1. Middle School Science Fair
All You Need to Know!

2. Topic Information 1. Title
2. Is this an experiment or demonstration? Remember, demonstrations not allowed!
Experiment: Varying a factor to observe the cause and effect
Demonstration: Showing how something works (no cause and effect)
3. What is the question that you are conducting your experiment about?
4. What are you changing in the experiment (cause)? (Test/Independent variable)
5. What are you measuring in the experiment (effect)? (Outcome/Dependent variable)
6. What METRIC unit will you use to collect data? (centimeters, meters, liters, grams, etc.)
7. Brief description of what you are doing.
8. Can you obtain the materials for this project?
9. Can this project be completed in 3 weeks?
10. How can the information from this project be used in the real world?

3. Log book Take detailed notes through the whole process.
Page 1-Title, page 2-Table of Contents,
Page 3- September Timeline
(if started in September), Page 4- October Timeline, Page 5- November Timeline, Page 6 – December Timeline
•Page 7- Previous projects…In 6th grade I…give question, a brief description of the experiment and conclusion. (2 projects) If no projects describe 2 labs done in class.
• Other page headings – Proposal, Research, Plans for data, Results, Draft analysis…
Keep detailed notes of measurements and observations
Use data tables or charts to record quantitative data
Original writing
Could be used to PROVE what you actually did
Use ink, do not remove pages, do not use whiteout, if you make an error cross it out with a single line. If you make errors with collecting data you should write your initials and date beside the line.

4. Project Proposal Log book page

5. Purpose • No first person or personal pronouns
• Explain why are you doing this project
• Why did THIS experiment interest you?
• Should be a paragraph and single spaced  

6. Research your topic…
Literature Review: Use science journals/internet/library to learn more about your topic
Seek out adults, professionals that know about your topic
Look for unexplained or unexpected results
Ask why? What if?
Identify a “testable” question.
Can variable(s) be identified and tested against original set of conditions
Can the question/problem be completed in the amount of time allowed for the project?

7. Non Inquiry Based Research
Not all areas of study are best served by scientific method….BE AWARE
Engineering Projects – creating things that never were
Define a need…How can I make this better?
Develop or establish a design criteria
Background research /literature search – what has already been done and what makes it good and what makes it weak
Prepare preliminary designs and materials list. Include costs and user requirements
Build and test a prototype. Consider reliability, repair and servicing
Retest and redesign as necessary. Product testing
Computer Science Projects
Creating and/or writing new algorithms to solve a problem or improve existing one
Simulations, models or virtual reality are other areas
Mathematics Projects
Involves proofs, solving equations
Math is the language of science and used to explain existing phenomena or prove new concepts or ideas

8. Research Project Approval…
FORMS
Define the question/problem
Teacher approval
Parent approval
What is the hypothesis and/or expected outcome(s)?
Plan your experimental procedures
Procedure – detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
Include all safety procedures
Must be a “controlled” experiment – one variable changed at a time
Include sufficient numbers to be statistically valid
Data Analysis – describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer the research question(s)
Include list of materials
Bibliography –
list at least 5 major resources from your literature review
Include resources used to develop experimental design and/or safety procedures

9. Research
1.) source-detailed
Notes from source

10. Research Summary
Assume the reader doesn’t know anything about your topic and you are explaining them all there is to know about your topic and your variables.
This information is based on what you already know about your topic and what you learned from your background research.
For example, if you are doing an experiment on paper towel absorption you would write about what paper towels are and how they absorb water. You would also include what makes each brand of paper towel (that you will use in your experiment) unique in absorbing liquids (quilting, double-ply, etc.).
Paragraphs 1-2=Introduction. Familiarize your reader with your experimental topic.
Paragraphs 3-6+=Explain all test(independent) variables and your outcome(dependent) variable. This is an explanation of the differences between each variable and how it would relate to your topic. For example, if you are testing paper towel absorbency you would explain all the types of paper towels you are going to use and how they are made or what they are made of( paper towel properties) that could affect water absorbency. **DO NOT talk about the actual experiment because you haven’t performed it yet.
Last Paragraph=Summary/conclusion
Background information written in expository style writing (third person). No first person or personal pronouns.
Written in your OWN words. Do not cut and paste information from sources.
Should be 2-4 pages double-spaced typed with size 12 font.

