Abraar
School
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu
Greetings
Parents and Students,
We
are enthusiastic about starting our endeavor toward the science fair projects.
An experiment is the process to actually test a hypothesis to solve a problem. The
science fair project is a unique learning experience in which students perform
problem solving techniques while relating science to their real life
experiences.
Every project must use the scientific
method as described in the AS science fair guideline. It is encouraged and
not mandatory to choose a problem that is related to the science curriculum for
your grade level. Whatever project you choose to complete, the topic MUST be approved by the student’s science
teacher first.
In
this AS science fair guideline you will find a description of the components
along with a space for the due dates, which teachers will set upon receiving
this packet in their class. Rubrics will be provided by individual teachers and
should be keep clean because they will need to be turned in when at the time
presented. You should use the rubric as a guide to help you complete your
project to the best of your ability. You will also be turning in each step of
your project as we go along. A timeline with the due dates for each step is attached as well.
When
you turn in each step, you will receive a home learning grade for actually
turning your work in, but this grade is no indication of your progress toward
your project. In other words, you are turning in a rough draft. You may get an
‘A’ grade for turning in the rough
draft of your background information, but if you do not make the corrections
that the teacher suggests, you may get a ‘C’
grade for your background information. However, if you make all of the teacher
suggested corrections, you should get an ‘A’
grade for each part of the project.
If
you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the student’s science
teacher. Science teachers at AS are here to help through every step of this unique
learning experience. The AS science fair guideline is thorough and self
explanatory.
Website
that may be of help to you:
*Regional Fair Information: http://www.orsf.ca/main.php
school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/
www.sciencebuddies.org
dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/
*Please follow the time frame and
instructions on this sheet for every part of the scientific method as
closely as possible in order to get the most possible points earned for this
important project. You must perform an experiment for your science fair
project. If you have any questions,
please contact your science teacher as soon as possible.
*Teams are
allowed but limited to a maximum of two students. If you are working with partners, each person
is responsible for their own share of the work. Delegation and completion of
the tasks will be decided and regulated by the members of the team.
*There
will be No Changes in
group’s members after week 1. Any group
problems, including disagreements, members not completing tasks, etc., will be
handled by the GROUP MEMBERS.
The teacher will not deal with any group issues.
*Your
project title and experiment must be approved by your teacher before you
begin!!!
*Project may NOT use:
Animal/human testing allowed Pathogens Controlled/ Hazardous Substances Hazardous Devices
*Once your project title and experiment have been approved,
please stick to that project.
*A data log must be kept.
Your work:
·
Must
be typed with Times
New Roman font size 12, double space, front only.
·
Must
have one inch
margins all around.
·
Must
include and follow requirements for all steps within the Scientific method
·
Must
include data log
·
Must
have at least
three different resources/references.
·
Must
include bibliography
(See How to Write a Bibliography).
·
Must follow correct grammar and punctuation.
*NO Plagiarism: DO NOT use and pass off (the ides of writings
of another) as one’s own. Plagiarism is unethical
and illegal. Plagiarized work will receive a zero grade.
Abraar
School
The Scientific Method
A
science project is an investigation using the scientific method to discover the
answer to a scientific problem. Before starting your project, you need to
understand the scientific method. This section uses examples to illustrate and
explain the basic steps of the scientific method. The scientific method is the
"tool" that scientists use to find the answers to questions. It is
the process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and testing
each possibility to find the best solution.
The
scientific method involves the following steps:
·
Hypothesis
·
Research
·
Hypothesis
·
Investigation/Experimentation
·
Data
·
Results / Data Analysis
·
Conclusion
·
Data Log and Abstract
Do start planning and working on the experiment as
soon as possible.
Do use many references from printed sources (books, journals,
magazines, newspapers, and electronic sources such as computer software and
online services).
Do
gather information from professionals (instructors, librarians, and scientists,
such as physicians and veterinarians).
Do
perform other exploratory experiment related to your topic.
ü
Title of Project/ Problem
Statement:
It’s
encouraged (not mandatory) to choose a problem related to the science
curriculum for your grade level. The topic MUST be approved by the science teacher first. Be specific,
creative, and make sure that it the
catches the readers attention. A good title should simply and accurately
present the research and make the
casual observer want to know more.
The problem statement is the scientific
question to be solved. It is best expressed
as an "open-ended" question, which is a question that is answered
with a statement, not just a yes or a no. For example: "How does light
affect the reproduction of bread mold on white bread?"
