Science Fair

Science Fair Project Guidelines

Honors Science with Mr. Barnes

2015-16

Table of Contents

Honors Science Parent Letter3

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair4

Science Fair Project Timeline 2014-155

After School Science Fair Work Schedule6

Choosing a Project7

3 Topics of Interest8

Literature Review Research Paper:9

Internal Documentation10

Works Cited Basic Rules10

Internet Sites for Creating Works Cited Page10

Plagiarism in Writing Papers12

Research Paper Check and Grade Sheet13

Research Plan Project Approval Form14

The Experiment15

Experimental Design Diagram (EDD)16

The Log Book17

Exhibit Board18

Exhibit Board Example19

Abstract20

Project Book21

Log Book, Project Book and Exhibit Board Check and Grade Sheet22

THE JUDGE23

Judges Science Fair Grading Rubric24

Honors Science Parent Letter

September 2015

Dear Parent,

I am excited that your student is enrolled in honors science. This is an advanced class and will move at a quicker pace incorporating more projects and labs than found in general science. Your student will be required to do an independent research project which he/she will enter into the William Fleming Science Fair on XXXXXXX.

Each honors student is required to select a topic, complete a research paper on that topic, formulate and test a hypothesis through experimentation, and report the data gathered and conclusions reached in front of an independent judge at the fair. Students will need to do most of their work at home. Students can schedule after school time in my classroom as needed and available. A timetable for completing various parts of the project is attached and additional information is included to guide the student in completing the project.

This is a major project and will represent a significant portion of your students grade for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nine weeks. Due to the magnitude of the project and the length of time given to complete the project, no final research papers or experimental project boards will be accepted late. Missing project components will be marked zero.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at cmbarnes@rcps.info.

I appreciate your assistance, and look forward to a rewarding school year.

Mr. Barnes

I have read and understand the preceding letter and the attached information concerning the Science Fair Project. Please sign below and return.

___________________________________________________________________

Parent signatureDate

______________________________________________________________________

Student signatureDate

Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

The science fair project is mandatory for all students enrolled in the honors science program. It is one component in a rigorous course study designed to prepare the student for Advanced Placement (AP) science courses in high school, as well as college and workforce positions after graduation.

The science fair is operated under the guidelines of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Their website can be accessed by the link below.

http://www.societyforscience.org/ISEF/

From this website you can access the official guidelines, rules, and documents that your student will be completing as he/she proceeds through the project.

I encourage you to visit this site for more information about the science fair process and ideas for projects. Throughout this semester your child will bring home forms from this site that will need to be completed before he/she can continue with the project.

If your student loses a form or this science fair package of information, a link to all this information can be accessed at the RCPS science website by visiting-

www.science.rcps.info

click on Science Fair,

click on Science Fair Forms,

Science Fair Project Timeline Name: ________________________ Block_____

Parent signature verifies you have seen this form and understand that a project is required for honors students. Turn this form in by September 27th. Points will be deducted for late work (3/4 credit for one day late; 1/2 credit for second day late, no credit third day late). The final paper and experiment project are not accepted late and will receive a zero if late.

________________________________________________________________

Parent SignatureDate

Task to be completed

What is due

Due Date

Date In

Grade

Parent Signature of Timeline

Signed Timeline

Friday

September 18

Topic Due

Project Topic Approval Form DUE

Friday

October 2

Research Paper Due

2-3 page paper based on background research of your topic typed and printed

Friday

October 9

Forms 1 and 1B

Must have forms 1 and 1B

Friday

October 9

Form 1A and Research Plan

Research Plan typed and printed

Friday

October 16

Experiment begins

Experiments should begin no later than this date

Monday,

November 14

EDD

Experimental Design Diagram typed and printed

Wednesday

November 26

Research Paper Due

1-3 page paper based on background research of your topic typed and printed

Wednesday,

December 3

Results in a graph format and Conclusions typed and printed

Data tables, graphs and conclusions

Friday,

December 5

Science Fair board

Science fair board must be completed

Friday, December 12

Final Fixes

Any changes to the science fair board

Thursday, January 14

Science Fair

Student must be present after school for judging

Wednesday, January 21

Choosing a Project

Your project CAN NOT involve animals with a backbone or mold.

