ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR SCIENCE FAIR HANDBOOK

Transcription

ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
SCIENCE FAIR HANDBOOK
****************************************************
THIS BOOKLET BELONGS TO
(Print Your Name Here)
1
INTRODUCING SCIENCE PROJECTS
Dear Parents,
Your child will have the chance to solve his or her own science mystery by doing a science project; a
mandatory assignment for your child`s class.
Since your child has the chance to pick his or her own science project, from the physics of making the
music to the biology of tide pool animals, he or she will have the chance to experience the joy of
discovery.
When starting a science project, a student chooses a question he or she would like to answer. Then, he
or she does targeted library and Web research to gain the background information needed to
formulate a hypothesis and design an experimental procedure. After writing a report to summarize this
background research, the student performs the experiment, draws conclusions, and communicates the
results to teachers and classmates.
Through time management and project planning, your child will take on the responsibility of
completing a project over at least a ten-week period. Your child will discover his or her creativity by
brainstorming science project questions and figuring out how to display the process and results. A
science project, through its challenge to ask questions and discover, is truly a real-world experience in
innovation, similar to what scientists do in their careers.
We will provide your child with sufficient support to succeed so that he or she develops enthusiasm for
scientific discovery. First, your child will accomplish each step of the project by doing homework
assignments. We will review the assignments at key checkpoints along the way, so that you won`t face
helping your child do a project the last night before the fair. Second, we have included a basic guide
(enclosed) of how to help without getting too involved.
To get started, read through this packet.
You will have the opportunity to approve the project your student selects by signing a Science
Project Proposal Form #01 and #02, one of the early assignments on the attached guide. (The
students are expected to come up with 2 different project ideas and fill out the proposal forms
accordingly, one for each. Then your child`s Science Teacher will assign the one which suits the best
out of two project ideas to him/her).
If you have any questions, please email Fahri Arik at fa314@abqse.org
Sincerely,
Fahri Arik
Albuquerque School of Excellence
STEM and Science Fair Coordinator
2
SCIENCE FAIR GOALS
Science teachers have many reasons why we believe the Science Fair is an invaluable experience for
our students. Some of the top reasons or goals that we hope our students achieve are:
1. To stimulate interest, curiosity, and desire to explore the mysteries of the world.
2. To learn, understand, and apply the scientific method.
3. To provide real experiences and methods by which all scientific knowledge has been and is still
being gathered.
4. To help develop skills in communicating both verbally and in writing.
5. To help develop skills of interpretation and analysis of data.
6. To learn how to complete long range projects.
7. To acquire skills of research using a variety of resources such as the Internet, interviews, books,
magazines, etc.
8. To show a connection between what is learned in the class and what happens in real life.
9. To promote unique opportunities for us (teachers) to work individually with you (the student) in an
interdisciplinary project.
10. To foster independence in the student by providing the opportunity for you to take initiative and
responsibility in studying a topic for your own learning.
FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS
The science fair project can be divided into four major components or parts.
1. The Experiment:
 Choosing a topic
 Performing an experiment
2. The Research Paper:
 Review literature (research) about your topic and closely related topics
 Summarize the experiment and draw conclusions from the experiment
 Write a properly formatted and cited research paper
3. The Visual Display
 Prepare a Display Board that illustrates the complete science project
 Display equipment and materials needed to explain the project
4. The Oral Presentation
 Present orally a summary of the project to your teacher, classmates, or judges
 Share and explain all phases of the project in an open setting
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
PAGE #
INTRODUCING SCIENCE PROJECTS: …………………………………………………………………………………………………2
SCIENCE FAIR GOALS, FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS: ………………………………………………………………………3
TABLE OF CONTENTS: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM #01: ……………………………………………………………………………….5
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM #02: ……………………………………………………………………………….6
SICENCE FAIR STEPS: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
QUESTION & PURPOSE: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
HYPOTHESIS: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
VARIABLES: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
MATERIALS LIST: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11
PROCEDURE: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
CONLUSION: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
DATA ANALYSIS & GRAPHS: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...14
RESULTS: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15
ABSTRACT: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16-17
BIBLIOGRAPHY: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19
SCIENCE FAIR LAB NOTEBOOK: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..20-21
FINAL REPORT: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22
SCIENCE FAIR DISPLAY BOARD: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….23
SAMPLE OF SCIENCE FAIR BOARD DESIGN: …..…………………………………………………………………………………24
JUDGING AND PRESENTING YOUR PROJECT: …………………………………………………………………………………..25
ASE SCIENCE FAIR PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM: ……………………………………………………………………….26
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT SAFETY FORM: …………………………………………………………………………………………….27
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROTOCOL FORMS: ………………………………………………………………………..……………28
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SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM #01
I propose to investigate the following topic for my project.
TITLE
_______________(Complete after filling in the rest of the form)
QUESTION (What do I want to learn about?):
HYPOTHESIS (What I think will happen when I do my experiment):
