1. Science Research at Spruce Creek High School
Science Fair

2. Science Fair: The Movie
But the only way to International (from VCS) is to finish first place in the Florida State STEM Fair

3. Why Do Research?
Doing research is simply an organized way of looking for the answer to a question or finding the solution to a problem. As examples:
Without research there would be no new designs of cars/trucks/planes
Without research we would not understand the impact of driving on the beach on sea turtle nesting, total petroleum hydrocarbon levels, or compaction.
Without research we would not know how clean tanning beds are or where the most microbe laden areas of Spruce Creek are.

4. What are we asking you to do?
Ask a question or pose a problem.
Do some background research on the question or problem.
Design an experiment to answer the question or an engineering goal to solve a problem.
Fill out the appropriate science fair forms for approval.
Conduct the research.
Analyze the results
Write a scientific abstract
Present your research in class

5. Pre-IB Chemistry Options
You may conduct individual research or be part of a team.
You may choose any acceptable area to carry out research, not just chemistry.

6. All Pre-IB 10th Graders Will do independent science research.
Will prepare a science fair board/poster
Will present their project to their class.
Have the option of entering the school expo for a chance to compete at Regional Fair

7. First Quarter Time Line
1. Thursday, August 30: General research proposal due. This includes:
Tentative title and purpose of the project along with a general experimental approach to the problem/question.
2. September 20: All science fair paperwork due including project proposal – FUTURE TENSE
All students will turn in a
Checklist for Adult Sponsor Form I
Student Checklist Form IA
Research Plan Attachment (no handwritten research plans will be accepted!) with 5 references per student minimum
Approval Form IB
Risk Assessment Form 3
Other Forms as needed

8. Forms
All Forms will be accessed through the Science Fair Canvas Course Forms must be filled out digitally and printed with all signatures. No pencil

9. Do Not Start Until Form 1B is signed
Do these forms right the first time
You will keep getting them back until they are right

10. ISEF Rules We adhere to all ISEF rules.
These rules are meant to keep you/ the people around you/ animals/ test subjects safe.
All science fair projects must be approved prior to experimentation by one of two review committees.

11. Review Committees Scientific Review Board
Approves all non- human projects particularly those that involve the use of pathogens, recombinant DNA, hazardous substances or devices, controlled substances.
Includes Ph.D. in the Biol. Sciences with experience in animal care, and other science teachers.
Institutional Review Board
Approves all projects involving human subjects.
Includes school psychologist, school administrator, science teachers

12. Categories Animal Sciences Environmental Engineering
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Biomedical and Health Sciences
Cellular/Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
Chemistry
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Intelligent Machines, Robotics & Systems Software
Mathematics & Computational Sciences
Microbiology
Physics and Astronomy
Plant Sciences

13. Not All Projects are Created Equal
MUST go to Regional Fair
Human Subjects
BSL1 or BSL2 (micro)
Cannot be done at all
Use of fire arms/fire works
Growing mold
Option to go to Regional Fair
No particular Hazard
Teams
2 or 3 students
Same Teacher
2x, 3x, or more work, trials, complexity expected
Obvious reason for a team

14. Time Line for the Project
August 30th : Two ideas you are willing to pursue
This includes: a tentative title, purpose of the project along with a general experimental approach to the problem/question, including variables, for both ideas.
. About one paragraph is all that is needed.
At least one source for each should be cited.

15. Quantitative Data (numerical)
Grade level complexity is expected.
Should have sufficient numerical data.
Data should be analyzed
Linear Regression with r2
T-test
Chi-Square C2

16. DO NOT START THE PROJECT
Log Book
August 30th
Proof that you have purchased a log book, have created a title page and started to record your initial literature research.
You need to make an entry, in ink, with a time and date, every time you work on the project.
Include who else is present and what was done.
DO NOT START THE PROJECT

17. Botany/ Zoology/Behavior

18. Biochemistry/ Chemistry

19. Computer Science

20. Earth Science/ Astronomy

21. Engineering Projects

22. Engineering: Applied Science

23. Environmental Science

24. Mathematics

25. Medicine and Health

26. Microbiology College or medical lab

27. Physics

28. Team (2 or 3 persons only)

29. Special Forms
1C If you plan to do your research in another lab/facility. You may also need The Qualified Scientist/Designated Supervisor forms.
e.g. ERAU, hospital lab, environmental health management lab, DBCC

30. Bacteria or Other Pathogens NO MOLD
Can only be done under supervision (Qualified Scientist with at least an MS Degree in Micro. /Designated Supervisor)
Can only be done in an approved lab. NOTE: this cannot be done at school or at home.

31. Genetically Modified Organisms: Recombinant DNA
Special Forms
Only done in a research laboratory that has itself received SRC or IRB institutional approval.

32. Controlled Substances
Must have a Qualified Scientist/ Designated Supervisor.
Examples: prescription drugs including antibiotics; alcohol

33. Hazardous Devices
Require Qualified Scientist and/or Designated Supervisor
Eg. LASERs, trebuchets, power tools
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

34. Hazardous Substances
Must have Qualified Scientist/ Designated Supervisor
Must have detailed safety procedures in place.
Must often be done at school or an approved facility.
Requires MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) forms for each substance to be listed in the bibliography AND you need to read it. Please insert in log book and highlight important information

35. Vertebrates
Requires special form and approval of a veterinarian who acts as the Qualified Scientist
Mice/rats/hamsters, etc. must be purchased from a biological supply co., not a pet store.
Includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Special mortality reporting forms and requirements.

36. Projects Using Human Subjects
Requires Form 4, IRB approval, and detailed experimental design including any surveys.

37. The Most Difficult Task: Choosing a Science Fair Problem/Question
1. Choose to something you’re really interested e.g. fishing, surfing, soccer, running, playing an instrument, sleeping, computers, physical attractiveness.
Do runners with longer legs have longer strides?
Do wind instrument players and singers have a greater lung capacity than non wind instrument players/ singers.
Does wind velocity have anything to do with the amount of fish caught?
Is the amount of sleep a student gets prior to an exam predictive of the grade received on that exam?
Do babyish looks cause a perception of inexperience/ or a lack of confidence?

38. 2. Choose something topical. Look at newspapers/magazines
Examples:
Does driving on the beach cause an increase in beach erosion?
Are tanning beds clean?
Is there an increased coliform bacteria count in spring areas where young children swim?
Do people living near busy intersections have a greater incidence of respiratory ailments?

39. 3. Investigate questions you want answered
What factors are most predictive of Ivy League acceptance at Spruce Creek High School? Are cross country runners or swimmers more flexible? What do different bird tail configurations do aerodynamically? Is it possible to modify a truck such that it gets better gas mileage?

40. Look at science catalogs for animals/plants/kits that can be purchased inexpensively
Examples: Sea urchins for the purpose of obtaining eggs and sperm. Daphnia which allow heart rate to be easily monitored Particle collection papers to monitor airborne particulates. Irradiated plant seeds. Specific fertilizers containing either potassium, nitrogen or phosphorus. Water testing kits.

41. Due Date is November 8 for 9th and 10th grade Due date is November 26 for 11th and 12th grade
A completed abstract – found in the Science Fair Canvas Course must be printed out or affixed to your board
Should be ready to present for 5 to 7 minutes about the entirety of your project

42. Science Fair Display

43. Spruce Creek Science Expo Week of 11/26

44. Tomoka Regional Science Fair January 25th and January 26th Stetson University Florida Science Fair Lakeland March 26-28

45. Have Fun!!!