Montwood Middle School Science Fair Guide

Welcome to a new year of challenges and learning! This year all students enrolled in a Pre-AP science or Synergi class will be guided in the development & testing of an experimental & testable project that will be entered in the campus science fair.

We would like to encourage students to challenge themselves and identify a project that is unique and is consistent with their own academic & personal interests. Students may choose to work independently or in a group of 2 or 3 individuals. However, if students choose to work in a group – all parents must sign an agreement form. If students choose to work in a group, and the project advances to the next level but one or more members choose to drop out of competition, the project will automatically be disqualified. Classroom teacher approval will be required for ALL projects.

All students and parents will be required to register on “https://www.scienteer.com/” in order to proceed through the scientific process as outlined by International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). Students will need to keep an experimental journal & a flash drive until “Scienteer” is updated and ready for the 2017 – 2018 school year. Please read the packet to help you get started.

Why does anyone want to have a Science Fair? One of the best learning experiences a student can be involved in. Students can earn scholarships, cash, trips, and the chance to enhance their college scholarships

in sponsored regional fairs (however, MMS science fair is NOT). It allows students to enhance or learn other skills from other areas, such as math, researching

skills, organizational skills, and presentation skills. It allows students the opportunity to develop their own ideas and work independently or

cooperatively with other young scientists.

What the Science Fair is NOT: Building a model if anything. Examples can be a volcano erupting, tornado in a bottle Taking the microwave apart to see how it works It is NOT a demonstration.

It IS Finding the Answer to a Question Testing a hypothesis Following the Scientific Method

What’s involved in this project?There are four main focus areas that make a Science Fair Project:

1. Preparation/planning (Research Plan) – projects generally fail or succeed based on this part alone

2. The report – (written report based on research done to better understand the topic)3. The experiment (problem, hypothesis, materials, procedure, variables, testing & data collection,

conclusion)4. The display & oral presentation (display board and oral presentation)

How am I going to be graded on this project?Please see “Science and Engineering Fair Judging Rubric”

Student Checklist Date started

Date completed

1 Scienteer Registration form filled out & return to teacher 8/25 8/292 Choose a subject that interests you 8/28 9/13 Ask a question about the subject 8/30 9/54 Research your subject & take notes on what you learn. 9/5 9/155 Form a hypothesis that can be tested over a period of one

month9/18 9/20

6 Online Scienteer registration must be complete, see teacher for more details.

9/1 9/15

7 Develop a procedural plan to test your hypothesis – this is the experimental part – be sure to identify the materials, procedure, & variables in the experiment

9/22

8 Test your experiment no less than 5 times 25 human participants minimum where applicable

Collect data Keep detailed notes of your observations during

your testing. Take plenty of photos (only student researcher

may be in the photo) create your own drawings based on visual

observations, be specific

9/25 10/16

10 Analyze your results. They may or may not support your hypothesis. Either way is okay.

10/17 10/24

11 Write a rough draft of your findings. Refer to “Research based Report” for format and criteria

9/16 9/20

12 Plan a neat and attractive display. Refer to “Presentation Board Layout”

10/25 10/30

13 Construct a draft board, see teacher for details 10/30 11/114 Practice presenting your project to your family and friends.

If needed, make changes to your report or display.15 Bring completed & approved board to Mrs. Grissom, room

400 Nov. 6, 2017

16 Science Fair day – introduce yourself to the judge; present your project in a strong, clear friendly voice. DO NOT MEMORIZE a speech. Be yourself. Let the judge see your enthusiasm and show off your hard work! Relax…..have fun!!

Nov. 9, 2017

During school day

Scientific MethodA science project is an investigation using the scientific method to discover the answer to a scientific problem. Before starting your project, you need to understand the scientific method. This section uses examples to illustrate and explain the basic steps of the scientific method. The scientific method is the "tool" that scientists use to find the answers to questions. It is the process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and testing each possibility to find the best solution. The scientific method involves the following steps: doing research, identifying the problem, stating a hypothesis, conducting project experimentation, and reaching a conclusion.

Research Research is the process of collecting information from your own experiences, knowledgeable sources, and data from exploratory experiments. Your first research is used to select a project topic. This is called topic research. For example, you observe a black growth on bread slices and wonder how it got there. Because of this experience, you decide to learn more about mold growth. Your topic will be about fungal reproduction. (Fungal refers to plant-like organisms called fungi, which cannot make their own food, and reproduction is the making of a new offspring.) CAUTION: If you are allergic to mold, this is not a topic you would investigate. Choose a topic that is safe for you to do.