__________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE (How will I carry out my experiment)
Materials needed:
_________________________________________________________________
Step-by-Step Directions for my experiment (Number each step to help keep it organized):
I have selected the project described above for my Science Fair Project.
Student’s Name
_______
Grade Level
Date
I will support my child’s Science Fair Project.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature
________
Date
This proposed project as outlined above meets the preliminary requirements for a Science Fair Project.
Teacher’s Signature
_______
5
Date
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM #02
I propose to investigate the following topic for my project.
TITLE
_______________(Complete after filling in the rest of the form)
QUESTION (What do I want to learn about?):
HYPOTHESIS (What I think will happen when I do my experiment):
__________________________________________________________
PROCEDURE (How will I carry out my experiment)
Materials needed:
_________________________________________________________________
Step-by-Step Directions for my experiment (Number each step to help keep it organized):
I have selected the project described above for my Science Fair Project.
Student’s Name
_______
Grade Level
Date
I will support my child’s Science Fair Project.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature
________
Date
This proposed project as outlined above meets the preliminary requirements for a Science Fair Project.
Teacher’s Signature
_______
6
Date
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT STEPS
1. Choose a topic. Be sure it interests you. Don’t pick one because you think it will be easy. Talk it over with your
parents and when you have decided, inform your teacher, and do not ask to change your topic later. Get your
Registration form for your teacher signed by your parent and turn it in.
2. State your purpose as a question. What is it that you want to find out by doing this project?
3. Research your problem. Look at any books/websites that might help you, make observations by simply
looking at things, talking to people, and finding out as much as possible about your topic. Write down any ideas
you have and where you got them from. Also, keep note of all information needed for citing your resources.
4. Form a hypothesis. What do you think is going to happen? Based on what you know or found out from step
#3, what do you think the results of your experiments will be? After doing the experiments, it may turn out that
your guess was wrong. It is okay if this happens.
5. Plan your project. How will you test your hypothesis? What experiments will you do? How will you measure
the results? Where will you keep your information? Be sure to record all observations.
6. Collect all your materials. Find a place to keep things where others won’t bother them. Let other family
members know what you are doing so they do not throw your materials away by mistake.
7. Conduct your experiments. Remember, the more times you do an experiment, the more reliable and accurate
the results will be. Do each experiment at least three times and get an average of the results for your graph. Use
something to measure your experiments: a ruler or yardstick if you are measuring distance, a clock to measure
time, etc. Check the measurements to be sure you are correct.
8. Record your data. As you do your experiments, you will want to write down what you saw or found out.
Organize this information in an orderly manner. Put the date, time, and any other useful information. Write your
measurements clearly.
9. Draw conclusions. What did you learn from your experiments? Have you proved or disproved your
hypothesis? You made a guess about what you thought would happen, now tell what happened. You don’t lose
points if your guess turned out to be wrong.
10. Prepare your titles, charts, graphs, drawings, and diagrams. Make them large enough to see, neat, and
colorful.
11. Construct your science fair display. Get your cardboard display board so you can show all your work and
have your hands free to point to sections when you give your presentation.
12. Prepare and practice your presentation. Be able to talk about what you used, what you did in your
experiments, and what you found out. Know it well enough that you don’t have to read it from the display.
13. Plan a time line so you don’t leave everything until the last minute. If you need help, tell your parents and
your teacher; the earlier the better.
14. Relax and enjoy yourself. You will do a GREAT job!
7
Research Paper Rough Draft
QUESTION & PURPOSE
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Parent / Guardian Signature ___________________________________ On Time?
Yes / No
State the Research Question
What question are you trying to answer? Ask a question that you can answer through observation or
experimentation
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
State the Purpose
What is your reason for asking this question? What are you trying to discover?
The statement should clearly explain:
1. The problem that you are trying to solve with your experiment.
2. Why you want to do this experiment.
3. How you think the information gained from the experiment will help other people.
Example of a Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this experiment was to find out how the density of plant cover affects soil erosion. I became
interested in this experiment when the hillside next to our yard began to erode. The information from this
experiment will help people to determine how many plants they should plant on their yards hillside.
Fill in the blanks below to create a quality Purpose Statement
The purpose of this experiment was to ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
I became interested in this experiment when ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The information gained from this experiment will help others by ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Comments / Suggestions:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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HYPOTHESIS
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The Hypothesis is an educated guess that tries to answer a question or solve a problem that you are trying to
find more about. The hypothesis is done after you do your research on a specific topic and before you do any
experimenting.
The Hypothesis should follow these rules:
1. A hypothesis is a question, which has been reworded into a form that can be tested by an experiment.
2. There is usually one hypothesis for each question you have.
3. You must do at least one experiment to test each hypothesis. This is a very important step.
Example of a Hypothesis:
My hypothesis is that grass will do a better job at preventing soil erosion on the hillside than shrubs. I base my
hypothesis on the idea that there are more roots in the grass than the shrubs.
Fill in the blanks below to create a quality Hypothesis.
My hypothesis is _____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
I base my hypothesis on _______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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VARIABLES
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
List the variables that you will control, the variable that you will change, and the variables that will be the results
of your experiment:
My controlled variables are (the stuff that will always stay the same): ___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
My independent variable is (this is the thing that changes from one experiment to the next; it is what you are
testing): ____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
My responding variable is (what you will be measuring/ observing?) ___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Control Group is (A set up that independent variable has not involved. The reason having the control group is for
the comparison) _____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
10
MATERIALS LIST
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The materials list is a complete list of all materials including details and amounts. Be sure to include quantities
(how much), length, volume, and mass. List these in metric units. Be specific in your description of the item
needed. Include photos or drawings of the materials if it helps the person to identify the material needed in the
project.
The Material List should follow these rules:
1. Be specific to amount, size and length.
2. Listed in metric units where appropriate.
Example of a Material List:
Bad Material List:
1. Water
2. Watch
3. Ruler
4. Dirt
Good Material List:
1. 20 Liters of Water
2. Stop watch with second hand
3. Metric Ruler with millimeters listed
4. 3 cubic meters of potting soil
Fill in the blanks below to create a quality Materials List
Quantity:
Description of Item:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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PROCEDURE
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The Procedures should follow these rules:
1. Label each step with a number or letter.
2. Write your procedures in a cookbook format
3. Be very specific with quantities, amounts and the order that things need to be done or completed.
Example of Procedures:
1. Prepare three trays by putting an equal amount of potting soil in each tray. If you are using pans or
cookie sheets, spread a layer of gravel on the bottom of the pan before adding the soil. This will allow
for drainage since you will be watering all three pans while the grass is growing.
2. Set Tray 1 aside. In Tray 2, cover the soil with a layer of leaves and grass clippings. In Tray 3, sprinkle
grass seed on the top of the soil.
3. Place the three trays in a place where they are level and have similar light and temperature conditions.
(The temperature must be above 50F (10C) for the grass to grow.)
4. Use the sprinkling can to give each tray the same amount of water. Continue watering all three trays
approximately every 3 days until the grass in Tray 3 is about .5 inches (1.25 centimeters) tall. This may
take one week or longer. You may have to adjust your watering schedule depending on how fast the soil
dries. Check the soil daily to see if it looks and feels moist.
Fill in the blanks below to create quality Procedures
1)__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2)__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3)__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4)__________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(You may add more papers depending on the length of your procedure)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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CONCLUSION
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
A conclusion is a reexamination of your original hypothesis in regards to the data you have collected. Your
conclusion will describe how your results prove or disprove your hypothesis. Your conclusion will include what
questions you have developed in doing the experiment. It also includes how you might change your experiment
if you were to continue this topic in order to explore the questions that you developed during the experiment.
Example of a conclusion:
My hypothesis was that grass would do a better job at preventing soil erosion on the hillside than shrubs. I base
my hypothesis on the idea that there are more roots in the grass than the shrubs. The results indicate that this
hypothesis should be considered false. The dense amount of shrub cover shielded the underlying dirt better
than the grass. Because of the results of this experiment, I wonder if different kinds of shrubs have the same
effect on preventing erosion. If I were to conduct this science fair project again I would try both deciduous as
well as coniferous shrubs.
Fill in the following lines to create a successful Conclusion:
My hypothesis was ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Results indicate that this hypothesis should be considered________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Because of the results of this experiment __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
If I were to conduct this science fair project again I would ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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DATA ANALYSIS & GRAPHS
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
Take some time to carefully review all of the data you have collected from your experiment. Use charts and
graphs to help you analyze the data and patterns. Did you get the results you had expected? What did you find
out from your experiment?
Calculations and Summarizing Data:
A spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel may be a good way to perform such calculations and can be
used to display the results. Be sure to label the rows and columns. Don't forget to include the units of
measurement (grams, centimeters, liters, etc.).
Graphs:
 Generally, you should place your independent variable on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent
variable on the y-axis.
 Be sure to label the axes of your graph— don't forget to include the units of measurement (grams,
centimeters, liters, etc.).
 If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different color or symbol and include a
legend with clear labels.
Different types of graphs are appropriate for different experiments. These are just a few of the possible
types of graphs:




A bar graph might be appropriate for comparing different trials or different experimental groups. It also
may be a good choice if your independent variable is not numerical. (In Microsoft Excel, generate bar
graphs by choosing chart types "Column" or "Bar.")
A time-series plot can be used if your dependent variable is numerical and your independent variable is
time. (In Microsoft Excel, the "line graph" chart type generates a time series. By default, Excel simply
puts a count on the x-axis. To generate a time series plot with your choice of x-axis units, make a
separate data column that contains those units next to your dependent variable. Then choose the "XY
(scatter)" chart type, with a sub-type that draws a line.)
A xy-line graph shows the relationship between your dependent and independent variables when both
are numerical and the dependent variable is a function of the independent variable. (In Microsoft Excel,
choose the "XY (scatter)" chart type, and then choose a sub-type that does draw a line.)
A scatter plot might be the proper graph if you're trying to show how two variables may be related to
one another. (In Microsoft Excel, choose the "XY (scatter)" chart type, and then choose a sub-type that
does not draw a line.)
You may go to the following link in order to draw an easy graph;
http://nces.ed.gov/NCESKIDS/createagraph/default.aspx
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RESULTS
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
Writing the Results will include both text and illustrative materials as known as the tables and charts. Use the
text to explain and guide the reader through your key results, i.e., the information that answers the hypothesis
you investigated. Use the tables and charts to help strengthen and explain what you are stating in your text.
Your results should follow these guidelines:
1. Include what you wanted to accomplish and prove during your experiment.
2. Describe and report what you discovered. Be sure to include any data that might have been collected. It
is important to show this data even if it did not support your hypothesis. The process of completing the
experiment with true data is what is important.
3. The function of the Results section is to objectively present your key results, without interpretation.
Example of how to write the results:
The original purpose of this experiment was to see how seeds germination is effected by the time of exposure to
running water. The results of the experiment were that the duration of exposure to running water had a great
effect on overall seed germination (See chart #1). The seeds exposed to the 48-hour treatment had the highest
percentage rate of germination (See chart #2). This was 2 times that of the 12-h group and 5 times that of our
control group that was not exposed to the running water treatment.
Fill in the blanks below to create a quality Results page.
The original purpose of this experiment was to _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The results of the experiment were ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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ABSTRACT
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The Abstract is a summary of your science fair project. Your abstract is made up of a brief statement of the
essential or most important thoughts about your project. Abstracts should summarize, clearly and simply, the
main points of the experiment. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness, and originality are important. It
should be 250 to 300 words in length. It is one of the last parts of your science fair project that you will
complete.
Include the following to create your abstract:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Your projects purpose statement.
The hypothesis
A description of your variables and the control / constants.
A description of what variable you are manipulating (changing) in your experiment.
How you went about measuring and observing the variables / controls.
Your results and data collected from your experiment.
Your conclusion statement.
Fill in the following lines to create a successful Abstract:
The purpose of my science fair project was ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
My hypothesis for this project was_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The constants and control in my experiment was___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The variable in my experiment was ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The way that I measured the responding or dependent variable was ____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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The results of this experiment were ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The results show that my hypothesis should be (give brief reason why to accept or not) ____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
If I were going to do this experiment again in the future or expand on this experiment I would _______________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The bibliography is an alphabetical list of the sources that you used to research your topic, design the
experiment and form the hypothesis. Look at the format that each example is typed. Use this format exactly
when you type your bibliography.
FOR A BOOK: Author (last name first). Title of the book. City: Publisher, Date of publication.
Example: Dahl, Roald. The BFG. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1982.
Fill in: _______, ____. ________. ______: ______, ______________, ____.
FOR AN ENCYCLOPEDIA: Encyclopedia Title, Edition Date. Volume Number, "Article Title," page numbers.
Example: The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1997. Volume 7, “Gorillas,” pp. 50-51.
Fill in: __________________________, _____. _______, “_________________________”, pp. ___________.
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.
