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Visit the TeacherWeb® videos to learn about the features, modifications, and customizations available on your website. Click here to learn more. Science Fair Handbook <strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=7> <P align=left></FONT></strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>A major portion of this handbook is credited to the staff and volunteers of the</P> <P align=left>Sumner School District Science Fair and to the authors of </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>Not Just Another</P> <P align=left>Science Fair</em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>, Laura Vazquez, David M. France and Kim M. Perkins.</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>CONTENTS</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>General Information 3</P> <P align=left>Selecting a Project 4</P> <P align=left>Resources 4</P> <P align=left>Websites 4</P> <P align=left>Books 5</P> <P align=left>Science Fair Project ‘How To’ Guide 6</P> <P align=left>6</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>– 12</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>Grade Projects 7</P> <P align=left>3</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>rd </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>– 5</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>Grade Projects 11</P> <P align=left>K – 2</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>nd </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>Grade Projects 12</P> <P align=left>Judging Criteria 13</P> <P align=left>Sample Scoring Rubrics 14</P> <P align=left>Rules 17</P> <P align=left>Scientific Method 19</P> <P align=left>Sample Science Project Ideas 21</P> <P align=left>Visual Display 23</P> <P align=left>Oral Presentation 23</P> <P align=left>Project Summary 24</P> <P align=left>Registration Form 25</P> <P align=left>More Project Ideas 27</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>GENERAL INFORMATION</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Dear Parent:</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The Science Fair Student Handbook </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">contains information about rules, project guidelines, registration</P> <P align=left>forms and other helpful items to assist in the science fair experience. A registration form is included</P> <P align=left>near the end of the handbook. Additional forms and handbooks are available at the Tacoma Nature</P> <P align=left>Center, or may be downloaded off the Nature Center website (</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff>www.metroparkstacoma.org</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">).</P> <P align=left>Your cooperation in helping your child adhere to deadlines will help us do a better job of coordinating</P> <P align=left>the fair. If you anticipate a problem with the dates and times specified in this handbook, please contact</P> <P align=left>us to explore alternatives. Tacoma Nature Center (253) 591-6439</P> <P align=left>Sincerely,</P> <P align=left>Snake Lake Science Fair Steering Committee</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>See you at the fair!</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Science Fair Goals</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To promote science education at all grades by hands-on exploration of scientific principles</P> <P align=left>through the preparation and presentation of science projects.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To promote understanding of, and creativity in, a scientific method of investigation.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To promote the self-discipline necessary to accomplish the experiment, prepare a display,</P> <P align=left>and write a summary within the given time frame.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To give the students a sense of pride and accomplishment derived from participation in the</P> <P align=left>science fair.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To stimulate and nourish a fond interest in science.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To promote educational links among parents, community, and school.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To foster a lifelong appreciation of scientific processes in preparation for life in an</P> <P align=left>increasingly technological society.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Science Fair Dates to Remember</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>January 12, 2008 Parent/Student/Workshop 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Tacoma Nature Center</P> <P align=left>January 16, 2008 Parent/Student Workshop 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Tacoma Nature Center</P> <P align=left>January 22, 2008 Parent/Student Workshop 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Tacoma Nature Center</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>* All workshops are the same, choose one to attend and RSVP to ensure your spot.</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>February 22, 2008 Project registration forms are due at the Tacoma Nature Center</P> <P align=left>February 26, 2008 Project summary/report is due at the Tacoma Nature Center.</P> <P align=left>February 29, 2008 Project check-in and set up: 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Tacoma Nature Center</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>ABSOLUTELY NO CHECK-IN WILL BE ALLOWED AFTER 7:00PM</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>March 1, 2008 Science Fair Judging: 9:00 am – noon, Tacoma Nature Center</P> <P align=left>Public viewing 1:30 pm – 3:00pm</P> </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Students are requested to stand next to their exhibit during public viewing to answer questions.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Awards Ceremony 3:00pm – 3:20pm</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>ALL RIBBONS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY AT 3:00 P.M.</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>SELECTING A PROJECT</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Sometimes one of the hardest things about a science fair project is selecting a topic! Here are a few</P> <P align=left>things to keep in mind when you are selecting your topic:</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Pick something you are interested in</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Ask family members what they think you should do</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Think of something that you already know a little about</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Think about what types of materials you already have at your home</P> <P align=left>If you still can’t think of something to do, check out some of the web sites listed below or the books</P> <P align=left>listed on the next page. Students are allowed to choose any topic that they would like as long as it</P> <P align=left>follows these rules:</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">All projects must follow the scientific method and test a hypothesis. No displays or</P> <P align=left>demonstration projects; for example, no volcanoes.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Students may either work by themselves, or with one other student. Students from two</P> <P align=left>different grades will be judged at the level of the oldest student.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Grades K-2 can do a class project.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">A student’s project should reflect his/her age and ability level.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">All experiments must be supervised by an adult.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Glass, flames, live animals, and hazardous chemicals will not be allowed as part of a</P> <P align=left>student’s display.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">For a complete summary of the rules, see pages 17 – 18 of the handbook.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">For more information on selecting a topic, see pages 21 - 22 and 27 – 31 of the handbook.</P> <P align=left>Once you have selected a topic for your project, please complete the application form with your</P> <P align=left>family, and return it to the Tacoma Nature Center. Then you may begin working on your project.</P> <P align=left>All applications are due by February 3, 2007.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>RESOURCES – WEBSITES</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Science Buddies</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff> <P align=left>http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/science-fairs.shtml</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Science Fair Topics</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff> <P align=left>www.accessexcellence.org/RC/scifair.html</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>School Discovery</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff> <P align=left>http://www.school.discovery.com/science fair central/</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>All Science Fair Projects</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff> <P align=left>http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The Ultimate Science Fair Resource</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff> <P align=left>http://www.scifair.org</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>5</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>RESOURCES – BOOKS</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Below is a list of books that can help you select a topic and frame your project. Some books are</P> <P align=left>subject specific and others are more grade specific. Most elementary school and public libraries in the</P> <P align=left>area have at least one science fair book. If you are unable to find any books at all to help you, contact</P> <P align=left>the Tacoma Nature Center to use their lending library. All of these books can be found at local</P> <P align=left>bookstores as well.