How to do a How to do a Science Fair ProjectScience Fair Project

ByBy

Virginia VilardiVirginia Vilardi

Start with a fresh ideaStart with a fresh idea Are there things you are curious about?Are there things you are curious about? Make a list of those Make a list of those topicstopics.. Do background Do background researchresearch on each topic to on each topic to

narrow down the list.narrow down the list. Further research on the most appealing Further research on the most appealing

topics to see what studies have been done topics to see what studies have been done and how they were tested.and how they were tested.

Develop Develop research planresearch plan with possible with possible testing methods. testing methods.

Make final topic selection. Make final topic selection. Review research plan with instructor.Review research plan with instructor.

Now it’s time to develop the projectNow it’s time to develop the project Start with your fresh idea stated as a Start with your fresh idea stated as a

purpose or problem statementpurpose or problem statement Develop a HypothesisDevelop a Hypothesis Design the ExperimentDesign the Experiment Test and Collect dataTest and Collect data Analyze the resultsAnalyze the results Make conclusionsMake conclusions Prepare a report, abstract, project Prepare a report, abstract, project

display board and oral presentationdisplay board and oral presentation

Let’s use a Project Display Board to Let’s use a Project Display Board to show each of the major parts…show each of the major parts…

Push the arrowTo revealWhat is inEach section

Project Display Board

Oral Presentation

Project DisplayProject Display Size: no more than:Size: no more than:

108 inches or 274 centimeters high108 inches or 274 centimeters high 30 inches or 76 centimeters deep30 inches or 76 centimeters deep 48 inches or 274 centimeters wide48 inches or 274 centimeters wide

Good Title: Good Title: Your title is an extremely important Your title is an extremely important attention grabber.attention grabber.

Take Photographs: Take Photographs: Many projects involve elements Many projects involve elements that may not be safely exhibited at the Fair, but are an that may not be safely exhibited at the Fair, but are an important part of the project. You might want to take important part of the project. You might want to take photographs of important parts/phases of your photographs of important parts/phases of your experiment to use in your display. experiment to use in your display.

Be Organized: Be Organized: Make sure your display follows a Make sure your display follows a sequence and is logically presented and easy to read sequence and is logically presented and easy to read (larger font).(larger font).

Eye-Catching: Eye-Catching: Make your display stand out. Use Make your display stand out. Use colorful headings, charts and graphs to present yourcolorful headings, charts and graphs to present your

project. Label graphs, charts, diagrams, photographs, project. Label graphs, charts, diagrams, photographs, and tables. Each should have an appropriate label and tables. Each should have an appropriate label describing what is being demonstrated. describing what is being demonstrated.

Sample Project Display Board

ResearchResearch

Use a variety of resources to study Use a variety of resources to study the problem. Library, internet, field the problem. Library, internet, field experts, government officials. experts, government officials.

Research will develop into foundation Research will develop into foundation for report.for report.

Purpose/ProblemPurpose/Problem

Once topic is chosen what do you Once topic is chosen what do you want to know about it?want to know about it?

What are you trying to figure out?What are you trying to figure out? Make this into a statement.Make this into a statement.

Sample PurposeSample Purpose The purpose of this project was to The purpose of this project was to

prove that the meteorite that hit the prove that the meteorite that hit the Wetumpka, Alabama area changed Wetumpka, Alabama area changed the course of the Coosa River and the course of the Coosa River and the topography of central Alabama. the topography of central Alabama.

HypothesisHypothesis

Hypothesis is an educated guess on Hypothesis is an educated guess on how to solve the problem.how to solve the problem.

Should be stated as an if/then Should be stated as an if/then statement.statement.

Sample HypothesisSample HypothesisIf we use our experiment as a If we use our experiment as a guide, then we will be able to guide, then we will be able to determine the effect the determine the effect the meteorite had on the Coosa meteorite had on the Coosa River flow and direction as well River flow and direction as well as the topography of central as the topography of central Alabama. We believe the Alabama. We believe the meteorite changed the course meteorite changed the course of the river and the land of the river and the land structure of central Alabama. structure of central Alabama.

ExperimentExperiment Design an experiment to test Design an experiment to test

hypothesis.hypothesis. Make a list of needed materials.Make a list of needed materials. Verify that experiment is step by step.Verify that experiment is step by step. Design experiment to test for only one Design experiment to test for only one

variable at a time.variable at a time. Gather needed materials.Gather needed materials. Perform experiment.Perform experiment. Repeat experiment to verify results.Repeat experiment to verify results.

