The Morgan State University

THE THIRTY-FOURTHANNUAL

MORGANSTATEUNIVERSITY

SCIENCE-MATHEMATICS-ENGINEERING FAIR

HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK

______

An Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Affiliate

Table of Contents

Science-Mathematics-Engineering (SME) Fair History…….…………………….……3

Current Mission …………………………………………………………………………3

Schedule of Events ……………………………………………………………………....4

SME Steering Committee Members .……………………………….……………….…..5

Contact Information …………………………………………………………………….5

Why Complete a SME Fair Project ..…………….…………………………………..6 -7

Who May Enter………………………………………………………………………….8

Entry and Exhibition Rules…………………………………………………..……9-10

Student Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………...11

Parent Responsibilities …………………………………………………………………11

Judges …………………………………………………………………………….....11-12

Judging Criteria ……………………………………………………………………12 -13

Getting Started ………………………………………………………………………14-15

Suggested Timeline for Development ………………………………………………16-17

of Research Projects

Typical SME Fair Timeline …………………………………………………………….17

Elements of a Successful Research Project ………………………………………...18-20

Helpful Hints ……………………………………………………………………...... 21

Presentation to Judges …………………………………………………………………22

Official Entry Forms ……………………………………………………………….23–26

Science-Mathematics-Engineering (SME)

Fair History

The first Annual Morgan State University Science Fair was held on May 8, 1981 in the McKeldin Center Ballroom. The objectives of the first Fair were: to identify and encourage promising and creative students in science; to provide an opportunity for students to have practical experience in developing a good science project; to develop a good cooperative relationship between the Morgan State University Comprehensive Science Education Department and area Maryland High Schools and to provide an opportunity for Science Education majors to experience the planning and logistics for organizing and implementing a Science Fair.

Several schools participated in the first Fair. The Fair was open to students in grades 8 through 12. Junior Division (Grades 8-9) and Senior Division (Grades 10-12) trophies and certificates were given in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth and Planetary Science.

Since 1988, Morgan’s Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) governs the Fair. The Fair is open to students in grades 6 through 12 Junior Division (6-8) and Senior Division (9-12) in the categories of Physical Science, Biological Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Engineering and Team Projects. Student/Teacher workshops and school visitations are continuously provided for those in need. The Fair received affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair in 1993. Starting in 1999, winners from the Junior Division participate in the National Discovery Young Scientist Challenge sponsored by Discovery Communications Inc. with Science Services. In 1996 a Winner’s Corner was established for the exhibition of projects from elementary school students for recognition only. Every year, since 1993, the top winners and their teachers from the senior division of the Fair each receive an all expense paid trip to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair. The team projects are encouraged to build team cooperation, research skills and better communication among students.

As an incentive for the students to participate in their respective school SME fair and the Morgan State SME Fair, an array of prizes and awards including scholarships, trophies, certificates and monetary funds are given annually.

Current Mission

Identify and encourage promising and creative students in science, mathematics and engineering

Provide opportunities for students in grades 6-12 to have practical research in developing a quality science-mathematics-engineering project.

Maintain a good cooperative relationship between science, mathematics and engineering departments of MorganStateUniversity and Baltimore Area secondary schools.

Provide an opportunity for science, mathematics and engineering majors to experience the planning and logistics of organizing and coordinating a science-mathematics-engineering fair.

Schedule of Events

The Thirty-third Annual Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair is being presented in the Hill Field House on March 14-15, 2014.

Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair Steering Committee

Dr. Kevin PetersDr. Russell Kelley

Morgan State UniversityRetired, Morgan State University

Dr. Cecelia Wright BrownMs. Corliss Riddick

University of BaltimoreMorgan State University

Mrs. Sharon McClain GibsonDr. Anasuya Swamy

Retired, Baltimore City Public SchoolsRetired, Morgan State University

Mr. John HiresMrs. Willilexia Royal Cox

Retired, Baltimore City Public SchoolsRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Charles MatthewsMr. Douglas Parker

Retired, Baltimore City Public SchoolsRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Mrs. Delores BiggsMrs. Lois S. Waters

Retired, Baltimore City Public SchoolsBaltimore City Community College

Dr. Gabrielle McLemoreMs. Kathryn Dyson

Morgan State UniversityMorgan State University

Ms. Tia BossiwaMs. Camille Hinmon

Baltimore City Public SchoolsBaltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Bryan ThomasMs. Gloria Hayes

Baltimore City Public SchoolsRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Ms. Khadijah MitchellMr. Marc Martin

Graduate Student, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore City Public Schools

Mr. Lydell HenryMr. Marcus Wolfe

Beat the StreetGraduate Student, Morgan State University

Ms. Maureen SullivanMr. Luke Anderson

Maryland Science CenterMollo LLC

Mr. Pete YanconeMs. Billie Partlow

Maryland Science CenterRetired, Baltimore City Public Schools

Contact Information

Corliss RiddickPhone:443-885-3134

MorganStateUniversityFAX:443-885-8234

E-mail:

Why Complete a SME Fair Project?

