Little River Science & Engineering Fair Handbook 2019

Work exhibited should be done by the student during the current school year. Outside advising

from parents, teachers, or professionals is fine, but the student must do his or her own work

and appropriately cite any help received.

• Projects should be experimental. The projects should follow either the Scientific Method or

Engineering Design Process. Projects that are demonstrations, ‘library’ research, informational

projects, ‘explanation’ models or kit-building are not appropriate. (Note, Kindergarteners may

either follow this handbook or may do separate non-judged Kindergarten Report entry- see PTA

website for Report criteria.)

• A display board is required. The display board must be self-supporting, single-sided and must

NOT exceed the size requirements: 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. If there is any other exhibit, it

may be displayed only during the judging process, must be transported by the participant

without assistance from an adult and must fit in an area that is 1 foot deep, 3 feet wide and 2

feet high.

• A journal is required for all projects. The journal should show evidence of student work

throughout the experimentation period. Use to record dates, measurements, data, make

observations, stages, findings…. The journal should also include background research and the

bibliography. Journals will be placed on the table in front of the project board.

• The student’s name and any identifying information (teacher’s name, etc.) may not be

included on the front of the display. The last page of this packet should be used to label the

BACK of the display board, journal, and additional items brought.

• Electricity will not be provided. Working electrical devices included in the display can be

powered only by batteries.

• When possible, photographs/drawings should be used instead of actual objects or apparatus.

(Please note: When deciding what objects to send in, please be aware that projects will be

displayed in the hallways during the school day.)

Students MAY NOT conduct experiments that:

• Involve poisons, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices, or the ingestion or

application of any over-the-counter medications to animals or humans.

• Involve any microbial cultures, disease causing fungi, or any other possibly pathogenic

substances.

• Involve human parts, blood or other body fluids. (Exception: Experiments may include

sterilized teeth that were naturally extracted by a dentist, primary teeth that were naturally

removed, or hair clippings)

• Cause or may cause harm or injury to animals or human subjects.

• Involve explosives, including guns, ammunition and rocket propellants.

• Involve highly caustic or toxic substances.

• Involve vertebrate animals.

Following items MAY NOT be part of the display:

• Dangerous chemicals, drugs, heat or flame, and explosives

• Hypodermic needles, blades, glass, or other sharp or hazardous objects

• Live or dead animals, plants, or cultures (bacteria, fungi, mold)

• Food or liquids

• Soil (sand, clay, rock, etc.) or waste products

• Laboratory / household chemicals (including detergents)

• Dry ice or other sublimating solids

• Lasers

• Inflated balloons

• Photographs showing dissections, animal parts, trauma or injuries

• Controlled or illegal substances, including over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol,

or tobacco

• Glass items

• Straight pins, staples, and tacks are not to be used to secure materials onto display boards.

• Final decision as to the appropriateness of any item is at the discretion of the S&E Fair

Committee and they reserve the right to remove inappropriate items from display and, if

necessary, dispose of them.

Little River Science & Engineering Fair Guidelines

Choose Scientific Method OR Engineering Design

There are two options for the Science Fair- Scientific Method and Engineering Design. To help you decide which one, see the following:

The Scientific Method is used to answer a testable questions or observe cause and effect relationship between two things

The Engineering Design Process is used to solve a problem you have observed by building or creating a new product

Scientific Method:

The Scientific Method can be used to test predictions about the world around you.

It is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer

questions. Scientist use this method to search for cause and effect relationships.

(Will changing one item cause something else to vary or change in a predictable

manner?)

Steps in the Scientific Method 1. Choose a Project Idea

-consider your interests, or something you want to learn more about -your problem must be asked as a testable question (Example: How does the amount of fertilizer affect plant growth?)

2. Research the Topic -get general info about topic -what do people already know? -what are the processes involved and how do they work? -interviews, books, magazines, encyclopedia, internet -write down what you’ve learned and where you found it. (Record in

journal) You will include this information in your bibliography (citing example included in packet) (Record in journal). At least 3 references should be used.

(Example: find out what plants need to grow, what fertilizers generally have in them)

3. Form a Hypothesis -this is a possible answer to your problem/question -hypothesis is based on research and scientific reason -states what you expect will be observed during the investigation I think ______ will happen because ______.

(Example: I think _____ amount of fertilizer will cause greater growth

in plants because _____.)

