Science Fair

Who, What, Where, When

What is an experiment?

It is a test. It is a comparison.It is measurable.

It is NOT a demonstration of a science concept.

Two elements of research:

VariablesControl

A variable is something that changes in your

experiment

CONTROL = STANDARD

The Standard by which a variable is compared

TO SIMPLIFY OUR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS, WE WILL BE USING ONE CONTROL

AND ONE VARIABLE.

Choosing a Science Fair Topic

Pick something that your are interested in doing or curious

about

Areas of Science

Life, Earth, Chemical, Physical

Subtopics

•Behavioral and Social•Botany

•Computer•Earth and Space

•Physics

Subtopics

•Environmental•Mathematics•Microbiology

•Zoology•Physics

Subtopics

•Chemistry•Consumer Products Testing

•Biochemistry•Engineering

•Gerontology (Aging)•Medicine and Health

Brainstorm

(You can do it!!!)(Keep in mind that you can use the

Pacific University library. If you want to check materials out there, you will need to go to the Forest Grove library and get a form that says you are in

good standing.)

Format

Title of Project—Due Jan 6

Abstract (Summary)--Due Feb. 7

Hypothesis or Question-- Due Jan 6

Purpose of Experiment

Research Paper (Literature Review)—Due Jan.20

This process helps you to understand key words and concepts. It also helps you

learn about your topic.

Materials and Methods of your experiment--Due Jan

20 This is a very detailed

procedure that tells how to to conduct your experiment.

Data Book/Log Book/ Observations

This is handwritten “raw” data.

Due Feb 4

Analysis of Data/Graphs-- Due Feb 9

This is a comparison of the results of the experiment

Conclusion and Summary--Due Feb 17

What can you conclude from your data? Was your

hypothesis correct? What would you change with your experiment if you were to

repeat it? (etc.)

Acknowledgements—Due Feb 12

Who would you like to thank for helping you?

References/BibliographyDue Jan 20

If you are interested in going to Portland State: The registration deadline is Feb12. (The website

has a different date—I don’t want to wait until the last

minute because it is “online” registration only.) We will be reviewing this process after

school in January.Portland State Science Fair is April 2, 2004 (a school day)

Websiteswww.cse.pdx.edu/nwse

School.discovery.com/sciencefaircentralMembers.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/

scifun/projects.htm#N42www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/

www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/df/steps.htmlfaculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html

www.scifair.org/E-mail: mrssaul@msn.com