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PERRY SCIENCE FAIR HCHEM PAGE 1

Introduction

Every year, Perry High, and the rest of the Chandler Unified School District, participates in the Hamilton Invitational Science and Engineering Fair (HISEF). The date of the Perry Science Fair is January 30, 2016 from 11AM- 1PM. Keeping that date in mind, we will begin working on Science Fair activities beginning in October, 2015.

The objective of completing a Science Fair Project is to develop a working knowledge of the Scientific Inquiry Method. You will learn in Science Class that this method, used by scientists all over the world, involves the following steps:

1. Posing Questions2. Forming a Hypothesis3. Designing an Experiment4. Performing the Experiment to Collect Data5. Interpreting Data6. Drawing Conclusions7. Communication of Scientific Method Process

Within each of these steps are activities that are performed to ensure your experiment makes sense and could be repeated with similar results (this is known as being “accurate” and “valid”).

Perry High School Science Fair2015-2016

Honors Chemistry

F=

PHS


This packet was put together to help guide you through each activity within the Scientific Inquiry Method process. They can be summarized as follows:

See Page(s) CUSD Curriculum Standard*

Strand Concept

Performance Objective

1 Posing QuestionsTopic Selection 5 1 1 1 and 2Research 8 - 14 1 1 1and 2

2 Forming a HypothesisIdentifying Variables 6 - 7 1 2 3Posing a Question 6 - 7 1 1 1 and 2Developing a Hypothesis 15 1 1 3

3 Designing an ExperimentMaterials List 16 1 2 2Procedures 17 1 4 3Data Table 18 1 2 3

4 Performing the Experiment to Collect DataPerform Multiple Trials 17 1 2 3Completing Data Table 18 1 2 5

5 Interpreting DataData Summary 19 1 3 1 and 2Graph 20 1 4 2 and 2H

6 Drawing ConclusionsFormulate Conclusion 21 - 22 1 3 and 4 all

7 Communicating ResultsSummary 12 - 14 1 4 3 and 3HAbstract 23 - 24 1 4 3H and 4HDisplay Board 25 - 26 1 4 1-4HOral Presentation 27 1 2 4H

* http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/curriculum_v2/science/new-standards.asp

Can you name these famous scientists that

used the Scientific Inquiry

Method?


Science Fair GuidelinesBelow is a list of guidelines, explanations, and rules. Make sure you are clear about them. Share them with the people helping you at home. Ultimately, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!

1. You will do your own project. Groups of 2 are permissible.2. Your project must be based on an experiment. You will follow the Scientific Inquiry Method

(see page 2) and collect MEASURED, OBJECTIVE DATA.

3. Please keep in mind not all topics will be approved. You may expand upon an experiment conducted previously in one of your science classes. Also some projects require additional approval and lengthy form completion (working with humans, surveys, etc.). There are restrictions on working with mold, bacteria, explosives, fire and or other dangerous materials. Human subjects cannot eat or drink any substance.

4. All projects must be approved before beginning. 5. Multiple trials (a minimum of 3, however more than 3

trials are recommended) are required for data collection.6. Follow the sheets included in this packet. They will guide

you through each step of the Scientific Inquiry Method.7. The sheets in this packet are rough drafts and are due on specific dates during the development

of your Science Fair Project. There is a deadline checklist paper included in the beginning of this packet to keep track of what you have done and when things are due.

8. You may NOT change your project idea after your science teacher has approved it. Make sure you have thought about what you want to do before starting. If you have to purchase items to complete your project, make sure your parents/guardians have approved the purchases.

9. Even if you are absent on a due date, project papers must be submitted. You may submit electronically on the due date.

10. The information in this packet must be maintained and turned in with final project board. Do not lose it. This will also serve as your working notebook

where you will collect and record data, research, and have portions of your project graded.

PROJECT DUE DATE:JANUARY 21, 2016

It is best to just follow the rules.

Jan.

23!