</P> <P align=left>700 Science Experiments for Everyone, Doubleday, 1958,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-385-05275-8</P> <P align=left>Great Science Fair Projects, Scientific America, Marc Rosner, 2000,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-471-35625-5</P> <P align=left>Science Fair Projects for Dummies, Maxine Levaren, Wiley Publishers, 2003,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-7645-5460-3</P> <P align=left>Sure to Win Science Fair Projects, Joe Rhatigan, Lark Books Publisher, 2002,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 1-57990-238-3</P> <P align=left>Hands-On Science, King Fisher Publisher, 2001,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-7534-5440-8</P> <P align=left>The Science of Life, Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologist,</P> <P align=left>Frank G. Bottone Jr., 2001, Chicago Review Press,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 1-55652-382-3</P> <P align=left>The Complete handbook of Science Fair Projects, Revised edition,</P> <P align=left>Julianne Blair Bochinski, 1996, Wiley and Sons Publishers,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-471-12378-1</P> <P align=left>Electron Herding 101, 50 Hands-on Science Experiments That Explore Electricity,</P> <P align=left>B.K. Hixson, 2002, Loose in the Lab, Inc. Publisher</P> <P align=left>Science in Seconds for Kids, Over 100 science experiments you can do in ten minutes,</P> <P align=left>Jean Potter, Wiley and sons publisher, 1995,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-471-04456-3</P> <P align=left>Mad Professor – Concoct Extremely Weird Science Projects,</P> <P align=left>Mark Frauenfelder, Chronicle Books, 2002, ISBN 0-8118-3554-5</P> <P align=left>Strategies for Winning Science Fair Projects, Joyce Henderson and</P> <P align=left>Heather Tomasello, Wiley and Sons, 2002,</P> <P align=left>ISBN 0-471-41957-5</P> </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left> This is a 1950’s golden oldie. It demonstrates building science equipment using regular household</P> <P align=left>items.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>6</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT ‘HOW TO’ GUIDE</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>All projects must follow each step of the grade level appropriate scientific method. See “What goes in</P> <P align=left>each section of my science fair project” for 6-12, 3-5, K-2 for details. The grades 6-12 section has a</P> <P align=left>step-by-step description of the scientific method and what students need to do for each part.</P> <P align=left>All projects will need to be displayed on a presentation board (suggested size 48”x 36”). These boards</P> <P align=left>can be purchased at an office supply store, or large pieces of cardboard also work well. Each grade</P> <P align=left>6-12 student’s presentation board should have seven sections and follow the format below. Younger</P> <P align=left>students have different requirements. See the following proper sections for details.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>(Project Title)</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #1</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Question /</P> <P align=left>Problem</P> <P align=left>Statement</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #2</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Prediction /</P> <P align=left>Hypothesis</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #3</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Resources</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #4</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Variables</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #5</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Materials /</P> <P align=left>Procedures</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #6</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Data / Analysis</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Section #7</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Conclusion /</P> <P align=left>Summary</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>(Side #1) (Middle Section) (Side #2)</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The project must have a title, and each section must also have a title.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The spacing demonstrated here is only a suggestion. The size of each section may vary; however,</P> <P align=left>their order and location must be as shown above.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Your name and contact information should be located ON THE BACK of your board. If</P> <P align=left>associated with a formal school or homeschool group, the school or group name should be on the</P> <P align=left>back as well.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">See the ‘Visual Display’ section on page 23 for more details.</P> <P align=left>7</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>’HOW TO’ GUIDE: 6</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>– 12</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>GRADES</P> </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>What goes in each section of my science fair project?</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 1: Question / Problem Statement</P> <P align=left>What is the Question / Problem Statement?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The first section of the scientific method is the Question / Problem Statement. It is the</P> <P align=left>question that you are trying to answer with your project, the reason for doing the</P> <P align=left>experiment.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>For example: “Which type of bread will grow mold the fastest?”</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section only needs to be one sentence long, but it must be in the form of a question.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Make sure that your Problem Statement is only going to be testing one thing. For</P> <P align=left>example, you would not want to be testing which type of bread will grow mold the</P> <P align=left>fastest and which type will grow mold the slowest. That would be doing two</P> <P align=left>experiments in one and could confuse your results.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Question / Problem Statement”.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 2: Prediction/Hypothesis</P> <P align=left>What is the Prediction/Hypothesis?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The second section of the scientific method is the Prediction/Hypothesis. It is a guess</P> <P align=left>of what you think will happen when you do your experiment, and it should be written as</P> <P align=left>a cause and effect statement. You can include your labeled variables in your prediction.</P> <P align=left>You need to include why you think what you do.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>For example: “If a plant gets more light (manipulated variable), then it will grow</P> <P align=left>taller (responding variable) because plants need light to grow.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section only needs to be one sentence long, but it must be a cause and effect</P> <P align=left>statement.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Make sure that your hypothesis only predicts one outcome. Then, you will</P> <P align=left>clearly know whether your hypothesis is right or not. Your hypotheses can be two</P> <P align=left>sentences. The first is If…(manipulated variable), then…(responding variable) and the</P> <P align=left>second sentence is why you think what you do.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>For example: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">If you are testing different types of bread and your hypothesis says that</P> <P align=left>sourdough bread will grow mold the fastest and wheat bread will grow mold the</P> <P align=left>slowest, you will have a problem if one part comes true and the other doesn’t. When</P> <P align=left>you get to the last section of the scientific method, you will not know whether to accept</P> <P align=left>or reject your hypothesis.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Prediction / Hypothesis”.</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>8</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 3: Resources</P> <P align=left>What is this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The third section of the scientific method is the Resources. This is where you gather</P> <P align=left>background information on your topic and the materials that you are going to use. You</P> <P align=left>will then use this background information to gain a better understanding of the science</P> <P align=left>behind your project.