- Do limit your problem. Note that the
previous question is about one life process of molds—reproduction; one
type of mold—bread mold; one type of bread—white bread; and one factor
that affects its growth—light. To find the answer to a question such as
"How does light affect molds?" would require that you test
different life processes and an extensive variety of molds.
- Do choose a problem that can be
solved experimentally. For example, the question "What is a
mold?" can be answered by finding the definition of the word mold
in the dictionary. But, "At room temperature, what is the growth rate
of bread mold on white bread?" is a question that can be answered by
experimentation.
ü
Research/Background
Information:
Research helps you
form your hypothesis. Research
is the process of collecting information from your own experiences,
knowledgeable sources, and data from exploratory experiments. The initial
research helps select a project topic. This is called topic research. For example, you observe a black growth on
bread slices and wonder how it got there. Because of this experience, you
decide to learn more about mold growth. Your topic will be about fungal
reproduction. (Fungal refers to plant-like organisms called fungi, which
cannot make their own food, and reproduction is the making of a new
offspring.) CAUTION:
If you are allergic to mold, this is not a topic you would investigate. Choose
a topic that is safe for you to do.
After you
have selected a topic,
you begin what is called project
research which helps you understand the topic, express a problem,
propose a hypothesis, and design one or more project experiments designed to
test the hypothesis. Example: to place a fresh loaf of white bread in bread box
and observe the bread over a period of time as an exploratory experiment. The
result of this experiment and other research give you information for the next
step—identifying the problem.
You
must have a minimum of three resources (see bibliography instructions) of
information of which ONLY ONE could be an internet web site. Research
other similar experiments done in the past. If you can’t find anything or can
only find limited information on that, you can research information about your
particular topic. Your research must be
written in your own words.
ü
Hypothesis:
A
hypothesis is an idea about the solution to a problem, based on knowledge and
research. The hypothesis is the key to a successful project. All of your
project research is done with the goal of expressing a problem, proposing an
answer to it (hypothesis),
and designing project experimentation. Then all of your project experimenting
will be performed to test the hypothesis. You need to think about how changing
you independent variable will affect your dependent variable. For example: If liquids are placed in containers with sided of different
heights, then they will evaporate
faster in the container with lower sides.
To write such a hypothesis us and “If…,
then” sentence: If the
(independent variable) is (describe how you changed it), then the (dependent variable) will (describe the effect).
·
Do state facts from past experiences or
observations on which you base your hypothesis.
·
Do write down your hypothesis before beginning
the project experimentation.
·
Do state the independent
variable and dependent variable in the hypothesis. “If…, then” sentence: If the
(independent variable) is (describe how you changed it), then the (dependent variable) will (describe the effect).
·
Don't change your hypothesis even if experimentation
does not support it. If time permits, repeat or redesign he experiment to
confirm your results.
ü Procedures:
The
independent variable is the variable you purposely manipulate (change).
The dependent variable is the variable that is being observed, which
changes in response to the independent variable. The variables that are not
changed are called controlled variables or constants.
Sample
The
problem in this section
concerns the effect of light on the reproduction of bread mold. The independent variable for the
experiment is light and the dependent variable is bread mold reproduction. A control is a test in which the independent variable is kept
constant in order to measure changes in the dependent variable. In a control, all variables are
identical to the experimental setup—your original setup—except for the
independent variable. Factors that are identical in both the experimental setup
and the control setup are the controlled variables. For example, prepare the
experiment by placing three or four loaves of white bread in cardboard boxes
the size of a bread box, one loaf per box. Close the boxes so that they receive
no light. If, at the end of a set time period, the mold grows, you might decide
that no light was needed for mold reproduction. But, before making this
decision, you must determine experimentally if the mold would grow with light.
Thus, control groups must be set up of bread that receives light throughout the
testing period. Do this by placing an equal number of loaves in comparable-size
boxes, but leave them open.
The
other variables for the experimental and control setup, such as the
environmental conditions for the room where the boxes are placed—temperature
and humidity—and the brand of the breads used must be kept the same. These are controlled variables. Note that
when designing the procedure of your project experiment, you must include steps
for measuring the results. For example, to measure the amount of mold growth,
you might draw 1/2-inch (1-cm) squares on a transparent sheet of plastic. This
could be placed over the bread, and the number of squares with mold growth
could be counted. Also, as it is best to perform the experiment more than once,
it is also good to have more than one control. You might have one control for
every experimental setup.