Example: Rollins, Fred. “Snowboard Madness.” Sports Stuff (CD-ROM. Number 15, (February 1997): pp.15-19.
SIRS, Mac version, Winter 1997.
Fill in: ________, ____. “__________________”__________________. ________, ______________: pp._____.
_____, _________, __________.
WORLD WIDE WEB: URL (Uniform Resource Locator or WWW address). author (or item's name, if mentioned),
date.
Example: (Boston Globe`s www address) http://www.boston.com. Today`s News, August 1, 2013.
Fill in: _________________________________________________. ____________, ______, ____.
FOR A PERSON: Full name (last name first). Occupation. Date of interview.
Example: Smeckleburg, Sweets. Bus driver. April 1, 2013.
Fill in: _____________, ______. ________. _____, _____.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
The acknowledgement may go on as;
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher_________________________ as well as our
principal _________________________who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the
topic____________________________________, which also helped me in doing a lot of Research and I came to
know about so many new things.
I am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thank my parents and friends who helped me a lot in finishing this project within
the limited time.
I am making this project not only for marks but to also increase my knowledge.
Thanks again to all who helped me.
(Hint: An acknowledgement must not be quite big and must not contain details about help or other issues)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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SCIENCE FAIR LAB NOTEBOOK
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
What Makes a Great Science Lab Notebook?
Joanne Rebbeck, Ph.D.
February 24, 2005
Whether you are a research scientist or a first-time science fair student, a lab notebook is a crucial part of any
research project. It is a detailed account of every phase of your project, from the initial brainstorming to the
final research report. The lab notebook is proof that certain activities occurred at specific times. Journals and lab
notebooks are subject to scrutiny by the scientific community and are acceptable evidence in a court of law.
Here are a few pointers that are easy to follow. As a research scientist, I practice these suggestions every day.
They should help keep you organized, and certainly will impress any science fair judge. It's a great opportunity to
show off all of your hard work!
1. Find a durable hard-bound notebook or black and white composition book, typically a lined journal works
great. Do not attempt to use a spiral bound notebook. They won't hold up over the course of your experiment.
Papers are too easily removed or torn from them, and before you realize it, important items are missing. Loose
papers are a disaster waiting to happen.
2. Label your lab notebook with your name, phone number, email address, and teacher's name in a prominent
location. Make lab notebook entries in pen not in pencil. This is a permanent record of all of your activities
associated with your project.
3. Number the pages in your lab notebook before using it, unless already numbered for you.
4. Always date every entry, just like a journal. Entries should be brief and concise. Full sentences are not
required.
5. Don't worry about neatness. It's a personal record of your work. Do not re-do your lab notebook because it
looks sloppy. Think of the lab notebook as your "Dear Diary" for science fair. It's not just for recording data
during the experimental phase of your project and it's not just for your teacher.
6. 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.
7. 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.
20
8. 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.
9.Organize your lab notebook. Make a table of contents, index, and create tabs for different sections within
your lab notebook. This helps keep you organized for different activities. For example, have a data collection
section, a section with contacts, sources, etc. and a section of schedule deadlines.
Table of Contents
Tab Color
Deadline Schedule
Red
1
Daily Notes & Reflections
White
2
Background Research
Library & Internet
Information
Contacts, Supply sources
Experimental Setup
Blue
20
Green
26
Yellow
35
Data collection
Purple
40
Results (pictures, graphs, summary
tables)
Reflections
Orange
50
Light blue
Page #
60
10.Include a reflections section in your lab notebook. For example, what, if anything would I do
differently next time? What part of the experiment could be changed to improve the experimental procedure?
11.Always include any changes made to procedures, mishaps, failures, or mistakes. As human beings, all of us
make mistakes!
1/4/05 My cat, Sheba scratched the pots of soil, and
ate 4 of my 12 plants. I will have to replant
everything! I need to protect plants from the silly cat.
Maybe i should try putting a screen around the pots
or keep cat outside!
2/5/05 Disaster in the lab this morning. Setup manure
digoestors last night in incubators, temperature was
set at 25°C but came into a real mess, samples heated
up too much and caps blew off. I will need to try a
lower temperature to avoid this accident from
happening again!!!! HUGE MESS TO CLEAN UP.....
12. Include any and all observations made during your experiment. In other words, record ALL data directly in
your lab notebook. If that is not possible, then staple photocopies of data in the lab notebook.
Remember, keeping up a great lab notebook throughout the entire duration of the science project really pays
off later! Not only will a nicely maintained lab notebook impress your teacher and the judges at the fair, it will
also help you stay out of trouble later when you need to look back and provide details of what you did.
21
FINAL REPORT
The Final Report is a summary of everything that you did to investigate your topic. The Final Report provides
