St. Francis De Sales Sixth and Seventh Grade Science Fair

February 1-4, 2010

We are following rules and regulations of the Science Engineering Fair of Houston.

For information go to SEF Houston

Middle school students are encouraged to participate in the annual science fair. For sixth grade students, science fair participation is optional. Both 7th grade honors students and 8th grades honors students are required to participate. Students in 7th and 8th regular classes are required to participate at least once during their seventh and eighth grade years.

2009-2010 Science Fair Timeline

Guidelines for choosing science fair project

The project is to be approved by the teacher. Students may choose almost any topic. There are some things students may not do for the project.

What students may not do for the project:

• Anything not allowed by Science Engineering Fair of Houston – see SEF Houston
• Demonstration of scientific principles
• Maze experiments (such as mouse mazes)
• Medical experiments on animals or humans
• Building or assembling a kit or model unless this apparatus is to be used to collect data or measurements to answer the question. For example, students may not build a volcano or a solar system as the project.
• Do not do the same activity that was done in the previous class unless student expanded it, changed the focus, or asked new questions about it.
• Surveys unless specifically approved by the teacher.
• Consumer product testing, unless it is so unique that the teacher approves the idea.
• Effect of music on plants or any type of sound on germination or growth
• Factors that affect human memory

Middle school science fair projects are to be experimental in nature. An experiment is designed to test a hypothesis – a possible answer to a research question. A research question always looks at the relationship between two variables. Variables are factors that affect something. Manipulated variable is the one you change, and the responding variable is the one you measure.

Research question is phrased in the format “How does manipulated variable affect responding variable?” or “To what extent does manipulated variable affect responding variable?”

In the course of the experiment, students will change manipulated variable, while keeping all other variables, or factors, the same, and measure how this change will affect responding variable. Only one variable can be tested at a time.

The experiment has to have either a large number of samples, or several trials. Because it is impossible for students to conduct a controlled (meaning only one variable is being changed) experiment with people, there should be no project involving people.

The results of the experiment have to be measurable in numbers, as they will have to be represented in tables and graphs, and then analyzed.

Over the duration of the project, student should keep a logbook to record all steps of the project. The logbook will be part of the display. Photos should be taken as well, to document the work in progress.

Report

Written in MLA style

Information on MLA style could be found on various websites and in the books, including students’ English textbook.

Students will make two copies of the report: one for the display, and one for the teacher. The display copy will not have student’s name on it.

Report will have the following parts:

Title Page

• With a proper heading for the teacher, no heading for the display copy.
• Creatively and attractively decorated.

Abstract

• Short summary of the project written after everything is completed.

Research Report

• A research paper discussing what the student learned about the topic.
• Should not contain any reference to the student’s experiment.
• Language should be appropriate for technical writing: should not contain personal pronouns, rhetorical questions, and flowery phrases.
• Should be at least 3 pages long, double-spaced, size 12 font .

Research Question and Hypothesis

• Both on the same page.
• Research question in the format “ How does _____(manipulated variable) affect_________(responding variable)?” or “To what extent does _________(manipulated variable) affect_________(responding variable)
• Hypothesis is stated in the format “If… then…”.

Variables

• Separate page.
• Manipulated variable: ____________
• Responding variable: _____________
• Remember that manipulated variable is the one you change, responding – the one you are measuring.

Materials

• Separate page.
• Written as a list.
• Items not numbered.
• Includes a complete listing of all materials used for the experiment.
• Lists exact amounts used, in metric units.

Procedure

• Separate page
• Step-by-step explanation of the experimental process.
• Each step numbered.
• No personal pronouns.

Observations and Data

• Tables need to contain the measurements of the responding variable as it changes due to change in the manipulated variable. Table needs to have a title. Units of measurement need to be clearly indicated (metric units, please).
• Graph(s) has to have a title. Manipulated variable is to be placed on the horizontal axis, responding – on the vertical. Units have to be clearly indicated, axis labeled. Scales need to be consistent throughout the axis.

Discussion of Results

• One page, three paragraphs.
• First paragraph: describe the results in words.
• Second paragraph: state whether the hypothesis was correct or not.
• Third paragraph: application – how can this information be used.

Bibliography

• Formatted according to MLA style.
• Has at least five sources (three for sixth grade).
• At least two of them are non-Internet based.

Acknowledgements

• Short expression of gratitude to those who helped with the project. Do not use names, only references like Mom, father, brother, teacher, Home Depot, etc.

Science Fair Display

Backboard display: Please use the standard science fair board. You will have a section of the 6-foot table for your display.

Written portions should include:

• Title
• Research question
• Hypothesis
• Variables
• Materials
• Procedures
• Results
• Conclusions
• Acknowledgements

Type size for materials on the backboard should be size 16 or larger.

Also please remember:

• Other things to include: summary graphs, photos, diagrams, decorations, and trim.
• Do not include: anything handwritten, things cut directly from your report and pasted on the backboard, your name visible anywhere, anything that looks sloppy.

Logbook – handwritten, no name identification; everything you do for the project is recorded in it.

Science Fair Report - in a nice folder. Do not include your name.

Table display items -- props, photos, any extra materials. Do not bring anything living or once living, except for plants.

Remember, in addition to the above items, you need to have another copy of your report, with a full heading, for submission to your teacher.

Science Fair Links

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.html

http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/choosingatopic.html