·
Do have only one independent variable
during an experiment.
·
Do repeat the experiment more than two times to verify your results.
·
Do include constants
·
Do have more than one control, with each being identical.
·
Do organize data
·
Do include a materials list of materials needed to repeat the
experiment.
·
Do place the procedures in order starting with the #1.
Investigations:
Project
experimentation is the process of testing a hypothesis. The things that have an
effect on the experiment are called variables. There are three kinds of
variables that you need to identify in your experiments: independent,
dependent, and controlled
Graphs
and charts are great because they communicate information visually. Consult website for creation of your three
visual displays.
·
Do make sure that the
graph has a title, both axes are labeled clearly, and that the correct scale is
chosen to utilize most of the graph space.
·
Do record all
observations.
ü
Analysis of result: Ask yourself, what
happened? Did the results agree with your hypothesis?
ü
Conclusion:
The
project’s conclusion explains why the experiment Supported or rejected the hypothesis using
a summary of the results of the project experimentation and a statement of how
the results relate to the hypothesis.
Students
must answer the following seven questions:
1.
What was investigated?
a.
Describe the problem.
2.
Was the hypothesis supported by the data?
a. Compare your actual
result to the expected result
b. Include a valid
conclusion that relates to the initial problem or hypothesis.
3.
What were your major findings?
a. Did the findings support or not support the
hypothesis as the solution to the problem?
4.
How did your findings compare with other researchers?
a. Compare your result to other experiments.
5.
What possible explanations can you offer for your findings?
a. Evaluate your method.
b. State any assumptions that were made which may affect
the result.
6.
What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the
experiment?
a. Comment on the limitations of the method chosen.
b. Suggest how the method could be improved to
obtain more accurate and reliable results.
7. What are some possible applications of the
experiment?
a. How can this experiment or
the findings of this experiment be used in the real world for the benefit of
society?
ü
Applications:
The
application is how the information or knowledge gained in the experiment can be
used.
ü
How to Write a
Bibliography
For a Book by One or Two Authors
Gilbert,
Martin. The Second World War: A Complete History. New York
Holt, 1989.
Sorensen,
Sharon and Bob LeBreck. How to Fly a Kite. New York
Publications,
1994.
An Article in a Reference Book (like an
encyclopedia)
Ollman,
Bertell. “Mars.” Academic American Encyclopedia. 1989 ed.
“Government.”
American Heritage Dictionary. 1986 ed.
Trainen, Isaac N., et al. “Bone Repair Rates in Mice.” Encyclopedia of Biology.
Ed. Warren T.
Reich. 4 vols. New York
An Article from a Magazine
Begley,
Sharon. “A Healthy Dose of Laughter.” Newsweek 4 Oct. 1982: 74.
Motulsky, Arno G. “Genetic Ethics in Medicine.” Science 14
Jan. 1983: 135-40
An Article from a Newspaper
Colling,
Glenn. “Single-Father Survey Finds Adjustment a Problem.” New York
Times 21 Nov. 1983: 20.
Dalin, Damon.
“A $7 Greeting Card? Yes, but Listen to the Melody It Will Play
for You.” Wall
Street Journal 10 May 1983: A37.
A Video
Alzheimer’s
Disease. Videocassette. Prod. Hospital Satellite Network. American
Journal of
Nursing, 1985. 28 min.
A CD-ROM
Frey, Herbert.
“Mars (planet).” The New Electronic Encyclopedia. CD-ROM.
“Cocker
Spaniels.” Microsoft Dogs. CD-ROM. Microsoft Corp., 1995.
A Web Page
Author.
“Title of page or article.” Title of Complete Work. Date last updated [if
available.]
URL. Date you
visited.
Abilock,
Debbie. “Research on a Complex Topic.” Nueva Library Help. 8
August,1996.http://www.nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us/~debbie/library/research/advice.html.
(3
Sept. 1996.)
Data log:
All
scientists keep a record of their observations in some form of a data log. The
data log will begin with the date and time the experimenter collects the data.
Sometimes data will include environmental values such as humidity, temperature,
etc. Entries must be written clearly and with detail of description so that
another scientist can read the data log, simulate the conditions of the
experiment, and repeat the experiment exactly.
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 is one of the last parts of your science fair project that you
will complete. It is an easy part if you are using a computer to record and
type your journal entries and other parts of the project. If you are using a
computer then you will only have to cut and paste this information into the
abstract.
- Must be 250 words or less
written in paragraph form.
