IMPORTANT DUE DATES: January 8 -- Topic Selected
January 22 -- Project Plan due
January 29 -- Rough draft of research paper due
February 11 -- Project due
Students were given a packet of information in December including due dates,
rules of the Science Fair, and a grading rubric.
ON THE DAY OF THE FAIR -- February 11-- Students will bring their projects
when they come to school and set them up in the gym. I will be there to
help students and number the projects. Judging and grading will take
place during the day. The Fair will be open to the public from 6:30 to
8:00 PM. Families may come to view all the 8th grade projects. Students
may take their project home that evening.
CATAGORIES:
PHYSICAL SCIENCE --Topic areas might include physics, chemistry,
earth science, engineering, etc.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE --Topic areas might include biology, botany,
zoology, living things.
*All projects must include an abstract and research paper.
***Four students will represent HMS at each grade level from Physical
Science, and Biological Science.
PARTS OF THE PROJECT:
DISPLAY BOARD: Title
Purpose (problem)
Hypothesis
Abstract
Materials
Procedure
Data and Observations
Results (Data Tables, Graphs, Pictures, Diagrams,
Photographs, etc.)
Conclusion
REPORT NOTEBOOK: (Should be in a nice three-ring binder)
Title page--title of the project, student's name, school, date
Table of Contents--list parts of the notebook and page numbers
Abstract--a brief summary of the project compressed down to one
or two paragraphs
Research Paper -- must be at least two pages, double-spaced,
12 point font, New Times Roman.
Must be background information about the topic
Problem--what are you investigating? Should be in the form of a
question
Hypothesis
Materials
Procedures
Results (Data Tables, graphs)
Conclusion--analyze the results and explain why you got the
results
Bibliography -- must use three references, one of these must be
a book. The bibliography must be in the correct format.
DISPLAY: Optional -- depends on your project
May include: Models
Examples of materials or results
RULES: THESE ARE THE BLOUNT COUNTY SCIENCE FAIR RULES.
1. Dangerous chemicals, open flames, explosives, or any other dangerous
materials will not be permitted. Exhibits must be constructed of
durable material.
2. The event is individual in nature--a project should represent the work
of one individual.
3. Total size of the exhibit must not exceed two feet from back to front,
three feet in length, and three feet in height.
4. Higher forms of living animals are not permitted at the fair. Animals
may be used in the project, however, evidence of abuse or inhumane
treatment will be grounds for disqualification.
5. Electrical outlets will be provided, but the student must provide 25 ft.
of extension cord. Tables will be provided for display.
6. Charts, graphs, photographic displays, or any other visual or auditory
aids may be used as a part of the exhibit.
7. A notebook containing a report describing the development and/or
research of the project must be submitted with the project. A
biliography listing sources of information should also be included in
the notebook.
8. The project must be planned and developed by the student.
Students have been given a grading rubric. Grading is separate from judging!!
I do not look at the judges' ballots when I am grading.
STANDARDS OF JUDGING:
Creativity (30 points) -- Originality and purposefulness of the topic
and use of materials.
Researching Skills (30 points) -- Quality of research devoted to the
topic.
Thoroughness (20 points) -- Skill and preparation at all stages of the
project.
Dramatic value (20 points) -- The overall attractiveness of the project.
HELPFUL LINKS:
www.members.aol.com/_ht_a/ScienzFair/ideas.htm
www.members.aol.com/_ht_a/ScienzFair/expfair.htm
ipl.org/youth/projectguide/
isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjlntro.html
