MURPHEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

STUDENT SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT GUIDE

Student Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Project Topic:________________________________________________________________________________________

CONTENTS:
-Due Dates

-Project Summary

-Grading Rubrics

-Timeline for Completion

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Name: ____________________________________________________
Science Fair Dates: DECEMBER

Project Requirement
Project Topic

Problem Statement

Hypothesis

Materials and Procedure

Conclusions

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

Date: ______________________________

12, 2014

Written SUMMARY

OUTLINE OF A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

A Science Fair project consists of selecting a question to answer, conducting a controlled experiment and collecting data, keeping a log, analyzing the data,
making a conclusion statement and doing a backboard to explain your project.
Question: The question chosen should be of high interest to the student. It should be something that the student would like to know more about; but, it must
also be something that is testable; models are not science projects. Choose a problem in which quantifiable (recordable) data can be collected, in a small
window of time, to determine results.
Controlled Experiment: The experiment should be one in which the student will have a control group and one variable that is being tested. At least 10
repetitions should be done in order to have valid results. If living organisms are chosen, at least 20 repetitions are necessary. The students are encouraged to
find a mentor from a higher education institute or research establishment in the chosen field to give advice and guidance.
Data Logbook: This is a dated record of the work done on each stage of the project and observations during the various stages. Data Logs should be in spiral
notebooks, composition books, or research journals.
Analyze Data: Students will need to make graphs from the data and draw thoughtful conclusions. This information is presented in the formal report.
Conclusion: Students will need to make a statement that either supports or rejects the hypothesis of the project. This information is presented in the formal
report.
Backboard: Normally, the backboard is a freestanding 3 paneled cardboard frame. All of the major steps should be typed and placed on the backboard. The
steps usually flow from left to right across the backboard, but use your imagination and some planning to make it yours!

Problem Statement
Or
Question

Hypothesis

Materials
And
Procedure

Title of Project
Student Name

Variables
Observations

P I C T U R E S
Of
Materials
The
Experiment

Data
And
Graphs
Conclusion
And
Application

GUIDE TO USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR

A good experiment is written in scientific statements. Never use personal pronouns!

1. Problem: The problem should be clearly stated and include 3 variables.
a) Independent Variable: This is what is changed to see its effects. It is what is being tested or compared and is different for each test group.
b) Dependent Variable: This is what is observed or measured in order to determine the results.
c) Constant Factors: These are the things that stay the same for all test groups.
2. Research: Get advice and/or interview experts, use the internet or library to find books, journals and periodicals.
3. Hypothesis: the hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to the problem and should be testable. It is stated as either If, Then or as a Null Hypothesis.
4. Materials: List all materials needed to conduct the experiment; be specific! Use only metric measurements when listing amounts.
5. Procedure:
a) List, in order, the steps of what will be done to conduct the experiment; write down everything!
b) Do not use personal pronouns such as you, I, they it, we, my.
c) Others should be able to repeat the experiment exactly by reading the procedure. This is the recipe for your experimentthink like a cookbook
manufacturer.
d) Make sure all variables and constant factors have been considered.
e) Make sure the experiment is repeated several times (trials) or many samples are used to increase the validity (accuracy).
f) Indicate any safety procedures needed.
6. Data: Draw tables and charts. The information should be clearly presented and should reflect the important information. This should be based on your
observations or information collected while performing the experiment.
7. Results: Make graphs based on your results. Look for patterns, trends or relationships.
8. Conclusion: Decide what the data shows about the hypothesis; state whether the data supported (valid) or did not support (invalid) the hypothesis. Explain in
detail using the results. Consider two possible errors that occurred or might have occurred that would affect the results. What could be done differently to
improve or expand the experiment?
9. Application: How can the knowledge obtained from this experiment be applied to real life or in the future?

Name:___________________________________

11/04/14

Period:_______________

Science Fair Packets Go Home with

Students

11/7/14
Teacher Initial______

Student Contract and Experiment

topic due

11/11/14
Teacher Initial______

Title and Problem Statement due

11/18/14
Teacher Initial______

Research and Bibliography due

11/21/14
Teacher Initial______

Hypothesis, Controls, Independent,

and Dependent Variables, Materials
list, Procedures due

12/2/14
Teacher Initial______

Data (qualitative and quantitative)

and Results due

12/5/14
Teacher Initial______

Rough Draft of Abstract,

Acknowledgements, and Report with
a Table of Contents due

December 12, 2014

PROJECTS ARE DUE

TBD

In-Class Presentation of Science

Projects
Judging of science fair projects

TBD