- Must be typed, double space, front only.
- Must be Times New Roman font size 12.
- Must have one inch margins all around.
- Must have at least three different resources/references.
- Must include bibliography (See How to Write a Bibliography).
- Must follow correct grammar and punctuation.
* NO Plagiarism: DO NOT use and pass off (the ides of writings
of another) as one’s own. Do not plagiarize, it is unethical and illegal. Plagiarized
work will receive a zero grade.
Parts of an Abstract
(http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_sample_abstract.shtml)
1. Heading: COMPLETE PROJECT TITLE (all in
capital letters, as it appears on the project & board)
Student’s name (Last name, First
name, Middle initial, if used)
Doral Middle School, Doral, Florida
2.
Introduction/Purpose: This is where you describe
the purpose for doing your science fair project or invention. Why should anyone
care about the work you did? Why is the research being done? You have to tell
them why. Did you explain something that should cause people to change the way
they go about their daily business? If you made an invention or developed a new
procedure how is it better, faster, or cheaper than what is already out there? Motivate
the reader to finish the abstract and read the entire paper or display board.
3.
Hypothesis: What is the expected outcome of the
research?
4.
Problem Statement Identify the problem you
solved or the hypothesis you investigated.
5.
Procedures: What was your approach for
investigating the problem? Do describe the most important variables if you have
room. In a brief paragraph describe the critical materials used and how the
experiment was done. This section should a summary of your methods and not a
list.
6.
Results: summarize the data from charts and
graphs in narrative form. What answer did you obtain? Be specific and use
numbers to describe your results. Do not use vague terms like "most"
or "some."
7.
Conclusions: in narrative form cite
interpretation of the results. Briefly, compare findings with other research.
Include suggestions for procedural improvements and recommendations for future
study, as well as applications of the research. State what your science fair
project or invention contributes to the area you worked in. Did you meet your
objectives?
Things to Avoid (http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_sample_abstract.shtml)
- Avoid jargon or any technical terms that most readers won't understand.
- Avoid abbreviations or acronyms
- Abstracts do not have a bibliography or citations.
- Abstracts do not contain tables or graphs.
- For most science fairs, the abstract must focus on the previous 12 months' research (or less), and give only minimal reference to any earlier work.
- If you are working with a scientist or mentor, your abstract should only include procedures done by you, and you should not put acknowledgements to anyone in your abstract.
Abstract Sample
(http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_sample_abstract.shtml)
Advertisers are always touting more powerful and longer
lasting batteries, but which batteries really do last longer, and are battery
life impacted by the speed of the current drain? This projects looks at which
AA battery maintains its voltage for the longest period of time in low, medium,
and high current drain devices. The batteries were tested in a CD player (low
drain device), a flashlight (medium drain device), and a camera flash (high
drain device) by measuring the battery voltage (dependent variable) at
different time intervals (independent variable) for each of the battery types
in each of the devices. My hypothesis was that Energizer would last the longest
in all of the devices tested. The experimental results supported my hypothesis
by showing that the Energizer performs with increasing superiority, the higher
the current drain of the device. The experiment also showed that the heavy-duty
non-alkaline batteries do not maintain their voltage as long as either alkaline
battery at any level of current drain.
This Space was
left blank intentionally
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Final product due on board: 02/12/13
|
When setting up the board it should stand out. Use
neat, colorful heading, charts and graphs.
Above all make sure your name, Teachers Name, and your period is on the
board.
Project
Board Set-up
|
Problem Step (step 1)
Hypothesis (step 2)
Abstract (step 6)
|
Project Title
(different from the Problem statement)
Procedures (step 2) Materials
(step 2)
Variables (step 2) Control
(step 2)
(independent, dependent)
Constants
Data
Table (Step 3) Graph (step 3)
Pictures-relevant, labeled
(take photographs during important
phases/parts of the experiment and label what is happening)
All
faces in photographs need to be covered.
|
Results (step4)
Conclusion (step 5)
(Follow the format)
Applications (step 5)
(How can your project be applied to the real
world?)
|
*On the back of the board (not on the flaps), in permanent
marker, write the following: Last Name, First Name,
Student ID #
Grade/Period #
Teacher’s Name
|
Oral Presentations:
02/12/13
|
Report: Your report must be typed, double
spaced, using size 12 font and printed in black ink. Your report must be put
together neatly in the order written below. Each section should be clearly
labeled. DO NOT attach your research paper to your science fair board. Keep
your report in a separate folder. Please do not use first person tense when
writing the report.
a. Title Page
i. Your
name(s) and Student ID #
ii.