After you have selected a topic, you begin what is called project research. This is research to help you understand the topic, express a problem, propose a hypothesis, and design one or more project experiments—experiments designed to test the hypothesis. An example of project research would be to place a fresh loaf of white bread in a bread box and observe the bread over a period of time as an exploratory experiment. The result of this experiment and other research give you the needed information for the next step—identifying the problem.

Do use many references from printed sources—books, journals, magazines, and newspapers—as well as electronic sources—computer software and online services.

Do gather information from professionals—instructors, librarians, and scientists, such as physicians and veterinarians.

Do perform other exploratory experiments related to your topic.

Problem The problem is the scientific question to be solved. It is best expressed as an "open-ended" question, which is a question that is answered with a statement, not just a yes or a no. For example, "How does light affect the reproduction of bread mold on white bread?"

Do limit your problem. Note that the previous question is about one life process of molds—reproduction; one type of mold—bread mold; one type of bread—white bread; and one factor that affects its growth—light. To find the answer to a question such as "How does light affect molds?" would require that you test different life processes and an extensive variety of molds.

Do choose a problem that can be solved experimentally. For example, the question "What is a mold?" can be answered by finding the definition of the word mold in the dictionary. But, "At room temperature, what is the growth rate of bread mold on white bread?" is a question that can be answered by experimentation.

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Hypothesis A hypothesis is an idea about the solution to a problem, based on knowledge and research. While the hypothesis is a single statement, it is the key to a successful project. All of your project research is done with the goal of expressing a problem, proposing an answer to it (the hypothesis), and designing project experimentation. Then all of your project experimenting will be performed to test the hypothesis. The hypothesis should make a claim about how two factors relate. For example, in the following sample hypothesis, the two relating factors are light and bread mold growth. Here is one example of a hypothesis for the earlier problem question:"I believe that bread mold does not need light for reproduction on white bread. I base my hypothesis on these facts:1. Organisms with chlorophyll need light to survive. Molds do not have chlorophyll.2. In my exploratory experiment, bread mold grew on white bread kept in a dark bread box."

Do state facts from past experiences or observations on which you base your hypothesis. Do write down your hypothesis before beginning the project experimentation. Don't change your hypothesis even if experimentation does not support it. If time permits,

repeat or redesign the experiment to confirm your results.

Project Experimentation & VariablesProject experimentation is the process of testing a hypothesis. Develop a plan on how to test your hypothesis. Write a list of materials you will need to test your hypothesis, think out and write a procedure to test your hypothesis, and identify the variables you will be testing.

The things that have an effect on the experiment are called variables. There are three kinds of variables that you need to identify in your experiments: independent, dependent, and controlled.

The independent variable is the variable you purposely manipulate (change). The dependent variable is the variable that is being observed, which changes in response to the independent variable. The variables that are not changed are called controlled variables.

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Example: The problem in this section concerns the effect of light on the reproduction of bread mold. The independent variable for the experiment is light and the dependent variable is bread mold reproduction.

A control is a test in which the independent variable is kept constant in order to measure changes in the dependent variable. In a control, all variables are identical to the experimental setup—your original setup—except for the independent variable. Factors that are identical in both the experimental setup and the control setup are the controlled variables.

For example, prepare the experiment by placing three or four loaves of white bread in cardboard boxes the size of a bread box, one loaf per box. Close the boxes so that they receive no light. If, at the end of a set time period, the mold grows, you might decide that no light was needed for mold reproduction. But, before making this decision, you must determine experimentally if the mold would grow with light. Thus, control groups must be set up of bread that receives light throughout the testing period. Do this by placing an equal number of loaves in comparable-size boxes, but leave them open.

The other variables for the experimental and control setup, such as the environmental conditions for the room where the boxes are placed—temperature and humidity—and the brand of the breads used must

be kept the same. These are controlled variables. Note that when designing the procedure of your project experiment, you must include steps for measuring the results. For example, to measure the amount of mold growth, you might draw 1/2-inch (1-cm) squares on a transparent sheet of plastic. This could be placed over the bread, and the number of squares with mold growth could be counted. Also, as it is best to perform the experiment more than once, it is also good to have more than one control. You might have one control for every experimental setup.

Do have only one independent variable during an experiment. Do repeat the experiment more than 5 times to verify your results. Do have a control. Do have more than one control, with each being identical. Do organize data on charts and tables. Do make qualitative and quantitative observations and take written notes throughout the

experimental process. Do create your own drawings or take numerous pictures throughout the experimental process.

Project ConclusionThe project conclusion is a summary of the results of the project experimentation and a statement of how the results relate to the hypothesis. Reasons for experimental results that are contrary to the hypothesis are included. If applicable, the conclusion can end by giving ideas for further testing. This is where you let the audience know the knowledge you have gained from your experiment.

