Science Fair Experimental Project

KEEP THIS PAPER IN A SAFE PLACE.

ALSO NOTE DEADLINE DATES IN YOUR SCHOOL and

HOME CALENDAR!

Share this with your parents/guardians!!

Name_______________________________ Grade____

Proposed Project Title:______________________________________________

Your project title may change as you get further along in the process, but make a
guess here.

Be sure that this is at your grade level and NOT below. Also be sure it is a
project that you can get equipment for on your own, and something
different than you have done in the past. You will use metric measurements
for your experimental project. It is an individual experimental project not
done with a partner. For it to be an experiment, it will have an independent
and dependent variable (see below.)

1) Give an explanation of your project including the following: (You will need to
know these terms without notes when you are presenting your project to the
class. These do not get listed on the display board unless in the description.)

The independent variable (the one that changes):

________________________________________________________

The dependent variable (the one you measure):

________________________________________________________

Constants (the things that stay the

same):____________________________________________________________
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Is there a control (used to compare)? Yes or No. If yes, what is

it?:_________________________________________

Description: Be complete! - include numbers of trials and how many independent

variables (i.e. 8 kinds of matter will be tested to measure melting points. Or: I will
see which cat food my 10 cats like best using 8 kinds of food.) A description tells
what you are going to do. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE!! BE
COMPLETE!!)
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Signature of parent/guardian that you are aware of this

project, its deadlines and the importance of the project
on your childs grade. Each deadline is a lab grade, the
oral presentation and project are worth one test grade
and a lab grade.
_____________________________________
(Signature of parent)

Due date: 1-17 (This includes all of the above information from the proposed title
through the parent signature.)

SCORE: ____/25___

2) Research: W ritten below or on a separate page, in your own words, write at

least three complete paragraphs on your topic. Research includes the facts
behind your project NOT FROM THE BOOK/SOURCE YOUR PROJECT IS
TAKEN FROM, and will lead you to making an intelligent guess on your
hypothesis. This

is not a description of what you will do, but

scientific facts. It is required to list the sources

include a minimum of one

book and two other sources i.e.web sites, (NOT W IKIPEDIA!) magazines,
interview with an expert of your references on this paper as well as your display
board (i.e. www. rocketryisfun, book/magazine title, author, copyright date.)
Research is found in books, magazines, on a computer or ask an expert
(someone with credentials that prove what they know.) All of these sources are
used to help you form your hypothesis. This step requires some effort to

find, read and put the research into your own words. Take time to do
this correctly.
Due date: 1-27

SCORE: _____/25____

3) Hypothesis: (educated guess after research is done. Must be an If/then

statement.) The hypothesis states that if you change your independent variable,
then what do you expect the dependent variable will do.
Due date: 1-31
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SCORE: ___/10_____

4) Equipment you will need (REMEMBER THAT YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO

GET YOUR OW N EQUIPMENT. SKYLINE DOES NOT SUPPLY IT!) Due date:
2-4
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SCORE: _____/10____

5) Procedure: (List each step in your own words in order & number the steps
with the numbers on the left margin. THERE IS A MINIMUM OF 5 TRIALS - 10 or
more IS BETTER FOR VALIDITY. Be sure to make a chart (or data table) and a
graph as one of the steps! DO NOT include gather equipment)
Due date: 2-7 SCORE: _____/20____
1.
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6)List the title of your data table and

graph___________________________________

Graphing can be made easier by using the site:

http:nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph It is the Create a Graph page that
allows you to make a graph and can be printed in color to enhance your board.
You will also need a data table that can be made on Excel or another
spreadsheet program.

AND write a brief application.

Application: (How will you use this in everyday life)
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Date due: 2-14 SCORE: ___/7____

Spot-check with Mrs. D. by 2-28.

Teacher approval or suggestions: (One-on-one interview). I write in the blanks
below and initial the meeting.)
In progress __________ Began (or will begin) project on:_______________
Needs work ________ In good shape _____________

7) Conclusion: (Relate this back to the hypothesis and data. You need to write
this, saying something like: My hypothesis was rejected or My hypothesis
was accepted by my data)

Date due: 3-5. SCORE: ____/5_______

Photos of your project can be helpful. Leave your face off the photos or cover it
up so the judges do not know who you are.
A page will be given to you that shows how to lay out your display board.
TARGET orders boards each year if you are interested.

You carefully pick the following dates: (If you are growing something, allow time.)
Date you will begin this project: _______________
Date all data will be collected and graphed: ______
Date you will proofread all written content: ______

Date board will be completed: _________________

Date of your oral presentation: March 10th or 11th (I take volunteers for the 10th
only and then draw names to complete the schedule.
Date completed project on display; March 13th and 14th

Note: You will need to remove your project after 3 p.m. the last day of the
science fair! POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED IF THEY ARE LEFT BEHIND FOR
ME TO TAKE CARE OF.

Other necessary information may be written here or on another attached sheet.

Please be sure to keep all of the science fair material together and attached
to this paper!
Deadlines should be noted on your school and home calendar so that you
do not forget. Each deadline is worth a lab grade.