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section must have a list of resources from which you obtained the background</P> <P align=left>information on your project. It will look like a bibliography.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">For example, if your project uses plants, you would want to do some reading on</P> <P align=left>photosynthesis and possibly the exchange of gases. Make sure to list all resources that</P> <P align=left>you used for background knowledge. If you gained information from a person, you</P> <P align=left>must list that as an interview, citing the date and time of the conversation, as well as the</P> <P align=left>person’s expertise on your topic. For example, an exterminator would be a credible</P> <P align=left>person to interview regarding the behavior of insects.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Resources”.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 4: Variables</P> <P align=left>What are Variables?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The fourth section of the scientific method is the Variables. This is where you list the</P> <P align=left>things that will remain the same and the things that will be different during the</P> <P align=left>experiment.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section must have three types of variables listed: 1) You must list the Controlled</P> <P align=left>Variables. This is what you will make sure to keep the same. For example, if you are</P> <P align=left>testing the effect of music on plant growth, your controlled variables would be the</P> <P align=left>amount of sunlight, water, and temperature of the plants. You will want to keep all of</P> <P align=left>these things the same so that the only difference between the plants is what you are</P> <P align=left>testing for. 2) You must also list the Manipulated Variable. This is what you are</P> <P align=left>changing to do the experiment. When testing the effect of music on plant growth, the</P> <P align=left>manipulated variable would be the type of music played to each plant. 3) You must</P> <P align=left>also list the Responding Variable. This is what you are measuring. It is the response to</P> <P align=left>the manipulated variable. In the plant experiment, the responding variable would be the</P> <P align=left>amount growth for each plant.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">This section should look something like this:</P> <P align=left>Controlled Variables - sunlight, water, temperature, location of plants, length of time</P> <P align=left>exposed to music</P> <P align=left>Manipulated Variable - type of music played to plants</P> <P align=left>Responding Variable - amount that each plant has grown</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Variables”.</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>9</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 5: Materials / Procedure</P> <P align=left>What is the Materials / Procedure?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The fifth section of the scientific method is the Materials / Procedure. This is where</P> <P align=left>you outline exactly what you are going to be doing to see if your hypothesis is correct.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section must include two parts: (1) a list of all materials needed to conduct your</P> <P align=left>experiment and (2) a step-by-step procedure that you will follow to conduct your</P> <P align=left>experiment. A list of all safety concerns surrounding this experiment should be</P> <P align=left>recorded in your journal.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Make sure that your step-by-step procedure is detailed enough so that anyone</P> <P align=left>could gather the materials from your list, follow your procedure, and get the same</P> <P align=left>results that you did. Also, there are always safety concerns when conducting</P> <P align=left>experiments. Make sure not to leave these out!</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Materials / Procedure”.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Now that you have completed sections 1-5, it is time to do your experiment. Make sure that you</P> <P align=left>have your family’s permission before conducting any type of science experiment!</P> <P align=left>Section 6: Data / Analysis</P> <P align=left>What is the Data / Analysis?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The sixth section of the scientific method is the Data / Analysis. This is the record of</P> <P align=left>what actually happened during the experiment. It is the results of the experiment.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section must include three parts: (1) a graph or chart that displays your data, (2)</P> <P align=left>pictures or drawings of your experiment as it happened, and (3) a few paragraphs that</P> <P align=left>explain what happened during your experiment.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Make sure that your chart or graph is colorful and can easily be understood. It</P> <P align=left>should paint a clear picture of exactly what happened. Also make sure that your</P> <P align=left>paragraphs have been proofread and do not contain any spelling or grammar errors.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Data / Analysis”.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 7: Conclusion / Summary</P> <P align=left>What is the Conclusion / Summary?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This is the last section of the scientific method. The Conclusion is where you decide if</P> <P align=left>you will accept or reject your hypothesis, and explain what you have learned.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>What must be included in this section?</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>This section must include two parts: (1) a complete sentence claiming whether you</P> <P align=left>accept or reject your hypothesis and (2) a few paragraphs that explain what you have</P> <P align=left>learned, how other people can learn from your experiment, and how others can put your</P> <P align=left>results to work in real situations.</P> <P align=left>10</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Tips: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">To decide whether you should accept or reject your hypothesis, you will need to</P> <P align=left>compare it to your Data / Analysis section. If what you thought was going to happen</P> <P align=left>really did happen, you should write: “I accept my hypothesis”, however, if what you</P> <P align=left>thought would happen did not really happen, you should write: “I reject my</P> <P align=left>hypothesis”.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>*Note: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Many more scientists end up rejecting their hypothesis than accepting it; so</P> <P align=left>don’t feel bad if you end up rejecting yours. Whether you accept or reject your</P> <P align=left>hypothesis will have absolutely no effect on the judging.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Don’t forget to title this section “Conclusion / Summary”.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Individual students are scored in four categories:</P> </strong></FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>A sample scoring rubric for this category is on page x.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The scientific process: Is the project grade level appropriate. Does the project promote</P> <P align=left>analytical thinking? Does it demonstrate scientific thinking? Is the student’s growth and</P> <P align=left>learning evident?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The board: Does it contain all the grade level appropriate sections? Is the hand written</P> <P align=left>material neat and legible? Is there a title?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The oral presentation: Can students communicate their findings?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Journal: A hand written journal that includes all of the original data.</P> <P align=left>11</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>’HOW TO’ GUIDE: 3</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>rd </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>– 5</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>th </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>GRADES</P> </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>What goes in each section of my science fair project?</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 1: Question/Problem Statement </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">– A question that asks what you want to find out.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 2: Prediction/Hypothesis </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">– What do you think will happen? Use an “ If…(manipulated</P> <P align=left>variable), then…(responding variable)” type statement or some type of cause and effect</P> <P align=left>statement.