1. What makes a good science fair project
What makes a good science fair project? Eq: What are the most effective ways to carry out a scientific inquiry?

2. Finding a Topic --- 7th grade
Probably the most difficult step in the process!
Think about how you can improve your life with science?
How could science help you in sports?
How could science help you build a better machine?
How could science help you become a better musician?
How could science help you become a better cook?
The ways in which science can help you become a better you are endless!

3. Finding a Topic --- 7th Grade
Your topic is to be focused on how science can improve your life/lives of others
Ex: Running
Research Question: What factors affect a runner’s average 1 mile pace?
Possible independent variables:
Shoes worn
How tight laces are
Temperature of air
Humidity
Terrain
NO SCIENCE BUDDIES/KIT PROJECTS/PINTEREST!!

4. Finding a Topic – 8th Grade
Probably the most difficult step in the process!
Think about how you can improve the lives of others with science?
How could you help a family member with a disability?
BE CAREFUL!! This should be more of an engineering project vs. a pure science project
How could science help improve an existing machine?
What local environmental issues need solving?
The ways in which science can help others is endless!

5. 1. Develop The Project Question/Purpose
Find a relevant topic of interest
Must be a topic that will help you/others improve some aspect of your/their life
Write a question to be answered (How, What, When, Which, or Why?)

6. Sample Log Book Set up – Paper Airplanes
EQ: What are the most effective ways to carry out a scientific inquiry?

7. Log book rules All entries must be in black ink pen
Write on the RIGHT hand side of the page only
No scribbling out or erasing. If you make a mistake, strike through it once and carry on like nothing even happened.
I made a mistake I corrected my mistake
Number pages as you go
Do not pre-set Table of Contents

8. Sample Log book Set Up 7th Grade
Front cover --- Name, Best Flying Paper Airplane, Mrs. Belaski
Page List and center: your name, Fairplay MS, Hwy 166, Douglasville, GA 30135, 2017
Page 2: Label -- Table of Contents
p. 3 Problem Statement
p. 4 Research
Page 3: Label : Problem
Write word for word : What factor makes a paper airplane fly farther?
Page 4: Label: Research
This is where you will write and cite your research

9. Sample Log book set up --- 8th grade
Front cover --- Name, Carrying Cargo, Mrs. Belaski
Page List and center: your name, Fairplay MS, Hwy 166, Douglasville, GA 30135, 2017
Page 2: Label -- Table of Contents
p. 3 Problem Statement
p. 4 Research
Page 3: Label : Problem Statement
Write word for word : What factor enables a paper airplane to carry the most cargo?
Page 4: Label: Research
This is where you will write and cite your research

10. Research Use a minimum of three sources of information on the topic
Use scholarly sources (Don’t cite search engines such as Google)
Cite sources in APA format (with in-text citations)
Go to LINKS on my website for the link below:
APA Format
You want to be able to build on the experience of others
Background research helps you understand theory and informs the experimental design
Record information in the Science Fair Logbook

11. Hypothesis
Label the next section of your logbook HYPOTHESIS, and number the page
Go to table of contents, record page number with the word “Hypothesis”
Identify Variables:
Independent Variable – the factor that will changed
Dependent Variable – the factor that will be measured
Constants --- variables that will not change

12. hypothesis Predict the outcome of the experiment
The hypothesis should include the independent and dependent variables
Record the hypothesis in Science Fair Logbook
Must be in the if, then format

13. Experimentation/DATA Collection
Turn the page, number, and label it MATERIALS
Go to table of contents, record page number with the word “Materials”
Identify needed materials, turn the page
Inform me of any materials you will need next week (special paper, etc)
3. Number the next page.
Label it EXPERIMENTAL STEPS
Enter the page number and “Experimental Steps” into your Table of Contents
Write out your experimental steps, be very specific!
4. Skip 5 pages, number as you go and label the page DATA
Enter the page number and “Data” into your table of contents

14. Creating Data tables EX: Independent Variable: Size of wing
EX: 4 cm wings
Trial number: 1
Distance Flown 2 3
You will need six data tables
3 variables tested x 2 variations of each variable
2 tables per page!
Test each variable 3 times
To ensure a more accurate number
Average the results
Add the trials (there should be three) and divide by 3
EX: 8 cm wings
Trial number: 1
Distance Flown 2 3

15. Data Collection
You will be collecting data on your 3 independent variables.
Must have a completed materials list and experimental steps before beginning!
Add materials to materials list as used
Add/adjust experimental steps as needed
Black pen only in logbook
Fill in data in data tables
Materials on the back counter or in the art drawers --- keep it tidy!
We will be working in the hallway. Minimize the noise!
Take all necessary materials into the hall with you.
Logbook, black pen, plane, rulers, etc
Time is of the essence! Do not waste it

16. Graphing data
Turn to the next open page, number it, and title it GRAPHS
Look at the data collected, what type of graph would most appropriately display the data collected?
Bar graph is usually easiest
You will have 3 graphs
1 per independent variable, 1 per page
Label the X axis, title it with your first independent variable
Label the Y axis, title it: Distance Flown (7th grade) or Number of Paper Clips Carried (8th grade)
Start with O and then determine the correct numbers up the side
Graph the data collected (averages)

18. Analysis
Skip four pages, numbering as you go, and stop on the fifth page. Number, then title this page ANALYSIS
Go to Table of Contents, write the page number and the word ANALYSIS
This is where you reflect on your data tables and graphs and describe how each variable affected the distance your plane flew (7th grade) or the number of pennies your plane carried (8th grade)
EXPLAIN THE NUMBERS ON YOUR GRAPHS IN WORDS!

19. Conclusion
Skip 3 pages, numbering as you go. Stop at the 4th page, title it CONCLUSION
Go to Table of Contents, enter page number and CONCLUSION
Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis
State the relationship between the independent and dependent variable
Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness
Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design)
and/or possibilities for further study

21. Conclude
Summarize the data and highlight significant data, differences, and/or trends
Summarize the science fair and use this summary to support the conclusion project results
Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis
Include key facts from the background research to help explain the results as needed
If appropriate, state the relationship between the independent and dependent variable
Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness
Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design)
and/or possibilities for further study

22. 6. Conduct the experiment and analyze the results
Measurements are made accurately and precisely
Collect data in a table in the Science Fair Logbook
Graph data
Analyze data

23. The DISPLAY BOARD Organize it like a newspaper
The title should be easily read from across the room
Use at least 24 point font for text
Use tables, graphs, diagrams, and photos (no pictures of people)
The logbook, abstract and paperwork should be present with the display board.
It should be neat, attractive, organized, and without distractions.

24. The DISPLAY BOARD

25. The PRESENTATION You will be presenting in class.
I will guide you through the process by asking the same questions of all presenters.
This will be graded.
I will model a presentation for you in the days before presentations begin