I record information? (note taking)
How will I evaluate the information?

10. “How can I put my information together?”
THE BIG SIX #5
SYNTHESIS
“How can I put my information together?”
How is the information best presented?
How will I credit my sources? (MLA format)

11. THE BIG SIX #6 EVALUATION “How will I know if I did well?”
Was your finished PRODUCT 'effective'?
Was the PROCESS you used 'efficient'?
Science Fair Criteria for Judging Projects
Final Check List for Projects

12. Science Fair Criteria for Judging Projects
5=Wow! 4=Almost There 3=Acceptable 2=Missing the Boat 1=No Evidence
I. Scientific Thought (maximum 5 points each)
_____ Problem or question is stated clearly
_____ Hypothesis is clearly stated
_____ Experimental procedure is clearly stated in an organized manner
_____ Observations of the experiment are discussed or interpreted
_____ Data is organized in a meaningful graph, table, or chart
_____ Conclusion is reasonable and based on the experiment
_____ Evidence of research or background information is presented
_____ Variables affecting results are controlled
_____ TOTAL (40 points possible)
Creativity (maximum 5 points each)
_____ Project is based on a unique idea, problem or question
_____ Idea, problem or question is handled or interpreted in a unique manner
_____ Materials are used in a unique or ingenious manner
_____ Project is displayed in a unique manner
_____ TOTAL (20 points possible)
Thoroughness (maximum 5 points each)
_____ Project has been explained (written in a clear, concise manner)
_____ There is evidence of treatment of all data collected
_____ Diligence in conducting the project is evident
Workmanship (maximum 5 points each)
_____ Display is constructed of sturdy materials
_____ The nature of the project is immediately clear to the viewer
_____ Labels, graphs, charts, written material, etc. are neatly presented
_____ The display is visually appealing
_____ The design of the project shows planning and organization
_____ TOTAL (25 points possible)

13. Final Check List for Projects
Is your problem clearly thought out and specific?
Are your facts logical and step by step? Do not include such things as reading, or construction steps.
Is your conclusion supported by your facts? Does it answer the question in your problem?
Have you done enough research to have a report showing your background knowledge of your subject?
Have you labeled everything clearly? Labels should be able to be read from 36”. Everything in your project should be labeled and its use explained.
Have you planned to set up your project in such a way that it will be attractive, colorful, and attention-getting?
Have you made drawings and diagrams to explain your projects?
Materials in your project should be labeled in such a way that your name will not be visible to the judges.