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 3: Materials and Procedures </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">- A list of what you’re going to use. Use multiple trials</P> <P align=left>(usually a minimum of five). Make a list of the steps that are going to be used to</P> <P align=left>complete your science fair project. Are there any safety concerns with this project?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 4: Variables </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">- What is measured and how often? Include the variables below.</P> <P align=left>1 variable kept the same (controlled)</P> <P align=left>1 variable changed (manipulated)</P> <P align=left>1 variable measured (responding)</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 5: Data </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">- Record what happened in your science journal to the measured variable. Make</P> <P align=left>charts or graphs to help you summarize your data.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 6: Conclusion </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">- A conclusion tells you if your hypothesis or prediction was accepted or</P> <P align=left>rejected. Explain the reasons why you accept or reject your hypothesis and explain why</P> <P align=left>your experiment would be useful. Predict what might happen if your investigation</P> <P align=left>lasted longer.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Helpful Hints:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Use a science notebook or journal to collect your data.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Rather than use the standard seven-section science board as shown in 6-12 example, 3</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1>rd </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">–5</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1>th</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>students would only have the six sections above. Include a title. Include safety concerns in</P> <P align=left>your journal.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The whole project can be handwritten. Good science does not require a computer. We</P> <P align=left>encourage all graphs and charts to be drawn by the students. If students are going to use a</P> <P align=left>computer, students in the third grade and above should do all their own computer</P> <P align=left>processing.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Individual students are scored in four categories:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The scientific process: Is the project grade level appropriate. Does the project promote</P> <P align=left>analytical thinking? Does it demonstrate scientific thinking? Is the student’s growth and</P> <P align=left>learning evident?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The board: Does it contain all the grade level appropriate sections? Is the hand written</P> <P align=left>material neat and legible? Is there a title?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The oral presentation: Can students communicate their findings?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Journal: A hand written journal that includes all of the original data.</P> <P align=left>12</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>’HOW TO’ GUIDE: K – 2</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>nd </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5>GRADES</P> </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>What goes in each section of my science fair project?</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 1: Question </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">– Ask a question</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 2: Prediction </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">– Make a prediction</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 3: Experiment </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">to test the prediction – Write the steps of your experiment. Include a list</P> <P align=left>of materials.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 4: Observe </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">and take notes - Collect data. Write your notes and data in your science</P> <P align=left>journal. In your science journal, include your notes and data, drawings of your</P> <P align=left>experiment, charts and/or graphs and pictures.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Section 5: Conclusion </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">- Decide if the prediction is true or false and tell why. What did you learn</P> <P align=left>from the experiment?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Helpful Hints:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Use a science notebook or journal to collect your data. This journal will be part of your</P> <P align=left>project presentation.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Rather than use the standard seven section science board as shown in the 6-12 example, K-2</P> <P align=left>students would only complete the five sections above.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Encourage your student to write in his or her own handwriting. We encourage all graphs</P> <P align=left>and charts to be drawn by the students. No excel charts or graphs should be used. Word</P> <P align=left>processing is OK if done by the student. We encourage the entire project to be hand written</P> <P align=left>by the student. Common words are spelled correctly, challenging words spelled</P> <P align=left>phonetically.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">A category called “Class Projects” for grades K-2 is an option as well.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Individual students are scored in four categories:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT size=4> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The scientific process: Is the project grade level appropriate. Does the project promote</P> <P align=left>analytical thinking? Does it demonstrate scientific thinking? Is the student’s growth and</P> <P align=left>learning evident?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT size=4> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The board: Does it contain all the grade level appropriate sections?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT size=4> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The oral presentation: Can students communicate their findings?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT size=4> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Journal: Is it a handwritten journal that includes all of the student’s original data?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Class Project</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Class projects: K-2 class projects will be scored in the same four categories above except that 2-4</P> <P align=left>student’s can present. The class must follow the scientific process, create a science board, include a</P> <P align=left>class journal, and be present for the oral presentation. The oral score will be a combination score of</P> <P align=left>the presenters. Class project awards are separate from individual awards. Student’s presenting for a</P> <P align=left>class should not be competing in the individual category.</P> <P align=left>13</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>JUDGING CRITERIA</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The judging panel, using the attached appropriate grade level “Science Fair Project Scoring Rubric”,</P> <P align=left>will review all projects. </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">To be considered for a prize, projects must receive a score of 3 in each</P> <P align=left>section. </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The judging panel will then revisit all projects that meet these criteria and make their award</P> <P align=left>decisions based on the following:</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Scientific Process: Does the project promote analytical thinking (grade level appropriate)?</P> <P align=left>Does it demonstrate scientific creativity?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Presentation Board</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Oral Process: Can the student verbally explain all aspects of their project? Is the student’s</P> <P align=left>growth and learning evident?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Journal: Handwritten (Work that has been typed can be taped into your journal.)</P> <P align=left>Certain aspects of science fair judging can be subjective. In an attempt to remove conflicts of interest,</P> <P align=left>parents and teachers will not be allowed to function as judges for any category in which their child or</P> <P align=left>one of their students is competing.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Prizes & Awards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Prizes will be awarded by grade level. There will be first, second, and third place prizes awarded for</P> <P align=left>each grade level. There also will be several honorable mention ribbons awarded at each grade level.</P> <P align=left>All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.</P> <P align=left>Any student earning either a prize or an honorable mention ribbon will be encouraged to compete at</P> <P align=left>the South Sound Regional Science Fair, Saturday, March 24, 2007 at Pacific Lutheran University.