ASPIRING SCIENTISTSASPIRING SCIENTISTS

BURKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCIENCE FAIR

GUIDING INQUIRING MINDS THROUGH THE INTEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

Science is a way of exploring the world around you.

When you took your first steps, you investigated the physics of balance and equilibrium.

The last time you played basketball, you explored projectile motion, changing the speed and direction of the ball to get it through the hoop.

Each attempt to convince your mother that you’ve already cleaned your room is actually a study in human behavior.

Even washing the dishes is an investigation into the chemistry of soap. You might not be wearing a lab coat, taking measurements, and formally analyzing data, but you’re still a scientist.

Science Fair basicsScience Fair basics

Read about a scientist and his/her workRead about a scientist and his/her work Review sample science fair projects Review sample science fair projects

(display, plan, results, & documentation)(display, plan, results, & documentation) Come up with a fun, original question that Come up with a fun, original question that

really excites youreally excites you Review and follow the scientific method to Review and follow the scientific method to

find an answer to your question.find an answer to your question. Do your best and work methodically.Do your best and work methodically.

PlanningPlanning Make a plan of action- a good scientist wouldn’t Make a plan of action- a good scientist wouldn’t

start an experiment without a well-thought out start an experiment without a well-thought out plan. It will cut down on the time it takes to do plan. It will cut down on the time it takes to do your experiment, ensure accurate results, and your experiment, ensure accurate results, and allow another scientist to duplicate your allow another scientist to duplicate your experiment to verify your results.experiment to verify your results.

Get a Notebook. It will be your lab notebook Get a Notebook. It will be your lab notebook (log book or journal), and it will only be used for (log book or journal), and it will only be used for your science fair project.your science fair project.

Make a schedule. Use a calendar. Mark the Make a schedule. Use a calendar. Mark the date of the science fair.date of the science fair.

Keep on Track: Scientific Keep on Track: Scientific Project ScheduleProject Schedule

Identify the tasksIdentify the tasks 1. Choose Topic1. Choose Topic 2. Research your topic2. Research your topic 3. Organize what you have learned from your research so that you can focus on a particular 3. Organize what you have learned from your research so that you can focus on a particular

idea. Write your big questionidea. Write your big question 4. Write a hypothesis4. Write a hypothesis 5. PLAN/DESIGN YOUR EXPERIMENT: Write a step-by-step procedure. Consult with your 5. PLAN/DESIGN YOUR EXPERIMENT: Write a step-by-step procedure. Consult with your

adult sponsor AND DETERMINE IF SRC/IRB APPROVAL IS NEEDED. adult sponsor AND DETERMINE IF SRC/IRB APPROVAL IS NEEDED. DETERMINE WHICH INTEL ISEF FORMS AND DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED. DETERMINE WHICH INTEL ISEF FORMS AND DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED. 6. SUBMIT FORMS AND DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVAL.6. SUBMIT FORMS AND DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVAL. 7. Collect all materials needed7. Collect all materials needed 8. Conduct your experiment and collect all data in a journal or data log8. Conduct your experiment and collect all data in a journal or data log 9. Record the results of your experiment: you may need to form a new hypothesis9. Record the results of your experiment: you may need to form a new hypothesis 10. Analyze and organize your results10. Analyze and organize your results 11. Draw a conclusion and organize the results on easy –to-read charts or graphs. Make sure 11. Draw a conclusion and organize the results on easy –to-read charts or graphs. Make sure

your graph format (bar, circle, line, etc.) is the best means to display the datayour graph format (bar, circle, line, etc.) is the best means to display the data 12. Write a report that includes the question, the hypothesis, the step-by-step procedure and the 12. Write a report that includes the question, the hypothesis, the step-by-step procedure and the

resultsresults 13. Build a display using charts, graphs, photos, illustrations, neat lettering, and models of your 13. Build a display using charts, graphs, photos, illustrations, neat lettering, and models of your

experimentexperiment

Keep on Track: Scientific Keep on Track: Scientific Project Schedule cont.Project Schedule cont.

