DeMatha Science Fair Expo General Information

Students should be aware that the DeMatha Catholic High School Science Expo places emphasis on scientific research and the application of concepts that are part of the curriculum for this department. The goal of this program is not to win a prize, but rather to apply concepts stressed in the classroom.The components of a successful science research project are outlined below.

Students should place emphasis on the science behind the project. Often students fail to understand how good a project looks or how much time was spent on the project can never compensate for a project that does not demonstrate the student has an understanding of the science behind the project. Students must clearly articulate through their displays and research papers that they understood the applications of scientific concepts.

Students should clearly follow the orderly process of scientific investigation as identified in the scientific method.

Students should quantify their data. Many students often fail to make quantitative observations when performing their research. For example, when chemical “A” was mixed with chemical “B” it gave off heat is not a quantitative measurement. However, if a student reports that when chemical “A” was mixed with chemical “B” the temperature of the mixture rose from 250C to 350C he has reported a quantitative measurement. All data must be quantified.

Students should not simply perform an experiment, but rather they should investigate a problem.

Students should not procrastinate on getting their project started.

All forms must be completed by the deadlines stated by the respective teacher.

Each project must include a research paper. All papers must be submitted using the CBE style for the natural and applied sciences. For biology papers in-text citations with name and year system will be used (17d/17c). For chemistry papers in-text citations with numbers will be used (17a/17b). Information on these formats can be found in Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (Tenth Edition), by James D. Lester and James D. Lester, Jr. (sections are referenced above for subject areas). All freshmen at DeMatha have been provided with a copy of this resource. Other students may obtain a copy from the media center.

DeMatha Science Expo Dates

The following dates indicate the deadline for completing the components of the research project. Individual teachers may have indicated earlier deadlines for their respective classes. The dates indicated below are the final deadlines.

13 December 2005: One paragraph preliminary proposal due to teachers for all projects. (Some teachers may require an earlier date for this. Check with the subject teacher.)

07 January 2006: A one page typed research plan and FORM 1A (Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment) required for all projects.

27 January 2006: Research Plan FORM 1B along with a Research Plan Attachment FORM 1C and a typed abstract of 200 words or less is required for all projects.

03 March 2006: Backboard displays are due to teachers.

08 March 2006: Projects are set up by 3:00 PM.

09 March 2006: Students are scheduled to be interviewed by scientist during the day. Science Expo Dinner/Guest Lecturer scheduled for the evening along with awards presentations.

04 March 2005: All projects must be removed from the activity center by the end of homeroom period and stored in their lockers or science classrooms. Projects not removed by the end of homeroom period will be stacked in the corner. At 3:00 PM any remaining projects will be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Points will be deducted from the grade project grade of students who do not dispose of their own work.

All underlined forms indicated above are located on the DeMatha Department of Sciences web site.

Items to be included in the DeMatha Science Expo Display for each student research project

Backboard with photos, graphs, charts, etc. (With the hypothesis, method and materials, and conclusions clearly stated)

Typed abstract (on backboard)

Display items (absolutely no living plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, liquids, or hazardous chemicals of any type.)

Log and data book (indicates dates and times the project of work on the project and any raw data)

Research paper (This must list in order: Title, Introduction, Hypothesis, Methods and Materials, Results, Discussion/Conclusion, and References Cited {a minimum of 5})

All research papers must follow the respective CBE style for the subject area (see General Information for details)

Project number sheet (from classroom teacher)

Name (clearly printed or typed)

NOTE THAT ALL PROJECTS MUST INCLUDE A RESEARCH PAPER IN CSE FORMAT AS DISCUSSED IN THE CLASSROOM

Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form 1A

Student Name______

ڤ I have reviewed and approve the research plan for this project

ڤ The project does not involve any of the following which require additional approval from the instructor and Department Chair:

  • Human Subjects
  • Non-human Vertebrae Animals
  • Pathogenic Agents
  • Controlled Substances
  • Recombinant DNA
  • Human or Non-Human Invertebrate Animal Tissue

ڤ The project does not involve any of the hazardous substances or devices listed below which require additional approval by the instructor, Department Chair, and supervision by a qualified scientist:

  • Explosive, hazardous, highly toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or pesticide chemicals
  • Welders, lasers, or voltage greater than 220 volts
  • Firearms
  • Radioactive substances
  • Radiation

______

Legal Guardian’s Printed Name Signature Date of Review

Research Plan (1B)

1)Student’s Name______

2)Title of Project______

3)Project Category (from list)______

4)Grade Level______Course______

5)Instructor______

6)Adult Sponsor______

7)Data collection began (m/d/y) ______and ended ______

8)Name and location of lab work site______

______

______

9)Check any of the following areas that apply to your research and

obtain from your instructor and attach the necessary required forms:

  • Humans
  • Non-Human Vertebrae Animals
  • Recombinant DNA
  • Pathogens
  • Controlled Substances
  • Human/Animal Tissue

10)Complete the Research Plan Attachment (Form 1C) and attach to this form.

11)Attach a typed abstract and attach to this form as the last page.

Research Plan Attachment 1C

Provide a typed research plan and attach it to Research Plan Form 1B.

The research plan must include the following labeled sections in the indicated order:

1)Title

2)Problem or question being addressed

3)Hypothesis

4)Method and Materials

5)References used (A minimum of three references must be cited. Only one of these can be from an internet source. The others must be from reputable science magazines, books, journals, or other publications that are widely accepted as being reliable sources of science information.)

Be sure to attach the abstract as the final page.