1. How to do…
A Science Fair Project

2. IDEAS????
Let the student come up with something that interests them!!!
Search for science fair projects on the internet or in the library.
Be creative!!!!
Begin looking now and recording ideas in the log book.

3. Types of Projects
Observations
Model
Experiment
Invention
Collection

4. Where to start…Log Book
Include a DATED log book. It is required of all projects.
Spelling and grammar are not graded.
For younger students….you may help by writing. Please allow them to do most and they must disclose who helped them. (Try writing what they say and then have them copy what you wrote.)

5. Parts of a Project Log Book Background Information Problem/Variables
Hypothesis
Procedure
Data (depending on type of project)
Results
Conclusion
Scientific Worth

6. More on the Log Book
All of your work should be in your log book!!! This includes ideas, step by step instructions, background info, data, observations and conclusions.
The log book should allow anyone to reproduce the project.
REMEMBER…dated entries!!!!

7. Background Information
History related to the topic
Significance of the topic
Facts…major terms, definitions
Procedural information about methods, equipment, measurement
Minimum of 3 sources!!!!

8. An Experiment Study
Important steps to include for an Experiment Study.
If you are doing another type of study, please consult the Project Scoring Guides in the Parkway Science Fair Manual for guidelines.

9. Variables IV: Independent Variable Control: A base of comparison
What is being changed
Control: A base of comparison
Usually zero amount of the IV
CV: Constant Variable
When, What, Where & How
DV: Dependent Variable
What is watched & recorded

10. Problem Why are you doing this project?
Clearly stated question about the IV –DV relationship.
Example…
What is the effect of (IV) on the (DV) of/in (Your subject or system you are studying)?

11. Example of Problem IV: Added Mass DV: Flight Distance
Subject: Paper Airplanes
What is the effect of added mass on the flight distance of a paper airplane?

12. Hypothesis
If experiment… An “If…., then….” statement that predicts the expected IV-DV relationship.
Example…If mass is added to the paper airplane, then its flight distance will decrease.

13. Procedure
Variables are clearly defined. (What is the IV and how was it changed? What is the DV and how was it measured? What CV’s were held constant?)
All materials used must be listed!
Include NUMBERED steps.
Use METRIC!!!
Include on display AND in log book.

14. Trials & Samples Minimum of 3 repetitions.
The control is identified, clearly described and used as a comparison for at least 3 alterations of the IV.
Some experiments may not have a control.

15. Results
Data Table shows changes of IV and data for the DV in EACH trial/sample.
Data table must include title, labels and appropriate units.
Graph shows IV-DV relationship. IV on the x-axis, DV on the y-axis, and uses averages. Label all axes and units.
Include a WRITTEN summary of results.

16. Conclusion/Scientific Worth
Conclusion must include reaction to hypothesis consistent with results. Also includes link to hypothesis and background information. Explains results.
Student must reflect on the following the procedure and on improvements/extensions for future study/scientific worth. (If they did again, what would they change. Did they think of another project or element of study?)

17. Do’s & Don’ts
DON’T include any names on the project, in the log book or on the display.
DON’T include faces in any pictures.
DO make sure all measurements are in METRIC.
DO…Have fun and be creative!!!!

18. Display Title Problem Hypothesis Background Information & Bibliography
Variables
Materials
Procedure
Data Table/Graph
Summary of Results
Conclusion & Scientific Worth
Logbook on Base

19. Display
The display should not be bigger than 60 cm wide by 60 cm deep by 120 cm high.
Do not include pictures with faces or names!!!!
Display should be creative, neat and use correct grammar and spelling.

20. Judging Criteria & Info
Use the Parkway Science Fair Manual.
Scoring guides are included.
Make sure you include everything in the scoring guide for a successful project!!!!
Sciencefair/Sciencefairmanual.pdf

21. When is the Science Fair?
Projects Due…
January 25th
They must be at school by 8:30 am in order to be judged!
Math/Science Night Celebration/Awards
January 31st
At 8:00 pm, after the activities conclude, there will be an awards ceremony in the library.

22. Awards
All participants will receive a participant ribbon and certificate.
Projects that win a blue ribbon will move on to the Parkway Science Fair.
Parkway Science North High
Projects Placed February 29th 4-6:30 pm
Removal & Awards March 2nd 2:30-4 pm