Option B: Experiment

Name______homeroom______

Science Teacher-______

Room #______

Please put this in your folder. Do not lose it. We will be completing pages out of this packet, so keep it handy!

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT OPTION B

The Science Experiment Option B of our STEM Fair involves asking a genuine scientific question that can be effectively answered by experimentation. The student will be required to write a hypothesis, design a controlled experiment and then conduct and analyze data from multiple trials to test the validity of the hypothesis.

Science ExperimentTimeline

Topic is dueweek of ______

Rough draft of Problem and Hypothesis ______

Materials and Procedures dueweek of ______

Conduct Experiment, collect data, record observations, and measurements (Don’t forget to take pictures)______

1stLogbook checkweek of ______

Typed tables and graphs dueweek of ______

2nd Logbook check week of ______

Typed rough draft of Abstract due______

Typed rough draft of Research report (7th and 8th grade only) due ______

Projects are due- Final draft of log book, Display board, research report- ______

Head Magnets Science fair-TBA

Science Experiment guidelines-

Taken from MNPS Science website

5th and 6th grade guidelines:

Must have a testable question

Perform at least 3-5 trials

Results must be measurable with numerical values

Must have a log book

Results and data should be clearly presented with graphs and/or tables

Photos of the project are encouraged; no skin, face, etc. to be shown

Name of student should NOT be on the project; Teacher assigned ID# only

Should be clear that the student did the work

Have an abstract

Give credit to adult sponsors

No projects on mold or rotting plants/food

7th and 8th grade guidelines:

Follow all guidelines for 5th and 6th grade, plus…

  • Include research report
  • Have 1 independent variable with at least 3 levels
  • Perform 5+ trials of each level
  • No projects on food, popcorn, paper towels, explosives, or vertebrates

Models and demos can only get 3rd place.

Science Fair projects should have a display board or power point/web site and logbook. The Project ID # assigned by the teacher should be placed:

1. on the front of the display board in the top right corner, and

2. on the front of the log book.

We require that projects adhere to ISEF regulations. Regulations and

documents can be access at

These regulations mandate that proper care must be taken to insure the

safety of the student researcher, any human subjects, and the public, as

well as proper treatment of vertebrate animals that are used in experimental

studies. Students must work under the guidance of an adult sponsor (typically

a teacher), and possibly other specialists depending on the nature of the

student's project.

Projects that involve human subjects, vertebrate animals, potentially

hazardous biological agents (bacteria, etc), tissues, or hazardous chemicals

MUST be approved by the SRC/IRC committee before the student begins

experimentation.

Projects requiring IRB/ISEF forms must have a copy of the IRB form in the logbook.

  • ISEF forms are at the end of the packet for those students who choose project topics that require them.

Science Experiment -Vocabulary
Abstract- short written report that gives the essence of the project in brief , complete form 250 words long; a summary
Conclusion- your opinion of what happened during the experiment; included at the end of the research report and on the display board
Control group- the group of test subjects that you use to show what happens when the independent variable is not applied
Data- These are also observations, but they are listed in the form of a chart or graph, so you can clearly see the results from the data
Dependant variable- the change that happens in your experiment as a result of the independent variable; outcome/effect; the results
Display board- A back board, typically three paneled, on which is attached the title, parts of the written report, graphs/charts, pictures, etc. to tell the story of your experiment
Experimental groups- The groups of test subjects that you use to show what happens when the independent variable is applied
Hypothesis- a testable statement that you make as an answer to a question you have about your topic; an important statement used to guide the entire experiment
Independent variable- The one thing you change in your experiment to figure out how it impacts your topic of choice
Logbook- notebook in which you keep records of what you did in the experiment
Materials list- a list of all the supplies and equipment you use in your experiment
Observations- All the information you write down in your logbook and summarize in your data as you conduct the experiment
Procedure- A list of steps you complete to perform your experiment from start to finish
Research- Any information you gather from different sources which helps you know more about your topic
Results- A simple, factual summary of what happened in the experiment
Trend-The general direction in which something tends to move; a general tendency or inclination; graphs are used to observe trends
Variable- anything that can affect your topic and change the experiment

Experiment Project steps

Step 1: Formulate a Hypothesis to answer question.

Students will first design a testable question. Students will then come up with a

testable hypothesis to answer the question that has been asked on the chosen

topic.

Step 2: Design experiment- variables

Students will determine what the independent and dependent variables are for the

experiment. This will guide students as to what the experiment will look like.

Step 3: Determine materials and procedures

Students will determine what materials will be needed for the experiment and

acquire the needed materials. Students will also plan out the step by step

procedure for the experiment before carrying it out.

Step 4: Experiment- collecting data (minimum 3 trials)

Student will perform the experiment at home. Student will collect data in data

tables and keep a journal record of what was done at each step. The experiment

should be done 3 times (trials).