</P> <P align=left>The deadline for registration in the regional fair is February 26. Registration forms available at the</P> <P align=left>Tacoma Nature Center.</P> <P align=left>In addition to the above awards, up to three Snake Lake Science Fair ‘Outstanding Winners’ will be</P> <P align=left>designated based on the judges scores from all categories. Announcement of these winners will be</P> <P align=left>made during the Awards Ceremony.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Parental Assistance</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>All projects must be the work of the student. However, parents may assist students with certain</P> <P align=left>aspects of the project. Parental assistance may include the following:</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Parents may help establish the idea of the project.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Parents may help gather materials.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Parents may help by answering questions and guiding students through the scientific method.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">Parents may assist with computer-generated work for students in grades K-2 only. All</P> <P align=left>graphs, charts, and word-processing must be student generated for grades 3-12.</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>14</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Student: ___________________________________ Science Fair Project (6-12)</P> <P align=left>Scoring Rubric</P> <P align=left>Project Title: _______________________________</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Process </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Applies the skills and processes of scientific inquiry</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Uses scientific concepts and principles to understand systems</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Includes the following components: Problem</P> <P align=left>investigated, hypothesis with reason, test using</P> <P align=left>measurement performed, a list of materials and</P> <P align=left>procedure, observations and measurements</P> <P align=left>were recorded, variables are clearly stated with</P> <P align=left>multiple trials, data was accurately collected</P> <P align=left>and analyzed using graphs and/or charts, a</P> <P align=left>conclusion was drawn based on observation and</P> <P align=left>data, hypothesis was clearly accepted or</P> <P align=left>rejected and why.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One or two components</P> <P align=left>are missing or</P> <P align=left>incomplete and/or data</P> <P align=left>was not analyzed or the</P> <P align=left>conclusion is incorrect.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Three or more</P> <P align=left>components are missing</P> <P align=left>and/or the conclusion is</P> <P align=left>not proven by the</P> <P align=left>investigation.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Display Board </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Display board is sturdy and neat, with an</P> <P align=left>attractive and colorful layout. It has a title,</P> <P align=left>states the problem being investigated, the</P> <P align=left>hypothesis with reason, lists procedures and</P> <P align=left>materials, variables are properly labeled with</P> <P align=left>multiple trials, includes a clearly labeled data</P> <P align=left>table or graph, has a conclusion and a clearly</P> <P align=left>stated summary that accepts or rejects the</P> <P align=left>hypothesis. Spelling and grammar are accurate.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is</P> <P align=left>missing or incomplete</P> <P align=left>and/or is difficult to</P> <P align=left>read because of errors</P> <P align=left>and careless work.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more components</P> <P align=left>are missing and/or</P> <P align=left>placement of components</P> <P align=left>and careless work make it</P> <P align=left>difficult to read.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Oral</P> <P align=left>Presentation</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Communicates clearly and effectively</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Uses appropriate speed, volume, and expression</P> <P align=left>and maintain eye contact. Thoroughly explains</P> <P align=left>the process, results, and significance of the</P> <P align=left>project.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more components</P> <P align=left>are not fully</P> <P align=left>demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Journal </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences/purpose</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Scientific notebook or journal includes</P> <P align=left>backgrounds research and information, explains</P> <P align=left>the hypothesis, procedures, and materials used,</P> <P align=left>and contains complete records of tests. It is</P> <P align=left>explained clearly, using proper spelling and</P> <P align=left>grammar. Include safety concerns.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully explained, and/or</P> <P align=left>some explanations are</P> <P align=left>unclear. Numerous</P> <P align=left>errors in spelling,</P> <P align=left>grammar, and</P> <P align=left>punctuation.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more components</P> <P align=left>are missing and/or</P> <P align=left>explanations are unclear.</P> <P align=left>Errors in spelling,</P> <P align=left>grammar, and punctuation</P> <P align=left>make reading difficult.</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>15</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Student: ___________________________________ Science Fair Project (3-5)</P> <P align=left>Scoring Rubric</P> <P align=left>Project Title: _______________________________</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Process </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Applies the skills and processes of scientific inquiry</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Uses scientific concepts and principles to understand systems</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Includes the following components: Question or</P> <P align=left>problem investigated, prediction or hypothesis</P> <P align=left>formed, test using measurement performed, a</P> <P align=left>list of materials, observations and</P> <P align=left>measurements were recorded, variables are</P> <P align=left>clearly stated with multiple trials, data was</P> <P align=left>accurately collected and analyzed using graphs</P> <P align=left>and or charts, multiple trials were run, a</P> <P align=left>conclusion was drawn, and your hypothesis was</P> <P align=left>clearly accepted or rejected and why.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One or two components</P> <P align=left>are missing or incomplete</P> <P align=left>and/or data was not</P> <P align=left>analyzed or the</P> <P align=left>conclusion is incorrect.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Three or more</P> <P align=left>components are missing</P> <P align=left>and/or the conclusion is</P> <P align=left>not proven by the</P> <P align=left>investigation.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Display Board </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Display board is sturdy and neat, with an</P> <P align=left>attractive and colorful layout. It has a title,</P> <P align=left>states the question or problem being</P> <P align=left>investigated, the prediction or hypothesis, lists</P> <P align=left>procedures and materials, the variables are</P> <P align=left>properly labeled with multiple trials, includes a</P> <P align=left>clearly labeled data table or graph, has a</P> <P align=left>conclusion and a clearly stated summary that</P> <P align=left>accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Spelling and</P> <P align=left>grammar are accurate.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is</P> <P align=left>missing or incomplete</P> <P align=left>and/or is difficult to read</P> <P align=left>because of errors and</P> <P align=left>careless work.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are missing</P> <P align=left>and/or placement of</P> <P align=left>components and</P> <P align=left>careless work make it</P> <P align=left>difficult to read.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Oral</P> <P align=left>Presentation</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Communicates clearly and effectively</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Uses appropriate speed, volume, and expression</P> <P align=left>and maintain eye contact. Thoroughly explains</P> <P align=left>the process, results, and significance of the</P> <P align=left>project.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are not</P> <P align=left>fully demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Journal </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences/purpose</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or showing</P> <P align=left>creativity and</P> <P align=left>originality through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Scientific notebook or journal includes</P> <P align=left>backgrounds research and information, explains</P> <P align=left>the hypothesis, procedures, and materials used,</P> <P align=left>and contains complete records of tests. It is</P> <P align=left>explained clearly, using proper spelling and</P> <P align=left>grammar. Includes safety concerns.