List due dates for each componentList due dates for each component Document dates when tasks were Document dates when tasks were

completedcompleted Have your parent check your workHave your parent check your work Have your teacher check your workHave your teacher check your work

Ideas for ProjectsIdeas for Projects

Something you are interested in …Something you are interested in … Something you can investigate yourself Something you can investigate yourself

…… Worded as a question so you can answer Worded as a question so you can answer

it by experimenting …it by experimenting … An investigation where the results can be An investigation where the results can be

timed, weighed, or somehow measured timed, weighed, or somehow measured ……

I have my topic … Now I have my topic … Now What?What?

Before you begin experimenting, you will need to Before you begin experimenting, you will need to find some background information about your find some background information about your topic.topic.

Places for background info: encyclopedias (use Places for background info: encyclopedias (use more than one), science magazines, school text more than one), science magazines, school text books (science, health), library books on your books (science, health), library books on your topic, people: talk to people who are involved in topic, people: talk to people who are involved in your topic (doctors, veterinarians, engineers, your topic (doctors, veterinarians, engineers, professors, science teachers, etc.)professors, science teachers, etc.)

Research TimeResearch Time

Write down everything you already know Write down everything you already know about the topic in your journal. What do about the topic in your journal. What do you like best about it? Read information you like best about it? Read information from other sources. Find some experts from other sources. Find some experts on the topic and talk with them. Take on the topic and talk with them. Take notes and document your sources. notes and document your sources.

Once you know a little more about your Once you know a little more about your topic, you can start thinking of questions.topic, you can start thinking of questions.

Choose a QuestionChoose a Question

Write down every question you can think Write down every question you can think of about the topic in your journal. Come of about the topic in your journal. Come up with at least three questions. Make up with at least three questions. Make sure the questions sure the questions can notcan not be answered be answered with a simple yes or no.with a simple yes or no.

Choose a Question cont.Choose a Question cont.

PopcornPopcorn 1. What makes popcorn pop?1. What makes popcorn pop? 2. How is microwave popcorn different from2. How is microwave popcorn different from air-popped popcorn?air-popped popcorn? 3. Does it matter whether you butter the popcorn before or after you3. Does it matter whether you butter the popcorn before or after you pop it?pop it? 4. How can I get the most popcorn without burning it in the microwave?4. How can I get the most popcorn without burning it in the microwave?

CAN I MEASURE SOMETHING TO HELP ANSWER ONE OFCAN I MEASURE SOMETHING TO HELP ANSWER ONE OF THESE QUESTIONS?THESE QUESTIONS?

4 is the best question because you can easily measure the amount of 4 is the best question because you can easily measure the amount of popcorn.popcorn.

Choose a Question cont.Choose a Question cont.

Good science questions usually come in a Good science questions usually come in a specific form.specific form.

How does ______ affect ____?How does ______ affect ____?

How does ______ compare to __?How does ______ compare to __?

How does _____ determine _____?How does _____ determine _____?

4. How can I get the most popcorn without burning 4. How can I get the most popcorn without burning it in the microwave?it in the microwave?

How does How does the amount of time in thethe amount of time in the

microwavemicrowave affect affect the number of burnt kernelsthe number of burnt kernels??

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is just a guess at the answer to A hypothesis is just a guess at the answer to your question. All you need to do is take your your question. All you need to do is take your question and make it into an answer.question and make it into an answer.

I think ____ will affect ___. I think ____ will affect ___. I think ___ will not affect ___.I think ___ will not affect ___. I believe ___ will determine ____.I believe ___ will determine ____. I believe ___ will not determine ____.I believe ___ will not determine ____.I think the amount of time the popcorn cooks in the I think the amount of time the popcorn cooks in the

microwave will determine the number of burnt microwave will determine the number of burnt popcorn kernels.popcorn kernels.

Experiment!Experiment!