APPROVED!!


Project Timeline

Due Date Check if completed

Topic SelectionTeam SelectionParent Signature

Page 5

10/19/15

Research Summary and BibliographyPages 8 – 15

11/2/15

Experimental Protocol Variables Pages 6 - 7 Hypothesis Page 15 Materials Page 16 Procedures Page 17

11/9/15

Data and Results Data Table Page 18 Data Summary Pg.19

Graph Page 20

12/10/15

ConclusionPage 21-22 1/08/16

AbstractPage 23 - 24 1/15/16

Display BoardPages 25 - 26 1/21/16

Oral PresentationPage 27 1/25/16

* Please keep all graded copies of work passed back to you. You will attach these papers, along with your log book, to the back of your display board! *

Topic Selection Due October 19, 2015

FPJHS

Mark your Agenda with these important due dates!


Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Energy: Chemical, Energy: Physical, Engineering Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science,

Microbiology, Physics and Astronomy, Plant Sciences

Pick a topic that interests you and one you will enjoy working with for the next 10 - 12 weeks and can be classified into one of the categories listed above. Consider issues such as costs of materials, availability of materials, and the project timeframe. Also check that your parents agree with your choice of topic. Remember, you may not change your project idea once it has been approved by your science teacher. Human and animal studies, along with experiments involving fire or chemicals require district level (IRB) approval. Deadline for IRB submission is November 13, 2015.

All students are responsible for topic selection and research. If you are working with a partner, each student is responsible for producing their own unique research independently.

1. Your name _______________________________________Hour________2. Category (from 12 listed above)____________________________________3. Partner’s name (write “none” if you’re working alone.) __________________

4. Topic Description:

5. Describe the experiment you have in mind. What will you measure?

Parent Signature ____________________________________________

Did you know?Did you know that the

word “Manipulate” means “to move with your

hands”?


Identifying Variables/Posing a QuestionThe process of Scientific Inquiry involves testing the effect of changing one thing (the manipulated

variable) on another (the responding variable).

Manipulated variable: The variable or factor that you decide to change or “manipulate”Independent variable

Responding variable: The result or effect that you measure as a result of Dependent variable: changing the Manipulated or Independent variable

An easy way to remember Manipulated and Responding Variables is to pose your question in a “What is the Effect” format. The words that come before the word “on” form the Manipulated Variable and the words that follow the word “on” are the Responding Variable:

Example Question What is the effect of the shape of a rocket fin on how high the rocket will fly?

Manipulated variable: shape of fin Responding variable: height of flight path

It is important in Scientific Inquiry to keep all other things (variables) that could affect the responding variable the same. These are called “controlled variables” or “constant variables”, because they are controlled, as best we can, to make sure they stay constant (stay the same).

In the example above, for instance, when firing rockets with different shaped fins, it would be important to try and launch them in similar weather conditions. Launching a rocket in a 5 mph wind would produce a different flight path than one launched in a 25 mph wind.

Notice in the example that all variables are measurable in metric units.

Other controlled variables temperature, light, water, soil type, plant type….keep in mind that everything in your experiment must remain the

same ALL THE TIME except for your manipulated variable.

Hint: Responding and Result both start

with “Res” !


Variable/Question Worksheet

1. Complete your Question (also called your Problem Statement):What is the effect of ______________________________________________________on _________________________________________________________________________?

2. What is the Manipulated or Independent variable in your experiment? Why? Be sure to include the units of measurement.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Units of measurement (metric)_______________________________

3. What is the Responding or Dependent variable in your experiment? Why? Be sure to include the units of measurement.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Units of measurement (metric)_______________________________

4. What variables will you control in your experiment? Why? Be sure to include the units of measurement.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Units of measurement (metric)_______________________________

Some Common

Metric System Units of

Measurement:

Celsius Centimet


Research

When you do research, you want to find articles and books that will teach you something about the manipulated (independent) and responding (dependent) variables in your experiment. Learning about these will allow you to form a hypothesis based on intelligent and objective information. Once your experiments are completed, you will form a conclusion (see page 21) and your conclusion should be related to not only what you learned by performing your experiment, but also what you learned from your research.

