Science Fair packets will be coming to students during class on Tuesday 9/6/16. Problem statements for your science fair project are due on an index card by 9/19/16. SPN Science Fair will be held December 1 - 2, 2016! Completed Science Display boards are due 12/1/16 Research papers are due October 28, 2016! Please get an early start! Avoid the last minute rush!
You should begin to research your problem statement first then write your hypothesis and plan your experiment. Your research should support your hypothesis that you will test in your experiment. Your research, your abstract and a well written hypothesis comes BEFORE YOUR EXPERIMENTATION!
After researching their topic, students will be writing a one page, front side, typed Research Report. Details for the format for this report and the bibliography will be discussed during science class and a guide sheet will be given to the students. Additional assistance will be provided within their language arts classes. Remember the one page Research Report will be due on Oct. 28,2016. Experimentation and the writing of the Lab Report with Problem, Hypothesis, Procedure, Data and Conclusion follows next. ALL COMPONENTS: RESEARCH REPORT, LAB REPORT AND DISPLAY BOARD ARE ALL DUE ON DECEMBER 1, 2016.
Use easybib.com to help with bibliography for the One Page Research Paper.
If you have concerns, questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact me. I am usually here from Mon - Thurs. until 3:45, except for Garden Club Wednesdays, if you would like to schedule a conference , otherwise an e-mail, note or phone call would be fine. Here's to an exciting, enjoyable pursuit of scientific discovery!
Problem Statements will be collected by 9/19/16. Problem statements will be checked as they come in and confirmed.(Index card will have my initials and returned to student.) Once confirmed you may start your project. If there are modifications needed, you will be contacted by written note, email or by phone to assist in making the necessary changes. Students that have not submitted a problem statement by 9/19/16 will stay during recess or after school, if necessary, with me until they find an acceptable problem statement out of my resources.
By 9/6/16 All Middle School students should be energetically working on the requirements of the SPN Middle School Science Fair. Remember your Research report is due on Oct. 28, 2016. Plan well! No procrastination!
Format for Science Fair One Page Research Paper:
The Research paper consists of 3 parts: Introduction, Body of research and lastly a summary paragraph. One full page is required! Your paper may extend to a second page if you need.
No indentations. Use blocks for paragraphs. Typed one page. Font size is 14 and single spaced. Bibliography of all sources is written on a separate sheet. Will use same format as in language arts.
Introduction: A paragraph is written to introduce your project: what your project is about, what inspired you to do this project and what you anticipate to be its outcome.
Body of Research: Several paragraphs written to share the research behind your project. What information did you gather to support your topic for experimentation? How did this information help you to form your hypothesis? How did this information help you to develop your experiment to test your hypothesis? What is something new that you have learned about doing your research for this project? How can you use this information in the future?
Summary: A paragraph that summarizes the purpose of your project.
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS
A Judge’s Perspective
IMPORTANT IDEAS
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
PURPOSE/SCIENTIFIC QUESTION
EXAMPLES OF SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS
HYPOTHESIS
MATERIALS
PROCEDURE
VARIABLES
RESULTS/DATA
b. Hypothesis
c. Experiment Procedure
d. Data – should include charts, graphs and written observations
e. Conclusion: Proved or Disproved – Supported from research and data. Add any long-term plans for application of what has been learned by the experiment and add any further questions on this topic that could be followed up with future experimentation.
Attach research report, lab report, charts and graphs to the display board.
Conditions Experiment: 1. No animals of any kind. If using human subjects, please see me first.
2. If using electricity-battery powered only.
3. Must fit within area defined by the size of the display board.
4. No dangerous, toxic, flammable materials.
5. If you attempt to cultivate microorganisms (i.e. bacteria/mold), please see me first.
6. If there are any doubts regarding the safety, reliability, concept etc. regarding your experimentation, please see me before,
or during your experimentation. Seeing me after the experimentation is too late! No last minute swaps on project ideas/
or changes, because your experiment didn't turn out the way you planned it. Document your results and analyze why not.
Format: Research Report is done first to provide the basis for your hypothesis and experiment.
1. Experiment must attempt to test the problem statement.
2. Proper safety precautions should be taken when experimenting.
3. Accurate data should document the experiment results.
4. Results are to be neatly displayed with display board. Conclusion/Analysis written in paragraph form.
5. There are posters in 8A displaying scientific method and the proper way to display the projects. Use this to help.
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Science Fair – Declaration – Mrs. Meeks Due by September 9, 2016. I have read and understand the guidelines above.
I, _______________________________, declare that this project represents my own thoughts and efforts. I have received the guidelines and fully understand what is expected of me.