Is Once Enough?Is Once Enough? A good investigator gathers as much data as possible A good investigator gathers as much data as possible

about his/her experiment, so about his/her experiment, so once is once is notnot enough. enough. If you are growing plants, you will want to have at least If you are growing plants, you will want to have at least

six to ten plants in each group. You will need to record six to ten plants in each group. You will need to record the measurements of the plants every three or four the measurements of the plants every three or four days for at least a month.days for at least a month.

Your measurements and other observationsYour measurements and other observations about the about the conditions of the plants should be recorded in your conditions of the plants should be recorded in your journal. Be sure to date each entry and refer to journal. Be sure to date each entry and refer to specific plants. (Your plants should be labeled for easy specific plants. (Your plants should be labeled for easy reference.)reference.)

Experiment!Experiment!

Designing your experimentsDesigning your experiments 1. You, the investigator, will have to write a “recipe” for doing your investigation (like a chef has 1. You, the investigator, will have to write a “recipe” for doing your investigation (like a chef has

a recipe to follow)a recipe to follow) 2. List all steps, one at a time, so that another investigator could repeat your experiment without 2. List all steps, one at a time, so that another investigator could repeat your experiment without

your helpyour help 3. Make sure your test is a fair test. Your experiments must be done under the same conditions. 3. Make sure your test is a fair test. Your experiments must be done under the same conditions.

These conditions are known as variables: factors that have an effect on your experiment.These conditions are known as variables: factors that have an effect on your experiment. Dependent Variable-Dependent Variable- Variable that may or may not be changed as a result of effect of the Variable that may or may not be changed as a result of effect of the

experiment. It is the variable that will be observed at the end of the experiment.experiment. It is the variable that will be observed at the end of the experiment. # of burnt kernels# of burnt kernels Independent Variable- Independent Variable- Variable that causes change. It starts the experiment. It is the first thing Variable that causes change. It starts the experiment. It is the first thing

that is allowed to change. that is allowed to change. Time in microwaveTime in microwave Extraneous Variable- Extraneous Variable- The unanticipated, unwanted events which cause incorrect experimental The unanticipated, unwanted events which cause incorrect experimental

results and wrong conclusions. results and wrong conclusions. Different microwaves; number of kernels in microwavable bag Different microwaves; number of kernels in microwavable bag of popcornof popcorn

Controls- Controls- What variables will you control? What factors might affect the results? Make sure What variables will you control? What factors might affect the results? Make sure these factors don’t change during the experiment. These things are your controls. these factors don’t change during the experiment. These things are your controls. Examples: Examples: brands of items, temperature, power settings, etc. brands of items, temperature, power settings, etc.

4. Your directions should indicate exactly how you will perform the tests. If a test is to be repeated 4. Your directions should indicate exactly how you will perform the tests. If a test is to be repeated three times, be sure your directions state that. Don’t assume that other people will know what three times, be sure your directions state that. Don’t assume that other people will know what you have plannedyou have planned

INTEL ISEF FORMS: INTEL ISEF FORMS: GeneralGeneral

Required NC Elementary and Middle School Science Fairs (grades 3-8)Required NC Elementary and Middle School Science Fairs (grades 3-8) Forms 1, 1A, and 1B required for high schoolForms 1, 1A, and 1B required for high school Complete top section (names, addresses, phone numbersComplete top section (names, addresses, phone numbers Determine Adult Sponsor: teacher, parent, professor, or scientist in whose Determine Adult Sponsor: teacher, parent, professor, or scientist in whose

lab the student is working; responsible for working with student to lab the student is working; responsible for working with student to evaluate possible risks, reviewing guidelines and rules, discussing project, evaluate possible risks, reviewing guidelines and rules, discussing project, experiment, equipment, data collection, and etc. with the student during experiment, equipment, data collection, and etc. with the student during and after development of plan. Obtain signature of Adult Sponsor and and after development of plan. Obtain signature of Adult Sponsor and discuss qualified scientistdiscuss qualified scientist

Determine Qualified Scientist: May be required for research involving Determine Qualified Scientist: May be required for research involving human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially hazardous biological agents, and DEA- controlled substances (Iagents, and DEA- controlled substances (INTEL ISEFNTEL ISEF FORM 2) ;FORM 2) ;

Knowledgeable of the topic and scientific method and of guidelines and Knowledgeable of the topic and scientific method and of guidelines and rules. May be same as Adult Sponsor.rules. May be same as Adult Sponsor.