It is important that you do not just look for basic, elementary, information. Your research should help you truly understand the science of your selected topic and the relationship of your manipulated and responding variables

In the example of “What is the effect of rocket fin shapes on the height of rocket flight”, information such as the following would be helpful:

“The best fin shape for a small competition model is a rectangle or the parallelogram”. FROM:http://www.apogeerockets.com/technical_publication_16.asp What Type of Fin Shape is Best?

By Tim Van Milligan

There are many resources available for research. Take advantage of the librarians and interlibrary loan. Visit other libraries. Speak with someone who has a job or a hobby related to your subject.

Your research must include AT LEAST 4 SOURCES:1. Must have 2 SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS2. Must have 1 PERIODICAL (magazine, newspaper)3. Must have 1 Internet (only from a .org, .edu, .gov site)4. OTHERS as needed (encyclopedia, Internet, interview with an expert in the field, book, etc.)

To search for resources, it is best to identify some keywords. These should include: your manipulated (independent) and responding (dependent) variables; any words or phrases related to them; and any synonyms or acronyms. In the example above, “Rocket” and “Fin Shape” were keywords. List your keywords below:

KEYWORDS:_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

A “Periodical” is published “periodically” or at some

frequency, such as every day or every week or once a month.

http://www.apogeerockets.com/technical_publication_16.asp


Once you have found your sources, complete the following forms to help you remember where you discovered your information. It is very important to be able to give the original author of your information the credit they deserve for putting the information together. More help on citing sources can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/KeyMS/library/bibliography.html

Source 1 and 2 – JournalExample: Ashby, R. (2003). The Earth and Its Moon. North Mankato, Minnesota: Smart Apple Books.

Author’s Last Name

First Initial

Middle Initial

(Publication Date)

Article Title Journal Name Volume Number

Pages Used

Ashby R (2003) The Earth and Its Moon

North Mankato, MN

Smart Apple Media

34

List two very specific things learned from this source:1.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Source 3 - PeriodicalMagazine Article: Example: Svoboda, E. (2006, June). Flawless Man-made Diamonds. Popular Science, 43, 60 - 61.

Author Last Name(s)

First Initial

Middle Initial

(Publication Date)

Article title Magazine/Scholarly title

Volume number

Page Numbers

Svoboda E (2006, June) Flawless Man-made Diamonds.

Popular Science 43 60-61

List two very specific things you learned from this source:

1.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.oslis.org/secondary/


Source 4 - InternetExample: NASA (2007, August 3). Helping Phoenix Land. Accessed August 20, 2008 from http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoenix/mission/phoenix-edl.html

Agency or Author Last

Name

First Initial

Middle Initial

(Publication date)

Article Title Date Accessed Article URL

NASA (2007, August 3)

Helping Phoenix Land

August 20, 2007 http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoenix/mission/phoenix-edl.html

List two very specific things you learned from this source:1.______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Source 5 - Your choice

If this source is a book or periodical, see the previous pages for Completion of bibliography.

List two very specific things you learned from this source:

1.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Extra Source(s) if you need

If this source is a book or periodical, see the previous pages for creation of the bibliography. 1.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________


Bibliography

A Bibliography is a list of the sources you used in your research. To finalize your Bibliography, rewrite each of the sources you listed on the previous pages in alphabetical order by author’s last name below. Be sure to use correct Bibliographic format.

The correct Bibliographic format is provided in each of the examples on Pages 9 and 10. For example: The correct format for a book is:

Ashby, R. (2003). The Earth and Its Moon. North Mankato, Minnesota: Smart Apple Books.

Source 1: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source 2: ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Source 3: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source 4: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source, other (if needed): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BibliographyBibliographyDid you Know?

