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The Science Fair will be on: 
Thursday, May 20, 2010

Dear Parents;

            Years ago the students voted to have our own “Mini-Science Fair.”  Over the years it has evolved into a wonderful opportunity for your children to learn about something that interests them and then share their knowledge with their classmates and other students in the school.

            Although this project is not done at school we do go over the requirements together.  We also, if necessary, help the students come up with “the question” they want answered once they have a topic.   In class we will review how to do a bibliography, title page, look for research materials, etc. 

            This is a long term, at home project and in order to ensure that you are aware of it ahead of time we are requesting that you sign the bottom of this page and return it to school as soon as possible.  Please keep the rest of this packet to refer to as you work with your child on their project.

 

     The Maine Middle School Science Fair committee explains science fair projects as follows:


     The objectives of a science fair are relatively simple.  The fair serves as a means of stimulating science interest among students and providing an opportunity for them to investigate their environment.  The fair also provides recognition for their work.  Good science fair projects should provide many ideas of interesting things that other students want to explore.

            Every science project should begin with a question or problem.  The problem should be clearly understood by the student before they begin work.  When a student presents an insect collection as their project, it should provide an answer to a question.  They might compare the bug-attracting ability of different colored light bulbs.  Their question might be, “Can bugs see color?” or “Which light attracts fewer insects?”  With a project such as this the teacher can be helpful in guiding the pupil by asking the right kind of questions concerning the methods that they plan to use.

            Clay models of volcanoes and human hearts are not really science.  These could be classified as projects but not as investigations, since they do not really solve a problem or provide an answer to a question.  Although building models has a place, it should not be confused with the process of science.  Science is the “process of investigating nature.”

 

Requirements

 

  1. All work is completed outside of school time.
  2. All projects need to have a well-written report consisting of:

·        Title page

·        Question with hypothesis (What question are you trying to find the answer to?  What do you think the answer is before you do the project?)

·        Important information (body of report about 2-4 pages long)

·        Personal account (what did you learn from the entire process of completing your project).

·        Log (a personal journal starting on the day you begin your research and ending when you complete the entire project)

  1. All students will have an actual project/display.
  2. Students MAY work ALONE on a project or they may work with one other person.  No more than two people per project.  You and your partner must sign and have your parents sign the Science Fair contract agreement form in order to work together.
  3. Projects will be no larger than 1/3 of one of our tables.  If you need extra space you must let me know in writing ahead of time.
  4. NO explosive or dangerous chemicals or materials will be allowed.
  5. NO inhumane treatment of animals will be permitted.
  6. You may NOT bring living animals into the classroom for the actual science fair.
  7. You need a poster to accompany your project.
  8. If electricity is needed, you must supply your own extension cord and let us know in writing in advance. 

Things to remember when writing a Research Paper

 

  1. Title Page - Includes the title of your project, your name, and date.
  2. Introduction -You should begin with some sort of introductory statement in which you tell why you chose this topic, when, and if you think it was worth spending time on.  This should be simply a good paragraph, no more.
  3. Statement of Problem - In this next paragraph clearly state the problem you investigated (what question you first asked), and briefly explain your hypothesis (guess) as to your answer.
  4. Research - Written information (2-4 pages) you have found concerning your topic.  This should include general information, as well as past and present research done by professionals.
  5. Conclusion - Make a concluding statement that indicates an answer to your original question.  State also how you might have done things differently if your answer is different from your hypothesis.
  6. Bibliography - List all references-both written and verbal.  List them in alphabetical order.  (See sample bibliography page).

If you performed an experiment:

·        Give a detailed description of all materials and methods used.  This description should be so exact that anyone who wishes could repeat your experiments.  Often a photograph or detailed diagram will save words.

·        Record all your observations in the form of a chart or table.  Dates are a must.  Be sure your measurements are accurately recorded. 

·        Summarize your observations by reviewing your chart and plot them on a graph if possible.  Study your results and note differences, similarities, and relationships.  Determine if your results were accurate and note possible sources of error.

Checklist:

1.      Is your report neat, complete, in order and legible?

2.      Do you have margins?

3.      Did you write it in your own words?

4.  Did you use proper punctuation and spelling and English grammar?


Last updated:  March 3, 2010