Your project must be approved by your teacher before you begin work

Human projects require additional approval.

Your project should have relevance to the world around us (i.e. water quality) and/or be something that interests you.

Places to look for a project idea:

Science books

Science Magazines

Internet sources (google science fair projects)

Library

A good project will allow for experimentation NOT demonstration. For example a project on How Volcanoes Erupt does not allow the student to experiment; he is just doing a demonstration on how a volcano erupts. A topic such as: The Effect of Chemical Fertilizers on Bean Plants allows the student to experiment with different amounts of fertilizer on the growth of plants.

Every Project has a Problem

The problem of the project is what you are going to experiment on. For example: The problem of this project is to determine if fertilizer makes a difference in plant growth.

Every Project has a Purpose

The purpose of the project will explain what you tried to discover in your experiment. For example: The purpose of this project is to determine if fertilizer makes plants grow taller.

Hypothesis: is a possible explanation as to what will happen in an experiment.

Your experiment does not have to prove your hypothesis correct. Remember Thomas Edison experimented nearly 2000 times before discovering what would work in a light bulb.

The hypothesis will be stated in an if, then statement. For example: If chemical fertilizer is added to a bean plant then the plant will grow taller.

As you begin your project, save everything! As you complete work on the computer- save everything! Many of the items will be reused, and if you have saved them, then it is much easier when you compile all your information into the notebooks.

3 Topics of Interest Name_______________________________________

List 3 areas or topics that interest you with a brief reason why you are interested in this particular area. Also briefly explain how you would experiment on this.

1.

2.

3.

Literature Review Research Paper:

The literature review serves as documentation of the first three steps of the scientific method: 1) state the purpose or problem, 2) gather information on the topic, and 3) form a testable hypothesis. Scientists review literature to explain why they are proposing a research study. The review will include important background information on the variables and an overview of prior research on the topic. The student will use information from the literature review to write the introduction, discuss results, and form conclusions when writing about their own experimental projects. The literature review will have several different sections as outlined below. Put your paper in the order listed below, and place into a presentation folder (purchase from Wal-mart, or office supply store).

Paper requirements:

Typed

Times New Roman or Arial Font only

12 point font

one inch margins all around

To include all components in the order listed below

Minimum 5 sources

Presented in a presentation folder

Components to be included in the paper:

Title Page: This page will have the title of your project, name, and date. (You will have to have another title page, without your name, to place in your project book for the science fair.)

Body of the report: must include:

a) a clear statement of the purpose of your experiment. The purpose must identify the independent and dependent variables.

b) A brief discussion of your interest in the topic being researched.

c) Review of Literature: This is a summary of the work and research conducted by others that relate to your topic. The information must relate to your variables. Include the results of other researchers. Internal documentation must be used to give credit to your sources. This is where you will use your library, internet, and encyclopedia notes to write the review.

Hypothesis: your hypothesis should be made as a result of your becoming knowledgeable about the topic. Therefore, it should come at the end of the summary of the research. The hypothesis is in the if, then format.

Works Cited: This is the page where you will cite your source materials. It is also called a bibliography page. Use the following format for the appropriate source. Only cite the sources you use in the paper. You will need 5 sources.

Internal Documentation

When using anothers idea or quotation, you must provide internal documentation in the paper. You do this by putting the authors name, page number, and year published in parenthesis after the quote or idea, even if you have paraphrased the information.

For example. Physical science- the study of matter, energy, and the changes that matter and energy undergo (Prentice Hall pg 4, 2005)

Works Cited Basic Rules

Begin the Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your research paper. It should have the same one-inch margins and last name, page number header as the rest of the paper.

