Pfizer / LPS

SCIENCE FAIR
15 Years of Exploration!

STUDENT
GUIDEBOOK
P U B LI C L IN C O L N SC H O O L S

Welcome 2010 Pfizer/LPS Science Fair!

to the

March 30, 2010 Pershing Center 226 Centennial Mall Lincoln, Nebraska 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Table of Contents Rules & Areas of Science Experiments Demonstrations Bibliography Form Registration Form

page 2 pages 3-6 pages 7-10 page 11 page 13

Note: Registration Forms are due March 12, 2010

2010 All rights are reserved. Reproductions of this guide in whole or part without permission of the Lincoln Public Schools is prohibited. Exception is granted to LPS educators who may make copies for use inside the LPS District.

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook1

SCIENCE FAIR RULES & REGULATIONS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Project must be written in the form of a question. Teacher must approve project. Project may not endanger humans or animals. Students may work individually or with a partner. Project must have a display which is no larger than 4 feet in length and 16 inches in depth. Note: Any student who qualifies for free and reduced lunch and wishes to enter the science fair, may apply for a display board to be supplied to him or her without cost. Commercial kits are not allowed. Project must show evidence of a search for background ideas. ALL live animals must be kept inside a cage or other suitable container. Animals will be handled only by their owner not by visitors to the fair. All cats and dogs must be licensed. DANGEROUS OR COMBUSTIBLE CHEMICALS may not be displayed at the fair. Rockets or engines MUST NOT contain fuel. All chemicals displayed must have the contents clearly marked on the container. No mercury thermometers or instruments may be used or displayed at the fair. Open flames will not be permitted. Exceptions may be granted during the judging process. Contact the fair coordinator. Projects using electricity must conform to standard wiring practices and safety. Laser pointers are not allowed at the fair.

10. 11. 12.

AREAS OF SCIENCE
LIFE SCIENCE will include: EARTH SCIENCE will include: PHYSICAL SCIENCE will include: 3 plants and seeds 3 air 3 nature of matter 3 animals 3 water 3 energy 3 life cycles 3 weather 3 light 3 body structure 3 the earth 3 sound 3 the five senses 3 ecology 3 simple machines 3 health and nutrition 3 above and beyond the earth 3 technology 3 geology 3 magnetism 3 static electricity 3 current electricity 3 chemistry

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook2

Experiments
SCIENCE FAIR CHECKLIST
q Choose a topic of interest. q Think of a question to answer. q Ask teacher for approval. q Complete registration form. q Research topic. q Record sources of information. q Write hypothesis as an if, then statement. q Plan procedure. q Gather your materials. q Conduct experiment as planned. q Record results. q Review results. q State conclusion. q Prepare display. q Prepare oral presentation. q Bring display to the fair.

DISPLAY BOARD ORGANIZATIONEXPERIMENT

Procedure Sources of Information

Title
(Student Name) Question Hypothesis Conclusion Results

Photos of Project

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook3

EXAMPLE EXPERIMENTAL QUESTIONS

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Which type of water evaporates the quickest: salt, tap, or fresh? Can more drops of water be placed on top of a penny or a dime? Which type of cloth will dry faster: cotton or polyester? What kind (shape) of sail will make a boat go the fastest? Does a wax paper airplane fly farther than a paper airplane? Through what surfaces will a magnet attract? Which materials are conductors of electricity? How does temperature affect the rate of evaporation? How does the size of a sponge affect the amount of water absorbed? Does the size of a ball affect the rate of fall? How does wetting the paper affect its strength? Which paper has the fastest capillary action?

EARTH SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Which will develop faster, salt crystals or sugar crystals? Which sail has the best water retention? Which solids decompose faster? How do plants affect erosion? How does temperature affect the speed of molecules? Which rocks are attracted by a magnet? What factors affect water erosion? Which rocks conduct electricity? How is the distance a rock rolls in a stream related to the rounding of its edges?

LIFE SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. How much salt will a plant be able to tolerate and still grow? Which kind of seed will sprout more quickly? What is the best surface for lifting fingerprints? How does the sprouting time for a seed change with planting depth? Which packaging method best reduces the growth of mold or fungus? How does gravity affect the direction that a seed grows? How does caffeine affect plant growth? Which materials are the best filters for water? How does the size of a fruit affect the number of seeds it contains? How does an individuals foot length relate to his/her height? How does exercise affect blood pressure? How does human weight change with time of day?

