1. Science Fair Project
7th Grade
Science

2. The Steps of a Science Fair Project

3. Step 1
GET A JOURNAL!

4. Pose your idea in a form of a question!
Step 2
Pose your idea in a form of a question!

5. Step 3 Time for Research!

6. Step 4 Hypothesis

7. PLAN YOUR EXPERIMENT! (Method)
Step 5
PLAN YOUR EXPERIMENT!
(Method)

8. Step 6 Results (Data and Graph)

9. Step 7 Conclusion

10. Step 8 Resources (Bibliography):

11. Step 1: Journal:
All scientists keep a record of their observations in some form of a journal.
The journal must include date and time.
Entries must be written
clearly and with detail of description so that another scientist can read the journal, and repeat your experiment exactly.

12. Cover Page
Science Fair
Journal
Yellow Packet

13. Step 2: Question:
Choosing a question is one of the hardest parts of creating a Science Fair Project.
What are you interested in?
Music? Cooking? Machines? Books?
Choose to do a project on a subject you are interested in.
Read all the available (age-appropriate) material on your topic you can find.

14. Step 3: Research Plan
In order to have an educated prediction, you must do research about your topic
Research plan guidelines posted on my webpage

15. Step 4: The Hypothesis
What do you think may be the answer to your question? 
The hypothesis is the possible answer you will try to prove or disprove.
Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable
Use the following format:
If the IV, then the DV will_________ because ____________.

16. Step 5: Plan your Experiment
Your method will be the process by which you prove or disprove your hypothesis.
Make sure your method of investigation will answer your question and only your question.
Identify the controlled variables (constants) and the control group.
*Your experimental group will be the one tested.

17. Plan your experiment (continue)
Materials:
List all supplies and equipment
using bullets
*Make sure to include units of measurements
Procedure:
The procedure is a somewhat detailed, step - by - step description of how you conducted your experiment.
Safety precautions
Supervision
Gather materials
Etc…

18. At this point begin your experiment, keep very accurate records of everything you do.

19. Step 6: Data Table Title: DV vs. IV
The data are the values written down as the experiment progresses.
Examples of data entry on measuring plant growth:
Keep clear/precise records (journal).
Trials
Plant1
Plant2
Plant3
Control Group 1
6.2 mm 
4.9 mm
7.2 mm
7.4 mm  2 3
Average

20. Graph Title: DV vs. IV

21. Analyze Results
See yellow packet

22. Step 7: Conclusion
You asked a question, you did an experiment,
and you recorded your results.
Now it is time to write your conclusion (posted on my webpage)

23. Conclusion (continue)
The conclusion, plain and simple, is the answer to your question.
It should be clear, concise and stick to the point.
Very important:
Resist the temptation to
jump to conclusions!

24. Step 8: Bibliography (Resources)
One of the most important things
for a student to do is recognize the people and resources used in developing and conducting the project.
List the web sites, magazines, books, computer programs, etc. that were used as sources of information.
Use APA or MLA format (posted on webpage)

25. A suggested set up is posted on the next slide.
Do not put the log book (yellow packer) or the research paper on the board. Those will lay in front of the board.
If anything needs to move around, that is fine due to space but the abstract has to be where it is.
The project abstract spot should be a empty plastic page protector. This area is reserved. Do not put anything but the page protector in this spot.

26. Lay-out of your Tri-Fold Board:
Problem (Question)
Hypothesis
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Constants
(Leave an empty space for the abstrat)
Data Table
Graph
Pictures
Materials
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
Title (The effect of the IV on the DV)

27. Science Project Due Dates
Posted in my web page