Sample ExperimentalSample Experimental Procedure Procedure Stream Table Construction- standard plywood was Stream Table Construction- standard plywood was

used to construct the stream table. The table is used to construct the stream table. The table is 91.44 cm long and 45.72 cm wide. On one end, 91.44 cm long and 45.72 cm wide. On one end, there is a 2.54 cm diameter drainage hole for the there is a 2.54 cm diameter drainage hole for the water to drain. Metal net was placed over the hole water to drain. Metal net was placed over the hole to keep the dirt inside the stream table.to keep the dirt inside the stream table.

Soil was added to form a the land and a river was Soil was added to form a the land and a river was etched in similar to how the Coosa River might have etched in similar to how the Coosa River might have looked before the meteorite hit. looked before the meteorite hit.

Next, we added the water and created a shallow sea Next, we added the water and created a shallow sea on one end of the stream table.on one end of the stream table.

We launched the rock representing the meteorite at We launched the rock representing the meteorite at a low angle trajectory to create the impact crater a low angle trajectory to create the impact crater zone. Test was repeated until correct angle zone. Test was repeated until correct angle trajectory was achieved. trajectory was achieved.

Results were recorded and pictures were taken to Results were recorded and pictures were taken to document experiment.document experiment.

ResultsResults

Use all senses to collect and record Use all senses to collect and record data from experiment.data from experiment.

Results should be quantitative and Results should be quantitative and qualitative.qualitative.

Organize data into charts and Organize data into charts and graphs.graphs.

Only present facts not opinions.Only present facts not opinions.

Sample Results Sample Results In every test, the “meteorite” In every test, the “meteorite”

changed or moved the river. We changed or moved the river. We threw the rock in at several angles threw the rock in at several angles but always with a low trajectory but always with a low trajectory because the actual meteorite came because the actual meteorite came in at a low angle. Every time it in at a low angle. Every time it formed a crater and moved the river formed a crater and moved the river several centimeters. several centimeters.

Sample Results TableSample Results Table

Difference Measured

Test 1 5.8 cm

Test 2 3.302 cm

Test 3 4.826 cm

Test 4 5.842 cm

Test 5 6.35 cm

Sample Results GraphSample Results Graph

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5

Series1

River Flow Change

ConclusionConclusion

Based on the results what did the Based on the results what did the experiment prove or disprove?experiment prove or disprove?

Was the hypothesis correct or Was the hypothesis correct or incorrect?incorrect?

What was learned? What was learned?

Sample ConclusionSample Conclusion All of our tests proved that the actual All of our tests proved that the actual

meteorite would have moved the meteorite would have moved the Coosa River changing its flow and Coosa River changing its flow and direction. It also would have changed direction. It also would have changed the topography of central Alabama. the topography of central Alabama. Our hypothesis was correct. Our hypothesis was correct.

Sample TopicsSample Topics People: Does color affect learning?People: Does color affect learning? Animals: Do dogs respond to smell or Animals: Do dogs respond to smell or

sound? sound? Plants: Are plants affected more by light Plants: Are plants affected more by light

or touch?or touch? Motion: Can motion be perpetual?Motion: Can motion be perpetual? Energy: Can new energy resources be Energy: Can new energy resources be

created from waste material?created from waste material? Pollution: What can clean up an oil spill? Pollution: What can clean up an oil spill?

AbstractAbstract

250 word summary of project250 word summary of project Should include purpose, hypothesis, Should include purpose, hypothesis,

brief experimental procedure, results brief experimental procedure, results and conclusionand conclusion

Sample AbstractSample Abstract The purpose of this project was to prove that the meteorite that hit The purpose of this project was to prove that the meteorite that hit

the Wetumpka, Alabama area changed the course of the Coosa River the Wetumpka, Alabama area changed the course of the Coosa River and the topography of central Alabama. and the topography of central Alabama.

If we use our experiment as a guide, then we will be able to If we use our experiment as a guide, then we will be able to determine the effect the meteorite had on the Coosa River flow and determine the effect the meteorite had on the Coosa River flow and direction as well as the topography of central Alabama. We believe direction as well as the topography of central Alabama. We believe the meteorite changed the course of the river and the land structure the meteorite changed the course of the river and the land structure of central Alabama. of central Alabama.

Procedure: construct stream table. Soil was added to form a the land Procedure: construct stream table. Soil was added to form a the land and a river was etched in similar to how the Coosa River might have and a river was etched in similar to how the Coosa River might have looked before the meteorite hit. Add water created a shallow sea on looked before the meteorite hit. Add water created a shallow sea on one end of the stream table. Launched the rock representing the one end of the stream table. Launched the rock representing the meteorite at a low angle trajectory to create the impact crater zone. meteorite at a low angle trajectory to create the impact crater zone. Test was repeated until correct angle trajectory was achieved. Test was repeated until correct angle trajectory was achieved. Results were recorded.Results were recorded.