Students Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________Date: ______________
If there are additional questions, please attach these to this declaration and your answers will be forth coming.
GOOD NEWS! PROBLEM STATEMENTS ARRIVED ON THURSDAY, SEPT. AS REQUIRED! I WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH THOSE WHO MAY NEED TO TWEAK THEIR PROBLEM. IF I DO NOT CONTACT YOU BY SEPT. , THIS MEANS THAT YOUR PROBLEM STATEMENT IS FINE AND YOU CAN PROCEED WITH YOUR RESEARCH.
AS OF // ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN PERSONALLY NOTIFIED OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE OR NEED TO MODIFY THEIR PROBLEM STATEMENTS. STUDENTS SHOULD BEGIN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING THEIR TOPIC AREA. THOSE THAT NEED TO MODIFY NEED TO MAKE THE CHANGE ASAP AND SEE ME BEFORE YOU PROCEED.
RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES ARE IN PACKET AND ON LINE. THESE WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING CLASS WEEK OF 9/19/16. GATHER YOUR RESEARCH INFORMATION. USE MULTIPLE RESOURCES AS DISCUSSED DURING CLASS.
A Judge’s Perspective
IMPORTANT IDEAS
- Choose a topic that interests you! You’ll enjoy the project AND do a better job.
- Manage your time—don’t wait until the last minute to start! You can’t rush a good project. Less attention will be given to details.
- A project does not have to be costly to be good! Not in money or time.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
- Purpose/Scientific Question
- Research/Background Information
- Hypothesis
- Test/Procedure
- Results/Observations
- Conclusion
PURPOSE/SCIENTIFIC QUESTION
- What are you trying to find out?
- MUST be testable, NOT a demonstration!
- Make sure you CAN do this and in the time given.
- Materials needed should be easily obtainable.
EXAMPLES OF SCIENTIFIC QUESTIONS
- Which brand of microwave popcorn leaves the fewest unpopped kernels?
- What type of material absorbs sound the best?
- What type of fertilizer is most effective for growing tomatoes?
- Does the type of music listened to affect memory?
HYPOTHESIS
- Must try to answer your scientific question
- Should not be a guess
- Research to help form a good hypothesis
MATERIALS
- Use exact quantities.
- Use metric units if required..
- Do not list obvious materials such as the display board and items not used specifically for the experiment.
PROCEDURE
- Most critical of the criteria
- Identify variable
- Adequate sample size
- Step-by-step process that is clearly labeled and easy to follow
- Should give measurable results
- Perform multiple trials – at least 3, but some experiments may need even more.
VARIABLES
- Independent – what you are changing
- Dependent – what you are measuring
- Controlled – what is kept constant or unchanged
RESULTS/DATA
- Display using graph, chart, table or pictures.
- Label clearly.
- Give brief explanation showing trends of your data.
- September 6, 2016
Dear Middle School Parents:
The Science Fair preparation is upon us! Enclosed please find the necessary guidelines to make this year’s fair a successful learning adventure for our students. A judge’s evaluation sheet is included to help clarify the requirements for this project.
The agenda for the upcoming events are:
1. All Science Fair projects and backdrops are due December 1, 2016. Students will place projects on display during class time.
2. Judging will begin on December 1 between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. The judges
may interview the students. Parents may visit the displays between 3:00pm and
4:00pm Dec. 1 only. If you are bringing children, they need to be supervised.
3. The awards assembly is scheduled for middle school students on December 2 at 2:00pm.
4. All projects and backdrops need to be taken home at dismissal time on Dec. 2,2016.
Requirements for the Science Fair
Due Date: December 1, 2016 – Completed Display Board with Research paper and Lab Report
I. Research paper – Full One typed page, single-spaced. May extend to a second page , if needed. (Two copies: one for board; one for Mrs. Meeks)
A. Where to Find Information for Research Paper:
l. Use the library for periodicals, encyclopedia and experts in the field as a
source (3 sources are required). Use Abstract guide sheet to help.
2. Search engines, like Discovery.com, Google , NASA.com etc. are
good sources of information on the internet. Read information from Wikipedia carefully for accuracy.
3. You are required to use 3 different types of sources, example are: books, periodicals, expert in the field, and not just internet websites.
II. Written Report Following Scientific Method: Lab Report
- Form a problem statement and hypothesis. (Problem statement is due to me by Friday, September 19.)
- Identify your variables: Independent, Dependent, and Control
- Design an experiment procedure.
- Test the hypothesis using your procedure. Repeat tests three times! This will give you an average for the results of your experimentation. Testing it once is not sufficient!