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully explained, and/or</P> <P align=left>some explanations are</P> <P align=left>unclear. Numerous errors</P> <P align=left>in spelling, grammar, and</P> <P align=left>punctuation.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are missing</P> <P align=left>and/or explanations are</P> <P align=left>unclear. Errors in</P> <P align=left>spelling, grammar, and</P> <P align=left>punctuation make</P> <P align=left>reading difficult.</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>16</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Student: ___________________________________ Science Fair Project (K-2)</P> <P align=left>Scoring Rubric</P> <P align=left>Project Title: _______________________________</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Process </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Applies the skills and processes of scientific inquiry</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Uses scientific concepts and principles to understand systems</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or</P> <P align=left>showing creativity</P> <P align=left>and originality</P> <P align=left>through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Includes the following components:</P> <P align=left>Question or problem investigated,</P> <P align=left>prediction formed, test the prediction using</P> <P align=left>measurement. Observations and</P> <P align=left>measurements were recorded with notes,</P> <P align=left>Decide if the prediction is true or false and</P> <P align=left>tell why. What did you learn from the</P> <P align=left>experiment?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>One or two components</P> <P align=left>are missing or</P> <P align=left>incomplete.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Three or more</P> <P align=left>components are</P> <P align=left>missing.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Display Board </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or</P> <P align=left>showing creativity</P> <P align=left>and originality</P> <P align=left>through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Display board is sturdy and neat, with an</P> <P align=left>attractive and colorful layout. It has a title,</P> <P align=left>it states the question, the prediction, and</P> <P align=left>has a clearly stated summary. Common</P> <P align=left>words spelled correctly, challenging words</P> <P align=left>spelled phonetically.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>One component is</P> <P align=left>missing or incomplete.</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are</P> <P align=left>missing.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Oral</P> <P align=left>Presentation</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Communicates clearly and effectively</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or</P> <P align=left>showing creativity</P> <P align=left>and originality</P> <P align=left>through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Uses appropriate speed, volume, and</P> <P align=left>expression and maintain eye contact.</P> <P align=left>Thoroughly explains the process, results,</P> <P align=left>and significance of the project.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are not</P> <P align=left>fully demonstrated.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Journal </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes clearly and effectively</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>- </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Writes in a variety of forms for different audiences/purpose</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>4 - Exceeds</P> <P align=left>Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Exceeded standards</P> <P align=left>by expanding,</P> <P align=left>extending or</P> <P align=left>showing creativity</P> <P align=left>and originality</P> <P align=left>through:</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>3 - Meets Standards</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Scientific notebook or journal includes</P> <P align=left>dates, explains the hypothesis, procedures,</P> <P align=left>and materials used, and contains complete</P> <P align=left>records of tests. It is explained clearly with</P> <P align=left>common words spelled correctly and</P> <P align=left>challenging words spelled phonetically.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>2 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>One component is not</P> <P align=left>fully explained, and/or</P> <P align=left>some explanations are</P> <P align=left>unclear.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1 - Does not meet</P> <P align=left>standard</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <P align=left>Two or more</P> <P align=left>components are</P> <P align=left>missing and/or</P> <P align=left>explanations are</P> <P align=left>unclear.</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>17</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>RULES</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1. Students wishing to enter a project in the Snake Lake Science Fair should fill out the enclosed</P> <P align=left>registration form and return it to the Tacoma Nature Center by February 3, 2007.</P> <P align=left>2. Students must do their own projects. Each child will be judged on his or her knowledge of the</P> <P align=left>subject. </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Parent Participation: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Although one of the judging criteria is independent work, parents</P> <P align=left>are encouraged to discuss the project with the student and provide assistance with research or</P> <P align=left>preparation of the exhibit. Students should be encouraged to do as much as possible on their own.</P> <P align=left>Students should do the manipulations and measurements in the experiments and should make</P> <P align=left>their own drawings and charts. For younger students, dictation of the project summary is</P> <P align=left>appropriate. Parents should advise their children about potential safety hazards.</P> <P align=left>3. Two students may work together as a team to complete a single project. However, if they are in</P> <P align=left>different grades, they will be judged at the level of the older student. Each student in the team</P> <P align=left>must fill out a registration form.</P> <P align=left>4. </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Animal Experiments: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">All science fair experiments involving animals must be in keeping with</P> <P align=left>criteria established by the Animal Welfare Institute. If experiments are to be conducted on living</P> <P align=left>subjects for science fair projects, then only lower orders of life may be used. </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Lower orders: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">such</P> <P align=left>as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and insects can reveal much basic biological information.</P> <P align=left>5. Vertebrate animals are not to be used in experiments for the science fair with the following</P> <P align=left>exceptions:</P> <P align=left>a. Observations of normal living patterns of wild animals in the free living state or in</P> <P align=left>zoological parks, gardens, or aquaria.</P> <P align=left>b. Observations of normal living patterns of pets, fish, and domestic animals. No living</P> <P align=left>vertebrate animal shall be displayed in exhibits.</P> <P align=left>c. Only observational type studies may be used in science fair projects involving chicken</P> <P align=left>embryos. If normal egg embryos are to be hatched, satisfactory humane considerations must</P> <P align=left>be made for disposal of chicks. If such arrangements cannot be made, then the chicken</P> <P align=left>embryos must be destroyed on the nineteenth day of incubation. No eggs capable of</P> <P align=left>hatching may be exhibited.</P> <P align=left>Experiments involving humans or any other animals shall conform with these regulations.</P> <P align=left>Normal physiological and behavioral studies may be carried out. Projects must be carefully</P> <P align=left>selected so that neither physiological nor psychological harm can result from the study.</P> <P align=left>Source: Animal Welfare Institute, P.O. Box 3650, Washington, DC 20007.</P> <P align=left>6. Experiments with bodily fluids are prohibited.</P> <P align=left>7. All projects(K-12) must include:</P> <P align=left>a. Project display</P> <P align=left>b. Oral presentation</P> <P align=left>c. Project summary/report-Typed or neatly written.</P> <P align=left>NOTE: </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">There are different guidelines for grades K-2, 3-5 & 6-12.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>8. The exhibit showing the results of the experiment may consist of the project itself, the equipment</P> <P align=left>used, and/or pictures, drawings, charts, and diagrams. All exhibits must be durable and safe.