1. Elementary Science Fair Projects
SUBMITTED BY-
PROF. KAPARE A.K.
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Radhabai Kale Mahila Mahavidyalaya,
Ahmednagar.

2. Elementary Science Fair Projects
The Steps for a Successful
Science Fair Project

3. The Scientific Method
You should always follow the 9 steps of the scientific method when doing a science project to be successful.

4. Step 1 – Select a Topic Selected Topic A. Student What is my interest?
B. Parent
Will I be able to help?
Selected Topic
C. Teacher
Is the project on level?

5. Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student
What are my interests?
What would I like to learn about?
Do I have a question about something?
Where to look for topics?
Science Fair books
Internet
Teacher
Does my project meet the rule requirements?

6. Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent
Should I help with the selected topic?
Does the selected project meet the rule requirements?
Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow?
Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on time?
Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?
How should I help to put the research paper and display board together?

7. Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher
Is the project at the student’s ability level?
Does the project meet the rule requirements?
Is there parent approval?
What is the timeline for each step?
Locate needed resources for students.
Are the students meeting the timelines?

8. Data/Project Log - REQUIRED
The log starts on the date you select and it is approved by the teacher
Each new entry must be dated
This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed
ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded
Remember all measurements are metric

9. Step 2 Identify the Problem
This is a sentence or question about the problem.
Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer?
Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.

10. Step 3 Collect Background Information
BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers
RESEARCH about Project Media Center Minimum of 5 references
INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic
CD ROM: Grolier Compton

11. Research Notebook - REQUIRED
Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer.
Research your topic in books and online
Make notes as you do the research
Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words
Research paper may be typed or handwritten
You are to have a minimum of five sources
Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format

12. Step 4 Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done.
Do not start with “I think.”
Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR
“If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

13. Step 5 Design an Experiment
Materials List:
All materials needed to conduct the experiment:
Paper
Pencil
Ruler
Measuring cup
Etc.
Procedure:
The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metrics.
Step 1 – gather all materials
Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment
Etc.

14. Step 6 During Experiment
Observe: Watch Look
Record: Notes Journal/Log Results
During the Experiment
Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results?

15. Step 7 Repeat the Experiment
The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times.
This is done in order to prove the results as true.

16. Step 8 Drawing A Conclusion
This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment?
Example: The can kept the soda cooler longer than the glass bottle.

17. Step 9 Application What could the results be used for?
How could I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment?
How will I use what I have learned?
How could others use the information I have gained from the experiment?

18. The Display Board Title/ Question Graphs Charts Pictures
Data/
Results
Conclusion
Application
Hypothesis
Procedure
*Abstract
Optional
Notebook and Log
Required

19. Websites
1)      Science Fair Center -
2)      Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents –
3)      What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?
4)      Discovery School .com –
5)      Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) -
6)      Science Projects
7)      IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide -
8)      Successful Science Fair Projects -
9)  Science Fair Prep -
10)  Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) -
11)  Science Fair Ideas – USGS –
12)  Yahoo – Ask Earl -
13)  Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects -
14)  Lycos Search -
15)  Science Fair Resource Center -
16)  Science Fair Links -

20. You are able to be successful!
Good Luck
You are able to be successful!