Science Fair Projects

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Science Fair Projects All advanced science students are required to complete a science fair project; specific milestone dates are listed below. All other students may participate in the science fair activities; they must also meet the milestone dates below. Students will earn points as each milestone is met; late work will suffer penalties of 50%.

Culmination will be Bruner Middle School 9s science fair on December 15, 2009 . The information in this packet is provided to help students get started. Ideas for science fair projects may be found in the library, at local book stores and on the internet.

Successful internet searches begin by using your favorite search engine (e.g., Google, Ask Jeeves, etc) and type in the key words, cScience Fair Projects d. Projects which include any of the following categories are discouraged, and sometimes prohibited: a) human subjects (including surveys), b) controlled substances (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, smokeless or black powder), c) non-human vertebrate animals (dogs, cats, fish, etc), d) hazardous substances or devices (chemicals, high voltage, fire, lasers, etc), e) human and animal tissue (except animal tissue which is available from grocery stores), f) pathogenic agents/microbiology, g) archeology (State of Florida laws must be obeyed). Many of these categories ... more. less.

require doctoral level qualified scientists to supervise all experimentation. They may also require that all experimentation be completed in a qualified laboratory setting. Science Fair Information -- Where to Begin & Go to the Okaloosa Schools website; Select cTeachers d ; Scroll to the bottom, [ cUseful Links d ] ; Select cOkaloosa Science Central d ; Select cScience Fair d The cElementary Science fair Project Guide d is a nice guide for the student s. cScience Buddies d is a good place to begin looking for science fair ideas . www.societyforscience.org/isef/ leads to the International Science and Engineering Fair information. It contains lots of helpful information for students, parents and teachers. Frequently asked questions and answers about science fair are found in the section titled cInternational Rules and Guidelines FAQ d The cIntel ISEF Rules Wizard d asks a series of questions about a specific project and provides a list of science fair forms needed for the project. ( www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp ) All forms must be signed in blue ink. The Okaloosa School District Scientific Review Committee (SRC) must review all projects that require Form3 (Hazards). Hazards may include any tools being used, flame, chemicals, vertebrate animals, paint ball guns, studies in or around water (drowning hazard), etc. The primary concern with the SRC is student safety. SRC review will occur relatively early in the science fair projects process since no testing may begin before the project is approved. Any projects requiring SRC or Bruner Middle Sc hool 9s Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval may not begin testing until all forms and all signatures are completed. The IRB may review and approve projects that are considered low-risk for human subjects - As long as the proposed projects are low risk to the subjects being surveyed/studied, we can review and approve via the Bruner Middle School IRB (Administrator, science teacher, school psychologist). Students may not begin their projects until approval is attained. All subjects under age 18 need their parents/guardians to sign an informed consent form. Informed Consent 1) The process of obtaining informed consent provides information to the subject about the risks and benefits associated with participation in the research study and allows the subject to make an educated decision about whether or not to participate. Informed consent is an on-going process, not a single event that ends with a signature on a page. It must incorporate procedures that do not involve coercion or deception. 4) If a research subject is under 18 years of age, it is recommended that, in all cases, informed consent be obtained. Both the parent/legal guardian and the school age research subject must sign Form 4 (Human Subjects and Informed Consent Form). However, an IRB may decide that informed consent is not required because of the www.societyforscience.org/isef/about/rules_regulations.asp goes directly to the various requirements for each of the following: Human Subjects Vertebrate Animals Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment Guide Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices [These are in the cRules Index d near the bottom of the page] The forms and documents library is at www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/index.asp On-line, formatting of research sources can be found at www.easybib.com Required forms for all projects : 1 3 checklist for adult sponsor 1A-Student Checklist Research Plan 1B-Approval Form Any project that includes hazardous materials must have a Form 3 included. Hazardous materials include chemicals and hazardous devices (saws, knives, blenders, catapults, being on the water in the Gulf of Mexico, fire, etc). Students must include the means to reduce whatever risk is present. For example, if fire is being used, is there a squirt bottle or fire extinguisher immediately available? MSDS forms are required for all chemicals (including vinegar) used during the science fair project 3 they may be found at www.hazard.com/msds/ . Common household detergents, cleaners don 9t re quire an MSDS. However, things like vinegar do. Students must document safe handling, proper storage and proper disposal of all chemicals. Science fair projects that involve growing bacteria, fungus or molds may not be done at home. This is a safety issue. Experimentation involving culturing of potentially hazardous biological agents, even BSL-1 organisms, is prohibited in a home environment . However, specimens are allowed to be collected at home as long as they are immediately transported to a laboratory with the appropriate level of biosafety containment. Projects involving microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, and parasites), recombinant DNA (rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids may involve working with potentially hazardous biological agents. Students are permitted to do research projects with potentially hazardous biological agents as long as every effort is made to ensure that they work safely and that the projects meet the conditions and rules described below. Studies involving unknown microorganisms present a challenge because the presence, concentration and pathogenicity of possible agents are unknown. In science fair projects these studies typically involve the collection and culturing of microorganisms from the environment (e.g. soil, household surfaces, skin, etc.) 1) Research with unknown microorganisms can be treated as a BSL-1 study under the following conditions: a) Organism is cultured in a plastic Petri dish (or other standard non-breakable container) and sealed . Other acceptable containment include doubled heavy-duty (2-ply) sealed bags. b) Experiment involves only procedures in which the Petri dish remains sealed throughout the experiment (i.e. counting presence of organisms or colonies). c) The sealed Petri dish is disposed of in the appropriate manner under the supervision of the Designated Supervisor. 2) If a culture container is opened for any purpose, it must be treated as a BSL-2 study and involve BSL-2 laboratory procedures. Once the experiment is completed, the student must describe how the biological agents were properly disposed of 3 not in the trash can. BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs typically have specific procedures for disposing of potentially hazardous waste. A copy of their procedures must be included with the student 9s written lab reports. Body fluids (saliva, etc) require form 6B The Abstract Form is at www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/abstrct.pdf . Beginning with the 2009 school year, the Intel abstract form may be used instead of the State of Florida abstract form. Instructions for the Florida Abstract Form are at www.floridassef.net/forms/2009forms/Abstract%20Completion%20Instructions..pdf Examples of common paperwork review problems may be found at www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/src_problems.asp Display and safety regulations are at www.societyforscience.org/isef/rules/safdisp.pdf Research - cAsk d and cWikipedia d aren 9t acceptable resources for research. All research materials must be listed in MLA or APA format. (ScienceBuddies.com is a good formatting source) Use the state form for the abstract; the State Entry form may also be found at this site. ( www.floridassef.net/Studentforms.htm ) http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/I/lautz_s/Science%20Fair%20Handbook/displayboard.html is a useful web site for preparing backboards. It is helpful, user friendly and provides examples. Schedule of Events Due Dates: 17 Sept 09 3 Turn in your problem proposal, preliminary hypothesis, estimate of materials (quantity and description) ( 20 points ). An excellent source of information for science fair success may be found at the Okaloosa Schools web site: select cTeachers d , go near the bottom of the page to cUseful Links d, Select cOkaloosa Science Central d, Select cScience Fair d. www.societyforscience.org/isef/ will take you to the overall document for the International Science and Engineering Fair. 1 Oct 09 3 Turn in sources of information being used for your project; such as literature searches, personal interviews with professionals, internet, etc ( 20 points ). Also complete the cChecklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form d 3 Form 1. www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/index.asp is the site for finding the forms and documents. On-line formatting for research sources can be found at www.easybib.com . There must be an overall supervisor appointed before you can begin any experimentation. 15 Oct 09 3 Describe your procedures, materials, experimental design (test subject, control, variables), working hypothesis. ( 20 points ) Turn in a draft cResearch Plan d, Form 1A, and cApproval Form d, Form 1B. If your project includes potentially hazardous procedures 3 chemicals, cutting instruments, exploding objects, catapaults, fire, etc 3 you must include Form 3 (Hazardous Chemicals, Activities or Devices) 5 Nov 09 3 Turn in a draft abstract. After finishing research and experimentation, you must write an abstract of 250 words (maximum). The abstract should include a) purpose, b) procedures used, c) data, and d) conclusions. An abstract should not include a) acknowledgements or b) work/procedures done by the mentor ( 20 points ). You may refer to www.sciserv.org/isef/students/abstract.asp for abstract examples. www.floridassef.net/forms/2009forms/SSEF%20Abstract%202009.pdf is where you 9ll find the Abstract Form. 15 Dec 09 3 Display projects at Bruner Middle School Science Fair ( 20 points ). The primary emphasis is to understand the scientific process, project planning, scheduling and meeting deliverable dates. Another helpful website is www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_display_board.shtml . Introduction The primary goal of the Bruner Middle School Science Department is to assist our science students in becoming scientifically literate. Achieving this goal will require you to ask questions, research, become aware of current events in the sciences and THINK. One of the most effective tools you will use when evaluating information or events is the Scientific Method, an organized approach to solving a problem. In science, the term cproblem d refers to a question for which you want to find an answer. An effective means of learning the scientific method is through the