Grade/Period #
iii. Doral Middle
School
iv. Your
science teacher’s name
v. The
project due date
b. Table of contents (include page
numbers)
c. Introduction: problem statement,
background information and hypothesis.
d. Materials and Methods
e. Data in table or graph form
f. Conclusion: Explain if your
hypothesis was correct or not, what applications your findings might have for
others and what may be done differently next time.
Presentation
You're going to
have to make a presentation to the judges. So remember the Boy Scout
Motto--"Be Prepared." Know what you are going to say before you have
to say it by rehearsing your presentation over and over. Pretend you're
lecturing to a large audience that has come to find out about your experiment.
Explain it to them again and again until you can do so clearly and
effortlessly. Imagine them asking you questions. How will you answer? When
you're comfortable with your presentation and can answer any reasonable
question you can think of, and then go to phase two.
Try to find
people to play the role of the judges. Start off with friends and family
members, but try to find some people who are as knowledgeable about science as
your judges are likely to be. Doing you presentation for them will give you the
self-confidence that will keep your calmer and more composed come science fair
day than your competition.
Practicing your
presentation is absolutely essential if you want to win. You'd hate to do all
the hard work to carry out a killer project only to lose because you couldn't
explain yourself clearly before the judges, right?
If absent, it is the
student’s responsibility to have the absence excused by the school’s
administration and re-schedule their science project presentation with their
science teacher.
Ø *The complete
project is DUE on February 08, 2013*
Ø *Oral
Presentations will
be February 12 and 13, 2013*
Ø *Students
not ready to
present by February 12, 2013 will receive a zero for their grade unless arrangements are approved by the
science teacher*
Project Timeline
|
Due Date
|
Project Component
|
Y / N
|
|
November
to 01/11/2013
|
Testable
question and Hypothesis:
1) - Students must have their
partners and decided on their testable question and have formulated their
hypothesis.
2) - Students must keep a
journal to write down notes. This journal must be presented to the judges.
|
|
|
01/17/2013
|
Background research and experiment details:
1) - Students submit the project name, a summary
of their research, the list of material and the procedure.
2) - Students have done also one test of their
experiment and collected the first data.
|
|
|
01/25/2013
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Data
tables , graphical representation, pictures of the experiments Data Analysis:
1)- students have
their data tables, graph, pictures
ready
2)- Analysis of
Results
|
|
|
02/ 1/2013
|
conclusion,
Abstract:
1) -
Conclusions: Support or reject hypothesis with reasons – why?
2)-
Applications: How can your experiment apply to the real world,
extensions/further investigation
3)-
Bibliography: Supply all references
4)- Abstract:
Summary of purpose, procedures, results and conclusion (for g6 to 8 must be 250 words/typed, for g4 and 5 must
be 150 words/typed)
|
|
|
02/8/2013
|
Final
Check
1)- Prepare
the presentation board (be creative and detailed oriented)
2)- Review
the presentation board (Verify that all
the required information is in its correct place)
|
|
|
02/12/2013
02/13/2013
|
In
Class Presentations and Selection of Best Projects
1) - Have report
ready and be prepared to present your project (students are REQUIRED to present). Evaluation
is done according to the rubric sent home
2)- Students not
ready to present their project by
will receive a zero
3)- selection
for the Abraar science fair
|
|
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02/20/2013
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Abraar
Science Fair
More details soon
|
|
Abraar School
Science Fair Agreement
Name of
Student: _________________________________
Science
Teacher: _________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Name: ____________________________
By signing below, my child and I have agreed that
he/she will complete a project for the Science Fair in accordance to the
established Science Fair Guidelines and timeline which are available in the
science link at: http://www.abraarschool.com. We have reviewed the timeline
together and have complete understanding of each due date. We realize that
doing the project will require many work hours outside of the school day. We
also acknowledge that if in a group setting, the group has full responsibility
of all required assignments and completion of this project. All persons in the group have completed
understanding that the grade given for the Science Fair Projects are given as a
team not individual.
Ø
The complete
project is due on February 01, 2012.
Ø
Oral Presentations
will begin February 03, 2012
Ø
Students not
ready to present by February 03, 2012 will receive a zero for their grade
unless arrangements are approved by the science teacher.
Please print, sign, date,
and return this form to the
science teacher.
_____________________________________ _________________________
Student Signature Date
______________________________________ _________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