</P> <P align=left>Movable parts must be firmly attached. The actual display must be no larger than 30” deep (front</P> <P align=left>to back) by 36” wide (side to side) and no higher that 5’.</P> <P align=left>9. No flames or dangerous materials will be allowed at the fair.</P> <P align=left>10. Electricity will not be available at the fair.</P> <P align=left>18</P> <P align=left>11. All exhibits must be removed by 4:30pm on the day of the fair. Exhibits not removed will</P> <P align=left>become the property of the Tacoma Nature Center to be used for display purposes or to be</P> <P align=left>discarded.</P> <P align=left>12. An identification number will be assigned to each project when it is checked in the night before</P> <P align=left>the fair.</P> <P align=left>13. Absolutely NO parents (even helpers) will be allowed in the project display area after 10:00am</P> <P align=left>the day of the fair.</P> <P align=left>14. Ribbon facsimiles will be placed on projects for the public viewing from 1:30pm – 3:00pm.</P> <P align=left>Actual ribbons and prizes will be presented at the Awards Ceremony at 3:00pm. Photographs of</P> <P align=left>‘Outstanding Winners’ will be taken immediately following the Awards Ceremony.</P> <P align=left>15. The decision of the judges is final. The criteria given on the Science Fair Judging Sheet are used</P> <P align=left>for all projects, and a computer program normalizes results before awards are assigned.</P> <P align=left>19</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>SCIENTIFIC METHOD</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>How to do a Science Experiment</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>A scientific method is simply an orderly method for investigating a problem or observing a process. A</P> <P align=left>scientific method is an important part of the process of scientific investigation. While the results of an</P> <P align=left>investigation are important, it is impossible to tell if the results are accurate without knowing how the</P> <P align=left>investigation was done. Were the correct items tested? Were there controls? Was the experiment</P> <P align=left>repeated with the same results? All of these questions need to be answered to establish the correctness</P> <P align=left>of the measurements and the results.</P> <P align=left>All experiments must have two key parts:</P> <P align=left>1. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">Variables </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">There are three different types of variables.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manipulated Variable: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">This is the one thing you will change in your experiment. For</P> <P align=left>example, if you wanted to know how temperature affects the life of batteries, the</P> <P align=left>temperature of the batteries being tested is the only variable you would change.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Responding Variable: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">This is the thing that changes as the result of the changes in the</P> <P align=left>manipulated variable. If you were testing batteries in a flashlight, the responding variable</P> <P align=left>would be the length of time the flashlight would work with batteries that had been kept at</P> <P align=left>different temperatures.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Controlled Variables: </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Sometimes called controls, these are all the things you will keep the</P> <P align=left>same in your experiment. Controls in the battery for example would be the brand and size</P> <P align=left>of battery, the date on the package indicating shelf life, the kind of flashlight used, the</P> <P align=left>length of time each battery had been kept at each temperature, and anything else that might</P> <P align=left>affect the results.</P> <P align=left>2. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">Measurements </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">By taking measurements of the responding variable, you know how much</P> <P align=left>change has occurred. In conducting an experiment, it is better to measure changes that involve</P> <P align=left>differences in time, distance, height, and so on - things you can measure in numbers.</P> <P align=left>Sometimes, you may want to “measure” things by just looking at them and observing change.</P> <P align=left>However, measurements in numbers are more satisfactory.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>Summary of the Steps of a Scientific Method:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>1. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">SELECT A QUESTION </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">you can answer by conducting an experiment. Use the library or</P> <P align=left>internet for ideas and information. You will find commonly done experiments, but you may</P> <P align=left>also get some ideas about new topics and how to set-up your own experiment. Your question</P> <P align=left>should be asked in such a way that it cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For</P> <P align=left>example, “How does salt affect the freezing point of water?” is a better question than “Does</P> <P align=left>salt affect the freezing point of water?” </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">Be </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Careful! </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Many library books suggest science fair</P> <P align=left>questions that are really demonstrations. Make sure that you cannot answer the question with</P> <P align=left>a simple yes or no. Also be sure that you will change something (have a manipulated variable)</P> <P align=left>and measure something when answering the question. If you cannot figure out what you will</P> <P align=left>be changing in doing the experiment, you probably have a demonstration question and not an</P> <P align=left>experiment question.</P> <P align=left>20</P> <P align=left>2. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">FORM A HYPOTHESIS, </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">a prediction about what will happen as a result of your</P> <P align=left>experiment. Forming a hypothesis will help you design your procedure, and the experiment</P> <P align=left>will prove or disprove your hypothesis. This step can be easier if you have visited the library</P> <P align=left>and found other experiments that are similar to the one you want to do.</P> <P align=left>3. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">PERFORM THE EXPERIMENT:</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>a. Plan the details of your experiment.</P> <P align=left>b. Select the manipulated and responding variables.</P> <P align=left>c. Decide what things you must keep the same - these are your controls.</P> <P align=left>d. Determine what you will be measuring and what instrument you will use.</P> <P align=left>e. Select the materials to form the test equipment.</P> <P align=left>f. Plan how the test will be done: Which test will you do first? How many tests will you</P> <P align=left>do? What will be recorded? How many times will each test be repeated?</P> <P align=left>g. Assemble the equipment to be used in the experiment.</P> <P align=left>h. Prepare data sheets for recording measurements and for your comments. (A log book</P> <P align=left>may also be used for comments.) As you perform the tests, enter all measurements on</P> <P align=left>your prepared data sheets. Take careful notice of what happens at all times and write</P> <P align=left>down what you observe. It is important that you repeat each test several times. That way</P> <P align=left>you can be sure of your results.</P> <P align=left>4. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">PREPARE THE RESULTS</strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">: Group and organize the measurements you have made. Make</P> <P align=left>charts, graphs, and tables to show what happened. Wherever possible, use numbers to show</P> <P align=left>your results. You may find that you will have to do more tests or perhaps make different</P> <P align=left>measurements if you notice something happening that you cannot explain in one of your</P> <P align=left>measurements. If one measurement is very different from all the others, check your</P> <P align=left>comments in your logbook to be sure that nothing unusual happened to that test. For example,</P> <P align=left>if you were testing the effect of temperature change on batteries and you dropped the</P> <P align=left>flashlight, your results from that test might not be accurate. Try to understand the problem so</P> <P align=left>that you can explain unusual results.</P> <P align=left>5. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">EXPLAIN THE RESULTS</strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">: It is a good idea to spend some time thinking about your</P> <P align=left>results and talking to other people about them. Think about what charts, tables, and your</P> <P align=left>comments mean. Note patterns and amounts. Try to explain how or what the results came out</P> <P align=left>as they did. What is the cause? Do the results agree with your hypothesis?