Name ______________________ Science Projects will be done mainly at home and are due Monday, May 24th. The Science Fair will take place Wednesday, May 26th from 2:00‐3:00. What is a Science Fair Project? A science fair project is an investigation that is designed to solve a problem or answer a question. It is a “science” fair project because the scientific method is used to conduct the investigation. It is a science “fair” because in the end the projects are showcased to a larger audience. A poster or display is created to explain the project completed. Projects and presentations are evaluated and awards may be given. Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Observe the world around you and think of a question. 2. State a hypothesis. This is a statement you can test using an investigation. 3. Plan an investigation to test your hypothesis. 4. Perform the experiment. Make observations and collect data. 5. Analyze the data and complete the results. 6. From the results, decide whether or not your hypothesis was true. State your conclusion. Steps to create a Project 1. Think about what interests you. Research possible topics on the internet. 2. Think of a testable question. Narrow your ideas and think of a question that you can test to find the answer. 3. Research the topic. Find some books or information on the internet that may come in handy when making a hypothesis. 4. Design the experiment. Use the scientific method to help. Collect materials and tools you will need. Decide how to collect your data. 5. Conduct the investigation/Record results/Draw conclusions. 6. Display your project—use pictures, charts, and graphs to relay your information and conclusions. Display on a poster or project board. Make sure to be neat, clear, and add captions, title, and headings if needed. Science Fair Tips 1. Look for a idea that you can do over a fairly short amount of time (less than 2 weeks) 2. Make sure the project is truly yours. Yes, you can get help from adults, but make sure you are the one doing the project, not your parents. Timeline of Events: • May 10, 2010 – Have project idea decided on • May 17, 2010 – Update your teacher with the status of your project • May 24, 2010 – Project (Tri‐fold poster board due) • Week of May 24, 2010 – Class presentations • May 26, 2010 – Science Fair (2‐3pm) Possible Science Fair Ideas *Will chilling an onion before cutting it keep you from crying? *Is it easier to remember information while listening to music? *What ratio of vinegar to baking soda produces the best chemical volcano eruption? *What type of plastic wrap best prevents evaporation? *Do different colored candles burn at different rates? *Does salt (or other substance) affect plant growth? *Does the shape of an ice cube affect how it melts? *Do different brands of popcorn leave different amount of unpopped kernels? *If you shake up different brands of soft drinks, do they spew different amounts? *Are all potato chips equally as greasy? *Does light affect the rate at which food spoils? *Do different brands of diapers absorb the same amount of liquid? *Do different brand batteries last equally as long? *How are different soils affected by erosion? *How does orange juice or other liquid affect plants vs. water? *Do all brands of bubble gum make the same size bubbles? *Does music affect plant growth? *What type of container is best for carrying eggs? *What brand of stain stick removes stains the best? *Does music have an affect on animal behavior? *Does the color of food or drink affect if we like them? *What kind of food do dogs (or any animal) like best? *Which paper towel brand is the strongest? *What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting? *Do certain foods affect out heart rate? *How effective are childproof containers and locks? *What levels of background noise affect our concentration? *Does the color of a room or piece of paper affect how we learn? *What is the best way to keep cut flowers fresh the longest? *Do students who participate in athletics have better lung capacity? *What type of food molds the fastest? *Do worms in soil help plants grow faster? *Does hair color affect the amount of static electricity it can carry? *Can plant grow in pots that are sideways or upside down? *How much weight can the surface tension of water hold? *Can mice (or any animal) learn? *Does the color of birdseed affect how much a bird will eat? *Can people tell artificial smells from real ones? *Does age affect human reaction time? *Do different types of athletic shoes affect jumping height or running speed? *What type of grass seed grows the fastest? *Can animals see in the dark better than humans? *Do people have the same sensitivity to smell? *Does storage temperature affect popcorn popping? Science Fair Requirements A Science Fair project consists of selecting a question to answer, conducting a controlled experiment, collecting data in some way, analyzing the data, making a conclusion statement and using a display to present the information. Question: The question chosen should be of high interest to the student. It should be something that the student would like to know more about; but, it must also be something that is testable; models are not science projects. Choose a problem in which data can be collected, in a small window of time, to determine results. Controlled Experiment: The experiment should be one in which the student will have a control group and keep everything the same with the exception of one variable that is being tested. Several repetitions should be done in order to have valid results. Data Log: This is a dated record of the work done on each stage of the project and observations during the various stages. Data Logs should be in spiral notebooks or journals. This will then be used to organize your data in the form of charts, graphs, and/or tables. Analyze Data: Students will need to make graphs or find a way to display their data. By using the data, students make thoughtful conclusions. Conclusion: Students will need to make a statement that either supports or rejects the hypothesis of the project. The conclusion is the answer to their question. Display board: Normally, this is a freestanding 3‐paneled cardboard frame; however, other materials can be used to create a display. Steps to Use the Scientific Method 1. Question: The question should be clearly stated 2. Research: Get advice and/or interview experts, use the internet or library to find books, journals or other resources on your project topic. 3. Hypothesis: the hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to the problem and should be testable. 4. Materials: List all materials needed to conduct the experiment; be specific! 5. Procedure: *List, in order, the steps of what will be done to conduct the experiment. *Others should be able to repeat the experiment exactly by reading the procedure. *Make sure all variables and constant factors have been considered. *Make sure the experiment is repeated several times *Indicate any safety procedures needed. 6. Data: Draw tables and charts. The information should be clearly presented and should reflect the important information. This should be based on your observations or information collected while performing the experiment. 7. Results: Make graphs based on your results. Look for patterns, trends or relationships. 8. Conclusion: Decide what the data shows about the hypothesis; state whether the data supported or did not support the hypothesis. Explain why. Display Boards The purpose of the display board is to communicate your work clearly to others. Materials and Construction Recommended Techniques: *The standard presentation boards are self‐standing and work quite well. They are usually foam core or cardboard and available at most office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot, Office Max) or teacher store (United Art) for $4‐$12. Of course you can always make your own from a cardboard box. We are also allowing regular poster board as well. *Print out or neatly write your information on separate paper. Then mount it to the board. Do not write directly on the board. Be sure to proofread each sheet before mounting. *Glue stick works well for attaching paper to the display board. Use double sided tape for pictures (if you have them). *Use colored construction paper to mount your items and add accent to the board. Tips: 1. Organize your information like a newspaper. This will allow your audience to quickly read your information from top to bottom, then left to right. Include each step in your science project: Question, hypothesis, materials, procedure, data, results, and conclusions. 2. Make sure your text is easy to read. If you type the information, use at least 16 pt. font. If you write, be neat and clearly print. 3. The title should be big and easy to read from across the room. Choose one that accurately describes your work, but also grabs peoples’ attention. 4. Include visuals. Use photos or draw diagrams to present data, explain results, or show your setup. Make them colorful, neat, and easy to read. Include captions where necessary. 5. Put your name on the board! 6. Acknowledge any people or resources that helped you. 7. You may bring in any logs, props or even the actual project to display if it is easy to do. Display Board Self‐Checklist Does your display board include?: Title Name Question Variables and hypothesis Any background research Materials list Procedure Data Analysis and or charts, graphs, etc Conclusions Acknowledgements/Bibliography Are the sections of your display board well‐ organized and easy to follow? Is the text font large enough to be read easily? Does the title catch people’s attention, and does it stand out? Did you use pictures and diagrams to effectively communicate the information of your project? Is your board as neat as possible? Did you proofread your display board? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No