SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS

The science fair at Hollin Meadows is intended to develop skills in using the Experimental Design Diagram as well as to build interest in science.

For Parents:Elementary school science fairs have a long history of being about making the biggest paper mache volcano or styrofoam model of the universe. You made one in fifth grade (so did I, and it was awesome, by the way) and you certainly could help your student build an even better one. But doing those "projects" misses the fundamental point of the science fair. The science fair is a chance to practice doing science, not doing projects. This experience can be the first practice session in using the methods and tools that will lead your student to one day discovering the next great advancement in science or technology. Or at least provide you with a nice retirement. So, encourage them to answer a question using the scienctific model and show the results in our fair, and skip staying up all night painting volcanoes.

Step 1
Selecting a topic:
Pick a topic that interests you. Think about expeirments that your class has done in the science lab or in the classroom. Is there a topic that interests you that you have additional questions about, or that you would like to experiment with again?

Definition of a Good Science Fair Topic:
You have a good topic if you can answer YES to these questions:
1. Is my topic realistic? Is it something I can do?
2. Is my topic interesting to me?
3. Can I investigate my topic by experimenting with variables and measuring the result?
4. Can I afford what I will need to investigate my topic?

Use this Four Question Strategy to develop your ideas for a science fair project once you have a topic.

Step 2
Stating the question:
Put the topic in the form of a question.

You can think of your question as a "contest" among your variables. Thinking of your investigation this way may help you to design abetter question or make it easier to remember what the variables are. The independant variables are the players in the contest. The dependant variable is what they are competing for, or how to win the contest.

Many project titles follow one of these forms:

How will _______________ affect ______________?
                (independent variable)               (dependant variable)

The Effects of _______________ on ______________.
                        (independent variable)                     (dependant variable)

Will ___________________ change  when ______________?
         (independent variable)              (dependant variable)

Ex: "How will solute affect the freezing point of water?" The contest is among different solutes and they are competeing to see which ones change the freezing point of water.

Definition of terms:
THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE is the one factor you wish to change (or use in different amounts) in the experiment.These are the players. Everything else is controlled. In a controlled experiment everything else is given the exact same conditions. (to make the experiment "fair")
THE DEPENDANT VARIABLE is the outcome of your experiment. It is what happens because of your variable. You must have measurable results, something that can be counted or measured in order to provide you with results or data.

Ex: Which color of bird seed will birds prefer?

The independent variable is the color of seeds
The dependant variable is the number of seeds eaten
(Seeds can be counted to provide data).

Step 3
Do your experiment and record your results:
Your Science fair project should include the following
Sample Science Fair Board
1. EDD- Experimental Design Diagram - Each Board should have this document filled out and pasted on it's upper left corner. Question - Included in EDD, but also may be repeated in the board's title.The project may also have a seperate title to advertise the experiment.

2 . Hypothesis - This is the outcome that you think you will get, or the guiding idea behind the project. It can also be thought of as an "educated guess" or a possible answer to your question.
ex: If I put an object made of metal within two centimeters of my magnet, then the objects will be attracted to the magnet.

3. Variables- Define independant and dependant variables (see above)

4 . Materials - List of the things you used to do your experiment

5. Procedures - List step-by-step what you did to test your hypothesis.

6. Results/ Data - Tell what happened when you tested your hypothesis. You should do your testing at least 5 times to make sure your results are valid Keep these results in a logbook used only for this project. Graphs, charts, tables, photographs, or other visual aids may be used to present the results.

7. Conclusion/ Conclusion - What did you prove or find out? Was your hypothesis correct? Compare your initial hypothesis to your actual results. Make a statement on how your interpreted the results.

Other items you may want to include:
8. Research - Any information you used in developing your hypothesis or in the process of doing your investigation.

9. Bibliography - Use the proper format to list books, encyclopedias, and articles you used in to research your topic

Display:
Sturdy cardboard or foam board makes agood display board. In your display you need to state your title, variables, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, and conclusions. Charts, graphs, tables, or photographs make your results more appealing.
When people (parents, teacher or other students) come to our science fair, be prepared to answer any questions they may ask about your science fair project.