Light Farms Elementary
Science Fair Planning Guide
Important Dates for the
2016 Light Farms Science Fair
February 12th-----Project
March 1st------Projects
registration is due to Mrs. Harkey
may be delivered to the Gym
7:15-7:45 a.m. or 2:45-3:30 p.m.
March 2nd------Student project interviews and judging
March 3rd------Awards announced and projects on display
Open House
Campus Contact: Mrs. Harkey [email protected]
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for
Light Farms Elementary
Science Fair Planning Guide
Table of Contents
Registration …………………………………………..…………Page 2
General Rules ……………………………………..………….Page 3
Purpose of Science Fair ……………………….………Page 4
Choosing a Category……………….………………….……Page 5
Project Plan …………………………….………….……..……Page 6
How Parents May Help ….……………………...……Page 7
Science Fair Board ……….…………………………….…Page 8
4th Graders Only …………………………………….…….Page 9
Website Help …………………………………………….……Page 10
Judging Criteria ……………………………………………..Page 11
Science Fair Project Registration – Due February 12th to the Library
Name _________________________ Teacher ______________________
My Science Fair Project is called_________________________________
My hypothesis is _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
I understand the completed project is due on March 1st, 2016.
Student Signature _________________________
General
Rules:
Parent
Signature___________________________ email:_____________________
I would like to purchase a Project Board from the school for $4.00
I will be using technology to present my project. (4th Graders ONLY)
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MAC
PC
General Rules & Information
General Rules & Information
 Number one rule… think safety first before you start. Make sure you have recruited an
adult to help you.
 All exhibits must be constructed by students.
 Teachers or other technically trained people may give information and advice.
 All equipment and other necessary material must be furnished by exhibitor; 110 volt
outlets will be available.
 If electricity is needed, exhibitor must furnish an extension cord at least 15 feet in length.
 Posters must be self-supporting.
 Size of exhibit is limited to 30 inches in depth, 48 inches in width, and 60 inches in
height from the floor to the top of the exhibit.
 No student's name, school, or personally identifying pictures may be displayed on
exhibit.
 Wear protective goggles when doing any experiment that could lead to eye injury.
 Respect all life forms. Do not perform an experiment that will harm an animal.
 Any project that involves drugs, firearms, or explosives are not permitted.
 Any project that breaks district policy, and/or local, state or federal laws are not
permitted.
 Use safety on the internet! Never write to anyone without an adult’s assistance. Be sure to
let an adult know about websites you may visit or have them help you search.
 There will be at least three judges per grade level, judging independently. A calculation
of the three rubrics will determine placement in judging. Decisions made by the judges
and science fair committee are final.
 If the above rules are not followed, the project will be disqualified and not displayed.
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Purpose of the Light Farms Science Fair
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To focus attention on science experiences in school.
To stimulate greater interest in science by all students.
To recognize and commend youthful scientific talent and hobby pursuits.
To stimulate interest in scientific investigation above and beyond routine class work.
To offer an opportunity for display of scientific talent through exhibit and demonstration.
To provide constructive suggestions for teachers and students of science.
To arouse interest of the public in science abilities of students and teachers.
What is the Scientific Method?
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Choosing a category that interests you…
All great projects start with great questions, but before you get started on a great question you need to pick a
subject or topic that you like. There are three different categories of the Science Fair to choose from. They are:
Life science: This category deals with all animal, plant and human body questions that you might have and
want to do an experiment about. Remember that it is against Science Fair Rules to intentionally hurt an animal
during an experiment. If you are dealing with animals, please let an adult assist you. It is okay to do an
experiment on plants, as long as they don’t belong to someone else, like don’t do an experiment on your mom’s
rose bushes unless you ask her first...
Life science also includes studying behaviors, so it’s a perfect category to try taste tests, opinion surveys or
animal behavior training (or even training behavior in humans... like baby brothers or sisters...).
Physical Science: If you like trying to figure out how things work, then this is the category for you!
It includes topics about matter and structure, as well as electricity, magnetism, sound, and light. Questions you
may have are also included like, “How does it work” and “What if I do this, will it still work?” But remember,
ask an adult first (and always make sure there is an adult with you when experimenting).
Physical Science also includes the composition of matter and how it reacts. These are the science experiments
that may have bubbling and oozing going on, like figuring out what is an acid and what is a base. It is a perfect
category to try mixing things together and observing what happens.
Again, recruit an adult to help you with experiments.
Earth and Space Sciences: This category covers all sorts of topics that deal with the Earth or objects in space.
This includes studying weather, Geology (which is the study of everything that makes up the Earth, like rocks,
fossils and volcanoes), and the study of all that is in space, including the stars, our sun and the planets.
Unfortunately, this category is also where some students make mistakes by presenting a collection or model
project, instead of an “experiment,” so be careful!
