SCIENCE FAIR MiniLesson 5 Finishing Your Science Fair

SCIENCE FAIR Mini-Lesson #5 Finishing Your Science Fair Project

Let’s Begin…… Use your blue folders to find the answers to the questions in “Finishing Your Project” Notes. You will read multiple sections of the blue folder to find the answers. You will have 40 minutes to complete. Remember: DO NOT WRITE IN OR ON THE BLUE FOLDER!

1. What preparations should you make before you start the experiment? * Know what to do (procedure), get a lab notebook, be prepared, think of safety 2. Can you make changes to your experimental procedure? * Yes, as long as you record the changes in your data notebook 3. Should you take pictures during your experiment? * Yes, & Yes!!!

When you are ready with all of your preparations and procedure/materials, you may conduct your experiment. During your experiment, you will collect data. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Data Analysis” and “Summarizing Your Data” to answer questions 1 -5.

1. If you collect several trials worth of data, what should you calculate when performing your data analysis? * the average 2. When you graph data, where does the independent variable go? * X-axis 3. When you graph data, where does the dependent variable go? * Y-axis

4. If you have different experimental groups, what type of graph should you use? * Bar graph 5. If you have different experimental groups and you take data over time, distance, etc. , what type of graph(s) should you use? * Line graph

While conducting your experiment, you should be making 2 types of observations. These observations should be reported in charts, graphs and data tables both in your final report and on your backboard. Observations = information that is gathered senses using the five _______ data • also known as _____

A. Types of observations: 1. Quantitative observations = numerical form. Observations in _____ i. e. # organisms, temp. , area, mass 2. Qualitative observations = descriptive and Observations that are _____ do not involve ____ numbers i. e. behavior, videotapes, pictures

Guidelines For Data Analysis • Only after you have completed your experiment should you begin your data analysis. • You should calculate the Mean (average) for each control group and experimental group. • You should have a SEPARATE LINE graph for each control group and experimental group.

• You should have ONE BAR graph that compares each group to the others. Use your mean (average) calculated from each group as the basis of comparison. • All Data tables should be typed. • Graphs should be made on the computer if possible. Otherwise, very neatly handwritten with both the X and Y axis labeled. Make sure to include the units with which you made the measurements and a TITLE!!!

Once you are finished with your experiment and have analyzed your data, it is time for you to draw a conclusion and put together your final report. Use you Science Fair Folder under “Conclusion” and “Science Fair Project Final Report” to answer questions 1 -4.

1. What is your conclusion? *A summary of how your results support or contradict the original hypothesis 2. What 5 items should be included in your conclusion? 1. A summary of science fair project results 2. Results support or contradict hypothesis 3. Relationship between the independent and dependent variable 4. Summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure 5. Changes in procedure

3. What should you do if your hypothesis is wrong? *DO NOT change or manipulate results – simply explain why things didn’t work 4. List (in order) what sections should be in your FINAL report: a. Title page b. Abstract c. Table of Contents d. Question, variables & hypothesis e. Background Research Paper (corrected plus previously graded)

f. Materials list g. Experimental Procedure h. Data analysis and discussion (CHARTS/ GRAPHS) i. Conclusions j. Works Cited

In order to complete the final report, you will need to write an abstract; basically, a short summary of your project. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Science Fair Project Abstract” to answer questions 1 -4

1. What is an abstract? *An abbreviated version of your science fair project final report 2. What is the maximum number of words allowed in an abstract? *250 words max

3. What 5 sections should be included in the abstract? 1. Introduction 2. Problem / Statement 3. Procedures 4. Results 5. Conclusions Sample abstract = http: //www. sciencebuddies. org/science-fair-projects/project_sample_abstract. shtml ** NO I’S, we, us, etc. !!!!!

4. What 6 things should you avoid in the abstract? a. Avoid technical words readers will not understand b. Avoid abbreviates & acronyms c. No bibliography / no citations d. No tables or graphs e. Only current work f. Only your procedures / no acknowledgements

Now that the tough stuff is done, you will make a visually appealing backboard to help relay your project during the interview. Use your Science Fair Folder under “Science Fair Project Display Board” to answer questions 1 -5.

1. How many panels should your display board have? *3 2. How tall should your display board be? How wide? * 36 inches tall / 48 inches wide 3. In order, what should be on the left side of the display board? (Note – Instead of background research, there should be a copy of your abstract) a. purpose b. hypothesis c. ABSTRACT!!!!!

4. In order, what should be in the center of the display board? a. materials & procedures b. Data: charts / photos / models 5. In order, what should be on the right side of the display board? a. results b. Conclusion & discussion

SCIENCE FAIR MINI-LESSON #5 ITEMS TO BE TURNED IN: The FINAL part of the science fair project is worth 150 Points. Here is what you should turn in: 1. A FINAL REPORT (with all corrections & typos fixed!) = 50 points 2. SCIENCE PROJECT BACKBOARD = 50 points 3. CLASS SCIENCE FAIR QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION = 50 points

• You must bring these items plus any models, parts of your experiment you think necessary on the due date. On the due date, we will have a CLASS Science Fair where you will be expected to set up your backboard and speak to guests about your project. If you are absent, you will need to come to me during lunch for the interview buy you will NOT be offered the extra-credit option (see below)

You may earn up to 10 points extra-credit for “dressing up” (no jeans of any sort!) the day of our class science fair. Ladies Business Attire = nice dress / suit /skirt & shirt /slacks & shirt / dress shoes Gentlemen Business Attire = slacks & collared shirt /suit /dress shoes (tie optional)

CLASS SCIENCE FAIR &SCIENCE FAIR MINI-LESSON #5 DUE DATE: Thursday 1/25/18