completion of a science project. The goal of your science project isn 9t competition among students, but rather learning how to appropriately apply the scientific method. Our goal with the Science Fair is to recognize student achievement in research, experimental design, and proper presentation of a project. This pamphlet has been prepared to assist you in completion of all aspects of a science project. Please refer to this information throughout the time you are working on your project to ensure completeness and meeting all deadlines. Solving a problem according to the scientific method requires following certain logical steps: 1. Define the problem 2. Research 3. Form the hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Observe and record data 6. Form a conclusion Define the problem 3 Once a science fair project has been assigned, the most frequently asked student question is, cWhat can I do? d Out of the realm of t he physical, biological and earth sciences, the goal is to match your interests with an appropriate problem. Your project must be within one of the following categories: Behavioral and Social Sciences Biochemistry Botany Earth and Space Chemistry Computer Engineering Environmental Physics Mathematics The problem you decide upon is actually a question to be answered. Therefore, the problem must always be written as a question. Be sure to have your teacher 9s approval BEFORE proceeding with your project. Science Fair Categories BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES - Human and animal behavior, social and community relationships BIOCHEMISTRY - The chemistry of life processes 3 molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc BOTANY - The study of plant life 3 agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, etc CHEMISTRY 3 The study of nature and composition of matter and laws governing it - Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Plastics, Fuels, General Chemistry COMPUTER SCIENCE 3 The study and development of computer software and hardware and associated logical devices - Algorithms, Data Bases; Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Communications, Computational Science, Computer Graphics, Software Engineering, Programming Languages, Computer System, Operating System EARTH SCIENCE - Climatology, Weather; Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Geophysics, Planetary Science, Tectonics Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy, Seismology ENGINEERING: Materials and Bioengineering 3 Technology projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses - Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Processing, Material Science ENGINEERING: Electrical & Mechanical - Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls. Mechanical Engineering, Thermodynamics, Solar, Robotics ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 3 The study of pollution (air, water, and land) sources and their control; ecology MATHEMATICS 3 The development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations, and the application of these principles - Algebra, Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Geometry, Probability and Statistics MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES 3 The study of diseases and health of humans and animals 3 Dentistry, Pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, pediatrics, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, etc MICROBIOLOGY 3 The biology of microorganisms - Antibiotics, Antimicrobials, Bacteriology, Microbial Genetics, Virology, etc PHYSICS 3 The theoretics, principles, and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter 3 Atoms, Molecules, Solids; Biological Physics, Instrumentation and Electronics, Magnetics and Electromagnetics, Nuclear and Particle Physics; Optics, Lasers, Masers; Theoretical Physics, Theoretical or Computational Astronomy SPACE SCIENCE 3 Astronomy, planetary science, etc ZOOLOGY 3 The study of animals 3 Animal Genetics, Ornithology, Ichthyology, Herpetology, Entomology, Animal ecology, etc The Process of Science and Research (This information is taken from the University of Florida website, www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci007.htm ) Research is the process by which people create new knowledge about themselves or the world in which the live in order to answer a question or solve a problem. When choosing your topic, give careful thought to how your research might enhance the world and its inhabitants. Questioning is probably the most important part of the scientific creativity and is often followed by an cif&then d statement. Questioning usually leads to experiments or observations. Good scientists, both young and old, use a process to study what they see in the world. By following the six stages listed below, you should be able to produce a superior scientific experiment: 1. Be curious, choose a limited subject, ask a question; identify or originate/define a problem. 2. Review published materials related to your problem or question. 3. Evaluate possible solutions and make your educated guess (hypothesis). 4. Challenge and test your hypothesis through experimentation (data collection) and analysis. 