Science Fair

Step 1

Letter about science fair will come home

Step 2

Tear off slips are due

Step 3

Project summary forms will come home

Step 4

Project summary forms are due

Step 5

Projects will be set up in the Intermediate Center All Purpose Room (APR)

Step 6

Class visits and teacher selection of finalists.

Step 7

Administrators judge finalists

Step 8

Parent open house for science fair 7-8PM

Step 9

Pick up projects

A Good Science Fair Project is an Experiment- that means it is a test to find an answer to a question that you have about something.
If you are thinking about entering the Science Fair, there are several things you must do. First, you need to decide on a scientific topic. When you are looking for a project idea, choose one that interests you. You can use your experiences, think about current events, watch commercials on television or look through books about science fair projects. (See Bibliography page for details)
Once you have decided on a topic, it will be necessary to gather information about your topic. Your research may include information from books, magazines, the Internet and people. Be sure to keep notes about where you got your information.
The next step will be to formulate your question. Based on the information you have gathered, you will need to state the purpose of your experiment. You must decide what you are trying to find out. To help you formulate your question, try putting some of the different words into the blanks below, or use your own words.
What is the effect of _____________ on _______________ ?

detergent germination of seeds
How/to what extent does the _____________ affect _________ ?
color of material its absorption of heat
Which/what ______________ (verb) ________________ ?
detergent makes the most bubbles

Here are some examples of Scientific topics. Be as creative as you can.

	What material is the best insulator?
	Do soap bubbles last longer on warm or cold days
	What type of cup keeps drinks the coldest over time?
	Does light or heat help fruit to ripen?

Once you have determined the purpose of the experiment, you are now ready to select a variable. A variable is something that you will change or vary which will help you find your answer.

The next step is to state your hypothesis. This is a guess about what your findings will show and what the answer to your question will be. It is important to remember that your hypothesis does not have to be correct. As a matter of fact, the most interesting projects are those where the hypothesis wasn't correct. After all, the fun of the experiment is finding out what the outcome will be, right or wrong. The best scientists love surprises!
Now you will need to decide on and describe how you will change the item or variable you selected. You will also need to know how you will measure your results.

It is finally time to do your perform your experiment as you have planned. Be sure to write down everything you can. Tell what happened and answer your question. You may want to record your results on a chart or graph.

In constructing your exhibit, be neat, creative and fun. Make sure people can understand what you did. Most of all, show that you used the Scientific Method.

Science Fair Don'ts

* Don't be afraid to learn something new and exciting.
* Don't hurt or scare people or animals.
* Don't do demonstrations or simple reports.
* Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
* Don't be afraid to make a mistake. No one is perfect.
* Don't use dangerous materials.

Bibliography

The following books can be found at the Longwood Public Library in Middle Island.
Bonnet, Robert L. - Science Fair Projects: flight, space, astronomy, J500.2 BON
Computers: 49 Science Fair Projects, J507.8 BON
Environmental Science: 49 Science Fair Projects, J507.8BON
Broekel, Ray - Experiments with Light, J535.07 BRO
Catherall, Ed. - Friction, J531 CAT
Challand, Helen J. - Experiments with Magnets, J538 CHA
Fiarotta, Noel - Great Experiments with H20, J532. FIA
Gardner, Robert - Science Fair Projects about Weather, J551.6 GAR
Science Projects about Temperature and Heat, J536.078 GAR
Ideas for Science Projects, J507 GAR
Goodstein, Madeline P. - Sports Science Projects: The Physics of Balls in Motion
Iritz, Maxine Haren - Blue Ribbon Science Fair Projects, J507.8 IRI
Perry, Phyllis Jean - Science Fair Success with Plants, J581.078 PER
Van Cleave, Janice Pratt - Janice Van Cleave's Magnets: Mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects.
The following books can be found in the Ridge Intermediate Library:
Foodworks : over 100 science activities and fascinating facts that
explore the magic of food. 641.3 FOO
Bonnet, Robert L. - Science fair projects : ENERGY. 507.8 B
Cash, Terry - Electricity and magnets. 537 CAS
Cobb, Vicki - Bet you can! : science possibilities to fool you. 793.8
Darling, David J. - Making light work: the science of optics. 535 DAR
Katz, Phyllis - Great science fair projects. 507 KAT
Mandell, Muriel - Simple experiments in time with everyday materials. 529 MAN
Smith, Henry - Amazing air. 530.4 SMI
White, Laurence B. - Science puzzles. 507 W
Wong, Ovid K. - Is science magic? 507 WON
Wyler, Rose - Science fun with mud and dirt. 507 WYL
The following books can be found in the Ridge Primary Library.
Webster, Vera R. - Science experiments. 507 WEB
Cash, Terry - 175 more science experiments to amuse and amaze your friends: experiments! Tricks! Things to make! 507 CAS
Scienceworks: 65 experiments that introduce the fun and wonder of science. 507 SCI
Herbert, Don. - Mr. Wizard's experiments for young scientists. 507. 8 HER
VanCleave, Janice Pratt - Janice VanCleave's guide to the best science fair projects. 507.8 VAN
Milgrom, Harry - ABC science experiments. 530 MIL
White, Laurence - Energy: simple experiments for young scientists. 531.6 WHI
White, Laurence - Air: simple experiments for young scientists. 533.6 WHI

Science Fair Websites

Experimental Science Projects

Free Science Projects and Experiments for Parents, Teachers, and Children of All Ages

Energy and Science Projects

Energy Quest