Mrs.

Utchel - 8th Grade Advanced Science Fair 2014/2015

HOW TO DO AN A+ SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Points Due
Step 1 The Research Topic & Summary
Rules & Project Safety Form

The topic needs to be something that can be tested (NOT A
Demonstration) within the time frame allowed, uses materials that
are readily available & safe, & is interesting both to the experimenter &
the audience. The topic needs to include a brief summary of how the
student plans to test his/her idea.

Both parent/guardian & teacher must approve & SIGN this
before beginning any experimentation.

50 points 9/3/14
Step 2 Rules Wizard & Forms 1, 1A, 1B

Go to the ISEF Rules Wizard website and answer the questions.
http://apps.societyforscience.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp
This will let you know what forms you need for your project. Printout
the last page (which lists the forms you will need for your project), add
your name & period, & turn it in.

These forms were provided for you. Please follow the directions,
complete each one & turn them in on or before the due date.

If your project wins an award at the SSMS Science Fair, but
you have not turned in these forms (completed & signed) by
the due date, you will not be allowed to participate in the
Seminole County District Science Fair. NO EXCEPTIONS.

100 points
(25 each)
9/10/14
Step 3

Background Research Report

Research the background of your project, materials to be used,
possible issues or concerns, anything that may affect your
outcome. Your 2 page report needs to cite 3 outside sources
(books, magazines, and websites). Cite using MLA format:
www.bibme.com or www.easybib.com

50 points 9/17/14
Step 4 Hypothesis & Procedure (Research) Plan

Once your topic has been approved by your teacher and your research is
done, next you begin the planning stage. A hypothesis clearly states
what will happen as a result of the experiment based on what the
student has already read & observed.

Your hypothesis must be specific, logical & testable. The procedure
plan includes the following: Your procedure must be clearly explained
in detail & in the form of a list so that the experiment could be easily
repeated. Identify the control group, test (independent) & outcome
(dependent) variables. Include a list of all materials that will be used.


100 points 9/24/14
Step 5 Experiment Log Book

Keep a daily log or journal of observations including both
quantitative (metric) & qualitative (descriptive) measurements. Every
step of your project should be documented in your experiment log.

In other words, anytime you work on any aspect of your
projectdocument the date & what you did in this log,
record any and all observations.

Log books should be clearly identified with the project title and
student's name.

100 points 10/8/14
Step 6 The Presentation & Display board

Display boards should be neat, organized, durable and easily
understood. See the display board layout on the following page for
placement information. The presentation should be clear &
enthusiastic & presenters should expect to spend approximately 10
minutes explaining details & answering questions on their project.

Display Board (0-10 each)
_____ Organization/Overall Appearance
_____ Title
_____ Purpose Clearly Stated
_____ Hypothesis Clearly Stated
_____ Independent/Dependent Variables & Control Clearly Stated
_____ Materials Listed
_____ Procedure Cleary Stated
_____ Data presented using Tables and Graphs
_____ Conclusion Clearly Stated
_____ Overall Scientific Impression
_____ Total Points out of 100

100 points 10/8/14


Top TEN Things to Do in Your Log Book- You and your log book

Use a sturdy hard covered notebook or composition notebook: When using a composition
notebook, do not tear out pages as pages later on may come loose and fall out.

Label your logbook. In permanent ink write your full name, school address and teachers name and
school phone number on the inside cover.

Number the pages in your logbook before using it and make a table of contents. This
makes it easier for you to go back to specific pages. Leave the first four or five pages blank so that you
can write down main ideas in the table of contents with a page number.

Always date every entry. Every time you use your log book, place a date at the top of the page.

Don't worry about neatness. Write your records in pen not pencil. Dont worry about mistakes.
Neatly cross them out. This record of your work and not a beauty contest. Make sure you do write
clearly. Judges always wonder why students have such *neat* notebooks. Science is not always neat
and organized, neither should your log book.

It should be used during all phases of your project
Jotting down ideas or thoughts for a project, phone numbers, contacts or sources and prices of
supplies, book references, diagrams, graphs, figures, charts, sketches, or calculations.
Log entries should include your brainstorming, calculations, library/internet searches, phone
calls, interviews, meetings with mentors or advisors, notes from tours of laboratories, research
facilities and other related activities.
Remember that it's documentation of your work.

Use it regularly and write down everything, even if it seems insignificant, it could later be
extremely useful. For example, it's the middle of the night and you're frantically preparing that final
report but you can't find the title of that crucial reference. Make sure that you describe things
completely, so that when you read your notes weeks or months later you will be able to accurately
reconstruct your thoughts and your work.
For more help with your science project go to www.sciencebuddies.org Page 4

Glue, staple or tape any loose papers, photocopies of important items. Loose papers or other
unsecured items are prohibited as they tend to fall out and can end up missing.

Include a reflections section in your logbook. For example, what, if anything would I do
differently next time? What part of the experiment could be changed to improve the experimental
procedure?

Always include any changes made to procedures, mishaps, failures, or mistakes. As human
beings, all of us make mistakes!



Project Display Board

Your project must be presented on a Project Display Board. The following information should be
placed on the board using the example below. Information can be hand written (large, clear writing),
traced with stencils, stick-on letters, or computer generated. Use one or two colors, and keep your
board looking professional.

Title-in the form of a question
Purpose
Procedure-step by step instructions for experiment
Hypothesis-expected outcome of experiment
Data-recorded from experiment, in the form of a graph; must have data table to go with your
graph (LABEL Independent/Dependent Variables & Control Group)
Conclusion-stating whether your findings support or do not support your hypothesis.
Remember: DO NOT USE PROVEN/NOT PROVEN OR TRUE/FALSE OR RIGHT/WRONG
terminology in your conclusion.
Photographs may be included, but not required
o if you include people in your photos and they can be recognized, you must have each
person sign a Photo Release and Consent Form (see Ms. Szentmiklosi for this
form).

Hints:
No models or any part of the experiment are to be brought in!
You must have an Experiment Log book! A composition book works great!
Your project needs to be an experiment. Variables must be testable, and data collected. No
investigation projects will be allowed. Your question must be testable. For example: A
project on The effect of climate change on the Russian Tortoise would not be acceptable,
because you probably are not going to be able to go to Uzbekistan (the Russian Tortoises
habitat) to test your hypothesis.
A good title is important. It catches attention and observers want to know more.
You might wish to include an Acknowledgment page in your log book. "I wish to
thank_______________for helping me."





Rules and Project Safety Release Form

Dear Science Fair student and Parent/Guardian:

One of the most important tasks in completing preparations for a science fair project is conforming to
State and Federal rules and regulations regarding scientific research. There are numerous laws to
ensure both the safety of the researcher and the researcher's subjects, humane treatment of animals,
safety of others and the environment. Failure to comply with these rules/regulations will result in
disqualification of the student's research in competition.

We ask that you take time to read the International Science & Engineering Fair Rules devoting
specific attention to those rules which apply directly to your project research. The ISEF rules can be
found on the Internet at: http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx?pid=312

When you have completed this task, please sign and date below.

I have read and understand the rules governing all science fair project research and agree to comply
with these rules.

_________________________________ ______
Student signature Date

_________________________________ ______
Parent signature Date

Research Topic and Summary: (please write in the space below)
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