Creating a Science Fair Project

Science Projects

• What’s the difference between a demonstration and a science project?

• A demonstration is conducted just to show information. Nothing is measured or tested.

• A science project has a hypothesis and variables that are tested multiple times to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

Steps to Creating Your Project:1. Choose your question or problem

2. Do research

3. Make a hypothesis

4. Do the experiment to test your hypothesis

5. Keep a log book during your experiment

6. Observe and record data from experiment

7. State your conclusions

8. Create your notebook and your board

1. Title (5 pts)

• 8 words or less

• Choose something unique or it can be your experiment’s question.

• Example:

Which type of garbage becomes plant food first?

2. Problem (5 pts)

• A Problem is a question that can be answered through experimentation.

• Start with what YOU are interested in!

Example of a problem:

Which garbage materials break down the fastest?

3. Research (10 pts)

• Before beginning the investigation, look for more information to support what you want to learn about.

• Use at least 3 sources. If using online sources, look for .org, .gov or .edu, NOT .com.

• Write what you learned into a report 3-5 paragraphs in length.

• You must have a bibliography of your sources!!!

4. Hypothesis (5 pts)

• A Hypothesis is a statement that answers the question from the problem.

• I think that ________________ because ________.

Example of a hypothesis:

I think that the grass clippings will compost the fastest because they are smaller in size than the other items.

5. Procedure (5 pts)• The Procedure is EXACTLY what you will

do step by step. Include photos of the process

List in order step by step what you will do: Example:1. Collect banana peels, apple peels, table scraps, and

grass clippings.2. Place 2 cups of each into a dark container of the same

size.3. Turn items in all containers every four days using a

spoon.4. Take pictures each time. Take written notes each time.5. Collect data every four days for a period of four weeks.6. Create a Observation Notes chart and a Display chart

of the pictures taken.

6. Data 7. Results (5 pts)

• The Data is where you keep the records of your results.

• Keep it in a log book.• You need at least 10 entries in your log book.• The Results are what the data showed

happened.• Use charts and graphs to show your data on

your board:– http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/classic/

8. Conclusion (5 pts)• Your conclusion will restate your

hypothesis. • You will also state whether your

hypothesis turned out to be correct or incorrect.

• Example: My hypothesis stated that the grass clippings would decompose the fastest. I was wrong. The banana peels decomposed faster than the grass clippings.

9. Abstract (10 pts)

• A Short summary that explains your experiment.

• Judges will read your abstract first to get an idea what your project is about.

10. Notebook (20 pts) 11. Log book (10 pts)

• Your notebook will be a written copy of everything you have on your board.– The Title, abstract, problem, research,

hypothesis, procedures, results, conclusion and bibliography

– This is different from the log book, which only has your data entries.

• You must have both.

12. Display (20 pts)

• On Three Fold Science Board

• Easy to read, well organized, no grammar or spelling errors

• Include visual aids (pictures, charts, diagrams, etc)

• Neatness is important!

What Needs to Be on My Board?Title

Purpose/Problem Procedure

1.

2.

3.

4.

Data:

Charts & Graphs

Conclusion

HypothesisAbstract

Research

Results

Example boards:

Tips:

• Work with a partner (no more than 2 per project)

• Do your writing on a computer and print out two copies: one copy for the board, one copy for your notebook

• Write in your log book often during your experiment- don’t try to remember it all at the end!!!

Unit Count for Science Projects

• 1 unit for a completed project scored at least a C• 1 additional unit for a project with ALL parts (A)• Projects that earn an A will have a chance to go

to the district science fair on February 23.

• Units for doing a project 1-2!!!!

• These units can be applied to any of your science requirements. Wow!

• Projects Due Friday, February 15!

Websites for Ideas:

• http://www.sciencebuddies.org/

• http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

• http://www.terimore.com/

• http://www.factmonster.com/

• www.sciencebob.com