• STEPS TO COMPLETING A SUCCESSFUL
    ARCOLA SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT
     
    A starting packect should be picked up from Ms. Branca (room 250) or your science teacher .
      This packet contains the forms and information you will need to enter the fair.
     
    IMPORTANT! YOU CANNOT START YOUR PROJECT UNTIL THE SCIENCE FAIR SPONSOR, MRS. STEWART 
     HAS GIVEN YOU WRITTEN APPROVAL TO START.

     

    1st. CHOOSE A TOPIC

     

                Choose a topic that interests you and make it unique. Look in science books, magazines, newspapers, Internet, etc., for ideas.   Think about a practical application for your project.

     

     

    2nd. RESEARCH

     

              You will need at least five references (science journal articles, books, encyclopedias, Internet sites, textbooks etc.) that help you to understand the scientific principles involved in your project.

     

    All bibliographies need to be included in your research plan attachment and cited (listed) properly. Never list search engines such as Google, Ask Jeeves or Yahoo in your bibliography.  See your English teacher for help or use the following website: http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/mlastyle.htm

     

     

    3rd. RESEARCH PLAN         ie. DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT

     

                Follow the steps of THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD while doing your experiment: Problem, Hypothesis, Materials, Variables and Procedure.

    The  Data (charts, graphs, diagrams, and pictures), Abstract,  and Conclusioncome after experimentation.

     

    Things to remember:

    ·         You must be able to collect numerical/measurable data on your experiment so that you can use it to make charts, graphs, etc.

    ·         Model building can only be used if it is used to take data in some way.

    ·         Identify your variables (constants, independent variable, and dependent variable)

    ·         Constants or Constant Variables – conditions of the experiment that must be kept the same, must not be allowed to vary, in order for the results to be considered valid.

    ·         Independent Variable – the ONE condition or factor that you are changing

    ·         Dependent Variable –what you are measuring; this variable changes as a result of you changing the independent variable.  WHAT YOU ARE TAKING DATA ON.

     

     

    4th. FILL OUT PAPERWORK FOR APPROVAL

     

                Fill out all required paperwork and give it to your science teacher as soon as possible.  ALL FORMS AND RESEARCH PLAN AS DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE DUE BEFORE YOU START EXPERIMENTATION.
     
      

    REMEMBER, YOU CANNOT START YOUR PROJECT UNTIL THE SCIENCE FAIR SPONSOR HAS GIVEN YOU WRITTEN APPROVAL TO START.

     after approval

     

    5th. CONDUCT YOUR EXPERIMENT and RECORD RESULTS

                Keep accurate records of ALL your work, from the beginning to the end of your project.

    ·         Use a LOG BOOK to record your results. The Log Book will be part of your display at the Science Fair.

    ·         Collect data in metrics or SI Units (grams, meters, milliliters, etc.)

    ·         Take pictures before, during and after your experiment. Show measurements and dates in your photographs. Note: your pictures should not show faces!

     

     

    6th. WRITE YOUR ABSTRACT AND COPY YOUR RESEARCH PLAN

     

                An ABSTRACT is a summary of your experiment. It should be one page long and have less than 250 words. An abstract should include the purpose of the experiment, procedure, summary of data, and conclusions.

    Directions:

    ·         Put the word “ABSTRACT” in bold letters in the top center of the paper

    ·         Put your project number on the top right hand side of the abstract

    ·         Do not put the abstract in a folder or cover.

    ·         You need at least three (3) copies of your abstract.

    o   One copy of your abstract must be attached to your display board on the upper left-hand side

    o  two copies will be put in front of your display board

     

     

    7th. PUT TOGETHER A DISPLAY BOARD

              The Arcola Fair is scheduled for November 17th ( set up)  and November 18th ( open house ).

     

     

    8th. FILL OUT TWO YELLOW REGISTRATION CARDS

     

                Your science teacher will give you these after your project is approved.

    ·         Fill out using PEN

    ·         If you win at the Arcola Science Fair you will be expected to be part of the Arcola Science Fair team.  THIS REQUIRES YOU TO COMPETE IN ADDITIONAL COMPETITIONS AND YOU MUST PRESENT AN ACADEMIC RESEARCH PAPER.  If you do NOT want to do so then you must check the appropriate box on the card. YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR MIND AFTER THE ARCOLA SCIENCE FAIR!