Did you know “Biblio” means “Book?”


Research - Summary

Now that you have completed your research and collected new information on your topic and your manipulated and responding variables, it is important to communicate this new information. All students must complete research summary as individuals. If you are working with a partner, each partner must write their own research summary independently. Summarize what you have learned in 4-5 paragraphs (a minimum of 5 sentences each). Reread your notes on pages 9 and 10. Organize the information in a logical way; don’t just list in order what each source told you. Think of this as a mini-report about your variables.

Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Do not use the 1st person (I, we, my, etc.). Use introductory and concluding sentences. Be sure to give credit to the original authors of your information by using parenthetical documentation whenever you are writing about their information.

Before you begin, be sure you read pages 13 and 14 on Parenthetical Documentation and the PHS Policy on Plagiarism.

Type your summary using 12 Point Font in New Times Roman on the computer and submit to turnitin.com (be sure to save your work electronically!)


Parenthetical DocumentationWhen you write research papers of any type it is necessary for you to use the ideas of others to support your own views. There are three different ways that you can use the ideas of other people:

1. Summarizing2. Paraphrasing3. Quoting directly

All of these examples require you to give credit to the person who originally wrote what you are including in your writing. It shows the reader of your paper that the ideas or words are not your own, and that you have researched the subject. Whenever you write something you must identify which ideas are not your own and indicate where they came from. People reading your paper must know when things you write are not your own thinking and how to find the original source if they need to find it. To do this, the name of the original author, the date of publication, and the pages where the information you are referring to can be found, are put in parenthesis after using their ideas.

Examples using this quote from Carl Sagan found in:Sagan, Carl, (2006) Conversation with Carl Sagan. University Press of Mississippi, Page 36.

There are many hypotheses in science which are wrong. That's perfectly all right; they're the aperture to finding out what's right. Science is a self-correcting process.

Summarizing:When you summarize the major point, the general position, or an overall thought of an author, then a reference to the work as a whole without a page number is okay.

Hypotheses do not always have to be correct. (Sagan, 2006).

Paraphrasing:A good way to use another author's work is to take their ideas and put them into your own words. In this way you can put emphasis on the parts that relate to what you are studying. However, to reword what another author has said can be difficult. Make sure that your paraphrase is accurate. Paraphrasing should be in your own words. Paraphrasing works best if you read the whole section you wish to refer to several times until it is clear to you. Be careful, you cannot paraphrase by taking sentences or phrases and just changing a few words - that is plagiarism.

In the scientific inquiry process there is much to be learned even if the hypothesis is

incorrect. (Sagan, 2006, pg. 34)

Quoting Directly:Quoting directly is using the author's exact words. You should only do this if the author has a very exceptional way of stating something. A good thing to do is paraphrase most ideas and use one or two direct quotes to capture something an author said. Direct quotes should be in quotation marks unless the quote is longer than 3 lines, then it should be indented without quotes (such as the Sagan quote above).

Example: “One step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Armstrong, Neil. 1979)


Plagiarism

The Perry High School policy on plagiarism is as follows:

PLAGIARISM is considered a serious offense. Students, like other writers, are expected to acknowledge the work of others and to assist their readers in finding specific locations from which their ideas are drawn. In other words, if you are summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting another person, you need to attribute that material to its source. You may be taking the information from an interview or other oral text, or from the Internet, or from the conventional printed text. In either case, the source MUST be documented. Cutting and pasting a sentence or paragraph from the internet without parenthetical documentation is considered plagiarism.

Failure to document carries severe penalties.

Perry High School has determined that a plagiarized paper (essay, research paper, or other document) will warrant an automatic grade of zero (0). This also includes using the work of another student; all assignments submitted must be your own individual work with proper credit given to those who you have referenced. The majority of your written work needs to be in your own words.

DON’T” BE A THIEF!Copying someone else’s work

without giving them written credit is the same as stealing their work.