- Take data – For long term experimentation, you may use a log book. Document all results.
- Display data (chart, map, grid, graph, diagrams, bullet notes, log book, paragraphs, photos, etc).
- Conclusion statement – Analysis of data
- Hypotheses – proved or disproved – How does the research support the data?
- Describe what has been learned from the experiment
- Describe any future experiment (tests) that could be performed to test the hypothesis further. How can the information gained by this experiment be applied?
III. Reports needed – Research report and Lab report
Remember: Topic research and the testing/experimentation of your hypothesis should correlate. Research is done first to help you form a valid hypothesis. The experiment procedure is developed after this is done. The experiment tests the hypothesis.
Both Research report and Lab report Formats will be explained during class, and guide sheets are included with the Science Fair packet. Research Reports are due to Mrs. Meeks on October 28,2016. Students will need an additional copy to attach to the display board for the fair.
Questions, procedures and processes for research and home experimentation will be discussed during science class time. Any additional help will be given upon request after school hours from 3:15 to 3:45 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with Mrs. Meeks in 7B. Students and parents are welcome.
IV. A list of available web sites for science fair ideas is attached, but please do
not limit your resources to the internet sites.
V. Please check [email protected] website for additional updates for Science
Fair. Click on Science Fair.
On behalf of the Science Committee and myself, we would like to thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given to our students during this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Fran Meeks
Science Curriculum Coordinator
Attached: Student Project Criteria Sheet
Scientific Method Evaluation Sheet
Display Board Rubric
FM/srf
Science Fair
Student Project Criteria
1. Display Board:
36” x 48” Free Standing (or close to that size)
12” Side Folds (these are available at AC Moore, Michaels, Office Depot, etc.)
2. Neatly Presented Papers to Be Displayed:- One-page Research Report with Bibliography
- Lab Process Report:
b. Hypothesis
c. Experiment Procedure
d. Data – should include charts, graphs and written observations
e. Conclusion: Proved or Disproved – Supported from research and data. Add any long-term plans for application of what has been learned by the experiment and add any further questions on this topic that could be followed up with future experimentation.
Attach research report, lab report, charts and graphs to the display board.
Conditions Experiment: 1. No animals of any kind. If using human subjects, please see me first.
2. If using electricity-battery powered only.
3. Must fit within area defined by the size of the display board.
4. No dangerous, toxic, flammable materials.
5. If you attempt to cultivate microorganisms (i.e. bacteria/mold), please see me first.
6. If there are any doubts regarding the safety, reliability, concept etc. regarding your experimentation, please see me before,
or during your experimentation. Seeing me after the experimentation is too late! No last minute swaps on project ideas/
or changes, because your experiment didn't turn out the way you planned it. Document your results and analyze why not.
Format: Research Report is done first to provide the basis for your hypothesis and experiment.
1. Experiment must attempt to test the problem statement.
2. Proper safety precautions should be taken when experimenting.
3. Accurate data should document the experiment results.
4. Results are to be neatly displayed with display board. Conclusion/Analysis written in paragraph form.
5. There are posters in 8A displaying scientific method and the proper way to display the projects. Use this to help.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Science Fair – Declaration – Mrs. Meeks Due by September 9, 2016. I have read and understand the guidelines above.
I, _______________________________, declare that this project represents my own thoughts and efforts. I have received the guidelines and fully understand what is expected of me.
Students Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent’s Signature: ____________________________________Date: ______________
If there are additional questions, please attach these to this declaration and your answers will be forth coming.
GOOD NEWS! PROBLEM STATEMENTS ARRIVED ON THURSDAY, SEPT. AS REQUIRED! I WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH THOSE WHO MAY NEED TO TWEAK THEIR PROBLEM. IF I DO NOT CONTACT YOU BY SEPT. , THIS MEANS THAT YOUR PROBLEM STATEMENT IS FINE AND YOU CAN PROCEED WITH YOUR RESEARCH.
AS OF // ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN PERSONALLY NOTIFIED OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE OR NEED TO MODIFY THEIR PROBLEM STATEMENTS. STUDENTS SHOULD BEGIN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING THEIR TOPIC AREA. THOSE THAT NEED TO MODIFY NEED TO MAKE THE CHANGE ASAP AND SEE ME BEFORE YOU PROCEED.
RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES ARE IN PACKET AND ON LINE. THESE WILL BE DISCUSSED DURING CLASS WEEK OF 9/19/16. GATHER YOUR RESEARCH INFORMATION. USE MULTIPLE RESOURCES AS DISCUSSED DURING CLASS.