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook4

PfizerLPS Science Fair Experiment Judging Form Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln Nebraska
Project #_ _____________________ Student Name(s)_ __________________________________________________ Score_ _____________________ Topic_________________________________________________________________________________________ SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT (VERBAL PRESENTATION) Comments a. Knowledge of Scientific Fact or Theories _____________/25 23-25 Knowledgeable, shares information freely, good understanding of topic, able to answer questions. 20-22 Provides explanation of some facts and shows general understanding of topic. 17-19 Provides some facts with prompting. 15-16 Minimal information shared on topic. Comments b. Planned and Organized _____________/15 14-15 Understands and utilizes the Scientific Method to complete project. 11-13 Demonstrates some knowledge of the Scientific Method. 8-10 Exhibits limited understanding of the Scientific Method with prompting. Comments c. Explains Graphs, Charts, and Display _____________/10 9-10 Is able to explain graphs, charts, or other visual aids as they pertain to the project. 7-8 6 Comments Is able to explain graphs, charts, or other visual aids with prompting. Gives limited explanations to graphs, charts, or other visual aids.

THOROUGHNESS OF DISPLAY (VISUAL PRESENTATION) a. Scientific Method and Sources of Information _____________/20 18-20 Display accurately reflects the use of the Scientific Method (hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusion) and includes sources of information.

16-17 Display reflects some evidence of the Scientific Method and includes sources of information. 14-15 Display reflects limited evidence of the Scientific Method and includes sources of information. OVER
Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Points EarnedPage 1 _____________/70

(Please fill out side 2.)
Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook5

THOROUGHNESS OF DISPLAY continued-experiment Comments b. Accurate and Complete Visual Aids _____________/10 9-10 Display includes two or more of following: graph, chart, photograph, illustration, or model that accurately reflects project. 7-8 0 Technical Skill (VISUAL PRESENTATION) Comments a. Exhibit Catches the Eye and Focuses Attention of Visitor 5 4 3 2 Comments Display grabs your attention and interest. Display is neat and organized but not eye-catching. Display is organized but lacks neatness. Display is unorganized and appears put together quickly. _____________/5 _____________/5 Display includes one of the following: graph, chart, photograph, illustration, or model that accurately reflects project. Display does not include a visual aid.

b. Words are Spelled Correctly. 5 All words are spelled correctly. 4 1 or 2 words are misspelled. 3 3 or 4 words are misspelled. 2 5 or more words are misspelled. c. Labels are Neat and Easy to read. 5 4 3 2 Labels are attractive, neat, and easy to read. Labels are fairly easy to read. Labels are difficult to read. Few or no labels present.

Comments

_____________/5

ORIGINALITY Comments a. Scientific Method and Sources of Information 5 3-4 1-2 Points Earned: Page 1 __________/70 Page 2 __________/30 Total Points __________/100 Ribbon Earned: 90-100 pts. 80-89 pts. 70-79 pts. 69 or below Unique and original topic and display. Original topic and/or unique display. Some originality in topic and display. Points EarnedPage 2 ____________/30 _____________/5

Purple Blue Red White

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook6

Demonstrations
SCIENCE FAIR CHECKLIST
q Choose a topic of interest. q Think of a question to answer. q Ask teacher for approval. q Complete registration form. q Locate and record your sources of information. q Research your topic. q Plan how to share information. q Prepare charts, tables, or other visual aids. q Prepare display. q Prepare oral presentation. q Bring display to the fair.

DISPLAY BOARD ORGANIZATIONDEMONSTRATION

Information

Title
(Student Name) Question Information

Sources of Information photos, charts, or diagrams

photos, charts,

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook7

EXAMPLE DEMONSTRATION QUESTIONS

PHYSICAL SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. What things make sound? How does sound travel? What kinds of materials can carry sound? How does light travel? How does a camera work? How does the human eye work? Why do things fall? What are the various forms of energy? What is magnetism? How does a compass work? What are insulators and conductors of electricity? What is an electric circuit?

LIFE SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Why do living things need air, food, and water? How do plant cells differ from animal cells? Why are roots, stems, and leaves important to plants? How do light, air, water, and temperature affect germination? What are food chains? How do insects develop? What are the special adaptations of plants and animals? How does the human ear work? How does the tongue taste foods? What foods contain high amounts of acids? What kinds of bacteria are helpful? harmful? What is a virus?

EARTH SCIENCES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. What are the four layers of the earth? How are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks formed? How are crystals formed? What causes earthquakes? What causes a volcano to erupt? What factors affect weathering? What are fossils and how are they formed? What is the water cycle? What are the different kinds of clouds? What are constellations? Which planet has an atmosphere most capable of supporting life?