Label the page Works Cited (do not underline the words Works Cited or put them in quotation marks) and center the words Works Cited at the top of the page.

Capitalize each word in the titles of articles, books, etc, but do not capitalize articles, short prepositions, or conjunctions unless one is the first word of the title or subtitle: Gone with the Wind, The Art of War.

Use italics or underlining for titles of larger works (books, magazines) and quotation marks for titles of shorter works (poems, articles)

Arrange entries in alphabetical order by the authors last name.

Indent the second line

Internet Sites for Creating Works Cited Page

There are several sites that you can use to create a work cited page. I like the link below. It is easy: put in the requested information and click save citation. You will need to copy the citation and paste into a word document that you then need to save. Remember a minimum of 5 sources is required: one book, one reference, one website and two of your choice.

http://oslis.org/@@mla-secondary

Below is another site you could also use to create a works cited page

http://www.bibme.org/

The important thing is that you have works cited in your research paper. You can not use a persons work without citing the source of information. This is considered plagiarism and is a serious offense.

On the following page are examples of how to do it without using an internet site to create the works cited. I find it easier if students use the internet site, but if that is not possible it can be done the old fashion way!

Examples of How to List Works Cited

Here are examples of how to create a work cited page without using an internet site. Remember a minimum of 5 sources is required: one book, one reference, one website and two of your choice.

Book with

one author

Last name, First name. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Henley, Patricia. The Hummingbird House. Denver: MacMurray, 1999.

Articles from reference books

Dictionary entry:

Word. Definition #. Name dictionary. Edition. Year published.

Example:

"Accord." Def.5b. The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.

Encyclopedia entry:

Authors last name, first name. Title Article. Name of encyclopedia. Edition. Year published.

Example:

Bergman, P. G. "Relativity." The New Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed. 1987.

Website

Name of Site. Date of Posting/Revision. Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sometimes found in copyright statements). Date you accessed the site. .

Example:

Felluga, Dino. Guide to Literary and Critical Theory. 28 Nov. 2003. Purdue University. 10 May 2006 .

Plagiarism in Writing Papers Name______________________

Sign and turn in to teacher.

My signature below means that I understand all of the following:

1. To present another persons words and/or ideas as if they are my own is to be guilty of plagiarism.

2. To use another persons words and/or ideas without plagiarizing requires that I specifically and accurately acknowledge their source, whether I have put the material into my own words or not.

3. To acknowledge properly the source of words and/or ideas not my own requires that I provide parenthetic citations (internal documentation) that corresponds to entries on a works cited page which contains detailed information about each source from which I gained the information.

4. To use another persons exact words without plagiarizing further requires that I enclose those words in quotation marks.

______________________________________________

Student SignatureDate

______________________________________________

Student Printed name

________________________________________________

Parent SignatureDate

Research Paper Check and Grade Sheet****

Use this paper to check off the required components of your research paper. This sheet also indicates the point value of each item.

Required Components of the Research Paper

Refer to pages 8-9

Student Check if included

Teacher check if included

Points earned/

Point value

Typed

/15

Times New Roman or Arial Font; 12 point

/1

One inch margins all around and presented in a folder

/1

Components in order listed below:

/5

Title page

/1

Table of contents

/1

Body of report: The paper clearly states the purpose of the experiment. Discusses your interest in the topic. Clearly summarizes the research related to your topic.

Includes internal documentation of sources of information.

/65

Hypothesis: Ifthen statement

/1

Works cited: 5 sources of informationListed in proper format.

/10

TOTAL POINTS EARNED

/100

Research Plan Project Approval Form NAME_______________________________

Must be approved by your teacher BEFORE experimentation can begin. After this is approved and all forms are turned in you may begin the experiment. You can not change your experiment without approval from the teacher.

1. Problem or question being addressed.

2. Hypothesis (if/then format)

3. Independent Variable is ________________________________________________

(remember: you can only have one thing you change)

4. Dependent Variable is ________________________________________________ (this is what you will be measuring; what is changing because of the independent variable).