4. Plan an Experiment and Gather Needed Materials -plan the experiment and make a list of materials - suggested to allow time for multiple trials of the experiment (suggested 3 trials) - if using plants, use 3 plants for each experimental group -write down steps of your procedure -limit all variables but the one you are testing (variables are all factors that could impact the results)

-use multiple test subjects whenever possible (Example: seeds must be from the same packet, planted in the same

size pots in the same type of soil, given exactly the same amount of water and light, temperature should be the same, fertilizer applied the same way, and several plants should be used for each amount of fertilizer being applied)

5. Do the Experiment and Collect Data -observe and record results (Record in journal) -keep accurate records throughout the experiment (Record in journal) -make observations that show measurement (time, growth, height)

(Record in journal) -take pictures or make accurate drawings (Record in journal) -use metric units if possible (meters, grams) (Example: Day 1: Purchased and gathered all materials needed. Planted seeds. Day 2: Gave 10 ml water to each plant. Put plants by window.)

6. Organize and Analyze Results

-data must be displayed in a table, chart, or graph on display -state the facts, and notice if anything unusual happens -look for patterns in the data

Group A Group B Group C

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

7. Share Results and Conclusions

Results: tell what happened during your experiment, state the facts, share data

(Example: Plants were given 4 weeks to grow. Plant group A grew an average of ___ centimeters, group B grew an average of ___centimeters, and group C grew an average of ___centimeters. One plant from group B and one from group C died during the experiment.) Conclusion: evaluate what happened and why, explain next steps or what you would do differently

-answer your original problem/question -state if your hypothesis was correct or not -admit if experiment was unsuccessful or results unclear -DON’T change your original hypothesis

(Example: My hypothesis was incorrect: using more fertilizer than recommended did not make the plants grow any faster. The plants in Group B grew the best. I think they grew better because ____. Next time I would like to try _____.)

Suggested Timeline Scientific Method

Assignment Assignment Description Suggested Timeline Check off

Topic Selection and Question Week of Jan 14 or before

Topic Review Due January 18, 2019

Will hear back from S&E Fair Review Committee to begin or revise

By January 25, 2019

Research & Bibliography

Research and bibliography go in journal ***Note: If upon research, hypothesis needs to be changed, there is time. Please notify S&E Fair Committee of the change.

Week of Jan 28

Variables and Hypothesis Add hypothesis information on display board Week of Feb 4

Materials and Procedures Add materials and procedure on display board Week of Feb 4

Conducting the Experiment Record observations, data, results in journal. Week of Feb 11 and Feb 18

Data Analysis and Graphs Add data or graph to display board Week of Feb 25

Conclusions Add conclusion on display board Week of Mar 4

Display Board Make sure all information is included on display board (see sample display board in this packet)

Week of Mar 11

Prepare for judging interview Prepare for judges interview Week of Mar 18

School S&E Fair

Projects should be delivered to school this morning. Students will be interviewed by judges during school. Science Fair award ceremony in the evening(6:30PM)

March 22, 2019

Display Board For Scientific Method:

Make sure to include the headings from sample board above. This is just an example of how you could assemble your board. All items must be included. Maximum display size: 4ft wide x 3ft tall Your name should not be on the front of your display board. On the back of your board and journal please attach the form from the last sheet in this packet.

Research Journal displayed on table:

include research, experiment

observations/results, bibliography

Engineering Design Process:

Steps in Engineering Design: Engineers use the Engineering Design Process to create solutions to problems. An engineer identifies a specific need: Who needs what because why? And then creates a solution that meets the need. Steps to the Engineering Design Process:

1. Define the Problem Ask yourself the following questions about problems you observe:

-What is the problem or need? -Who has the problem or need? -Why is it important to solve?

2. Do Background Research and Brainstorm Solutions

Do background research – include at least 3 sources. Find information from a reliable source to find the best solution to your problem or need. Come up with as many possible solutions as you can because your best solution may not be your first solution.

3. Decide on a Solution and Develop a Plan Your plan is like a recipe. It should be step by step so another engineer could repeat the exact same experiment or you can focus on areas of improvement later in your design. Your plan will also include what materials you will need and how you will use them.

4. Build/Create you Prototype and Test

A prototype is a working version of your solution. To save time and money during the testing phase, the prototype may be made of different materials than the final version. You should follow your plan exactly when making your prototype. Prototypes are important because they allow you to test your solution, find new problems, make changes and test new solutions before deciding on the final design. Record all prototype testing in your journal.