First

A science fair project is the ultimate answer to the often-asked student question: "Why do I need to learn this stuff, anyway?"

It integrates, into one functional activity, virtually all of the skills and arts that are usually taught separately (sometimes not at all or without obvious "purpose") in many schools. When brought to completion, the project is an amalgamation of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics, statistics, ethics, logic, critical thinking, computer science, graphic arts, scientific methodology, self-learning of one or more technical or specialty fields, and (if the project qualifies for formal competition) public speaking and defense in front of expert judges. It is, perhaps, the only educational activity that allows students to teach themselves, to take from the established information what they need to discover something exciting and new, and to identify and choose the tools that they need to conduct and conclude their project. When a student completes a SME fair project, year after year, through junior and senior high school, the SME fair process yields mature, self-confident, skilled, and competitive young leaders who have career goals and the preparation, discipline, and drive to attain them.

Second

A SME fair project can be self-validating and exciting because it is not just practice. It involves real discovery of little known or even unknown information.

It develops personal power of importance in students, where perhaps none or little existed before. The project usually is based on scientific questions or interests that the students already have, and allows them to develop the questions independently into formal, testable, solvable problems. When such studies are undertaken in earnest, the students often become driven by their projects. Learning the outcome and finding the answer can be an electrifyingly powerful moment of discovery. It proves to students, and to others, that they were successful and that they did it on their own! The result? An ordinary student is motivated to become an excellent student, and an excellent student to become a scholar. Of all the programs that a school might offer a student to improve self-esteem, it seems that participation in a SME fair is one sure-fire way to build student confidence, challenge potential, and instill the incredible feeling of independent achievement that the successful SME fair project provides.

Finally

SME fair projects can pay off in cash and open the doors of academic opportunity.

Well-done projects generally lead to competition and awards at Intel® ISEF-affiliated regional fairs. First-place winners at regional fairs usually have the opportunity to compete for additional awards in the Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair. Top first-place winners from junior and senior divisions in many fairs are selected as sweepstakes winners and receive cash awards. Additionally, selected senior sweepstakes winners (the best of the best) go on to compete with other grand prizewinners from throughout the world for substantial cash and scholarship prizes at the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Perhaps most importantly, however, graduating high school students with records of awards for original research or engineering at the regional fair and beyond, have a distinct advantage over other college applicants in being considered and accepted by the schools of their choice. This is because science fair honors rank high among the screening factors used by admissions officers at most top universities.

Lastly, students who participate in Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair have their projects evaluated by top local scientists from research and industry. Participants whose projects are judged to be worthy of international competition will be judged by the top scientists of the world. Imagine your student discussing a project with a Nobel Prize winner. The exposure and self confidence such an opportunity generates cannot be quantified.

The following statement is excerpted, with thanks, from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Web site.

Who May Enter

Any student in grades 6-12 enrolled in a school (public, private or parochial) or being home schooled in Baltimore City with the exception of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

Division I

High school students, Grades 9 through 12

Division II

Middle School students, grades 6 through 8

Note to prospective participant

The project must be original and must result from the student’s own interest and research.

I.General Categories for Project

Physical Science(Chemistry, Physics)
Earth/Planetary Science and Environmental Science
Biological (Life) Science dealing with animal and/or plant life.
Mathematics and Computer Science
Engineering

II.Team Projects

Teams may consist of up to three (3) members. Each team should appoint a team leader to coordinate the work and act as the spokesperson. However, each member should be able to serve as a spokesperson, be fully involved with the project, and be familiar with all aspects of the project.

Team projects compete against each other in an interdisciplinary category.

The team should submit one abstract. The final work should reflect the coordinated efforts of all team members and will be evaluated using the same rules and similar judging criteria as the other categories.

Special note to teams from Grades 9-12

Each team member must submit an Approval Form (1B). However, team members must jointly submit the Checklist for Adult Sponsor, one abstract, a Team Research Plan (1A), as well as, other required forms. Full names of all team members must appear on the abstract and other forms.

Students may receive consultation from parents, teachers and/or mentors.

Entry and Exhibition Rules

Individual schools have the responsibility of selecting projects to be exhibited in the Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair.

Participants in grades 9-12 must adhere to International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) rules and therefore must submit the Research Plan Approval Form, and Checklist for Adult Sponsor, with necessary signatures, and any other appropriate form (s) (Qualified Scientist Form, Designated Supervisor Form, Human Subject Form, Informed consent Form, Vertebrate Animal Form, or Human Tissue Form) to Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education on or before Monday, February 10, 2014. Projects involving human subjects, non human vertebrate animals, pathogenic agents (all bacteria, fungi, etc. isolated from the environment should be considered potentially pathogenic), controlled substances, recombinant DNA and human or animal tissue require prior approvalbeforeresearch begins. Contact the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education at (443) 885-3134 for additional instructions and forms.