others with vital information on what your project is about as well as its effect on your understanding of the
topic. Usually the written report is 10-30 pages in length. All information must be included in the Final Report.
This report provides you with the opportunity to think about all the aspects of your project and share your ideas
with others. Reports should be neatly bounded in an attractive binder. It must be typed.
 Typed, doubled spaced. One inch margins and 12 pt. Times New Roman Font
 Remember to put headings/titles on graphs/charts/tables
 All photographs must have captions explaining their significance
 Before you hand in your report make sure to reread, revise, and rewrite
 Recheck your calculations, spelling, and grammar.
All Final Report for a science fair project should include:
1. Title Page: The first page in the report should include the title of the project, name and grade of the
student, school name and science teacher`s name.
2.
Acknowledgment: Here is where you thank everyone who helped to make your project successful
(including Mom and Dad.) Everyone that you interviewed, including teachers, scientists, and other
experts in the field should be mentioned here.
3. Table of Content: This page provides the reader with a list of the different parts of the project and the
page number on which each section can be found.
4. Statement of Purpose: State the purpose of the project in the form of a question.
5. Hypothesis: You must have a hypothesis before you complete the project. A hypothesis is an educated
guess about what you think will occur as a result from completing your experiment.
6. Research: This is the part of the report that contains all the background information that you collected
about your topic. Any books or articles read from the internet/journal, authorities on the topic that you
talked to, or outside materials collected should be summarized in this section. This section should be
written in your own words and NOT copied from your resources.
7. Materials: This is a list of all the materials and supplies used in the project. Quantities and amounts of
each should also be indicated.
8. Procedure: You will list and describe the steps you took to complete the project. Usually, this is listed in
a numbered sequence. This part shows the stages of the project so that another person can carry out
the experiment.
9. Observations and Results: In this section, you will tell what you learned from the project. It is also
IMPORTANT to include all graphs, charts, or other visual data (pictures) that helps to show your results.
10. Conclusion: This is a brief statement explaining why your project turned out the way it did. You should
explain why the events you observed occurred. Using the word “because” is a good way to turn an
observation into a conclusion. The conclusion should tell whether the hypothesis was proven or not
proven. Also give the reason(s) why you chose to learn more about the subject.
11. Bibliography/Reference Page: The bibliography should list all the printed materials the student used to
carry out the project. Items should be listed in alphabetical order in a standard format.
22
SCIENCE FAIR DISPLAY BOARD
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
When you plan your science fair board, remember this is a case in which you CAN judge a book by its cover. If
you do a really good job at completing your display, everyone will stop to look at your project. However, if you
do a messy job, no one will take the time to discover all the fascinating research you have done or look at the
results of your wonderful experiment or invention.
PLAN YOUR BOARD:
Make a small sketch of where everything will go. Lay it out before you glue anything down to make sure it looks
good. Design what the "center" of your board will be. This is where everyone will look first. Will it be the title or
pictures? Everything else should be place around this. When you set up your board, put things together in the
order that makes sense. Remember, we read from left to right so don't put stuff you did near the end (like the
conclusion) on the right side of the board.
COLORS AND TEXT:
1. You can use the labels that come with your board or create your own. Labels created on the computer can be
very effective. Try using a different font or color for each of the labels.
2. Use colors that are appealing. They should contrast with your board color. If you have a white board, make
your text a bright color(s). Try backing your text with colored paper to make your words alive.
3. The title should be big and easily read from across the room. Choose one that accurately describes your work,
but also grabs peoples' attention.
4. Type your text or print it neatly. Use stencils or premade letters if you prefer. Make your lettering large
enough for everyone to see. If you print it, use pencil first and draw guidelines to make sure your writing is neat.
Go over your writing with permanent marker and make sure you erase your guidelines.
5. Use a font size of at least 16 points for the text on your display board, so that it is easy to read from a few feet
away. It's OK to use slightly smaller fonts for captions on picture and tables.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
Sometimes your results can be shown by photographs or pictures. Photographs and pictures also enhance a
display, especially if you don't have the actual experiment because you used something that can't be displayed
(i.e. pets, family members). You may also use computer generated graphics or photographs off the internet.
Free Stock Photos.com and Net Vet are good sites for pictures of animals and other scientific topics. Check to
see if you have permission to use them. A picture speaks a thousand words! Use photos or draw diagrams to
present non-numerical data, to propose models that explain your results, or just to show your experimental
setup. But, don't put text on top of photographs or images. It can be very difficult to read.
CHECK THE RULES FOR YOUR SCIENCE FAIR:

