1. Science Fair

2. Scientific Method

3. Ask a Question
Ask a question about something you observe…What? When? Who? Which? Why? Or Where?
Must be measurable.

4. Background Research
Research your topic to learn as much as you can about it.
Has your question already been answered?

5. Construct a Hypothesis
If ____ (I do this)_____, then ___(this)_____ will happen.
Must be in an “If….then” statement
NO PRONOUNS!
Make a prediction!

6. Test your hypothesis This must be done three times…at least!
Take pictures!
Record EVERYTHING!

7. Analyze Data and Conclusion
Analyze your findings and decide if you hypothesis was true or false.
Either way is good!

8. Communicate your results
Final Report
Poster
Talking about it at Science Fair

9. Finding an Idea Topic Selection Wizard
Science Fair Central
Education.com

10. Finding an idea YOU CANNOT JUST DO THE PROJECT FROM A WEBSITE!
YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!

12. ASSIGNMENT:

13. Lab Notebook
You will need to keep track of all the background research and data you collect.
You will need to keep things organized!
A lab notebook is a great way to keep it all together. You can use a composition notebook or spiral notebook. Keep EVERYTHING!

14. Research Plan
Research Plan is a roadmap of the research questions that need to be answered.
Make a list of key words and form questions that need to be answered.
Then find the answers!

15. Example Questions

19. Finding Information

20. Bibliography

22. MLA Format

23. ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH PLAN BIBLIOGRAPHY AT LEAST THREE SOURCES
ONE NON-ELECTRONIC SOURCE

24. RESEARCH PAPER
PURPOSE IS TO GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION TO UNDERSTAND YOUR PROJECT.
INCLUDE:
History of similar experiments or inventions
Definition of all important words and concepts that describe your experiment.
Answers to all your background research questions.
Mathematical formulas if any
No more than 3 pages.

25. Assignment:
Research Paper Checklist

26. Variables
Independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist.
Dependent variables are the things that the scientist focuses observations on to see how they respond to the independent variable.
Controls are quantities or conditions that are the same or constant in the experiment
Examples

27. Writing a Hypothesis
If….then statement with no pronouns
Examples.

28. Assignment

29. Experimental Design
Experimental Group – the group that has the independent variable changed
Control Group – the group that nothing happens to
Number of Trials – ATLEAST THREE!!

30. Materials A list of EVERYTHING you need to conduct the experiment
Include amounts!

31. Procedure Step by step! In a numbered list! NO PROUNOUNS!
Like a recipe!
Must be reproducible!

33. Assignment
Turn in materials list and procedures

34. Conduct the experiment
Conduct your experiment according to the procedure.
Repeat it three times or have things in triplicate!

35. Data Analysis and Graphs
Review your data.
Did you miss something?
Did you make a mistake?
Calculate an average for the trials.
Make a clearly labeled graph and table including units!
Place your independent variable on the x-axis.

37. Assignment
Show Mrs. Zimmer a graph from your experiment.

38. Conclusion Summarize your project in a few sentences.
State whether or not your supported your hypothesis.
Summarize your procedure and make comments.
Suggest changes.

39. Example

40. Assignment
Turn in conclusion

41. Abstract
Abstract is an abbreviated version of your science fair project final report..
Introduction
Problem statement or hypothesis
Procedure
Results
Conclusion

42. Example

43. Final Report Title Page Abstract Table of Contents
Question, Variable, Hypothesis
Research Paper
Material List
Procedure
Data
Conclusion
Ideas for further research
Acknowledgements
Bibliography

44. Assignment
Turn in Final Report

45. Display Board

46. Requirement MUST BE APPROVED BY MRS. ZIMMER BEFORE GLUEING
MUST BE TYPED – NO HANDWRITING
MUST BE STRAIGHT AND NEAT
NOT TOO BUSY