GIVE CREDIT TO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR EVERYTIME!


Hypothesis

Now that you have completed your research and have an understanding of the relationship between the Manipulated (independent) and Responding (dependent) variables, you are ready for the next step in the Scientific Inquiry Method. This is called Developing the Hypothesis. The hypothesis is one sentence that states what you think the answer to the question you posed on pages 6 and 7 (also called the problem statement) will be, based on what you learned in the research. The sentence should indicate what you expect to happen to the Responding (dependent) variable as a result of changing the Manipulated (independent) variable. Your hypothesis should also include why you think the change will occur.

The hypothesis should NOT be written in 1st person (I, we, my, etc.). Try using the format below for writing your hypothesis, or adapt it so that you don’t end up saying “My hypothesis is…”

It is hypothesized that ____________________________ will cause or result in _____________________________________ because_____________________________.Example: It is hypothesized that changing the shape of a rocket fin from rectangular shape to a parallelogram or a oval shape will cause the rocket to fly less high because of increased drag.

WRITE YOUR HYPOTHESIS BELOW:It is hypothesized that ____________________________ will cause or result in _____________________________________ because___________________________________________.

.

Other examples of HypothesesIt is hypothesized that plants grown in direct sunlight light will

grow taller than the same plant grown in the dark, because plants need light to photosynthesize.

It is hypothesized that a basketball bounced from a height of 10 meters will bounce back up 10 meters

due to Newton’s First Law.

It is hypothesized that if a PHS student puts forth a good effort in their Science Fair Project, they will receive a passing grade!

It is hypothesized that a rock, frozen in the freezer, will have more cracks if boiling water is poured on it,

than if cool water were poured on it, because the boiling water is hotter and will cause more

expansion due to heating.


Materials

List all materials, supplies, equipment, tools, etc. that you will need for this project. Remember that you will need enough materials to perform at least 3 trials of your experiment. Add or delete things from this list later when you perform the experiment so that the list you include in your final project is correct. Brand name used, amounts, quantities, etc., should be used to identify your materials.You may use bullets when listing your materials.

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

Example: Three identical Estes Rocket kits (Model Alpha, Product Number 1225) Nine identical Rocket engines (Model AB-3) One Rocket Launch pad (Estes, Model Q) Glue (________________, one tube) 1 sheet Sand Paper (100 grit) Exacto Knife (EZ-Cut) Altitude tracker from: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/teachers/rockets/act9.html

Procedures

Hint:Prepare your Materials List

as best you can before starting the experiment.

If you find you need a few more items to finish the

experiment once you have started – just add them to

your List!!!


Write a list of all the steps you will need to follow to run the experiment. Another person should be able to follow your procedure without ever having to talk to you, so make it good/very detailed. The procedures must be written in a numbered step format.

Example:1. Collect necessary materials.2. Remove balsa wood fins from Rocket packaging. 3. Using Exacto Knife, and being sure not to cut the side that fits into the body

of the rocket cut the outside corners of the three sets of fins as follows:a. one set of three fins into three identical rectanglesb. one set into three identical parallelograms, andc. one set into three identical oval shapes.

4. Construct rockets according to manufacturer’s instructions, gluing one set 5. Allow glue to dry according to directions. Do not place engine in rocket at this time.6. Following instructions at http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/teachers/rockets/act9.html, construct Altitude

Tracker.7. On a non-windy day, set-up the launch pad in an area removed from combustible material or dry vegetation.8. Place one engine in each rocket.9. Launch each rocket according to manufacturer’s instructions and using Altitude Tracker, determine height of

each rocket.10. Record height measurements in Data Table.11. For the second and third trial, repeat Steps 8, 9, and 10 twice.

List your Procedures here, or type them on the computer (save your work!) and attach them to this page.