Now it’s Your Turn:
What area of science excites you?
My favorite Category is _________________________________________
(Life Science, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science)
I want to do an experiment involving
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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Project Plan
Once you have chosen your problem, question, or purpose, write out your project plan. In your plan, you will
list your problem as well as the materials, and procedure you plan to use.
The Experiment
1. Research:
a. First, find out as much as you can about your topic. Look up information in science books, newspapers,
magazines, and online. You may also interview a scientist or specialist in the area you are studying.
2. State your hypothesis:
Predict what you think will happen when you test your problem.
Example Problem: Which paper towel is more absorbent?
Example Hypothesis: I think Brand X will be more absorbent because it is thicker.
a. Sometimes people call this an “educated guess.” What do you think you will discover once your experiment
is finished? Your hypothesis does not have to be correct. You are doing the experiment to see if you are correct.
You don’t want to do something you already know the answer to.
3. Conduct the experiment:
a. Gather up your materials: What will you need to perform your experiment? Once you and the adult who is
helping you have collected everything, take or draw pictures of your materials. This will come in handy when
you are making your board display.
b. Write a PROCEDURE. A procedure is a list of steps followed to perform an experiment. Why do you need
to write it down? Well it’s like giving someone a recipe to your favorite food. If they want to try it, they can
follow your steps to test if it’s true. Scientists do this so that people will believe that they did the experiment and
also to let other people test what they learned. Did we mention to take pictures while experimenting? We need
to see the steps. Remember: Ask your photographer to focus on the experiment and not personally identifying
areas, like your beautiful smile.
c. Identify your variables. The variables are any factors that can change in an experiment. Remember that
when you’re testing your experiment, you should only test one variable at a time in order to get accurate
results. In other words, if you want to test the affect that water has on plant growth, then all the plants you test
should be in the same condition (controlled variables: same type of dirt, same type of plant, same type of
location, same amount of sunlight, etc.). The only variable you would change from plant to plant would be the
amount of water it received. This is called the independent or manipulated variable. The independent
variable is the factor you are testing. The results of the test that you do are called the dependent or responding
variables. The responding variable is what happens as a result of your test. Knowing what your variables are is
very important because if you don’t know them you won’t be able to collect your data or read your results.
d. TEST, TEST, TEST. To be considered a good experiment, results must be consistent. For example, when
you cook from a recipe, you expect the outcome to be the same each time when the directions are followed (or
procedure) step by step. This means you need to do the experiment more than once in order to test it properly.
We recommend five times or more. More is better!
Don’t forget to take pictures of the science project in action and the results (minus your smile!).
e. Collect your DATA. This means write down or record the results of the experiment.
4. Compile and Organize Proof:
a. Record your data.
b. Collect and present your results. Tables, graphs, and charts are helpful in evaluating data. You may have to
do some averages, etc., to be able to evaluate your results.
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5. Conclusion: (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning)
a. What can you claim about your experiment? Tell what you found out.
b. Why am I making these claims? How do I know? Give evidence. Was your hypothesis right or wrong or
neither?
c. Reasoning: Were you successful, did it turn out okay? Would you change anything about the experiment or
are you curious about something else now that you’ve completed your experiment? And most of all,
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT.
6. Plan the Display
The display should tell the project in a neat, well-organized, and appealing manner. The presentation should
reflect the scientific method.
4th Graders ONLY: You have the option of either displaying your project on a traditional, Tri-fold board or
displaying your project using technology, such as PowerPoint or Keynote. If choosing to use some sort of
technology, the standard information (i.e. Steps of the Scientific Method) needs to be presented.
Size: limited to 30 inches in depth, 48 inches in width, and 60 inches in height from the floor to the top of the
exhibit.
Backboard: durable, portable, and self-supporting.
Written or Visual Information: should include the steps of the scientific method. Daily logs, charts, graphs,
photographs (no photos of the presenter’s face), models, drawings, and/or bibliography may be included.
How Parents May Help with Science Fair
Choosing a topic is perhaps the most important step in a science project. Together you and your child can think,
imagine, dream, and wonder about the world around you. Try to remember some of the questions your child has
asked in the past. Trips to the museum, industries or down to the creek may spark curiosity. Write down several
topics to think about over the next few days. You and your child are encouraged to discuss the difficulty of the
project, whether it will require technical knowledge and equipment, and the expenses involved, so that your
child takes ownership and pride in the project.
Maintain your enthusiasm. Your excitement over the project is contagious and will keep your child going. Let
your child know that you think the project has value. Be positive.
Help locate materials and resources.
Provide transportation to such places as libraries, nature centers, colleges or universities where your child may
find project information.
One idea sparks another, and it is easy to get off track. Gently remind your child to stick with the exact question
that needs answering.