Step 5: Analyze data, conclusion

Student will look at the data collected and make tables and graphs. Students will

then analyze the data and write a results paragraph. Once these are completed the

student will then write a conclusion paragraph. Students will also write an abstract

to describe the completed experiment.

Step 6: Communicate

Students will create a board or other presentation approved by the Science

teacher. The presentation will show all the steps that were followed in the

project. Students will then display the project in the gym for the official STEM

fair. At some point students will present their project to their class.

Choosing Topics-Experiment Name______

Choose three topics that interest you. Write down the web site, title, materials, and any questions you have about this topic in the spaces provided. If you already know the answer to the question without doing the experiment, it is NOT an acceptable topic.

Topic Choice 1 title______

Web site ______

Materials______

______

Questions______

______

Topic Choice 2 title______

Web site ______

Materials______

______

Questions______

______

Topic Choice 3 title______

Web site ______

Materials______

______

Questions______

______

Grade______

Name______

Period______Date______

Final Topic- Experiment

  1. My topic is:______
  2. The question I asked is:______
  3. In short, this is how I want to study my topic:______

______

  1. Draw a check mark in the box if the sentence is true for your project.

 My question can not be answered with a “yes” or “no” (if it can, do not check the box)

 I will be interested in this topic for the long haul.

 I will be able to complete this experiment at least two weeks before the science

fair.

 I will be able to get the permission I need to this project.

 I will be able to get the materials/equipment necessary for this project.

 My school does not have rules that will prevent me from doing this project

 I do not already know the answer to my question. (If you know the answer, do not check

the box.)

 I have specified the exact type of subjects for my experiment (the species of

plant/animal, breed of dog, brand name, etc.)

 I will be able to use more than one subject.

 I will be able to locate the subjects I need to use.

 I will be able to have three trials/ tests.

If each box does not have a check mark, you need to select another topic from the list you generated or work on the topic you selected a little more.

I approve of the listed topic above.

**Parent Signature______

Teacher Signature______

Grade______

Logbook- Requirements –All grade levels

The purpose of the log book is to record all information related to your project.

  1. Your logbook is an original, one of a kind.
  2. Do not lose it.
  3. It is neither replaceable, nor repeatable.
  4. What you write in your logbook is for others and you to help recall, verify, and present all that you do in your experimentation.
  5. Do not erase. Do not use liquid paper (white out). If you make a mistake or change your mind, use a single line mark through.
  6. Do not discard after the fair is over. Save it.
  7. Write all entries in black or blue ink, waterproof ink or tape, glue word processed information onto pages. Please make sure that no edges of documents are hanging over the edges of your log book pages.
  8. Write everything that would be necessary for someone else to repeat your experiment and obtain similar results.
  9. Your creative title goes on the cover. (It should also be on the board (all grade levels) and Research Report (7/8 grade).) It is helpful if it matches your display board.
  10. Number your logbook pages even numbers on the left odd numbers on the right.
  11. Date every entry in the logbook with the date and time for each entry.

Log Book Order of Entries

  1. Title (On outside cover, should match your display board)
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Research Idea Origin –Why did you choose this topic/area of study?
  4. Statement of problem –A clear statement of what the project tries to prove or find out.
  5. Hypothesis (Step 1)
  6. Material list –list of all materials used for this project (Step 3)
  7. Procedure – A step by step explanation of what was done and how students accomplished it, identify the control and variables (Step 3)
  8. Data- charts/tables (Step 4)
  9. Journal -event by event entries of procedures and observations (Step 4)
  10. Results –narrative explanation of Data results (Step 5)
  11. Conclusion – using rubric provided (Step 5)
  12. Discussion -What did you learn? Does the experiment suggest other possible hypothesis or experiments?
  13. Bibliography
  14. Acknowledgements –Thank those who aided in with this project, use common nouns rather than proper names (my parents, my teacher, etc.)
  15. Abstract -A short essay containing the problem, hypothesis, a short description of the experiment, conclusion, and possible research applications; written in 3rd person-does not use the words “I”, “me”, or “my.” (Step 5)

Step 1, part 1Name______

Period____Date______

Question

The first step in choosing a science fair experiment is choosing a testable question. In your science fair experiment, you will search for cause and effect relationships. In other words, you will design an experiment so that changes in one factor will cause an item to vary in a measurable or observable way. The science fair question must include the independent variable and dependant variable. Correct spelling and grammar are a must.

Examples:

How much water flows through a faucet with different sized openings?

Independent variable- (What I changed): size of the faucet opening

Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured) volume of the water that flowed out of the faucet.

What is the effect of the kind of copper wire on the number of paper clips that an electromagnet can lift?

Independent variable- (What I changed): type of wire

Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured): number of paper clips the electromagnet picked up

Does the design of the catapult arm affect the accuracy of the toss of the projectile?