5. Control is ______________________________________________________________

6. Constants in the experiment are _____________________________________________

7. Description, in detail, of the procedures you will use in your experiment. Also a list of materials used in the experiment

The Experiment

Your project should include a control group so that you can compare the results of the experimental group to a group that did not have the variable changed.

Your experiment will contain an independent variable, dependent variable, control group and constants.

Independent Variable: the experimenter changes something to observe what will happen. The thing that he changes in an experiment is the independent variable (also called the manipulated variable). For example you experiment on the effects of fertilizer on plants, so you change fertilizer amounts. The fertilizer is the independent variable.

Dependent variable: the factor that changes as a result of changes to the independent variable. In this example plant growth is the dependent variable. Dependent variable is also referred to as the responding variable.

Control group: this group does not receive the independent variable. In this example you would have a group of plants that are not fertilized.

Controlled experiment: an experiment that has a control group.

Constants: all the things that stay the same in all the experimental trials. In this example some of the constants would be: same type of plant, same size pot, same potting soil, same amount of water and light.

You will do repeated trials of your experiment. For example: if you were melting chocolate to determine the time chocolate takes to melt, you would melt chocolate a minimum of FIVE different times and then determine the average of the five times. You must repeat the experiment several times to establish that the experiment is repeatable, and that the results are consistent. The more you repeat your experiment, the more reliable the results will be.

Take photos while you are experimenting.

Keep accurate data in your log book. DO NOT erase; just mark through once if a mistake is made. Use PEN in your log book; NOT pencil.

Keep detailed observations in your log book.

Date each entry.

This is science- use metric measurements in all experiments and units after numbers!

The Results:

Organize your data in tables

Label data tables. Remember have units with the numbers.

Do not fudge the data. A judge can tell if your data is not accurate.

Average the results of the trials.

Graph the data with an appropriate graph. Label the graph and use keys if needed.

Discussion:

Discuss the data that was gathered from your experiment. Explain in written detail what the numerical results show. What type of inferences can you make from the data?

The Conclusion:

Use the data to infer conclusions from the experiment. Was your hypothesis supported? You must state this in your conclusion. Remember, it is OK if the hypothesis was not supported. Be especially careful that your conclusion is not a new hypothesis. Any new hypothesis must be tested.

Experimental Design Diagram (EDD)

The EDD summarizes the experiment in just a view words along with the diagram. It allows parts of the project to be seen easily, and also shows weaknesses or missing elements in the experimental design. Your project must have an EDD. Use this form to complete the EDD and then you will type the EDD in class.

Title: The Effect of

Hypothesis: ifthen format

Independent Variable (IV): The variable the experimenter changes. The experimenter can only change one variable at a time.

Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that responds because of the change to the IV.

Control group: The group that does not receive the IV and is used as a comparison to the groups that receive the IV.

Constants: Those items in the experiment that stay the same in all the groups

EDD

Title:

Hypothesis:

IV:

(control)

DV:

C (constants):

Sample EDD

Title: The Effect of Various Amounts of Calcium Chloride on the Temperature of Water

Hypothesis: If more grams of calcium chloride are added to water, then the temperature of the water will increase.

IV: Amount of Calcium Chloride (grams)

Independent Variable

0 gram

(control)

10 gram

20 gram

30 gram

Levels of IV including Control

5 trials

5 trials

5 trials

5 trials

Repeated Trials. Number of times each of the levels of IV was tested

DV: Temperature of water Dependent Variable

C: Same amount of water (75ml) Constants

Same time to dissolve (2 min)

Constant stirring (2 min)

The Log Book

The log book is a progressive data book of your science project. Every time you work on your project you will write down what is done or measured.

When experimentation begins, you will write the procedure, in detail, in the log book along with any illustrations that help explain the project.

The log book will be a bound composition notebook (not spiral bound).

Use only ink in the book. NO pencil.

Number each page in the bottom right corner.

