MOORE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
SCIENCE FAIR
STUDENT/PARENT
INFORMATION PACKET
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
ROBBIE S. MOORE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE
FAIR
2011 - 2012
Parents and Students:
It’s Science Fair Time!
Each student is required to have a science fair project and participate in the Robbie S.
Moore Middle School Science Fair. Moore’s Science Fair is scheduled for
Wednesday, December 7, 2011. In order to be ready for such a large event, we will be
starting to work on projects now. The requirements and due dates for the science fair
are attached to this letter for your convenience. The students also will receive a
science fair packet that specifically explains each part of the project before it is due,
providing ample time for the section to be completed.
Very little class time will be given for the project; however, some work will be done
in Science class with that teacher in order to ensure each part of the project is being
complete properly. These projects are worth 11 grades, so it is extremely important
that each student complete a project. Students will need a science display board and
composition notebook (log book). In addition, students will need to have their Science
Fair reports typed. Students can purchase science boards at Walmart, Target, Office
Depot, and Office Max.
If you have any questions or concerns with the science projects, please direct them to
your child’s science teacher. With your support, I know that the 2011 science fair will
be successful. Have fun with the projects and GOOD LUCK!
Sincerely,
Linda Moise
Science Fair Coordinator
[email protected]
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Science Fair Project Grade Sheet
Student Name: __________________________ Project Category: ______________
Academic Period: ___________
Assignment
Due Date
Problem Statement
09/26/11
Variables
10/03/11
Hypothesis
10/03/11
Procedure
10/10/11
Materials
10/10/11
Data
10/31/11
Results
10/31/11
Conclusion
10/31/11
Abstract
11/07/11
Display Board
(Visuals/Neatness)
*Class Project Grade
11/18/2011
Teacher Name:_________________________
Grade
Teacher
Comments/Initials
Presentation
To be determined by
teacher
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Judging Guidelines & Criteria for Project Evaluation
Adapted from Georgia Science & Engineering Fair Scoring Sheet
Judging
Categories
Maximum
Points
Comments
Guidelines for
Evaluation
Creative Ability
15
Scientific Thought
25
Does the project demonstrate
creative ability and originality
in the question asked, the
approach to solving the
problem, and the analysis of
data?
Is the problem stated clearly?
Points
Earned
Was there an experimental
plan designed to answer the
question?
Were the variables clearly
identified and defined?
Was there adequate data to
support the conclusion?
Are metric units used and
tables and graphs properly
labeled?
Does the student(s)
understand the connection to
current research?
Thoroughness
25
Does the student(s) have an
idea to further develop the
research?
Was the purpose carried out
to completion?
Are conclusions based on
repeated trials?
Are notes complete?
Clarity and Knowledge
15
Were correct graphs and
tables used to organize and
communicate data?
How clearly does the
student(s) discuss his or her
project? Is there real
understanding?
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Does the written material
demonstrate an
understanding?
Is the project presented in an
organized way?
Communication Skills
20
How clearly is the data and
results displayed?
Has the student(s) prepared
written material that supports
the development of the
problem and the process to
research the problem?
Is the student(s) able to
verbally communicate the
details of the project?
Is the student comfortable
answering questions about
their work?
Total
100
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
GETTING STARTED
Scientific Method
The scientific method is the backbone of every science experiment, and understanding it is critical to the
success of your science fair experiment. It involves identifying a problem, learning what is already known
about that problem, thinking of a solution or answer (called a hypothesis), doing an experiment to test
your hypothesis, and reaching a conclusion based on what you learned. Here is a detailed description of
the scientific method.
Problem/Question
Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.
Observation/Research
Perform research on your topic. It is not a good idea to begin from a scratch to answer the question.
Rather the library and Internet must be used to gather information and confirm that the past errors would
not get repeated.
Formulate a Hypothesis
Based on the research you have done, you will be writing an answer or solution (formed as a statement) –
your best educated guess – to your question. Two things must be kept in mind while stating a hypothesis.
It must be possible to measure the terms in the hypothesis and the hypothesis must answer the original
question.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Variables/Controls
Establish the variables important to your experiment. Variables are the things that have an effect on the
experiment.
The manipulated/independent variable is the one condition that you change in the experiment. It is the
factor that you are comparing or testing.
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Ask yourself: What are the things that may affect the results of my experiment? Choose one variable to
change and keep the others the same.
The dependent/responding variable: The measure of change observed because of the independent
variable. It is important to decide how you are going to measure the change.
The controlled variables are the conditions that need to remain the same during the experiment so that
they do not affect the results.
Experiment
Develop a list of materials that you will need to complete your experiment. Materials are a detailed list of
items you need to complete your experiment. Be specific about the amounts used.
Develop and follow a procedure. Procedures are a step-by-step description of how you will conduct your
experiment. Remember to number your steps. The experiment must be repeated for the same and different
set of values to ensure that the initial results were not a fluke.
Data/Observations
As you observe your experiment, you will need to record the progress of your experiment. This is your
data. The data are the values written down as the experiment progresses. Data can be whatever you
observe about your experiment that may or may not change during the time of the experimentation. Data
can be in form of graphs and charts. Qualitative observation involves using sights, hearing, smell, and
sometimes taste to gather information. Quantitative observation involves numbers. This type can be in the
form of charts, graphs, and tables.
Results
The results are usually in the form of a statement that explains or interprets the data. You do not go into
any detail or explanations here. You simply say in words what your data is telling you.
Conclusion
The conclusion is a summary of the research and the results of the experiment. This is where you answer
your research question. You make a statement of whether your data supported your hypothesis or not.
You may have data that supported part of your hypothesis and not another part. You may also have data
that did not support your hypothesis at all. In this case, you may explain why the results were different.
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Display Board
*Variables and controls should also be displayed on board.
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet
Robbie S. Moore Middle School
Science Fair Due Dates
09/26/2011: Problem Statement Due
(NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO PROJECT TOPIC ONCE IT IS CHOSEN!)
10/03/2011: Controls and Variables/ Hypothesis Due
10/10/2011: Procedures and Materials List Due
10/10/2011 - 10/24/2011: Science Project must be completed during this time.
NO INFORMATION SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE BOARD!
10/31/2011: Data / Results/Conclusions and Applications
11/7/2011: Abstract Due
11/7/2011– 11/17/2011: Complete and Decorate Project Board
*(Once student has received teacher approval)
11/18/2011 Backboard Display Due
* (NO Projects are accepted after this date)
Your project will be judged on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 at the Science Fair in the
Cafe.
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION:
Student Name: _____________________________ Academic Period _____________
Teacher Name: _________________________
I have read the information above and am aware of the required due dates for the Science
Fair Project.
Parent Signature: _________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________
MMS 2011-2012 Science Fair Packet