In every test, the “meteorite” changed or moved the river. We threw In every test, the “meteorite” changed or moved the river. We threw the rock in at several angles but always with a low trajectory the rock in at several angles but always with a low trajectory because the actual meteorite came in at a low angle. Every time it because the actual meteorite came in at a low angle. Every time it formed a crater and moved the river several centimeters. formed a crater and moved the river several centimeters.

All of our tests proved that the actual meteorite would have moved All of our tests proved that the actual meteorite would have moved the Coosa River changing its flow and direction. It also would have the Coosa River changing its flow and direction. It also would have changed the topography of central Alabama. Our hypothesis was changed the topography of central Alabama. Our hypothesis was correct.correct.

ModelModel Model or visual display items add Model or visual display items add

interest and can be used with interest and can be used with discussion with judges.discussion with judges.

ReportReportA good research paper should include:A good research paper should include:a) a) Title Page and Table of ContentsTitle Page and Table of Contentsb) b) Introduction: Introduction: The introduction includes The introduction includes

purpose or problem, hypothesis, what purpose or problem, hypothesis, what prompted your research, and what you prompted your research, and what you hoped to achieve with your project.hoped to achieve with your project.

c) c) Materials and Methods: Materials and Methods: Describe in Describe in detaildetail the methodology you used. It should the methodology you used. It should be detailed enough so that someone would be detailed enough so that someone would be able to repeat the experiment from your be able to repeat the experiment from your information. information.

d) d) Results: Results: The results include data and The results include data and analysis. This should include statistics, analysis. This should include statistics, graphs, raw data, etc. graphs, raw data, etc.

Report ContinuedReport Continuede) e) Discussion: Discussion: This is the meat of your paper. This is the meat of your paper.

Compare your results with theoretical values, Compare your results with theoretical values, published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or published data, commonly held beliefs, and/or expected results. Include possible errors. Did the expected results. Include possible errors. Did the data vary? What would you do differently if you data vary? What would you do differently if you repeated this project? What would you do next?repeated this project? What would you do next?

f) f) Conclusions: SConclusions: Summarize your results. State your ummarize your results. State your findings in relationships of one variable with the findings in relationships of one variable with the other. Support the statements with data. Be specific. other. Support the statements with data. Be specific. State whether hypothesis was proven or disproved. State whether hypothesis was proven or disproved. Also mention practical applications.Also mention practical applications.

g) g) Acknowledgments: CAcknowledgments: Credit those who have redit those who have assisted you. assisted you.

h) h) References/Bibliography: DReferences/Bibliography: Document anything ocument anything that is not your ownthat is not your own

Oral PresentationOral Presentation

Introduce yourself. Speak confidently about Introduce yourself. Speak confidently about your work. Simply your work. Simply talktalk about your research. about your research. Appearance, good manners, appropriate Appearance, good manners, appropriate attire, and enthusiasm for what you are attire, and enthusiasm for what you are doing will impress. Remember the key for doing will impress. Remember the key for the oral presentation is to see if you the oral presentation is to see if you understand the basic principles of science understand the basic principles of science behind your project. It is to determine if you behind your project. It is to determine if you have correctly measured and analyzed the have correctly measured and analyzed the data. If you can determine possible sources data. If you can determine possible sources of error in your project and how you might of error in your project and how you might apply your findings. apply your findings.

How far can your fresh idea take How far can your fresh idea take you?you?

International Science & Engineering Fair(High School Students Only)

http://www.sciserv.org/isef/about/index.asp

State Science & Engineering Fair(6th -12th Grade)

Regional Science & Engineering Fair

County Science & Engineering Fair(4th -12th Grade)

School Science & Engineering Fair

For more assistanceFor more assistance

http://www.sciserv.org/isef/documenthttp://www.sciserv.org/isef/document/hbk2007.pdf/hbk2007.pdf

http://www.uah.edu/ASEF/rules.htmhttp://www.uah.edu/ASEF/rules.htm http://showboard.com/http://showboard.com/

The EndThe End

Thank you!Thank you!

References:References:Alabama Power, Alabama Power, Your Guide to Science Fair ProjectsYour Guide to Science Fair Projects, 1982., 1982.Baugh,Erin and Price, Elizabeth. Baugh,Erin and Price, Elizabeth. The Stars Fell On Alabama,The Stars Fell On Alabama, 2007.2007.Driver, James and Holman, Jordan. Driver, James and Holman, Jordan. Extreme Pyramid Extreme Pyramid Engineering,Engineering, 2007 2007 http://www.sciserv.org/isef/document/hbk2007.pdfhttp://www.sciserv.org/isef/document/hbk2007.pdfhttp://showboard.com/http://showboard.com/

Research PlanResearch Plan The research plan for all projects is to

include the following: A. Question being addressed B. Hypothesis/Problem/Engineering

Goals C. Description: Detail all procedures and

experimental design to be used for data collection. Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data that answer research question or hypothesis

D. Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your library research.