Put your name on the back side of your display board. (No name on the front)

Pictures of yourself are okay but the other people`s pictures should be covered.

Captions that include the source for every picture or image.

You can bring your equipment such as your laboratory apparatus or your invention.

No liquids, potentially hazardous chemicals or biological agents.
23
24
JUDGING AND PRESENTING YOUR PROJECT
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
PREPARING FOR SCIENCE FAIR JUDGING (Practice Makes Perfect!)





If you can explain your science fair project well, you maximize your chances of winning.
Write up a short "speech" (about 2–5 minutes long) summarizing your science fair project. You will give
this speech when you first meet the judges. (Remember to talk about the theory behind your science
fair project-why your project turns out the way it does.)
Organize a list of questions you think the judges will ask you and prepare/practice answers for them.
 How much help did you receive from others?
 What does your data tell you?
 Why is this research important? (Who cares if a rocket flies well?)
 What do your graphs represent?
 What does your data tell you?
 What problems did you run into while doing your experiment and how did you fix them?
 What are the three most interesting things you learned when doing this science fair project?
 What further research do you plan on doing, or would do, to this science fair project? (Your
future study)
Practice explaining your science fair project to others and pretend they are judges.
 Practice explaining all graphs, tables, your short speech, answers to possible questions judges
might ask, etc.
 Practice explaining the theory behind your science fair project. Theory includes everything from
your background research.
 Videotaping yourself during practice can also be very helpful. Although it can be painful to
watch the video, you will see the mistakes you made and be able to fix them the next time you
speak.
Practice explaining your science fair project in simple terms so anyone can understand it.
PRESENTING YOURSELF DURING THE SCIENCE FAIR JUDGING PERIOD (Be Professional!)







