1. Secrets of a GREAT Science Fair Project
… and how parents can help
Dr. O.C. Lam

2. Because a Science Fair is
Why do a Science Fair?
Because a Science Fair is
FUN
Really! 

3. Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair
“Don't be afraid to try something even though it might not work. Let your imagination run wild and be creative.“
Top 3 students at the Intel ISEF.
Each received a $50,000 scholarship.

4. Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair
“Read science magazines... and research on the Internet to see what is currently being done in science. Always choose a topic that interests you and make sure whatever you choose is possible to do in time and with the equipment available. “

5. More advice to students at
Advice from Participants at the International Science & Engineering Fair
“Ask your science teacher for help. Don't be shy--call professors at local universities or even them. “
More advice to students at

6. Cash Awards
Great prizes
Scholarships
Summer positions
Credentials for college admissions
Meet famous scientists
Develop friendships with people you meet

7. Five Types of Projects
Inquiry Project
Engineering Project
Computer Science Project
Mathematical Project
Theoretical Project

8. Inquiry Project Data driven. Analysis and application of that data.
Demonstration projects, library research or informational projects, explanation models or kit building ARE NOT appropriate for research based science fairs.

9. "Scientists try to understand how nature works; engineers create things that never were."
An engineering project should state the engineering goals, the development process and the evaluation of
improvements.
Engineering Projects

10. Engineering Project Ask "How can I make this better?"
Do background research
Build and test a prototype
Consider reliability, repair & servicing.
Retest and redesign as necessary. Product testing.
Present results

11. Computer Science Project
Often involve creating and writing new algorithms to solve a problem or improve on an existing algorithm. Simulations, models or 'virtual reality' are other areas on which to conduct research.

12. Mathematical Projects
These involve proofs, solving equations, etc. Math is the language of science and is used to explain existing phenomena or prove new concepts and ideas.

13. Theoretical Projects
These projects may involve a thought experiment, development of new theories and explanations, concept formation or designing a mathematical model.

14. GETTING STARTED

15. Pick Your Topic Hardest part of the project
How do you start? Brainstorm
with friends. Choose a limited
subject. Make sure it’s
interesting to you
Ask a ‘testable’ question
Go to Science Buddies for help:

16. BAD BAD PROJECTS! Asking for people’s preferences
Topics for people to recall things from the past
Effects of colored light, music, etc. on plants, blood pressure, memory, emotions, etc.
Astrology, ESP, Handwriting analysis
Projects with dangerous, illegal, or hard to find items
Studies involving drugging, pain, or injury to vertebrate animal.
Study creating physical or psychological risks
Collecting tissue samples from humans or vertebrate animals.

17. Good Projects Measure quantitative changes to important variables.
Controlled experiment
Safe experiments
Materials and equipment which are available and reasonable in cost
Sufficient time for experiment - including practice and learning how to do fundamentals (such as growing plants)
Project meets all the rules for the science fair

18. Research your topic
Go to the library or internet to learn more about your topic
Ask Who, What, Why, When, Where, How or What if
Look for unexplained or unexpected results
Network and talk to teachers & professionals in the field.

19. Organize everything you have learned about your topic.
At this point narrow your thinking by focusing on a particular idea.
Think of this as your roadmap

20. Develop a time line to manage your time efficiently.
Make a Timetable
Develop a time line to manage your time efficiently.
Remember you need to fill out forms and review the Research Plan with your sponsor. Some projects need prior Scientific Review Committee (SRC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.
Allow time to experiment and collect data.
You need time to write a paper and put together a display or 'board'.

21. Plan Your Experiment
Give thought to experimental design. Make sure you include sufficient numbers in both control and experimental groups.
Once finished with the experimental design fill out the appropriate forms.

22. Consult with Adult Sponsor
for Approval
Obtain a signature of approval from your adult advisor.
Determine if additional forms and prior approval are needed.

23. Test your hypothesis
through experimentation and
analysis of data.
Use graphs to help see patterns in the data.
Draw conclusions based on experimental evidence.
Prepare your report and exhibit.

24. Conduct your experiment
Keep detailed notes of every experiment, measurement & observation in a log book. Do not rely on memory
Judges love logbooks! Do not
copy to create a neat log. We
like stains, mark-throughs, etc.
Use data tables or charts to
record your quantitative data.

25. Analyze your results Examine and organize your findings.
Use graphs to make 'pictures' of data.
Identify patterns from the graphs
Statistically analyze your data using statistics that you understand.

26. Draw conclusions Did the variable tested cause change?
What are patterns from graph analysis?
Never alter results to fit a theory. It’s OK if results do not support the hypothesis.
Think of practical applications.
How would you improve the experiment?

27. Research Paper
Research paper explains the theory behind your experiment and why your experiment turned out the way it did. It should include:
History of similar experiments or inventions
Definitions of important words and concepts related to the experiment
Any mathematical formulae needed to describe experimental results.

28. Display Board

29. Overall, judges look for:
well thought-out research
the significance of your project in its field
how thorough you were & your log book

30. During the interview: No memorized speeches
Don’t be nervous, we understand about interviews
Speak confidently about your research
Judges often ask questions such as "What didn't you do?" and "What would be your next step?"

31. What to Bring to the Fair:
Project Notebook (Include originals of abstracts, required forms, research paper, or report)
Bound Log Book (pages dated & written in ink)
Visual Display

32. Isn’t success enough of a reason to do this?

33. Then….
JUST DO IT!

35. Tips for Parents helping with your child’s project
Give encouragement, support, & guidance.
Make sure the work is primarily the work of the child.
Realize the main goal of a science fair project is to help your child use and strengthen the skills he or she has learned and develop higher-level skills. The main goal should not be the ribbon or prize.

36. Tips for Parents helping with your child’s project
Provide transportation to libraries, nature centers
Locate Internet access, either at home or at a school or library
Help your child design a project that is safe and properly supervised

37. Tips for Parents Helping your child with THEIR project
Help plan a reasonable timeline to prevent a last minute project. Some projects may take 6 to 10 months. Allow at least 12 weeks to conduct an experiment and prepare the presentation
Do not get upset if your child doesn’t win a prize at the science fair. The skills gained are worth all of the effort.

38. Tips for Parents Helping your child with THEIR project
Help your child begin to plan for next year.
Feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when the science fair is over. You and your child have earned it!

39. In May 2010, the best and brightest science students in the world will be gathering in San Jose, California to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. You could be there!