Participants chosen to represent their individual school in the Morgan State Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair must submit an Official Entry Form to the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education on or before Monday, February 10, 2014.

Each participant must submit one copy of the Summary of the Project (Abstract Form 2014) on or before February 10, 2014. The abstract form is a single page containing:

1.Title of the Exhibit

2.What the participant intended to accomplish by the project

3.Steps taken in the preparation of the project

4.Conclusions reached. The abstract must be computer generated or typed in the third person. A second copy of the abstract must be displayed with the project.

All exhibits must be durable and safe. Movable parts must be firmly attached. Where electrical equipment is used, the display must operate on 110-volt alternating current (AC), single phase. Each such exhibit must be provided with at least 10 (ten) feet of extension cord with popular style parallel, or male plug. Battery operated circuits need not be so treated.Live, warm-blooded animals, plants,dangerous chemicals, open flames, explosives, poisonous reptiles and arachnids, may not be exhibited. Morgan will not provide facilities for running water, gas or compressed air for exhibits.

Exhibits may consist of a demonstration model, an experiment, a working mechanism, or of charts, diagrams, or collections with a scientific objective. These must be no larger than 76 cm (30 inches) deep (front to back) by 122 cm (48 inches) wide (side to side) and no higher than 274 cm (108 inches) including table thus meeting International Science Fair specifications. No backing or rear display board of any kind will be provided for the exhibit. Tables at the Fair are slightly less the 91cm (36 inches) and it is suggested, though not required, that exhibitors construct displays like a miniature stage affair, with three sides and a floor.

The participants will be responsible for setting up and removing his/her display. Neither name of exhibitor nor name of school shall appear on front of exhibit before or during the judging. A number and slot will be assigned to each exhibit based upon division, category and order in which entry blanks are received, for identification prior to the judging.

No Exhibit May Be Dismantled Before 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 15, 2014.

Individual schools should send all forms to:

MorganStateUniversity

C/O Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education

1700 E. Cold Spring Lane

101 Banneker Hall

Baltimore, Maryland 21251-0001.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY:

Monday, FEBURARY 10, 2014

Participants are to set up projects in the Talmadge Hill Field House on the campus of Morgan State University between the hours of 5:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M, Thursday, March 13, 2014 and

7:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. Friday, March 14, 2014.

Viewing by the public will commence at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 14, 2014. Judging will take place Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 9:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. The Exhibition Hall will be closed to everyone with the exception of judges, participants and Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair Committee members. Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participants at 1:00 P.M. The Hall will be reopened to the general public from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. All Projects Should Be Left In Place Until 2:00 P.M.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Awards Banquet for participants, parents and teachers to be held in the:

Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom, New Student Center

7:00 P.M.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Awards

The winners will be awarded trophies and other prizes.

Student Responsibilities

1.Each participant will bear full responsibility for his/her project. (Setting-up/removal).

2.Each participant must assume full responsibility for his/her own project as to damage or injury to participant or viewers.

3.Only students that participate in the Science Fair Judging on Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. will be invited to attend the Awards Banquet unless, other arrangements have been made with the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education, Morgan State University.

Parent Responsibilities

The STUDENT is the PRIMARY RESEARCHER. His/her role is to:

Choose the topic
Do research
Plan and conduct experiments/demonstrations
Record data
Prepare the report and do artwork or the display

The PARENT has three LESSER roles:

LAB ASSISTANT-help gather materials, assist with construction, and supervise "dangerous" activities.
CONSULTANT-ask questions, give advice, ask questions, make suggestions, and ask questions. Ask student to explain his/her reasoning. Do not make decisions, encourage the student to work it out.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD-may reject projects on the basis of high cost, lack of proper research facilities, and so on. Rule on safety issues.

The above statements are excerpted, with thanks, from the OakSchool Science Fair Handbook 2001 K-3

Judges

A cadre of noted scientists, mathematicians, engineers and educators serve as judges.

Judges evaluate and focus on:

1.what the student did in the current year

2.how well a student followed the scientific methodologies

3.the detail and accuracy of research as documented in the data book

4.whether experimental procedures were used in the best possible way rather than supporting equipment

Judges look for well thought-out research. They look at how significant your project is in its field, how thorough you were, and how much of the experiment thought and design is your own work.

Judges applaud those students who can speak freely and confidently about their work. They are not interested in memorized speeches – they simply want to TALK with you about your research to see if you have a good grasp of your projects from start to finish. Besides asking the obvious questions, judges often ask questions to test your insight into your projects such as “What was your role?”, “What didn’t you do?” and “What would be your next step?”

Judging Criteria

Individual Team

Projects

A. CREATIVENESS 30 25

The problem is original or is a unique approach toan

old problem (considering the student’s grade level)