1. __________________________________________________________________________2. __________________________________________________________________________3. __________________________________________________________________________4. __________________________________________________________________________5. __________________________________________________________________________6. __________________________________________________________________________

Data Table

You must have a data table drawn before you experiment so that you have a place to record your observations neatly. It is difficult to draw one sample data table as an example, since yours will depend on the type of experiment you choose, but the one below may help you get started.

Guidelines: 1. Label each data table with a number and title.2. Each column should have a heading with units if appropriate.3. All 3 trials for each group should be shown.4. The average for the trials in each group should be calculated.

Example of a Data TableTable 1: Height of Rocket Flight with Different Shaped Fins

http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/teachers/rockets/act9.html


Fin Shape Height of Rocket(meters)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Average(meters)

Visual Observations

Rectangle 20 25 30 25Parallelogram 10 20 30 20

Oval 8 10 12 10 Flights were arched, not straight up.

Sketch your data table below (the grid system is just there to help you keep your lines straight) and use it to record data throughout your experiment. These will be checked periodically throughout the experiment so do not wait until the end to record you data. If you need extra room, use another sheet of paper and add it to your folder

Title: __________________________________________________________


Data Summary

Summarize the data you have collected in your Data Table in a few sentences. This section should not include any conclusions. Only state the facts from your data table. This information should directly correlate to your graph and data table.

Example of a Data Summary: The rocket with the rectangular fins flew an average of 25 meters high. The rocket with fins shaped as a parallelogram flew and average of 20 meters high. The rocket with the oval shaped fins flew an average of 10 meters high.

Type your Data Summary on a computer.


Data Graph Guidelines:

1. Graphs must be completed using a computer.2. Decide whether a line graph or a bar graph is better for your data. Line graphs are

used for changes over time (such as the shortening or lengthening of shadows measured each day for one month); bar graphs depict discrete or individual events. The example we have been following of the height of rocket launches would be best graphed using a bar graph.

3. Label the top of the graph with a title that includes the dependent variable first and the independent variable second along with units of measurement, if applicable:

i. Example: Height of Rocket Flight (meters) vs. Rocket Fin Shape (no units)4. Label the x-axis with the independent variable and its units, if applicable:

ii. Example: Rocket Fin Shape5. Label the y-axis with the dependent variable and its units:

iii. Example: Height of Rocket Flight (meters)6. Number the axes appropriately. Label

the individual bars appropriately.


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Height of Rocket Flight (meters) vs. Rocket Fin Shape

RectangleParallelogramOval

Rocket Fin Shape

Heig

ht o

f Roc

ket F

light

(met

ers)

Notice that all The Average of three trials are shown on the graph!!!


ConclusionThe conclusion will be another written mini-report that summarizes the experiment and relates it to the research and hypothesis. In addition, it should describe how the experiment might be improved upon. Before writing a rough draft of your conclusion, fill in the information in each area below. These are the things that you will then organize and summarize in the conclusion.

1. What was the answer to the problem statement? _____________________________________

2. Was your hypothesis supported by the data or not?___________________________

1. Did your results make sense? __________________________________________Are your results valid (did your experiment follow the requirements of controlled

experimental design with just one manipulated variable and other possible variables kept constant)

Are your results reliable (were your results accurate because you used a number of trials?)_______________

4. List data averages that will defend your answers to #1 and #2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Example: The rocket with the rectangular fin flew an average of 25 meters high. This is 5 meters higher than average of the rockets with parallelogram fins and 15 meters higher than the rocket with oval fins.

5. List at least 3 errors that might have happened during your experiment and explain how they may have effected your results. These might be controlled variables that could not be controlled. ______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Example: The wind varied between 0 and 10 mph on launch day. A rocket launched during a stronger wind might have flown further in the direction of the wind, but not as high as it would have flown if there was no wind.

