WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT?

1. DEVELOP THE PROJECT QUESTION/PURPOSE

• Find a relevant topic of interest

•Write a question to be answered (How, What, When, Which, or Why?)

•Write down ideas in Science Fair Logbook

2. BUILD YOUR BACKGROUND BY CONDUCTING RESEARCH

• Use a minimum of three sources of information on the topic

• Use scholarly sources (Don’t cite search engines)

• Cite sources in APA format (with in-text citations)

• You want to be able to build on the experience of others

• Background research helps you understand theory and informs the experimental design

• Record information in the Science Fair Logbook

3. DEVELOP A FAIR TEST

• Identify Variables

• Independent Variable – the factor that will changed

• Dependent Variable – the factor that will be measured

• Change only one variable at a time and keep all other conditions the same (constants)

• Does it answer the question?

• Record identified variables and constants in the Science Fair Logbook

4. DEVELOP A TESTABLE HYPOTHESIS

• Predict the outcome of the experiment

• The hypothesis should include the independent and dependent variables

• Record the hypothesis in Science Fair Logbook

Is th

is

test

able

?

5. CREATE THE EXPERIMENT --A SOUND PROCEDURE

• Identify needed materials

• Identify test groups

• Experimental Group(s) - Trials when independent variable is changed.

• Control Group – Trial when independent variable is not changed.

• Constants and Variable are controlled

• Make sure the experiment is safe

• Repeat the procedure at least 3 times

• Record each step in the Science Fair Logbook

Is this Sound?

6. CONDUCT THE EXPERIMENT AND ANALYZE THE RESULTS

• Measurements are made accurately and precisely

• Collect data in a table in the Science Fair Logbook

• Graph data

• Analyze data

CONCLUDE• Summarize the data and highlight significant data, differences, and/or

trends

• Summarize the science fair and use this summary to support the conclusion project results

• Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis

• Include key facts from the background research to help explain the results as needed

• If appropriate, state the relationship between the independent and dependent variable

• Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness

• Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design)

and/or possibilities for further study

“

”THE PRESENTATION

THE PRESENTATION• Abstract

• Title Page

• Table of Contents

• Introduction: Background Research, Purpose, Question, Variables, Hypothesis

• Materials and Procedure

• Results (Tables Graphs)

• Discussion of Data Analysis

• Conclusions

• References (APA Format)

• See page23 of “What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?”

THE DISPLAY BOARD

• See pages 24-28 of “What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?”

THE DISPLAY BOARD • Organize it like a newspaper

• The title should be easily read from across the room

• Use at least 16 font for text

• Use tables, graphs, diagrams, and photos (no pictures of people)

• The logbook, abstract and paperwork should be present with the display board.

• It should be neat, attractive, organized, and without distractions.

• See pages 24-28 of “What Makes a Good Science Fair Project?”

• There are rules about what can and can’t be present - See Regulations.