If your results do not support your hypothesis: DON'T change your hypothesis. DON'T leave out experimental results that do not support your hypothesis. DO give possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the experimental

results. DO give ways that you can experiment further to find a solution.

If your results support your hypothesis:You might say, for example, "As stated in my hypothesis, I believe that light is not necessary during the germination of bean seeds. My experimentation supports the idea that bean seeds will germinate without light. After seven days, the seeds tested were seen growing in full light and in no light. It is possible that some light reached the 'no light' containers that were placed in a dark closet. If I were to improve on this experiment, I would place the 'no light' containers in a light-proof box and/or wrap them in light-proof material, such as aluminum foil."

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ISEF Science & Engineering Fair Project Rules and Regulations

The following are some of the rules and regulations concerning science fair projects as set forth by the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). If you have further questions about your project and the rules surrounding your topic, use the following internet address:

https://student.societyforscience.org/international-rules-pre-college-science-research

When in doubt, ASK for help.

Bibliography

A bibliography is an ALPHABETICAL listing of all the books, magazine articles, pamphlets, newspapers, websites, or people you used in researching your topic and writing your report. It is a necessary part of your report on your science fair project. Please use APA style to write your report. The Citation Machine can help you create your bibliography page. Please use the following internet address or see the school librarian or your ELAR teacher for additional help.

http://www.citationmachine.net/apa/cite-a-website

Score Sheet for Science Fair Report

Description Possible points

Points earned

1 Title pageName of project, category identified

10

2 Table of ContentsPages correctly written with information found on each page

10

3 Problem and HypothesisEach stated in the first paragraph

10

4 Report included some researchSeveral paragraphs showing adequate research on project

10

5 MaterialsList of all materials used to perform experiment

10

6 ProcedureA complete step by step explanation of experiment

10

7 VariablesIndependent, dependent, controlled variables identified

10

8 Results/DataAll information gathered from the experiment – written in a paragraph and put into charts or graphs

10

9 Conclusion Takes results and states if hypothesis is proven or not

10

10 BibliographySources correctly written according to guidelines; five sources required

10

Montwood Middle School Science Fair ProjectProblem and Hypothesis Form

My problem (question) is

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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My hypothesis is

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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A brief description of my project and experiment is

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________ ______________________________ _______________Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature Date

________________________________________ _______________ Approved Not ApprovedTeacher Signature Date

Research based Report

Criteria: Font size 14 and 1.15 spacing Use Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font Use information from books, interviews, websites, databases, etc. Introduction (1 paragraph) Body (3 paragraphs with 1 main idea/supporting details for each) Conclusion (1 paragraph) APA citation format

Introduction (includes question, hypothesis, reason for choosing this project)_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Body (3 main ideas)

Fact #1: ______________________________________________________________________________Citation: _____________________________________________________________________________Supporting details

1. ________________________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________________________

Fact #2: ______________________________________________________________________________Citation: _____________________________________________________________________________Supporting details

1. ________________________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________________________

Fact #3: ______________________________________________________________________________Citation: _____________________________________________________________________________Supporting details

1. ________________________________________________________________________2. ________________________________________________________________________3. ________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion (tie all 3 facts together)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Putting it all together in a report cover

Part 1: Title Page

Title of report - should draw audience’s attention and is the same as display board Project category

Part 2: Table of Contents

Use a table to create this page 2 columns – one for report sections & page numbers

Part 3: Research based report

Introduction Body Conclusion Approx. 1 to 1.5 pages

Part 4: Data table

Part 5: Graph

Project Title

Category

Presentation Board Layout

For science fair projects, you need to prepare a display board to communicate your work to others. You will need a three-panel display board that unfolds to 36" tall by 48" wide. They come in various colors. Think about your project and how a colored background will affect your presentation. Sometimes white is best and color is added in other areas. You can reuse an old board by resurfacing the board. Be open to suggestions. Some boards come with a separate header. This type of board provides additional space on the board for information but will cost a bit more than a board without a header.

Plan ahead! The board layout and construction can take several hours if done thoughtfully and with a goal in mind – to show your work off to others!

Layout option 1

Only the Abstract is REQUIRED, the other 2 items are optional……….however, this is the proof of the work that was done. The Abstract and an Introduction can be added to the board but are optional.