If the Qualified Scientist is in another city or state, a Designated If the Qualified Scientist is in another city or state, a Designated Supervisor is needed. A Designated Supervisor directly overseas the Supervisor is needed. A Designated Supervisor directly overseas the student experimentation and can be the Adult Sponsor.student experimentation and can be the Adult Sponsor.

INTEL ISEF FORMS: INTEL ISEF FORMS: GeneralGeneral

Determine where the project will be Determine where the project will be completed.completed.

Non-Regulated Research Institution: Non-Regulated Research Institution: school, field, or home FORM 1Cschool, field, or home FORM 1C

Regulated Research Institution: Regulated Research Institution: university lab, industrial setting, doctor’s university lab, industrial setting, doctor’s office FORM 1C is requiredoffice FORM 1C is required

INTEL ISEF INTEL ISEF FORM 3FORM 3

Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment Required for projects using hazardous Required for projects using hazardous

chemicals, microorganisms, activities, or chemicals, microorganisms, activities, or devicesdevices

Determine any potential physical and/or Determine any potential physical and/or psychological risks when developing the plan. psychological risks when developing the plan. Guidelines require that no more than minimal Guidelines require that no more than minimal risk exists when the probability and magnitude risk exists when the probability and magnitude of harm of discomfort anticipated are not of harm of discomfort anticipated are not greater than those of everyday life.greater than those of everyday life.

Always consider your groups and activitiesAlways consider your groups and activities

INTEL ISEF FORM 3 cont.INTEL ISEF FORM 3 cont.

Risk Groups: pregnant women, children, mentally Risk Groups: pregnant women, children, mentally challenged persons, economically or educationally challenged persons, economically or educationally challenged persons, individuals with cancer, asthma, challenged persons, individuals with cancer, asthma, diabetes, cardiac disorders, and other health issues. diabetes, cardiac disorders, and other health issues. Specific safe guards must be documented on form.Specific safe guards must be documented on form.

Risk Activities: Risk Activities: PhysicalPhysical- Exercise, ingestion, tasting, - Exercise, ingestion, tasting, smelling, application of substance; smelling, application of substance; PsychologicalPsychological- - survey or questionnaire viewing of stimuli that could survey or questionnaire viewing of stimuli that could result in emotional stressresult in emotional stress

If your experiment If your experiment does not containdoes not contain any of these risks, any of these risks, you you do not complete Formdo not complete Form 33

INTEL ISEF INTEL ISEF FORM 4FORM 4

Human Subjects: Required for all experiments using Human Subjects: Required for all experiments using human subjects. Must have approval by the IRB before human subjects. Must have approval by the IRB before research begins.research begins.

Physical: exertion or ingestion of any substancePhysical: exertion or ingestion of any substance Psychological: opinions, surveys, questionnaires, testsPsychological: opinions, surveys, questionnaires, tests Behavioral: any interaction where the environment has Behavioral: any interaction where the environment has

been modified (ex. post a sign, place an object), in day been modified (ex. post a sign, place an object), in day cares, doctors’ offices cares, doctors’ offices

HUMAN SUBJECTS FORM 4 IS NEEDEDHUMAN SUBJECTS FORM 4 IS NEEDED

INTEL ISEF INTEL ISEF FORM 4 cont.FORM 4 cont.