If a mistake is made, DO NOT erase. Just mark through one time. DO NOT scribble through so that you can not see the original entry.

All observations and data are to be entered into the book.

Date each entry.

The log book will be displayed at the science fair.

The log book will be evaluated for the following:

All writing is neat (remember, mark through mistakes only once)

Tables and graphs are drawn, using rulers. All tables and graphs have labels and titles. All tables and graphs are numbered, with captions that include dates.

All procedures are clearly described in a step by step fashion. Modifications to the procedures are clearly described, explained and dated.

Materials list is clearly and thoroughly written

Control, constants, and variables are clearly and thoroughly described.

Log book set up (some may require more than one page)

Title page: include title of project (The Effect of.), start date, end date. (your name will not go here because the book is displayed at the science fair)

Problem: This will state the reason for the experiment.

Purpose: This will state the purpose of your experiment.

Hypothesis: This will be stated in the if, then format.

Materials: List the materials that you used in the experiment. Put them into list form, not paragraph form.

Procedures: This is where you will list your procedures. Make then detailed, so that someone can replicate your experiment, exactly. List them numerically.

Data Tables: include a title above the table, number and caption below the table and appropriately labeled columns and rows, with units. (use a ruler)

Graphs: include title above the graph, number and caption below the graph, and appropriately labeled axes, with units. (use a ruler)

Observations: complete and detailed description of what happened during your experiment.

Exhibit Board:

The board should be a three sided exhibit board that can be purchased from: Wal-Mart (early in school year, otherwise hard to find here), office supply stores (like Staples, Office Max) or If Its Paper (Apperson Drive).

The boards come in different colors. So before you purchase your board, you may want to think of the color scheme you will use. A display looks better if you use 2-4 coordinating colors, instead of just a mixture of unrelated colors. Use your art class skills here!

The board will be the final step in the science fair process. Make your board neat. DO NOT glue items on your board until you have all the elements prepared. Then place items on the board to see if you like the display. DO NOT glue until you are sure that is where you want the items placed. Then glue and you are done!

The following will be on your exhibit board: (refer to enclosed picture for reference)

Project Title (The Effect of..)

Abstract

Problem

Purpose

Hypothesis

Materials

Procedure

Experimental Design Diagram (EDD)

Pictures (remember, no people)

Graphs

Data Tables

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

The above items should be generated on a computer, even the data tables and graphs. When working on this project, ALWAYS, save anything you do on your computer for future reference. If you do not have a computer at home, computers are available at school and the public library. It is your responsibility to produce all items- even data tables and graphs. We are here to show you how, but this is your project, and a great way to enhance your computer skills.

Your research paper will not be attached to the board. The research paper and log book will be displayed in front of your board at the science fair.

Remember, nothing living can be at the science fair. Do not bring plant material or soil to display with the board.

Your name can not be visible on the board. If you have your name on your board, you must cover it at display time. Your name should never be on the front.

Exhibit Board Example

Project Title

The Effect of

Pictures-

Procedures-

Numerical list

Abstract

Problem

Abstract Name___________________________________

Pictures-

Conclusion

Discussion of results

EDD

Graphs

Data Tables

Materials

List form

Hypothesis

Purpose

Use this to complete the information that will be typed onto the official abstract entry form. Complete this BEFORE coming to class. Be prepared! (maximum 250 words)

The problem is __________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

It is hypothesized that (if/then format) _________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

A brief procedure of the experiment is as follows.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

The results of the experiment showed that ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________.

In conclusion the results (did/did not) support the hypothesis.

Project Book

The project notebook (3 ring binder) will be displayed along with your log book. It will be placed in front of your board at the fair. You should have the following sections in your book.

Title Page (The Effect of): remember you can not have your name here

Table of contents

Abstract: this is a short version of the entire paper. Others will be able to read your abstract and determine the general idea of the experiment and results without reading the entire paper. The abstract will answer the following:

The problem is...

It is hypothesized that...

A brief procedure of the experiment is as follows...