5. Evaluate the results of your experiment and reach conclusions based on your data. 6. Prepare your report and exhibit. You should learn to be skeptical of all research results, especially your own. A good experiment may or may not answer the questions you asked, but almost always leads to new questions requiring new experiments or observations. The final hypothesis is often developed after one has run a number of preliminary experiments, analyzed a body of results, and reached a tentative conclusion. Written Report Your written report should be a thorough discussion of all aspects of your project. It will accompany your display board. Your report should be typed; the following sections are to be included: 1. Title Page 3 The title of your project will be placed in the center of the page 2. Discussion 3 A thorough discussion of each of the following aspects of your project will be included: a. Problem 3 include a discussion of why this particular problem was chosen b. Hypothesis 3 How did the research conducted lead to this hypothesis? c. Experiment 3 Give details to the design of the experiment and explain exactly what is measured by it and how it is measured d. Data and Observations 3 Report the results of the experiment in detail e. Conclusion 3 Explain what your conclusion statement is, how the data supports it, and whether or not research supports this. (Cite specific references here.) 3. Bibliography 3 List major sources of information, including expert interviews. Include at least three sources of information Research Note Card Title Author Call Number Publisher Copyright Date Data and Results When you are satisfied that you have a well-planned procedure, and your overall project has been approved by your science teacher, begin your experiment. Keep accurate and detailed records of when you try the experiment, what you do and what you observe happening. Make a record of any observations as soon as they occur. This also applies to the collection of data such as measurements. Always record data and observations as soon as they are obtained; never rely on your memory. Try to repeat your results. An effective way of organizing raw data such as measurements is to place them into tables. Each column of a table should have an appropriate heading and the correct unit of measurement should be stated. After the raw data have been collected, you might want to summarize them. Graphs such as line charts and bar charts may reveal patterns and trends in the data. You might want to enter the data into a spreadsheet program and have a computer construct the charts for you. Examine the data carefully. Write statements about what the data are saying. These statements are your RESULTS. Take pictures of the various stages of your project. These may be displayed on your backboard. For your backboard, put as much data as possible in the form of graphs and charts. The Data Log A research log is a day to day record of all activities that you did on your research project (think of a diary). It tells what was done, where it was done, how it was done and when it was done. Your data log should: be either a bound or spiral notebook 3 not loose leaf have your name, phone #, school name, and teacher name on the front cover be written in ink, not pencil every entry should be dated; note the place, time and exactly what you did include your research of topic on the internet or in the library give a synopsis (brief summary) of the literature you reviewed include ideas that you thought of when you read the literature your problem statement (stated as a question) and your hypotheses (must be measureable) a description of any equipment that you used a detailed description of any equipment you built (include sizes, materials, etc) specific instructions for making solutions and/or media all of your raw data additional observations during experimentation that aren 9t part of your raw data (such as temperature, pressure, anything unusual that happened) all statistical analyses (include equations used and show calculations a list of all contacts (scientists, engineers, etc) with phone numbers, e-mail, etc every entry (day) should be on a new page with the date and time at the top of the page and place where work was done include any specific precautions for chemicals used that require special care (this information comes from the MSDS sheets for each chemical) include disposal (autoclaving) of cultures of microorganisms Conclusion Statement You are now at the point in your project where you have collected and analyzed your data. It is time to determine if your hypothesis was true or false. You will initially write a conclusion statement. Later, you will write a report which will explain all aspects of your project. The conclusion statement follows the general outline given below & When your hypothesis is proven true 3 Experimental results support the hypothesis that (restate your complete hypothesis here) When your hypothesis is proven false 3 Experimental results did not support the hypothesis that (restate your complete hypothesis here) Example: PROBLEM : What is the effect of removing 50% of a Prunus americana seedling 9s roots? HYPOTHESIS : The removal of 50% of a Prunus Americana seedling 9s roots will result in a reduced rate of growth. PROBLEM : Will an acidic solution, pH 6, affect the behavior of Paramecium caudatum ? HYPOTHESIS : An acidic solution, pH 6, will not affect the behavior of Paramecium caudatum . Abstract Now that you have completed your project, you must briefly summarize all that you have done in an abstract. An abstract is a summary of the entire project, written in 250 words or less. It includes statements concerning your problem, experiment, results, and bibliography. Place one copy of your abstract on your backboard. Requirements for Visual Display A visual display should be made of materials that are sturdy and free standing. Plywood, particle board, mat board, and Styrofoam are some of the best materials to use because they are so sturdy, and they can be used again for other projects. Stiff cardboard or reinforced poster board may also be used, but these generally do not support heavy materials. Some types of displays are often more attractive if they are covered with paint, stain, contact paper, etc. When putting materials on your visual display, make sure they are securely attached. Make sure your display communicates science and that it isn 9t simply an exercise in artistry. Your visual display should contain the following information: 1. problem/title 2. hypothesis 3. materials 4. procedures 5. observations 6. conclusion 7. abstract and bibliography 8. photographs, diagrams, charts, etc Things to Remember When Preparing Your Visual Display 1. Make your display ceye - catching d. 2. Use captions to explain your pictures. 