5. Improve and Redesign

Think about what worked and what didn’t work well in your design. What do you think you could have done differently with the knowledge you now have? If you feel like you have come to a better solution, make those improvements, redesign the prototype or process and create your final product.

6. Communicate Your Results

Share what you have learned. Communicate your results on the display board and final product.

Suggested Timeline Engineering Design

Assignment Assignment Description Suggested Timeline Check off

Define the Problem Week of Jan 14 or before

Little River S&E Topic Review Due January 18, 2019

Will hear back from S&E Review Committee to begin or revise

By January 25, 2019

Research & Bibliography

Add research and bibliography to journal. ***Note: If upon research, project needs to be changed, there is time. Please notify S&E Fair Committee of the change.

Week of Jan 28

Decide on a Solution and Develop a Plan Add problem and proposed solution to display board.

Week of Feb 4

Build/Create Prototype Add plans/instructions, materials and prototype sketch to display board

Week of Feb 11

Test Record observations, data, results in journal.

Week of Feb 18

Improve and Redesign Add improvements/redesign and other prototype drawings to display board.

Week of Feb 25

Communicate Results Add data/graph and results to display board Week of Mar 4

Display Board Make sure all information is included on display board (see sample display board in this packet)

Week of Mar 11

Prepare for judging interview Prepare for judges interview Week of Mar 18

School S&E Fair

Projects should be delivered to school this morning. Students will be interviewed by judges during school. Science Fair award ceremony in the evening(6:30PM)

March 22, 2019

Display Board for Engineering Design:

Make sure to include the headings from sample board above. This is just an example of how you could assemble your board. All items must be included. Maximum display size: 4ft wide x 3ft tall Your name should not be on the front of your display board. On the back of your board and journal please attach the form from the last sheet in this packet.

Research Journal displayed on

table: include research, experiment

observations/results, bibliography

Pictures

Data/ Graph

Results

Improvement/

Redesign

Prototype Sketch(s)

Proposed Solution

Problem

Title

Plan/

Instructions

Pictures

Materials

Bibliography *Some things to keep in mind when completing your bibliography (to be included in Journal):

1. The “Works Cited”/ biography page is always going to be the last page of your essay or report and center it on the page.

2. Each entry must be complete and accurate.

3. Each entry reads like one long sentence. What this means is that it does not matter where the second line begins in an entry; it begins on the second line only because you ran out of room on the first line.

4. The second and subsequent lines are always indented five spaces.

5. The sources are listed alphabetically by the first word or name of the entry. This first word or name should be what you use in your parenthetical citation.

How to cite:

For a book:

Author (last name first). Title of the book. City: Publisher, Date of publication.

For an encyclopedia:

Encyclopedia Title, Edition Date. Volume Number, "Article Title," page numbers.

For a magazine:

Author (last name first), "Article Title." Name of magazine. Volume number, (Date): page numbers.

For a newspaper: Author (last name first), "Article Title." Name of newspaper, city, state of publication.

(date): edition if available, section, page number(s).

Magazine article: Author (last name first). "Article title." Name of magazine (type of medium). Volume

number, (Date): page numbers. If available: publisher of medium, version, date of issue.

Online Resources

Internet: Author of message, (Date). Subject of message. Electronic conference or bulletin board

(Online). Available e-mail: LISTSERV@ e-mail address

World Wide Web: URL (Uniform Resource Locator or WWW address). author (or item's name, if

mentioned), date.

See PTA website for S&E Fair Judging Rubrics to see how projects will be judged

and to make sure you have met all the requirements.

For questions, please email sciencefair@littleriverpta.org

Part of this packet were adapted from : https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/cms/lib05/FL01000799/Centricity/Domain/96/Student%20Science%20Fair%20Handbook%2015-16.pdf

Tape/Glue the following form on the back of your display board: Student Name__________________________________________ Teacher _______________________________Grade____________ Please circle category : Scientific Method Engineering Design Project Title____________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tape/Glue the following form on the back of your journal: Student Name__________________________________________ Teacher _______________________________Grade____________ Please circle category : Scientific Method Engineering Design Project Title____________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you have additional items to display, make sure to include the following label for EACH item on the bottom.

Tape/Glue the following form on the back of your additional item: Student Name__________________________________________ Teacher _______________________________Grade____________ Please circle category : Scientific Method Engineering Design Project Title____________________________________________ Description of Item being displayed _________________________