Independent variable- (What I changed): different arm design for the catapult

Dependant variable- (What I observed/measured): distance the object is from the target

Question check list

  1. Independent variable
  2. Dependant variable
  3. no pronouns
  4. written in the third person
  5. question mark included
  6. correct spelling (affect-verb, effect-noun)
  7. correct tense (present/future)

Place the correct, edited version of the question in the box.

Place your question into your logbook.

Grade______

Step 1, part 2Name______

Period____Date______

Hypothesis

Hypothesis means “before the idea”

It is best to think about how a change of one factor/variable might affect another factor or outcome.

It is a plan how to solve a problem, a plan on how to answer your question.

It should state the variable you are planning on changing and how it might affect the outcome.

It should contain a verb such as …determined, measured, tested, observed, calculated, or examined.

  1. the plan
  2. independent variable (the one being tested)
  3. affect on outcome
  4. verb
  5. correct spelling
  6. correct grammar (no pronouns)

Place your final, edited draft of hypothesis in box below.

Grade______

Step 1, part 2Name______

Period____Date______

Hypothesis 2

Your hypothesis should have…

  1. the plan
  2. independent variable (the one being tested)
  3. affect on outcome
  4. verb (determined, measured, counted, tested, observed, calculated, examined etc.)
  5. correct spelling
  6. correct grammar (no pronouns-me, my he, she, etc.)

Now look at what you already have. Now rewrite it so it is in one of the following formats.

Choice 1- If the (independent variable) is changed, then the affect on ______can be (verb)

Choice 2- By changing the (independent variable), then the affect on the ______can be (verb)

Choice 3- When changing the (independent variable), the affect on the ______can be (verb)

You can Change the words around but keep the basic format.

~Change of (independent variable), affect on results can be (verb)

Place your final, edited draft of hypothesis in box below.

Place this final copy of your hypothesis into your logbook.

Grade ______

Step 2Name______

Period______Date______

Variables worksheet

  1. What is a variable?(definition)
  1. What are some of the variables for your experiment?
  1. What is an independent variable?(definition)
  1. Why is it important to keep all variables (except the independent variable) the same?
  1. Looking at #2 which of your variable will be easy to keep constant?
  1. Looking at #2 which variables will not be easy to keep constant?
  1. Choose your independent variable.______
  1. What variables will remain the same?
  1. What is your dependent variable?

Grade______

Step 3Name______

Period_____Date______

Planning the Materials and Procedure

List your materials here. (Everything you will use during your experiment, even safety equipment.)

How will you measure your results? Units?

List each step in your procedure in order:

Grade______

Display Board,Prezi, or Website- All Grade levels

The display is your advertisement for your project. Think about your favorite bill board or commercial. What do you like about them? What makes them stand out? Now think about how you can make your display board,Prezi, or web sitestand out.

Display Boards: (5th-8th grade)

Exhibits cannot exceed a depth of 30 inches, width of 48 in and a height of 9 feet.

Prezi/Web Site: (6th-8th grade)

Must have some way of displaying exhibit. Must be E-mailed to your Science teacher.

Both Display Board/Prezi/Web site:

All lettering should be readable from four feet away…this means larger than 12 font.

Headings and titles should be at least 1 inch in height.

Spelling should be carefully checked.

Consider artistic appeal by considering boarders, complimentary colors and display materials and equipment.

Plan your time carefully. An excellent display will take time to obtain materials and implement your design.

The project should include materials and equipment used but may not include:

Page | 1

Option B: Experiment

  • Plants
  • Animals
  • Lasers
  • Fuels, food, chemicals, liquids
  • Glass
  • Microbes
  • Sharp objects
  • Powder
  • Soil

Page | 1

Option B: Experiment

The display must include:

  1. Title
  2. Problem, Question, or Purpose
  3. Hypothesis
  4. Procedures (methods and materials listed)
  5. Results with data, graphs, analysis of data
  6. Visuals of procedures and results with labeled drawings and/or photo graphs
  7. Conclusion
  8. Abstract
  9. Research report (to put on table in front of display) 7th and 8th grade only
  10. Log Book ( to put on table in front of display)
  11. ID # on top front right corner of display board, front cover of log book and research report. You must also put you ID # on any items you display with your board that is not attached to the board.

Prezi- Please put slides in order as listed above.

Websites- Please have a page for each item listed above.

Step 4 guidelines

Writing up your Results- All grade levels

Your result should be written in a brief paragraph of what you discovered while conducting your experiment.

Write a topic sentence stating the independent and dependant variables referencing appropriate tables/graphs. There are several ways to write a topic sentence as long as the needed information communicated.

Example- The effect of different number of batteries wired in a series on the force of the motor is shown in Table1.1, Table 1.2, Graph 1.1 and Graph 1.2

Compare each test with the other tests done.

Example- Twelve washers were lifted by two batteries in test one and fifteen washers in test two. Twenty washers were lifted by three batteries in test three and nineteen washers in test four.