Allow your child to complete the project as independently as possible. Our science fair judges will ask your
child questions about the project and involvement and ownership assures a child-like, appropriate for their age,
explanation.
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Light Farms Science Fair Board
The following are the categories that you will need on your science board to explain your project. The bold,
printed words below are category titles that should be on your science board along with corresponding
information.
Title
It can be your question you are trying to prove or simply an interesting or “catchy” title for your project.
Question, Problem, or Purpose
What is it you want to learn or do? You will want to call it the question if you are stating your guiding question.
You will want to call it the problem if you are stating the problem you intend to investigate. You will want to
call it the purpose if you are stating the purpose for your investigation.
Hypothesis
What do you think will happen when you perform the experiment or complete the project? This is your answer
to your question or what you think will happen based on your problem or purpose. This is stated before you do
any tests, experiments, or research.
Materials
What materials do I need in order to complete my project? List all the items needed for the project or to
complete experiments. An individual reading the materials list should be able to clearly understand what is
needed for the project. Remember to provide the number or amount of materials needed.
Procedure
This is your step-by-step way of testing your hypothesis or completing your experiment. It has to be very clear
so others can read your procedure and follow what you say without being confused.
Data or Results
What actually happened when I performed my experiment or completed my project? You need to write down or
make charts, tables, or graphs to show exactly what happened when you did your experiment. Photos may be
taken while you work, but should not reveal your identity.
Conclusion
What did I find out? Your conclusion is the answer to your question. It may be the same as your hypothesis, but
it might be different. Your conclusion is based on what happens by following your procedure and what you
learn from the data from your experiment.
Research
If you had to find information in a book, newspaper, or magazine to help explain part of your project, you will
need a research category. Simply explain what information may be helpful to others who are looking at your
project so they can clearly understand what you have done.
Sources
We all need to give credit when we use someone else’s information. Please provide citations on where you
found your information.
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Fourth Graders Only!!!
Project Presentation: You have the option of either displaying your project on a traditional, Tri-fold board or
displaying your project using technology, such as PowerPoint or Keynote.
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You may use pictures or movies in your presentation.
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You must provide a labeled flash drive with your project on it.
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Your presentation must include all of the steps that are required for the traditional board
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Winners in 4th grade: These participants will have the opportunity to tour Raytheon and be
able to talk with scientists. This will be a fantastic experience!
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Need More Ideas...
Websites
Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/
Are you looking for some help with a science fair project? If so, then you have come to the right place. The IPL will guide you to a
variety of web site resources, leading you through the necessary steps to successfully execute a science experiment.
Discovery.com: Science Fair Central
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/index.html
"Creative investigations into the real world." This site provides a complete guide to science fair projects. Check out the 'Handbook'
which features information from Janice VanCleave, a popular author who provides everything you need to know for success. You can
even send her a question about your project.
Science Fair Idea Exchange
http://scienceclub.org/scifair.html
This site has lists of science fair project ideas and a chance to share your ideas with others on the web!
Try Science
http://tryscience.com/
A science resource for home that gives you labs to try and 400 helpful links all related to science.
Gateway to Educational Materials: Science Fair Projects
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/scifun/projects.htm
The Gateway to Educational Materials is an extensive and detailed step-by-step guide to completing science fair projects.
Science Fair Primer
http://users.rcn.com/tedrowan/primer.html
A site that prompts students to get started and how to perform a successful science fair project.
What Makes A Good Science Fair Project
http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html
A website from USC that provides tips and ideas to think about regarding what makes a good science fair project. Advice for students
as well as teachers and parents is included.
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Science Fair Project Score Sheet
Project #___________
CREATIVE ABILITY
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Originality
Purposefulness
Overall attractiveness
Creative use of materials
Project includes an element of originality and creative approach.
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
THOROUGHNESS
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2
3
4
5
Completeness of…
*theory
*procedures
*results
Project was done in an organized and thorough manner.
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
CLARITY
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4
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Pleasing impression
Appropriate labeling
Descriptions
Sequence of arrangement
Correct grammar and spelling
Project is self-explanatory and the average person can understand it.
Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
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Organized procedures/methods
Accurate observations
Controlled equipment
Understand scientific thoughts
Is the topic or problem an appropriate subject for scientific investigation? Does the data collected justify the
conclusion made?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
SKILL
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4
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Good workmanship in…
*handling of materials
*preparation
*mounting
Does the project reflect the student’s own work? Is all equipment used within the student’s level of understanding
or expertise?
Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
PRESENTATION
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Clear explanation of purpose
Ability to explain idea and outcome
Ability to explain graphs and chart
Ability to describe how the project was completed step-by-step
Ability to state what they have learned
Is there evidence that thought, study, and effort went into the project by the student. The level of adult supervision
was appropriate.
Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
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