11. Hypothesis
• Size 12 font
• Written as in IF….., then…..because statement that is a complete sentence.
• “If” is the cause part of the statement that relates test(independent) variable.
• “Then” is effect part of statement that is the outcome(dependent) variable with prediction of what will happen to the dependent variable that is being measured.
• “Because” part of the statement is a reason why supported from your research.
Written as a formalized style using the following template:
If (test/independent variable), then (prediction of what will happen to the outcome/dependent variable when the test/independent variable changes) because (why?).
**When making your prediction, pick one of your independent variables and then predict if the dependent variable will be greater or less and why.
If the drop height of blood is increased, then dropping blood from 100 cm will create the largest splatter because it is farthest from the ground.

12. MATERIALS
Double-spaced type with size 12 font.
List all materials used including Science Journal.
Use metric measurements.
Each material should be listed separately.
Be specific with amounts, sizes, brands, etc.
PROCEDURES
Number the steps. Do not write the word “step” or use order words or bullets.
Double-spaced type size 12 font. If step is longer than 1 line, single space that step, then double space between numbered steps.
List all steps separately
Be specific with amounts/ sizes. Don’t forget to use metric measurements.
Clear and concise-sequential.
No first person or personal pronouns.
Reader should be able to replicate (conduct) the experiment using your directions.
Test (independent) and Outcome (dependent) variables and the control are emphasized meaning the reader should know what is being changed, what is being measured, and what is used as a comparison.
Pictures or drawings are used to support written directions if needed.
Make sure one step says to record data in Science Journal
Also include a step that references to repetition (multiple trials at least 3)

13. Design and conduct your experiment
Step 3 video
Write your Hypothesis log book page
Write your materials list- Log book page
Write your procedures - Log book page
Experiment notes -Log book page
Data chart for experiment – Log book page
Results, analysis, conclusion

14. Analyze Data Examine and organize your findings
Make “pictures” (graphs)
Identify patterns
Did you get expected results? Why or why not?
Was the experiment performed EXACTLY?
Are there any other explanations not originally considered?
Were there any data errors?
Statistically analyze your data and be able to explain their meaning

15. Data Analysis • Single space type paragraph
• No first person or pronouns
• Describe observations
• Compare results (averages) to your control experiment
• Discuss results by using specific data (will include numbers) by comparing the results in your experiment. What happened to the data? Did the variable increase, decrease? By how much?
• How did the data vary between trials?
• Explain the source of errors/potential errors in data

17. Graphs!
For help creating graphs go to:
• Graphs are all on separate sheets and should be colorful.
• If graphs are not created by computer they should be on graph paper and not completed in pencil (you may use colored pencils)
• All trials (at least 3) and averages of trials are represented on separate graphs.
• Each graph should have a title and the X and Y axis should be labeled in metric units
• X axis (horizontal) is Test (independent) variable; Y axis (vertical) is Outcome (dependent) variable
• Control is evident. This is what your data is being compared to.

18. Using statistics
Examine your results Step 4 video

19. Communicate your Experiment and Results https://www. jpl. nasa
Communicate your Experiment and Results Step 5 video

20. Conclusions Did the variable(s) tested cause change when
compared to the standard?
What patterns did you see from graph analysis?
Which variable(s) were important?
Did you collect enough data?
It’s ok if results do not support your hypothesis
Were there errors that may have caused differences? If so, what?
What are the practical applications of your research?
How could this project be used in the real world?
How would you improve the experiment and what would you do differently?

21. Formal Presentation of Research
RESEARCH PAPER
Title Page and Table of Contents
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
References/Bibliography

23. Required FORMS for competition…
Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1) – pre-experiment
Adult Sponsor/teacher carefully reviews the entire Research Plan and signs prior to experimentation
Check for additional PROTOCOL FORMS that might be needed to do the experiment
Student Checklist (1A)
Student information
Continuation?
Start and end dates
Where is experiment conducted?
Approval Form (1B) – Student and Parent approval
Understand Possible dangers
HAVE READ AND WILL FOLLOW THE RULES & GUIDELINES
Ethics statement
SRC/IRB Approval if REQUIRED BEFORE EXPERIMENTATION
Human Subjects
Vertebrates
Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents (PHBA’s)
Hazardous Chemicals, Activities, and Devices (SSEF RULE)
ATTACH COMPLETE Research Plan – Question/Hypothesis; procedures; Bibliography
ATTACH PROTOCOL FORMS if required