The results showed that

In conclusion the results (did/or did not) support the hypothesis.

Problem: The problem is...

Purpose: The purpose of this experiment is to...

Hypothesis: If... then

Experimental Design Diagram

Materials: List all materials used

Procedures: List detailed procedures in numerical order.

Data Tables: computer generated

Graphs: computer generated

Discussion- Conclusion: In this section you will evaluate the results. You can include what you feel may have gone wrong. Admit any mistakes that you made, and discuss what you could do differently. This is your evaluation, interpretation, and analysis of the experimental results. Look over your data to infer what the data shows, and put this into written form. (Example: The hypothesis was...The results showed...Therefore, the hypothesis ...supported).

Acknowledgements: This is the section where you will say thank you to those who helped. Remember, no specific names can be printed: just a general- thanks to my parents, teachers, friends, etc.

Put in a section tab here and label Research paper. After this tab, you will place a copy of your research paper, along with the works cited.

Log Book, Project Book and Exhibit Board Check and Grade Sheet**

Use this paper to check off the required components of your log book, project book and display board. This sheet also indicates the point value of each item.

Required Components of the Log Book

Refer to page 15

Student Check if included

Teacher check if included

Points earned/

Point value

Log Book: Use of ink; pages numbered; all entries dated

/1

Log Book in the following order: Refer to page 17 Title page Problem

Purpose Hypothesis

Materials Procedures

Data Tables Graphs

Discussion Conclusion

/1

All data is in metric units. All graphs labeled correctly

/3

Discussion and results are clearly stated and well thought out as to what happened in the experiment.

15/

TOTAL POINTS EARNED on LOG BOOK due December 18th

/20

Required Components of the Project Book

Project Book: 3 ring binder: Refer to page 21

Title page table of contents

Abstract Problem

Purpose Hypothesis

EDD Materials List

Procedures Data Tables

Graphs Discussion/Conclusion

Acknowledgements Research paper

/20

TOTAL POINTS EARNED on Project Book Due December 18th

/20

Required Components of the Exhibit Board

Exhibit Board: has the following. Refer to page 18-19 Project Title Abstract

Problem Purpose

Hypothesis Materials in listed form

EDD Pictures

Procedures in numerical form

Data Tables/Graphs: metric unit/labeled

Discussion / Conclusions

/10

Exhibit Board: is neat. All items are typed or computer generated (graphs and tables). Good use of color scheme. Board clearly shows that time and effort was taken to make sure that items are neatly glued and displayed.

/10

TOTAL POINTS EARNED on EXHIBIT BOARD Due Dec 18th

/20

Total Points Earned on Log Book, Project Book and Exhibit Board

/60

No late projects accepted

THE JUDGE

The paper is done. The experiment is done. The board is done. I am finished!

Hold on. You are not done yet! You still have to meet the JUDGE!

You only have once to make a first impression. So make it good! Here are some tips.

Wear your Sunday best. This is required, not optional. Boys- nice slacks, nice shirt (no t-shirts). Wear a tie if you have one. Girls- nice slacks and shirt, or dress.

Stand up straight; dont lean on the display table.

Look at the judge. Make eye contact.

Stand to the side of your exhibit, not in front of it.

NO GUM.

Speak clearly and in a normal tone.

Smile.

Be polite. Remember yes mam and sir.

The Presentation: Practice with your family and friends. Be familiar with your project- all aspects of it. And do not be afraid to let the judge know where you could have made improvements in your project. In fact, that will probably be a question the judge asks.

Introduce yourself. Hello, my name is...

Give the title of your project.

Explain the purpose.

Tell how you became interested in this topic

Explain the procedure. Do not go over the materials list. The judge can read this on the board.

Explain your independent and dependent variables.

Know your variables, constants, and controls.

Show your data tables and graphs (should be on the board) and interpret the results.

Explain your conclusions. Dont be afraid to admit mistakes or say what could be better.

Tell the judges what you might do in the future.