6. What could be done differently if you repeated this experiment (either to minimize errors or help clarify your results)? _______________________________________________________

7. How could you refine or improve your hypothesis based on the data you collected?_________________________________________________________________________________________

8. What is the importance of this experiment? What impact could the results have? __________________________________________________________________________________________

9. What new questions could be asked based on the results of your experiment? ______________________________________________________________________________________________


Use the answers to the questions above to write your conclusion. A good format might be to write one paragraph about questions 1 - 4, a second paragraph about questions 5 and 6, and a third paragraph about questions 7 - 9.

Use correct grammar, spelling and sentence structure. Write good introductory and concluding sentences. Do not use the 1st person.

Type your Conclusion on a computer (save your work!) and attach it below:

Your Conclusion goes here!


Abstract:

When a scientist communicates their research to others, he or she also includes a short summary of the entire experiment. This is called an abstract.

Other scientists interested in the topic of the experiment will read the abstract to determine if they want to find out more about the experiment by reading the entire report, results and conclusion.

What is an abstract? The Abstract is a summary of your science fair project. Your abstract is made up of a brief statement of the essential, or most important, thoughts

about your project. Abstracts should summarize, clearly and simply, the main points of the experiment.

Spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness, and originality are important. It should be 250 to 300 words in length. It is one of the last parts of your science fair project that you will complete. It is an easy part if you are using a computer to record and type your journal entries and

other parts of the project. If you are using a computer then you will only have to cut and paste this information into the abstract.

WILLIAMSCLASS.COM SCIENCE FAIR GUIDE “WRITING THE ABSTRACT"

Example: 220 wordsMajor problems of the arid region are transportation of agricultural products and losses due to spoilage of the products, especially in summer. This work presents the performance of a solar drying system consisting of an air heater and a dryer chamber connected to a greenhouse. The drying system is designed to dry a variety of agricultural products. The effect of air mass flow rate on the drying process is studied. Composite pebbles, which are constructed from cement and sand, are used to store energy for night operation. The pebbles are placed at the bottom of the drying chamber and are charged during the drying process itself. A separate test is done using a simulator, a packed bed storage unit, to find the thermal characteristics of the pebbles during charging and discharging modes with time. Accordingly, the packed bed is analyzed using a heat transfer model with finite difference technique described before and during the charging and discharging processes. Graphs are presented that depict the thermal characteristics and performance of the pebble beds and the drying patterns of different agricultural products. The results show that the amount of energy stored in the pebbles depends on the air mass flow rate, the inlet air temperature, and the properties of the storage materials. The composite pebbles can be used efficiently as storing media.


Fill in the following lines to create a successful Abstract:

The purpose of the project was _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The hypothesis for this project was ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The variables (manipulated, responding, and controlled) were ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The experiment was performed by ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The results of this experiment were __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The results show the hypothesis is …(give brief reason why to accept or not) ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Type your Abstract on the computer.


Display Board

It is important for scientists to communicate the findings of their research. One of the ways this is done is on a display board like the one you will create for your experiment.

Your display board must include the following:o Label (provided by teacher) with Name, Period, and Title of Project. This goes on the back of

your display boardo Titleo Problem Statemento Abstracto Researcho Hypothesiso Manipulated (Dependent) and Responding (Independent) Variableo Materialso Procedureo Data (summary, table, graph)o Conclusiono Bibliographyo Pictures, if you have any (must not provide identify of students ex: names/faces)o Future Research

The most important objective for your board is to effectively communicate the facts about your project. It can only achieve that objective if it's easy to read. Here are some suggestions for fonts and font size.

Stick with traditional fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, or similar typefaces. Use italics or bold for emphasis, not for all your text. Place captions below the pictures. If they are on top of a picture; they will be difficult to

read. USING ALL CAPS MAKES WRITING MUCH HARDER TO READ. Please use upper

and lower case letters (called “sentence case” in MS Word) Don't use reverse type (white text on a dark background). It is hard to read. Use black

characters on a white (or pastel) background. Artistic Fonts are also very difficult to read.. Use no more than two or three different fonts on your board. Times New Roman for body

copy and Arial for headings makes for a nice combination.

