THE BIG DUE DATE 12-5-16 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what's due??? 1. SCIENCE PROJECT PORTFOLIO (see below)
2. THE DATA NOTEBOOK (see below)
3. BACKBOARD (see below)
Your Project (all of it) MUST be here in my classroom on time...no excuses. Please have a plan for rainy/sick days...have someone bring it in for you!
Class Presentations...12/5, 12/6, 12/7...random selection...be ready!
The Data Notebook (aka...Logbook/Journal)
Use a composition notebook (may be spiral or even a few sheets of paper properly bound in a report cover/folder) for recording all measurements and observations. This notebook is called the logbook or "raw" data notebook. Record all information about your science project each day you work on it. Consider the following:
· Number all pages and create a title page. (table of contents is optional)
· Make sure that you include accurate metric measurements in your data. Give masses in grams, volumes in milliliters, and linear measurements in centimeters or meters. (VERY IMPORTANT) Creating preliminary data tables (before the final one on your display board) is a good idea :).
· Keep lots of notes! It is better to have too much information than not enough.
· You *SHOULD use PEN! Do not erase! Do not tear out pages! If you make a mistake draw a single line over the mistake and make a correction next to it. (*if you've written your's in pencil already, it's okay)
· Write down the date and time when making observations. (VERY IMPORTANT)
· Keep track of materials used, their quantities and cost.
· You may take photographs and video during your project. These can be used as part of your display board. Write down who took the pictures and when/where so you can cite the source on the pictures you use in your display.
The Abstract...
It is highly recommended that you use the ISEF Abstract form. (fill it out online and print a few copies...1 for the display board, 1 for the portfolio, and some (2) for judges).
Abstract heading must be in the following form:
Exact title that is on your board (in CAPITAL LETTERS)
Last name, first name, middle initial
School Name
City and State
Abstract Text:
Write a one-page summary (maximum of 250 words). Generally the summary is written in 3 paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 summarizes the introduction in 4 to 5 sentences. It includes the question, brief review of information stressing the relevance of the project, and the hypothesis in an If...then... format.
Paragraph 2 briefly reviews the method (NOT all of the steps) and how the data was collected. Include the number of trials, total number of samples, and types of measurements taken.
Paragraph 3 identifies any significant results, errors and suggested improvements to the project with the conclusion, and relevance. Plans for continuing the project could also be proposed here.
The Science Project Portfolio (aka...Sci Proj Binder/Notebook)
In a small 3-ring binder (recommended), place the following items in order...(tabs are wonderful to help judges flip through your binder!) :)
1. Title Page (page 1)
You may phrase the title in the form of a question or a very eye-catching, creative form.
This can be larger than 12 font and may be colorful and different font (from TNR).
Put the complete name(s) of the student(s) in the lower right corner, along with the class period, teacher's name, and date.
2. Abstract (page 2)
3. Research (pages 3-5)...page #s could differ depending on the size of your research paper
Edit the Science Project Research paper that you were handed back. Print the newly changed research paper (should be re-numbered, 3 complete pages of RESEARCH in 12 font Times New Roman, APA format with 1" margins, in-paragraph citations on material that is NOT original thought; research should all of the background concepts within your experiment that one should know to understand your project)
4. Table of Contents (page 6)...literally make your page look like the following with a title "Table of Contents" :)
I. Introduction Section
Problem………………………....7
Hypothesis…………………....8
II. Experiment Section
Materials and Equipment........9
Experimental Design……………………...10
Data and Results……......11
II. Conclusion Section
Analysis & Conclusion...(?...depends)
References…………………(?...depends)
Acknowledgements……..(?...depends)
5. Problem Statement (page 7)
Type "Problem" ("Question" is also appropriate if you've already printed it out). Place in center, top portion of the page.
Phrase the problem statement in the form of a question to be answered by the experimental design. (may be placed center-aligned a few spaces below "problem" or may be centered on page)
6. Hypothesis (page 8)
Type "Hypothesis" and place in top/center portion of the page.
Phrase hypothesis in an "if, then, because..." format. "if" [explain what you'll do], "then" [explain what you'll think will happen], "because" [how can you explain your guess?].
7. Materials and Equipment (page 9)
Type "Materials and Equipment" and place in top/center of page.
Prepare a complete list of all supplies/equipment needed.
Be specific (ie. 5-5 ml glass beakers)
8. Experimental Design/Procedures (page 10)
Type "Experimental Design" and place in top/center of page. Describe each step in the procedure. Be specfic. State each step so that another scientist could duplicate this experiment. If you used an online procedure as a guide, use your OWN words. Number each step in a 'list' format. Pictures may be included in these 'instructions'.
9. Data and Observations (page 11 thru ?)
Type "Data and Observations" and place in top/center of page(s).
This section may be several pages long (depending upon the charts/tables/graphs you've created to display your data. Make sure to properly title/label all of the above.
10. Analysis and Conclusions (page ?...depends on your Data section)
Type "Analysis and Conclusions" and place in top/center of page.
Analyze your data according to the ISEF description. This information should be a 'healthy' paragraph. Label the paragraph "Analysis".
Put the conclusion section on the same page. Label paragraph(s) "Conclusion". Write a conclusion according to the ISEF description.
11. References (page ?...depends)
Type "References" and place at top/center of page. Use APA formatting. This should be the References from your Research Paper (make sure it's a new sheet(s) with proper changes/fixed up). Add any other sources you needed for the success of this project.
12. Acknowledgements (page ?...depends)
Give specific credit and thanks to those who helped you along with your Science Fair Project.
13. Blank Page
The Display Board
Purchase a trifold science presentation board...normal size...not 'dwarf' board!!! See the tips presented on the ISEF website for how to construct the display board. (eye-catching title, best use of space, items in a logical order, use no more than 2 to 3 colors, make it visually appealing, neat, organized, etc.)
Display board organization is not an exact science...each board may vary. Display boards however must have the following...problem/question, hypothesis, abstract (placed in lower left corner), materials and procedures, data (in the form of charts, tables, and graphs), analysis and conclusion. It is recommended to place a summary of your background research information on the board. There may be other things you'd like to add to your board...great :)...if there's room and it provides purpose. It's all up to you!
For those concerned about organization of the board...perhaps a logical sequence might be best (it all depends on the amount of space you have and your project...this is a suggestion only!)
On Left Side Panel...problem, hypothesis, abstract (optional...research summary, purpose/practical application)
On Middle Panel...Top space of Board reserved for TITLE, materials, procedures, charts, tables, graphs (all DATA)
On Right Side Panel...analysis, conclusion (optional...acknowledgements, research summary, practical application could also logically be placed here)
Visually appealing...DO NOT use staples or glue that comes through the paper or tape that is visible. Perhaps "frame" the sections with construction paper or some type of border. Use no more than a 2 or 3 color scheme (too many colors are distracting and black/white looks unprofessional and unappealing). Type everything. Make sure you've got good ink cartridges for black/color ink. No crinkles in papers. You can purchase letters for your title(s) from an arts/crafts store to add an extra flare (totally optional). Whatever you do...just make it NEAT and ORGANIZED.
***DO NOT OVERSPEND ON THE DISPLAY BOARD...YOU WILL BE GRADED ON YOUR ENTIRE RESEARCH/EXPERIMENT/PROJECT...NOT JUST THE "SHOW" :)