The judges will then ask questions. If you are not sure of the answer, just say, Im sorry, I dont know the answer.

Thank the judge for taking time to look at your project. (remember: yes mam and yes sir and thank you are remembered by those who can make a difference; good manners are never wasted).

** On the following pages are several forms that a judge may use when evaluating your project. These forms are included to give you an idea of questions the judge may ask and what items the judge will be looking for when he/she is evaluating your project.

Judges Science Fair Grading Rubric

Category: ____________________________Project# ___________________

Project Title: _____________________________________

0

1

2

3

Score

Scientific Title

No title

Incomplete title: does not include The Effect of..

Complete, but does not correctly list the variables in the title

Complete and includes correct variables in title

Problem

None present

Incomplete problem

Problem not clearly stated

Problem clearly stated

Research Question stated in purpose

None

present

Incomplete research question

Research question not clearly stated

Complete research question clearly stated

Hypothesis

None present

Incomplete hypothesis; no if /then

Hypothesis present, uses if/then

Well written, testable hypothesis

Independent variable (IV)

No IV present

Incomplete IV

Complete IV, but units of measure are not included

Complete IV, includes units of measure

Dependent Variable (DV)

None present

Incomplete DV

Complete DV, but method of measurement and units not included

Complete DV, including method of measurement and units

Constants

None present

List of constants lacking major factors that should be constant

List of constants lacking minor factors that should be constant

Complete list of factors that should be constant

Procedures

None listed

List of procedures lacking major steps

List of procedures lacking minor steps or not listed step by step

Complete list of procedures, listed step by step

Materials

None

listed

List of materials lacking many items needed to complete the experiment

List of materials lacking 3 or less items, needs amounts and quantities such as mass, volume, etc. Metric units not used

Complete list of materials needed to complete the experiment, includes amounts and quantities in metric units

Data Tables

None present

Data tables incomplete or insufficient data collect, does not include minimum of 5 trials

Sufficient data collected, has trials but data tables do not include averages or metric units

Sufficient data collected, has trials, data tables contain averages and metric units

Charts and Graphs

None present

Charts/graphs not clearly presented

Charts/graphs present, but missing title and / or axes titles. One or more not computer generated.

Charts/graphs present, contain all necessary titles and all are computer generated.

Conclusions

None present

Incomplete conclusions, results not stated or not related to the hypothesis

Conclusions present, states whether or not the hypothesis is supported by the results

Conclusions and summary remarks were clearly justified by the experimental data

0

1

2

3

Score

Discussion: (may be with conclusion)

None present

Incomplete discussion- no application of ides, no suggestions for improvement, and no ideas for future research

Conclusions present but does not address one or more of the following: application of ideas, suggestions for improvement, or ideas for future research

Conclusion addresses all of the following: application of ideas, suggestions for improvement, and ideas for future research

Log Book

None present

Log book incomplete. Research data not recorded.

Log book present, data collection can be noted, but units missing or incomplete.

Excellent log book. Data collection easily interpreted. Data collection is dated, units and observations present.

Project Notebook

None present

Incomplete book

Notebook is complete but not organized well.

Notebook is complete and well organized. Copy of research paper is included.

Bibliography

None present

Bibliography incomplete; 5 sources not present

Bibliography complete (5 sources: one encyclopedia, book, internet and 2 or choice) but formatting incorrect

Bibliography complete (all 5 sources) and format correct

Visual Display

Poor display: lacking pictures drawing color tables graphs

Fair display lacking 2 of the following: pictures, color, computer generated tables and graphs

Good display lacking 1 of the following: pictures, color, computer generated tables and graphs

Exemplary display that includes pictures, color, computer generated tables and graphs

Practical Application

None present

A practical application can be inferred but it is not clearly stated in the discussion.

A practical application is stated but not explained.

A practical application for this project is clearly stated and explained how this experiment can help.

TOTAL

SCORE

Judges comments and suggestions for improvement.

15