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook8

PfizerLPS Science Fair DEMONSTRATION Judging Form Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln Nebraska
Project #_ _____________________ Student Name(s)_ __________________________________________________ Score_ _____________________ Topic_________________________________________________________________________________________ KNOWLEDGE (VERBAL PRESENTATION) Comments a. Knowledge of Facts or Theories 22-25 Knowledgeable, shares information freely, good understanding of topic, able to answer questions. 20-21 Provides explanation of some facts and shows general understanding of topic. 17-19 Provides some facts with prompting. 15-16 Minimal information shared on topic. _____________/15 13-15 Shares information in an organized and sequential manner. 11-12 Shares information in a fairly organized and sequential manner. 9-10 Shares information with a prompting from the judge. _____________/25

Comments

b. Planned and Organized

Comments

6-8 Shares information in an unorganized manner. c. Explains Visual Aids

_____________/10

9-10 Is able to thoroughly explain visual aids as they pertain to the project. 7-8 Is able to explain visual aids with prompting. 6 Is unable to explain visual aids with prompting. THOROUGHNESS OF DISPLAY (VISUAL PRESENTATION) Comments a. Complete and Concise Text with Sources Identified 18-20 16-17 14-15 10-13 _____________/20 Display includes both visual and written information including at least three or more sources of information. Display includes both visual and written information including two sources of information. Display includes both visual and written information including one source of information. Display includes both visual and written information without a source of information. Points EarnedPage 1 OVER
Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

_____________/70

(Please fill out side 2.)

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook9

THOROUGHNESS OF DISPLAY continued-demonstration Comments b. Accurate and Complete Visual Aids 9-10 7-8 0 Display includes two or more of following: graph, chart, photograph, illustration, or model that accurately reflect project. Display includes one of the following: graph, chart, photograph, illustration, or model that accurately reflect project. Display does not include a visual aid. ____________/10

Comments

Technical Skill (VISUAL PRESENTATION) a. Exhibit Catches the Eye and Focuses Attention of Visitor _____________/5 Comments 5 4 3 2 5 4 3 2 5 4 3 2 Display grabs your attention and interest. Display is neat and organized but not eye-catching. Display is organized but lacks neatness. Display is unorganized and appears put together quickly. _____________/5 All words are spelled correctly. 1 or 2 words are misspelled. 3 or 4 words are misspelled. 5 or more words are misspelled. _____________/5 Labels are attractive, neat, and easy to read. Labels are fairly easy to read. Labels are difficult to read. Few or no labels present. _____________/5

b. Words are Spelled Correctly.

Comments

c. Labels are Neat and Easy to read.

ORIGINALITY Comments a. Original and Unique Ideas for Topic and Display 5 3-4 1-2 Unique and original topic and display. Original topic and/or unique display. Some originality in topic and display. Points EarnedPage 2 _____________/30

Points Earned: Page 1 __________/70 Page 2 __________/30 Total Points __________/100

Ribbon Earned: 90-100 pts. 80-89 pts. 70-79 pts. 69 or below

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Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

Pfizer/LPS Science Fair Student Guidebook10

Bibliography of Resources
Use this form to record your sources of information. You may need to make additional copies. (This information must be included in your display.) Book: Author___________________________________________________________________________________ Title of Book_ ____________________________________________________________________________ Publisher_ ________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright________________________________________________________________________________

Book: Author___________________________________________________________________________________ Title of Book_ ____________________________________________________________________________ Publisher_ ________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright________________________________________________________________________________

Encyclopedia: Author (if available)_______________________________________________________________________ Title of Article____________________________________________________________________________ Title of Encyclopedia_ _____________________________________________________________________ Edition__________________________________________Date of Publication_ ______________________

Encyclopedia: Author (if available)_______________________________________________________________________ Title of Article____________________________________________________________________________ Title of Encyclopedia_ _____________________________________________________________________ Edition__________________________________________Date of Publication_ ______________________

Electronic Sources: Author (if available)_______________________________________________________________________ Title of CD-ROM, video, web site_ _________________________________________________________ Year of Publication_ _______________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Communication: Writers Name____________________________________________________________________________ Subject Heading__________________________________________________________________________ Type of Document________________________________________________________________________ Date of Document________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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PFIZER-LPS SCIENCE FAIR REGIsTRATION

March 30, 2010 Pershing Center Lincoln, Nebraska Exhibit No.

Registration Deadline: March 12, 2010

Exhibitors Name Partner With Grade Level Teachers Name Check one: School
(Please print) (Optional)

q Experiment q Demonstration

Question to be answered: Field of Science (Check one):

q Life q Earth q Physical q YES q NO

I need an electrical outlet (Check one):

I agree to set up my exhibit between the hours of 4:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on March 30, 2010. I will stay until 8:00 p.m. and dismantle my exhibit by 8:30 p.m. that evening. Required: Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature Teacher Signature

Registration forms are to be sent to: Curtis Mann, Meadow Lane Elementary School 7200 Vine, Lincoln, NE 68505

Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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Copyright 2010 by Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE

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