Elementary Science Fair

Information Packet
2017-2018
 I. PURPOSE

This guide is designed to help you while working on your project at home. This guide along
with your teachers guidance, parents support, and your hard work will help you successfully
complete a science fair project.

II. HOW TO HELP AS A PARENT

FHSA provides the Science Fair so our students can research, observe, analyze and draw
conclusions in an area of science that is of interest to them. While we recognize that younger
students will need some assistance in developing their ideas and supervision as they do their
experiments, 90% of the work is to be done by the students. This packet is provided to help
students and parents understand the process students are to follow in preparation for science
fair.

It is up to the student to decide what to study. You can help by motivating your child and
listening to his or her ideas. However, it is critical that you remember it is up to your child to
design and execute the entire project. You may find it helpful to do some research outside of
school. Expect your child to spend time brainstorming, researching, planning, experimenting,
analyzing data, writing a report, and constructing a display. You can also encourage your child
to record everything in his or her science fair log notebook (composition notebook). Notes from
brainstorming, sources from research, notes, and observations made during data collection
should all be added to the notebook. Please supervise the experimental phase for safety
purposes. Remember this project is a learning experience for your child!

III. RULES AND RESRTICITONS

1. Your brainstorming, notes, daily log, summary, and any other research/data for your
project have to be in a composition notebook. NO LOOSE PAPERS will be accepted!
2. Take pictures to show the parts of your project and experiment. Pictures may be glued on
your board and/or put in your binder with your log and summary.
3. Objects and pieces of your experiment will NOT be permitted to be shown with your
project or glued on the board (per county regulations).
4. You may paint/decorate your board, but please remember that no three-dimensional
objects are allowed on the board.
5. ALL measurements have to be in METRIC UNITS!
6. Projects involving mold are not permitted.
7. Daily notes need to be recorded in your science fair log notebook. Think of this as a
science fair diary or journal. You are responsible for daily entries. Please note that
some projects can be tested and retested several times in one or two days. The term
daily log may not mean many days. However, your log should include details of what
you did to research and all parts of the science fair process
 Checkpoint Dates

Due Date Activity Description

September 7-30 Read through information packet and begin planning your project.
October 6 Checkpoint #1
October 20 Checkpoint #2
November 3 Checkpoint #3
November 17 Checkpoint #4
December 1 Rough draft of Final Report
December 11 Final Report-Typed
January 8 Display Board
January 16-19 Judging
January 23 Family Night and Awards Ceremony
 Science Fair Plan

I. Steps for deciding on a science fair topic:

a. Decide on an interesting field and begin writing in your notebook.
b. Choose a subtopic which can relate to a hobby or area of interest.
c. Choose a modern problem which relates to the subtopic.
1. Project topic must be able to be tested.
2. The test should yield numbers are the data.
3. Topic must be within means of the student, that is, the student must
have the:
a. Research resources available
b. Equipment available
c. Time to do the project
d. Write out your question
II. Research the question and the related topics. Use the following resources:
a. Books
b. Internet
c. Interview an expert
III. Write out your hypothesis
IV. Determine your procedure. Go ahead and do these steps.
a. Set up you equipment
b. Write out procedure.
V. Perform the experiment. This includes:
a. Do the experiment
b. Write out your observations and sources of error, if any.
VI. Evaluate the results by doing the following:
a. Compare your results with your problem as written. Did your experiment answer
the question?
b. Write out your results and calculation steps.
VII. Conclusion
a. Compare your results to your hypothesis.
b. Write your conclusion
VIII. Put together your paper.
a. Finish all steps
b. Put written work in order
c. Have someone proofread your paper.
d. Write your abstract.
IX. Finish your log book
X. Put together your display
XI. Prepare your oral presentation.
 TITLE & QUESTION

The purpose of this Science Fair Experiment is to try and find the answer to a question you
have.

For example: Do plants grow better in the light or the dark?

You are telling what it is that you are trying to find out. This is NOT a research project
(Hearts: how do they work?) and this is NOT a time to make a model (This is how a volcano
erupts) think of it as solving a problem. Make sure it is something you can test and collect
and measure data. Think about how you will test it!

The title of your project may be the same as your experiment question above. However, to have
a more catchy title will grab the judges attention to your display board and might keep their
interest on your project longer.
 DAILY LOG & OBSERVATIONS

Your Daily Log will be kept in your binder and each part of your project will be recorded as
though it were a science fair diary.

Your daily log should begin from the very 1st day of your project. It will include all of the
information (question, title, materials, procedures, data tables, graphs, results, conclusion, and
any pictures you want to include) from the beginning to the end of your project. Remember to
date each entry. This part of the project should be several pages and include many details. It
will be displayed in your three ring binder with the final project, so be neat!

Example:
10/20/07 Today I thought of my Science Fair question. It is. My title is.
10/21/07 I went to the library and found some books on my topic. Ive been
thinking about my project and I learned a couple of interesting things..
10/26/07 I came up with my hypothesis for my experiment. It is
10/28/07 My materials I need to begin my project include three Marigolds
plants, 1000mL of soil, and 1000mL of tap water,
11/2/07 My procedures are as follows:
Step 1: Gather materials 3 Marigold plants, 1000mL soil, .
Step 2: Measure each plant in mm and record in log.
11/5/07 Today I measured both the 3 plants growing on the window sill and
the 3 plants growing in my closet. I noticed some interesting things.

** YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAILY ENTRIES**

NOTE: SOME PROJECTS CAN BE TESTED AND RETESTED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE OR TWO DAYS.
THE TERM DAILY LOG MAY NOT MEAN MANY DAYS. HOWEVER, YOUR LOG SHOULD INCLUDE
WHAT YOU DID TO RESEARCH AND ALL PARTS OF YOUR PROJECT IN DETAIL.
 HYPOTHESIS
Your hypothesis is an educated guess to what will happen by the end of your investigation. This
guess should be based on research and you should have background information to support your
predicted answer. Your hypothesis should be written as an Ifthen statement.

Example:
If I(tell what you are going to do or test in your project) then I think (what you think will
happen) because.(tell a reason you think this will happen based on your research).

If I plant three marigold plants and water one with tap water, one with distilled waters, and one
with well water, then I think one with well water will grow the tallest because of all the
minerals in well water.

You would not just say, I think that plants grow better in light. You would need to explain
why you think so. Did you read a book about plants? Did you search the Internet for some
background information on plants? You need to give a reason for how you came up with that
hypothesis.

**Your hypothesis does not change once it is made**

 LIST OF NEEDED MATERIALS

A detailed list of ALL materials that you will need or use during this project must be given. Be
very specific about what you used in your investigation! ALL supplies and measuring tools
MUST be listed in METRIC UNITS!

A good list A poor list

500 mL of potting soil Dirt
5 clay pots Pots
A ruler (in mm) Water
 PROCEDURE/ STEPS FOLLOWED

This experiment is like a recipe. How did you do your investigation? What did you do first,
next, after that? Make it clear enough so that the judges will know exactly what you did. List
everything you did in numbered steps. Put down the amounts, time involved, and measurements
(IN METRIC UNITS!) you used include even the smallest details.

It is important that you complete your experiment with only one variable (ie. same seeds, water,
and soil just changed the type of light/dark) and with repeated trials (grow 3 cotton seeds in
the light and 3 in the dark) to make sure your results are valid and accurate and for back up in
case one try doesnt work.

Independent Variable The variable that causes a change.

Dependent Variable The variable that you will record and measure. The changes
depend on the independent variable.

Control Variable All aspects of this variable must remain constant.

Example:

How Does Aspirin Affect the Growth Rate of Roses?

Independent Dependent Control

What is the Effect of Coke on the Decay of Teeth?

Independent Dependent Control
 DATA INTERPREATATION

Set up a table in your Daily Log to record your data as you collect it during your project. This
may eventually be turned into a graph, if appropriate (see example below).

Example:

Directional Plants

100
80
Growth in 60
East
mm 40
West
20
North
0
A B C D
Plants

In your Daily Log, you have collected information that was measurable with rulers, stop
watches, counted totals, or some other means. This information now must be put into a form
which others can easily understand it. You need to create a line, circle, or bar graphs and/or
tables. Remember to give it labels and make it clear and neat and place it in your log inside
your binder.

Many teachers used the following website with kids during elementary science fair years.
There are many others available online if you want to search for them.

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx
 WRITTEN RESULTS

Your data that you collected has been put into a format that is easily understood. Use specific
terms and details in a paragraph to explain what your graph means. Are there patterns? Trends
over time? One group stronger? Faster? More? Results include both data and observations.

Look at measurements recorded in the Daily Log and on your graph.

Think about the data and observations and decide what those results mean.
Try to use mathematical calculations such as mean, median, mode, and range

CONCLUSION

The conclusion can be written in two paragraphs.

Did the data support the hypothesis? If not, why do you think it did not? What
would be done differently the next time?
Do not worry about negative results, or results that come out differently than
expected. Just explain why you think you got those results. If the results turned
out as expected, explain why you think it turned out this way.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

This is an alphabetical listing of all books, articles, people, interviews, websites, etc. used as
resources during the investigation. Take note of the formats for each specific source below
(ALL punctuation is an important part of the bibliography!)

Book by single author

Day, R. A. (1994). How to write and publish a scientific paper. (Fourth Edition).
Phoenix, AZ: The Oryx Press.

Book by more than one author

Cothron, J. H., Giese, R. N., & Rezba, R. J. (1993). Students and research.
(Second Edition). Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing.

Computer Program
Dombeck, R. A. (1991). Theoretical prediction of interference loading on aircraft stores.
(Computer program).
Ponoma, CA: General Dynamics, Electro Dynamics Division.

Encyclopedia
Photosynthesis and plants. (1987). Encyclopedia Americana (Volume 22).
New York: Americana Corporation.

Interview
Borski, S. A. M. (1985, October, 23). Arlington Heights, IL: Northwest Community Hospital.
(Interview).

Journal/Magazine/Newspaper
Bonkalski, J. (1991, February). My view of the land fill. Better Homes and Gardens. pp. 52-53.