Problem or Question

Hypothesis

Materials

Procedure

VariablesAnalysis / Graphs

Results / Data Table

Conclusion

“Catchy” Title

Pictures

Journal Research report

AbstractItems on display table

Layout Option 2

Tips for Layout and Construction

Plan ahead! Students are highly encouraged to do a “dry run” of their board information. That means print everything, cut-n-trim to size, & lay it out on the board without glue. Use recycled white paper if you have some available to save on paper. Determine where you will place things, is it too cluttered, will it be easy to follow the flow of the presentation. Once you have decided the right font size, location of items, what paper to use & ink color . . . . . print it all.

Project titles should be large enough to be seen from 20 feet away. Subtitles should be large enough to see from 10 feet away.

Content should be easy to read such as a font 16, Times New Roman - depending

on how much information is on the board. Font style must be easy to read by all judges, not just look cool or pretty.

Use color but sparingly & wisely, using it to draw the eye to important information. Make the board attractive but not cluttered. An unorganized and busy board will destroy the

visual representation of your hard work. Printing on colored paper with black ink, black ink on white and colored paper as layered

background is better than using colored ink on colored paper. Determine which materials you have available and work with those to your advantage.

Save the color for the graph and pictures. This is what the judges want to see. A picture can tell a story.

Keep in mind that this is the only time you will show others what a great job you have done on research, experimentation, and what you learned over all. Presentation DOES matter.

Board Check off list

Photos must be cited as follows: “All photos taken by student researcher.” If pictures were taken by someone other than the student researcher put the name of the person who took the picture. Citation should read: “All photos taken by ____________________.”

Photos can only be of researcher. If photos of other participants are included, the student researcher must cover the face (use a sticker) or have written media release from each person in the photographs. No license plates or other identifiable information.

Brand names and labels cannot be included. Written permission to use brand names or labels must be obtained from companies in order to use them. If permission is obtained, it must be included in the student’s journal and bibliography in case a fair official should ask for the information.

Use a sheet of cardstock folded over horizontally. On the inside, write student name and school details. Glue it to the top back of left panel. This information should not be visible to judges or participants.

Graphs must be cited as follows: “All graphs created by researcher”.

Graphs must include a title, title for x and y-axis, intervals clearly marked and labeled, X – axis is the independent variable, and the Y-axis is the dependent variable.

Graphs and table should be a full page in size and in color. Landscape printing recommended.

Ensure all information is adhered firmly to board. Adhesive spray works best. NO STAPLES!

No food items or brand labels are allowed on the board.

Some models will be allowed on the table, see teacher for details.

Abstract should be free standing in a picture frame or an easel. Print on white cardstock for best results.

For additional tips on construction of display board please visit:

Science Fair Extravaganza and select “Display”

http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/

Science Buddies

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml#keyinfo

Ask your teacher for suggestions and help.

Don’t wait till the last minute to prepare your board!

Scienteer Student Registration Process FormScienteer.com

1. Website URL https://scienteer.com/register/montwoodmiddleschool

2. You will see the screen below. Click the box “Student”

Basic Information Who Are You?

First Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

Last Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________@student.sisd.net

Confirm E-Mail Adress: _____________________________________@student.sisd.net

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YEAR) ____________________________________________________________

Personal Information Tell us about yourself.

Phone number: ___(_______) ___________________________________________________________

Gender: M F

Ethnicity: ____________________________________________________________________________

Address Information Where are you from?

Street Adress: _______________________________________________________________________

State : Texas

Zip code: 799_______

School Information Tell us about your project and school

Teacher or Sponsor: ________________________________________________________________

Grade level: 6 7 8

Class Period: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

When do you plan on starting your physical experimentation? If you’ve already started, enter the date you started.

Project Start Date _____________________________________________________________________

Account Information Let’s setup your account information

Username: ___________________________@student.sisd.net

Password: ____________________________________________________________________________

Confirm Password: _____________________________________________________________________

Recovery Questions

If you ever have trouble remembering your password, we will use these secret questions to help you recover your account. Make sure to provide answers that you will remember and won’t be easy to guess! Pick 3 only and number them on the line to the left of the question.

Some of the questions include:

_____ What was the name of your second pet? _____________________________________________

______ What is your favorite sport? _____________________________________________________

_____ What is your favorite superhero? ___________________________________________________

_____ What city were you born in? _______________________________________________________

_____ What is your oldest cousin’s first and last name? _______________________________________

_____ What was your first grade’s teacher’s name? __________________________________________

Agreements

Parent or Guardian Email: ______________________________________________________________

Confirm Parent or Guardian email: _______________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian First Name: _________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Last Name: _________________________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Phone: _____________________________________________________________

Terms of Service: I and my parent or guardian agree to the Terms of Service.

Click the green box below to register.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

To return to Scienteer URL https://scienteer.com/

You will see this screen…………login at the top right corner and continue working

Register