Not considered human subjects, if it usesNot considered human subjects, if it uses - product testing that does not pose a health - product testing that does not pose a health

hazard (minimal risk)hazard (minimal risk) - data/record review studies (e.g. baseball - data/record review studies (e.g. baseball

statistics, crime statistics) in which the data are statistics, crime statistics) in which the data are taken from pre-existing data sets that are taken from pre-existing data sets that are publicly availablepublicly available

- behavioral observations in unrestricted, public - behavioral observations in unrestricted, public settings (e.g. shopping malls, public park)settings (e.g. shopping malls, public park)

HUMAN SUBJECTS FORM 4 IS NOT NEEDEDHUMAN SUBJECTS FORM 4 IS NOT NEEDED

INTEL ISEF INTEL ISEF FORM 5FORM 5

Vertebrate Animals: Form 5A- Required of all Vertebrate Animals: Form 5A- Required of all research involving vertebrate animals that is research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted in a conducted in a Non-Regulated Research SiteNon-Regulated Research Site

Vertebrate Animals: Form 5B- Required of all Vertebrate Animals: Form 5B- Required of all research involving vertebrate animals that is research involving vertebrate animals that is conducted at a conducted at a Regulated Research Site. Regulated Research Site. Requires documentation of student training.Requires documentation of student training.

No experiment is accepted if it may cause or No experiment is accepted if it may cause or eventually lead to stress, pain, weight loss, eventually lead to stress, pain, weight loss, allergies, and any discomfort allergies, and any discomfort

INTEL ISEF FORM 6AINTEL ISEF FORM 6A

Potentially Hazardous Agents: required Potentially Hazardous Agents: required for research involving microorganisms for research involving microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, rDNA, (bacteria, viruses, fungi, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissue, blood and body fluidsfresh/frozen tissue, blood and body fluids

Documentation available of source of Documentation available of source of agents, quantity and the biosafety level agents, quantity and the biosafety level risk group of each microorganismrisk group of each microorganism

INTEL ISEF FORM 6BINTEL ISEF FORM 6B

Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue – Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue – fresh/frozen tissue, primary cell cultures, fresh/frozen tissue, primary cell cultures, blood, blood products and body fluids blood, blood products and body fluids (must complete FORMS 6A & 6B(must complete FORMS 6A & 6B

INTEL ISEF FORM 7INTEL ISEF FORM 7

Continuation Project: For projects that Continuation Project: For projects that are a continuation in the same field of are a continuation in the same field of study as a previous projectstudy as a previous project

According to FORM 7, the previous According to FORM 7, the previous project can be from 2006-2007 and 2007-project can be from 2006-2007 and 2007-20082008

Research notesResearch notes

As you gather information take notes . As you gather information take notes . Without your notes you may leave out Without your notes you may leave out important information. Your notes are important information. Your notes are necessary to establish background necessary to establish background knowledge.knowledge.

You should always research your topic You should always research your topic before beginning experimentationbefore beginning experimentation

Data Log/JournalData Log/Journal

Always record the date and time of each of your actions, Always record the date and time of each of your actions, observations, data, and reactions. observations, data, and reactions.

Good notes on your background information with Good notes on your background information with sources noted gives you the knowledge and details sources noted gives you the knowledge and details that will guide your ideas and planning.that will guide your ideas and planning.

Good notes show consistency and thoroughness and Good notes show consistency and thoroughness and will help you when you write your research paperwill help you when you write your research paper

Make any necessary calculations. Make sure that your Make any necessary calculations. Make sure that your calculations and tools are the same. Note: use either calculations and tools are the same. Note: use either standard or metric measurement not bothstandard or metric measurement not both

Data and AnalysisData and Analysis

Your data should be a neat record of the Your data should be a neat record of the dates and times of the events of your dates and times of the events of your experimentation and what was observed. experimentation and what was observed. Example: Example: 10-31-08 4:00 pm popped popcorn on Med. High; 52 burnt kernels 10-31-08 4:00 pm popped popcorn on Med. High; 52 burnt kernels 10-31-08 4:30 pm popped popcorn on High 76 burnt kernels 10-31-08 4:30 pm popped popcorn on High 76 burnt kernels

Other info: brand of popcorn; kind of popcorn (butter, Other info: brand of popcorn; kind of popcorn (butter, caramel, etc.; standard time popcorncaramel, etc.; standard time popcorn Analysis: Similarities and differences in # of burnt kernels, observations: Analysis: Similarities and differences in # of burnt kernels, observations: similarities of brands or kinds of popcorn, notice of burning similarities of brands or kinds of popcorn, notice of burning smell, etc.smell, etc.