Journal/Magazine/Newspaper - no author
Study finds free care used more. (1989, May). APA Monitor. p. 14.

For an Internet Source with an author:

Author's last name, first name. "Title of Work". address (day month year).
Ogawa, Roann. "Great Lakes Science
Center". http://www.glsc.nbs.gov/science/communication/index.htm
(25 Sept. 1997)

For an Internet Source without an author:

"Electricity and Magnetism". http://www.essex1.com/people/speer/elect.html
(11 July
Checkpoints: Students should have the information below neatly written in order in their log
books. Checkpoints must be turned in on time and thoroughly answered to receive full credit.

Checkpoint Rubric
3 2 1
Information is clearly and Information is written in log Information is not in proper
thoroughly presents required book. Major revision is place or form. Little effort
information neatly written in needed. given by student.
their log book. Little to no
revisions is needed.
A score of 0 will be given if a student does not turn in the checkpoint.

1. Catchy Science Fair Title (3, 2, 1, 0)

Due Date: ________________

2. Question (3, 2, 1, 0)
3. Research: What did you find out about your topic? (3, 2, 1, 0)
4. How do you plan to test this question? (3, 2, 1, 0)
Checkpoint #1

Date Submitted_______________
Teacher Initials_______________
Parent Initials________________

Points Earned________ (out of 12)

1. Hypothesis-Written as an if , then statement (3, 2, 1, 0)

2. Variable-Identify independent and dependent (3, 2, 1, 0)
Due Date: ________________

3. Materials-A list of all materials needed to accomplish experiment. (3, 2, 1, 0)

4. Procedures-Listed as clear, step by step instructions. (3, 2, 1, 0)
Checkpoint #2

Date Submitted_______________
Teacher Initials_______________
Parent Initials________________

Points Earned________ (out of 12)

Due Date: ________________ 1. Tables, charts, or graphs. May be hand draw or computer generated. (3, 2, 1, 0)
2. Results (3, 2, 1, 0)
Checkpoint #3

Date Submitted_______________
Teacher Initials_______________
Parent Initials________________

Points Earned________ (out of 6)

1. Conclusion (3, 2, 1, 0)
Due Date: ________________

Date Submitted_______________
Checkpoint #4

Teacher Initials_______________
Parent Initials________________

Points Earned________ (out of 3)

 SCIENCE FAIR FINAL REPORT CHECKLIST

Your teacher will provide a digital outline of the report. Use this checklist to ensure you have
all required components.

What Makes for a Good Science Fair Project Final Report

Does your abstract include a short summary of the hypothesis, materials & procedures, results, and conclusion?
If you did an engineering or programming project, did you state whether you met your design criteria?

Does your final report include:

Title page.
Abstract.
Table of contents.
Question, variables, and hypothesis.
Background research (your Research Paper).
Materials list.
Experimental procedure.
Data analysis and discussion (including data table and graph(s)).
Conclusions.
Ideas for future research (for some fairs only).
Acknowledgments.
Bibliography.
 SCIENCE FAIR DISPLAY BOARD

The science fair display is a visual way to communicate to others what you have learned from
the investigation. The display should be neat, attractive, easy-to-read, colorful, and arranged in
an orderly manner.

Left Panel Center Panel Right Panel

Problem/Question Title Procedure

Data
Hypothesis Pictures Results (Data Analysis)
Illustrations
Table
Graphs
Materials Charts Conclusion

Each section needs to be included on the display board in the designated location as
shown above.
Use headings to label each section.
Use a legible font. NO SCRIPT (Science, science, science, science)
Font should be large enough to read from a distance of 6 feet.
All sections of the board must be typed.
Add boarder or colored paper behind the printed information.
Do not put your name, teachers name, or grade level on the board. Students will be given
a sticker with this information.
Any photographs showing faces of students must be covered. This can be done with a
simple sticker.

Science Fair Board Rubric

Exceeding
Science fair board is very
neat and attractive. All
required components are
present in the correct
location.
Ready Close
Science fair board is Science fair board is not
somewhat neat. All required neat. Or student is missing
components are viable. required components.
 RESOURCES

https://student.societyforscience.org/resources-0

The Kids Guide to Science Projects http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/

Thinking Foundation http://www.thinkingfountain.org/

Graph Maker https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/scifair.html

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

https://www.sciencefaircentral.com/

http://www.bibme.org/
 SCIENCE FAIR JUDGES SCORING SHEET

Science Fair Board Number_________ Category _________________

Title: ______________________________________________________

Criteria Exceeding Ready Close Absent

Topic is original and/or 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
creative.
Project demonstrates use of the 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
scientific method
Visual display includes all 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
elements of the scientific
method. (Title, question,
hypothesis, materials,
procedure, data, results,
conclusion.
Quantifiable data is presented 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
in an organized manner.
Conclusion is supported by 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
data.
Display board is free of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
spelling, punctuation, and
grammar mistakes.
Display is visual appealing and 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
neat.
Log book entries are dates, 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
legible, and organized.
Report shows evidence of 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
experimentation and analysis.

Judge # _____________________ Total Points: ________

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