3. Displays are more attractive if you mat your materials (pictures, charts, graphs) 4. Put your name, class period a nd science teacher 9s name on the back. 5. Your display should cspeak for itself d. 6. It should be easy to read. 7. Your title/problem should be clear. 8. You shouldn 9t have too much empty space. 9. Experiment with placing your materials before you attach them. 10. Proofread what you have written. 11. Divide words correctly. Check your dictionary! 12. Do not write in pencil. 13. Do not scribble out words. 14. Do not use paper torn from notebooks or spirals. 15. Do not plagiarize (copy) material. 16. Do you understand what you have done? Can you explain your project? Hypothesis Abstract Problem Title Observations (Photographs, charts, graphs, etc) Materials Procedures Conclusion Constructing Your Backboard The diagram shown above outlines the types of information to be placed on your backboard. This is a guideline; you may modify. Please refer to the University of Florida website for examples and more specific information. Another helpful website is www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_display_board.shmtl . Forms for your science fair project & The forms and documents library is at www.societyforscience.org/isef/document/index.asp All information must be in ink and all signatures in BLUE ink. Title of project must be the same throughout and the same as on the display board 1. Safety Assessment Form 3 Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1) Your name as it appears on your abstract Project title as it appears on your board and abstract Check appropriate boxes Sign in blue ink Date must be before experimentation and Oct. 1 st if you need prior approval. If you checked any box in #4 or #6, you will need to use a date before Oct. 1 st . 2. Research Plan 3 Student Checklist (1A) You must complete each line School address is as follows 322 Holmes Blvd NW Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850 - 833 - 3 233 Adult sponsor is your parent or supervisor of ex periment Projected start date can be any date ACTUAL start date must be after the date you used on Safety Assessment Form above Research Plan Read the requirements carefully You must submit a question You must submit a hypothesis/problem/goal You must hav e a very detailed procedure showing every step in detail and all materials needed. You must include how you will analyze the data You must have a bibliography with 5 sources. Do not use wikipedia, encyclopedias or search engines such as Google or Ask Jee eves. Bibliography must be in APA or MLA format. You can ask a Language Arts teacher for a good site or use www.easybib.com 3. Approval Form (1B) Use same date as Safety Assessment Form above 3 must be before experimentation You do not complete questio ns 2 or 3 4. Regulated Research Institution Form (1C) Only if you used a regulated institution for research This must be filled out in great detail by supervising adult Date must be after experiment 5. Quailified Scientist Form (2) Same name and project title as on board and in abstract Be specific on experience/training Be very specific on question 4 regarding safety precautions. Don 9t forget safety equipment such as goggles, apron, gloves& Must be signed before experiment begins 6. Designated supervi sor 3 Risk Assessment (3) If you used any chemicals including vinegar, fertilizers, alcohol, suntan lotions, etc., you must have an MSDS form and list the MSDS website in your bibliography List any risk no matter how trivial it seems Make sure you cover ev ery possible risk. It will seem almost silly how specific you have to be. Date must be before experiment 7. Human Subject s Form (4) Complete only if you used human subjects in your experiment such as in a survey You must have a signature from a medical p rofessional (may be school nurse depending on experiment), an administrator and your science teacher. You will need to make copies of this form and then have the human subject and parent/guardian sign the copies. Only submit the original with your paperwo rk and keep the signed copies available at judging and setup. ALL DATES MUST BE BEFORE EXPERIMENT Attach a copy of the letter you gave your human subjects before experiment. If you need to see an example of this letter go to www.societyforscience.org/isef 8. Vertebrate Animal Form (5A) Only used if you did an experiment using vertebrate animals. You must also have a mortality report Date must be before testing began 8. Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) Only used if you did an experiment at a regulated research institute Date must be before testing began 9. Potentially Hazardous Biological Agent No one should have used Potentially hazardous biological agents unless they have already received approval from SRC 10. Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form No one should have used Potentially hazardous biological agents unless they have already received approval from SRC 11. Continuation Be clear on how the projects differ Date must be after experimenta tion was completed 12 State Abstract This must be exactly as the directions state. If this is not correct, you cannot get approval Ask your teacher for help in picking your category Date must be after experimentation was completed 15. Mortality Report Must be completed after experimentation was completed if you used vertebrate animals State Entrant Form Use same categories as on the abstract Project title must be the same as on abstract and display board You do not have to pay for electricity at the r egional fair but you must pay at the STATE fair if you qualify. Most students will pick TN Table/no electricity Do not fill in social security number or FCAT scores. Ethnicity is optional. Use school address listed above. Make sure you have your teacher 9s name correct. Dates must be after experimentation was completed

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