Text Size Suggestions for a Typical Science Project Display BoardTitle 150+ You want your title to be visible from across a room! Headings 32+ Should be easily readable from five feet away by someone just walking by. Subheadings 20+ This text is smaller than headings, but more noticeable than main text size. Main Text 16 – 18 This is a comfortable text size for someone who comes closer to read more. Captions 12 – 16 It's OK to make these a bit smaller than the body text if necessary.

Before you attach anything permanently to your board, arrange each of the sections on the display board. They should be in order of the scientific method. Once you are satisfied, attach them neatly

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to the board. Feel free to have a colorful background. Use some creativity. Your poster should be eye-catching, but not so overdone as to detract from your experiment and its results. A suggested format for your display board might be:

Keep in mind, your grade is not based on how beautiful and colorful your board is. Actual projects cannot accompany the science fair board (plants, rocks, etc.). If you want to show what happened to your experiment, you may take pictures or attach small pieces of the experiment (nails, rocks) to your board.

Question

HINT:Take pictures of your experiment as

you are performing it. It will help you remember as you write your summary and conclusion, and the pictures can add to your display.


Oral Presentation Guidelines

_____ Prepare for your presentation by reviewing each part of the experiment so that youknow it well. Review your research so that you can speak intelligently about yourtopic.

_____ Think about the following questions: What were your results?Why did you choose this project?What was the hardest part (or easiest)?What were the one or two things you learned?What would you do differently next time? Why?

_____ Use note cards for your presentation. Do not read from your poster.

_____ Practice your presentation before you actually present.

_____ Prepare a 2 - 4 minute introduction of your project.

_____ Explain how you tested your hypothesis.

_____ Review your major findings.

_____ Discuss your conclusions.

_____ Prepare a 1-2 minute conclusion to your presentation.

_____ Ask if there are any questions.


Science Fair ChecklistUse this checklist to help you make sure you have remembered what is required in your Science Fair Project.

Problem Statement_____ Manipulated or Independent Variable and units of measure (METRIC UNITS)_____ Responding or Dependent Variable and units of measure_____ Controlled or Constant Variables and units of measureResearch Sources:_____ Two Journals_____ One Periodical_____ One Internet_____ OtherBibliography_____ Alphabetical by Author’s Last Name_____ Correct Bibliographic FormatResearch Summary _____ 4 – 5 paragraphs, using correct grammar, sentence structure, and correct spelling_____ Words and works of other cited with Parenthetical DocumentationHypothesis_____ No 1st person_____ Manipulated or Independent Variable _____ Responding or Dependent Variable Materials List_____ Brand Names_____ Amounts or Quantities_____ All Materials UsedProcedures_____ Numbered_____ Step by Step_____ Include at least three trialsData Table_____ Label table_____ Label Columns (include units)_____ Label Rows (include units)_____ All trials (at least 3)_____ Calculate averages Data Summary_____ Summary of data table informationData Graph_____ Completed on a computer_____ Line or bar graph choice is appropriate for type of data_____ Title_____ Label X and Y axis (include units)_____ All trials (a minimum of 3) and averages are shown on a single graph

Conclusion


_____ Not in 1st person_____ Problem statement answered_____ Data did or did not support hypothesis_____ List at least three possible errors_____ Possible improvements_____ Refine hypothesis_____ New questions_____ Future researchAbstract_____ Summarizes entire experimentDisplay Board_____ Text in correct size and font_____ Format follows steps in Scientific Inquiry_____ Label (provided by teacher) with Name, Period, and Title of Project on back _____ Title_____ Problem Statement_____ Abstract_____ Research_____ Hypothesis_____ Manipulated (Dependent and Responding (Independent) Variables and units_____ Materials_____ Procedure_____ Data (summary, table, graph)_____ Conclusion_____ Bibliography_____ Pictures, if you have any (no faces or names, no brands, “photos taken by student” credits)_____ Future Research

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