24. Title Page
• DO NOT include section title (TITLE PAGE). Only place where section title is not written on top of page.
• Name of project capitalized properly and spelled correctly. May use larger than size 12 font.
• Heading in lower right-hand corner. Use correct heading.
• Write out date (January 1, 2011) and DO NOT USE numbers like 1/1/11
• No pictures

25. Table of Contents Double space between parts
• Type all section titles in all capital letters and double space between parts
• Section titles on left side and page numbers on right side
• Only put number of first page if section is more than one page long.
Double space between parts
PURPOSE Page 1
RESEARCH Page 2
HYPOTHESIS Page 6
MATERIALS Page 7
PROCEDURES Page 8
DATA TABLE Page 9
GRAPHS Page 10
OBSERVATIONS/ANALYSIS Page 14
CONCLUSION Page 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY Page 16
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Page 17

26. Conclusion • No first person or personal pronouns
• Single space with 12 font
1st paragraph
• Restate the hypothesis in “If…then…” form.
• State if hypothesis was supported or not supported and tell WHY, include data from your experiment to support conclusion.
• Compare averages from your trials to help support your decision.
• You should use numbers (data) from your experiment to prove why results support or do not support your hypothesis.
2nd paragraph
• Show how knowledge gained can be used in real life.
3rd paragraph
• What would you do differently if you did this experiment again?
• What other experiments should be conducted if you wanted to expand on the same idea in the future?

27. Bibliography Websites to help you (use MLA citations)
See Reference Section of your Binder for directions on how to write a bibliography.
Need at least 3-5 current sources
Alphabetical order by first word of each entry.
2nd line and all others indented 5 spaces.
Each entry is single space typed BUT double spaced BETWEEN entries.
Period goes at end of each entry.
Do not number entries or use bullets.
Size 12 font

28. Who do you want to give thanks for helping you with your project?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Who do you want to give thanks for helping you with your project?

29. Sample Display 1

30. Formal Presentation of Research
VISUAL DISPLAY
Good, scientific title
Photographs – must be appropriate and cited
Organized – follows a sequence
Eye-catching and NEAT
Correctly presented and well-constructed
Must meet the Display & Safety Requirements

31. Sample Display 2

32. Display Board Rubric Superior SF Board Rubric (Sections 5 pts each)
Material ______
Procedure _____
Abstract ______
Title __________
Purpose _______
Hypothesis _____
Graphs ________
Charts ________
Conclusion _____
Application _____
Superior
10 pts
Satisfactory
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
2 pts
In proper order
Somewhat in order
Most not in order
Sections
Easy to read
Somewhat easy to read
Not easy to read
Information
Extra effort into display
Somewhat effort into display
Little effort into display
Neatness in Display
Total (with 20 pt curve) ___________

33. SF Presentation Rubric
Superior
10 pts
Satisfactory
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
2 pts
Can be heard easily
Somewhat easy to hear
Not speaking loud enough
Expression
Organized
Somewhat organized
Poorly organized
Good understanding of major concepts
Some basic understanding of major concepts
Poor understanding of major concepts
Knowledge
Does not exceed 3-5 minutes
Beyond 5 minutes
Less than 3 minutes
Length
Effective presentation
Somewhat effective presentation
Ineffective presentation
Overall
Total (with 50 pt curve) _______________________

34. Formal Presentation of Research
Abstract
250 words on one page
Purpose of the experiment
Procedures used
Data and conclusions
Research applications
Official Form –

35. Abstract • Summary of project
• Written in 3rd person and typed with 12 point font single spaced with paragraphs.
• Includes the purpose. Why are you doing this project, why did this experiment interest you?
• Include the hypothesis written as an If, then because statement.
• Brief procedure. No numbered steps and only the important steps are listed. This should be a shorten version of your procedure.
• Summary of analysis.
• Summary of conclusion. Do not have to restate hypothesis.
• Include how knowledge gained can be used in the real world.