</P> <P align=left>6. </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">DRAW CONCLUSIONS: </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">What can you say about your experiment in general? What can</P> <P align=left>you count on happening again if someone else does a similar experiment? Again note patterns</P> <P align=left>and amounts in your conclusions. If possible, try to describe how your results might apply to</P> <P align=left>everyday experiences. For example, in the battery experiment, you might decide that it is</P> <P align=left>better to store extra batteries in the refrigerator or freezer. Or think about what might have</P> <P align=left>happened to the results if you had made a really big change in the manipulated variable.</P> <P align=left>U</FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">sing all of these steps will make for an orderly experiment with reliable measurements and</P> <P align=left>results. Follow this scientific method, and, like any good detective, you can trust your</P> <P align=left>findings.</P> </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>21</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>SAMPLE SCIENCE PROJECT IDEAS</P> </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Popular Topics</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does a certain type of fertilizer affect plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does the amount of water affect plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does the amount of water affect seed germination?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does the amount of light affect plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does the color of light affect plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Which paper towel is the strongest?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Which paper towel absorbs the most water?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Which pop corn pops the most kernels?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is bread mold growth affected by light?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is bread mold growth affected by temperature?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is battery life affected by temperature?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is magnet strength affected by temperature?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Topics That Are A Little Different</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Familiar experiments can be done with a new twist. Here is an example:</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Rather that manipulating the variable of light by amount or color as in the 4th and 5th topic</P> <P align=left>above, manipulate its direction. What effect does side lighting have on plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Instead of measuring the effects of temperature on a battery, measure the effect the rate of</P> <P align=left>use has on total battery energy (if a battery will power a 2-watt bulb for 2 hours, will it</P> <P align=left>power a 4-watt bulb for 1 hour?)</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Experiments with flight are not often chosen. A parachute project that does not have an</P> <P align=left>obvious answer is: What effect does the scope of the hole in a parachute have on its falling</P> <P align=left>speed?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does motion affect plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">What is the effect of cigarette smoke on plants?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is plant growth affected by watering slowly or all at once?</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How much weight can be lifted by a string when the weight is lifted slowly? Briskly? (Is a</P> <P align=left>fish more likely to break your line when it is under water or when it jumps?)</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How is water flow affected by length of garden hose?</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Demonstrations</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>While demonstrations and models can help you learn many important concepts, this science fair</P> <P align=left>requires students to do an experiment following a scientific method. Here are some examples of</P> <P align=left>questions that do not require an experiment. They can be answered by reading a book or making a</P> <P align=left>model. These are not appropriate choices for the Snake Lake Science Fair.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Can I grow bread mold? This event can be shown by a simple demonstration.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Do plants need light to grow? This question can be answered by a simple “yes” or “no” and</P> <P align=left>a demonstration.</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does a battery work? This question can be answered by a model or demonstration.</P> </FONT><strong><em><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>Do not pick these kinds of questions! In the following section, we will turn these demonstrations</P> <P align=left>into experiments. Remember, the judges will be asked to classify the projects as demonstrations or</P> <P align=left>experiments.</P> </strong></em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>22</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=5> <P align=left>EXPERIMENT EXAMPLES</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P align=left>The following examples are questions that can be answered by doing an experiment.</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Popular Experiments</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">What is the effect of different temperatures on growing bread mold?</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manipulated Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Temperature</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Controls: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Light, moisture, kind of bread, location of sample</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Measurement of Responding Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Amount of mold</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Under what kind of light do plants grow best?</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manipulated Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Light Source (sunlight, grow lights, fluorescent light)</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Controls: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">kind of plant, moisture, substrate</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Measurement of Responding Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Amount of growth of plant</P> </FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">How does temperature affect the life of a battery?</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manipulated Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Kind of light</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Controls: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Kind and size of battery, type of flashlight, length of time battery will be kept</P> <P align=left>at a certain temperature</P> </FONT><FONT face="Courier New"> <P align=left>o </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Measurement of Responding Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Length of time battery will operate the same</P> <P align=left>flashlight bulb</P> </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=4> <P align=left>Experiments that are a Little Different</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=SymbolMT> <P align=left>• </FONT><strong><FONT face="Times New Roman">Effect of light direction on plant growth</P> </strong></FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P align=left>ô€» </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Question: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">What effect does side lighting have a plant growth?</P> </FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P align=left>ô€» </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Hypothesis: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Plants may grow to different heights if light comes from the top, sides,</P> </FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P align=left>ô€» </FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">or both. Top lighting should be better than lighting from the sides, but the effect of both</P> <P align=left>remains to be measured.</P> </FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P align=left>ô€» </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manipulated Variable: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Direction of light</P> </FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P align=left>ô€» </FONT><em><FONT face="Times New Roman">Responding Variables: </em></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman">Height plant grows in a certain length of time</P> </FONT><FONT face=Wingdings-Regular size=1> <P>ô€» </P> </FONT> Automatically clean input to optimize for the web. Or, would you like to view and optionally restore one of these previous versions? Password: Forgot your password?

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