Always dress nicely for the science fair judging period-NO JEANS!
Make good use of your display board. Point to diagrams and graphs when you are discussing them.
Always be positive and enthusiastic!
Be confident with your answers; do not mumble.
If you have no idea what the judge is asking, or do not know the answer to their question, it is okay to
say "I do not know."
Treat each person who visits you like a judge, even nonscientists.
After the science fair, always ask for feedback from the judges to improve your project.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_judging.shtml
25
ASE Science Fair
PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FORM
Dear Parents and Students,
DATE: _____________
Each year we have a mandatory school-wide Science Fair at Albuquerque School of Excellence.
This year Science Fair will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014.
Please check the deadlines of each step of the Science Fair Project carefully. Students are highly
encouraged to submit their assignments on time. This way they will have a good chance to
make improvements if something is missing or needs fine tuning.
Informative Science Fair Meeting for Parents (Science Fair Orientation) is scheduled as
following:

For 5th and Middle School Parents: 10/16/2014 on Thursday at 5:30-6:30pm

For High School Parents:
10/16/2014 on Thursday at 5:30-6:30pm
We will try to work with each student individually, but the ultimate responsibility belongs to
students.
This copy is to be kept in student`s science binder. You will receive another copy of this Parental
Notification Form.
I ________________________________ and _______________________________ have read
(Please print parent`s name)
(Please print student`s name)
and understand what is expected of each student concerning Science Fair Projects. I am also
aware of the specific due dates and adhere to the deadlines which will be assigned by my
child`s science teacher.
PARENT`S SIGNATURE: ______________________________________
26
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT SAFETY FORM
Name _____________________________________________________ Due Date _________________
Yes / No
ASE SCIENCE FAIR RULES:

If a science project involves vertebrate animals, human subjects (including surveys), controlled
substances and pathogens, recombinant DNA, tissues including blood, cell cultures, microorganisms,
environmental sampling, or potentially dangerous chemicals or equipment; you need approval from the
Science Fair Board.

All bacteria, fungi, etc. should be considered potentially pathogenic.

Air, water, mud and soil samples may contain pathogens or hazardous materials.

Learn about animal safety measures if working with animals. Pet store animals may not be used for any
type of research.

Surveys should not involve violation of privacy act or potential risk.

Consumable alcohol and tobacco products and drugs must be obtained by and used by adult project
supervisor.

If using equipment that has voltage greater than 220 volts, firearms, radioactive substances and
radiation, you need to review the proper safety standards before experimentation.

No student can begin until they receive approval from their parents and their science teacher.

You should fill out the Protocol Forms before start conducting your experimentation. (See the next
page)
******************************************************************************************
Student Acknowledgement:
I understand the risks and possible dangers to me of the project I will be working on. I will adhere to all ASE
Science Fair Rules when conducting my research and project.
___________________________
(Student’s Printed Name)
__________________
(Signature)
________________
(Date)
Parent/Guardian Approval:
I have read and understand the risks and possible dangers involved in a science fair project. I consent to my child
participating in a research project.
____________________________
(Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name)
_________________
(Signature)
27
_________________
(Date)
SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT PROTOCOL FORMS
(All forms can be found at http://stemed.unm.edu/FormsFinder.aspx )
MENDATORY FORMS REQUIRED FOR ALL PROJECTS:
Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor
Form 1A: Student Checklist
Research Plan (Attach Separately)
Form 1B: Approval Form
Form 1C: Regulated Research Institution (if applicable)
Form 7: Continuation/Research Progression Form (if applicable)
Remember that any project involving Humans, Vertebrate Animals, Potentially Hazardous Biological
Agents, & some other projects require SRC/IRB Review Committee approval BEFORE
experimentation can begin AND most likely require additional protocol paperwork as indicated
below.
 HUMAN PARTICIPANTS
Form 2: Qualified Scientist Form (2)
Form 4: Human Participants Form (4)
Human Informed Consent Form
 VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
Form 5: Vertebrate Animal Form (5A and 5B)
Form 1C: Regulated Research
Institutional / Industrial Setting Form (1C)
 POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
Form 6A: Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form
Form 6B: Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form
 HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL ACTIVITIES OR DEVICES
Form 3: Risk Assessment Form (3)
THE PROTOCOL FORMS WHICH ARE MENTIONED ABOVE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE STUDENTS BY SCIENCE TEACHER
28

ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR SCIENCE FAIR HANDBOOK

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