Charts, Graphs, and Charts, Graphs, and TablesTables

Ways to present your data: they visually Ways to present your data: they visually organize your data for easy and quick organize your data for easy and quick understanding.understanding.

Data TablesData Tables: Best used if you have a few : Best used if you have a few numbers (four or less)numbers (four or less)

Title your table and label each column, also Title your table and label each column, also include the units of measurement. The left-include the units of measurement. The left-hand column should contain your independent hand column should contain your independent variable. The columns to the right contain your variable. The columns to the right contain your dependent variables.dependent variables.

Charts, Graphs, and Charts, Graphs, and Tables cont.Tables cont.

Bar GraphBar Graph: Normal data (when your independent : Normal data (when your independent variables are names or things rather than amounts)variables are names or things rather than amounts)

Use a bar graph to look at average # of popped kernels Use a bar graph to look at average # of popped kernels in different types of popcorn.in different types of popcorn.

Bar graphs are used mostly to compare a set of Bar graphs are used mostly to compare a set of measurements.measurements.

Horizontal axis: the independent variable Horizontal axis: the independent variable Vertical Axis: the dependent variable or what you Vertical Axis: the dependent variable or what you

measuresmeasures Don’t forget the title and labelsDon’t forget the title and labels

Charts, Graphs, and Charts, Graphs, and Tables cont.Tables cont.

Line graphLine graph: Use when your independent : Use when your independent variable is a # or amount to show patterns or variable is a # or amount to show patterns or changes over time.changes over time.

Horizontal axis: Independent variableHorizontal axis: Independent variable Vertical axis: dependent variable *what you Vertical axis: dependent variable *what you

measured)measured) Don’t forget the title, labels, and units of Don’t forget the title, labels, and units of

measurementmeasurement If you have multiple sets of data on the same If you have multiple sets of data on the same

graph, use different colors or symbols for the graph, use different colors or symbols for the different sets of datadifferent sets of data

Charts, Graphs, and Charts, Graphs, and Tables cont.Tables cont.

Pie Chart: Pie Chart: To show percentages or To show percentages or fractions; The whole pie or circle = 100% fractions; The whole pie or circle = 100% and the different pieces make up the and the different pieces make up the whole.whole.

Pie Charts: Do not show changes over Pie Charts: Do not show changes over timetime

Be sure to include the title and a legend Be sure to include the title and a legend for understanding the graphfor understanding the graph

ErrorError

No scientist is perfect. This means every No scientist is perfect. This means every experiment is going to have some sort of experiment is going to have some sort of error. The key to dealing with error is to error. The key to dealing with error is to identify it and point it out before other identify it and point it out before other folks (like the judges) can identify it.folks (like the judges) can identify it.

Research Paper/ Work Research Paper/ Work CitationCitation

See provided Research paper and See provided Research paper and Abstract Guidelines (includes work Abstract Guidelines (includes work citation styles and internet links)citation styles and internet links)

Display BoardDisplay Board

Title: ? Format

Data Graphs

Purpose

Materials

Procedures

Problem

Results

Variables

Results

Hypothesis

See page 7 (ISEF Guidelines) for what can be displayed with the board.

Any pictures used must identify photographer or source

Your aspirations are now Your aspirations are now inspirations for othersinspirations for others

IS YOUR MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?IS YOUR MISSION ACCOMPLISHED?

DATA BOOKDATA BOOK

RESEARCH PAPERRESEARCH PAPER

ABSTRACTABSTRACT

DISPLAY BOARDDISPLAY BOARD

Sources for AssistanceSources for Assistance

http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/about/rulehttp://www.societyforscience.org/isef/about/rules_regulations.asps_regulations.asp

For For Intel ISEF Rules WizardIntel ISEF Rules Wizard http://www.sciencebuddies.org/http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/

abstract.aspabstract.asp

http://http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/indexwww.societyforscience.org/isef/document/index.asp.asp