STUDENT

PACKET FOR
SCIENCE FAIR
PROJECT
 SCIENCE PROJECT STEPS

1. Choose a topic. Be sure it interests you. Don’t pick one because you think it will be easy. Talk it over
with your parents and when you have decided, inform your teacher, and do not ask to change your topic
later. Get your Registration form for your teacher signed by your parent and turn it in.

2. State your purpose as a question. What is it that you want to find out by doing this project?

3. Research your problem. Look at any books/websites that might help you, make observations by
simply looking at things, talk to people, and find out as much as possible about your topic. Write down
any ideas you have and where you got them. Also, keep note of all information needed for citing your
resources.

4. Form a hypothesis. What do you think is going to happen? Based on what you know or found out
from step #3, what do you think the results of your experiments will be? After doing the experiments, it
may turn out that your guess was wrong. It is okay if this happens.

5. Plan your project. How will you test your hypothesis? What experiments will you do? How will you
measure the results? Where will you keep your information? Be sure to keep notes and write down
everything you do and what happens.

6. Collect all your materials. Find a place to keep things where others won’t bother them. Let other
family members know what you are doing so they don not throw your materials away by mistake.

7. Conduct your experiments. Remember, the more times you do an experiment the more reliable and
accurate the results will be. Do each experiment at least three times and get an average of the results
for your graph. Use something to measure your experiments: a ruler or yardstick if you are measuring
distance, a clock to measure time, etc. Check the measurements to be sure you are correct.

8. Record your data. As you do your experiments, you will want to write down what you saw or found
out. Organize this information in an orderly manner. Put the date, time, and any other useful
information. Write your measurements clearly.

9. Draw conclusions. What did you learn from your experiments? Have you proved or disproved your
hypothesis? You made a guess about what you thought would happen. Now tell what really did
happen. You don’t lose points if your guess turned out to be wrong.

10. Prepare your titles, charts, graphs, drawings, and diagrams. Make them large enough to see, neat,
and colorful.

11. Construct your science fair display. Get your cardboard display board from your teacher so you can
show all your work and have your hands free to point to sections when you give your presentation.

12. Prepare and practice your presentation. Be able to tell about what you used what you did in your
experiments, and what you found out. Know it well enough that you don’t have to read it from the
display.

13. Plan a time line so you don’t leave everything until the last minute. If you need help, tell your
parents and your teacher, the earlier the better.

14. Relax and Enjoy yourself. You will do a GREAT job!

SCIENCE FAIR RULES

Aw!, you mean there are rules? Of course there are, silly, this is made by adults!

1. Number one rule. . . think safety first before you start. Make sure you have recruited your adults to
help you.

2. Never eat or drink during an experiment and always keep your work area clean.

3. Wear protective goggles when doing any experiment that could lead to eye injury.

4. Do not touch, taste, or inhale chemicals or chemical solutions.

5. Respect all life forms. If you plan to use animals or humans, you must get special permission from
your teacher and fill out extra forms.

6. All experiments should be supervised by an adult.

7. Always wash your hands after doing the experiment, especially if you have been handling chemicals.

8. Dispose waste properly.

9. Any project that involves drugs, firearms, or explosives are NOT permitted.

10. Any project that breaks district policy, and/or local, state, or federal laws are NOT permitted.

11. Use safety on the Internet! NEVER write to anyone without an adult knowing about it. Be sure to let
an adult know about what websites you will be visiting, or have them help you search.

12. If there are dangerous aspects of your experiment, like using a sharp tool or experimenting with
electricity, please have an adult help you or have them do the dangerous parts. That’s what adults are
for, so use them correctly. (Besides, it makes them feel important!)
Science Fair Written Report

The written report is a summary of everything that you did to investigate your topic. The written report
provides others with vital information on what your project is about as well as its effect on your
understanding of the topic. Usually the written report is 5-10 pages in length. All information must be
included in the written report. This report provides you with the opportunity to think about all the
aspects of our project and share your ideas with others. Reports should be neatly bounded in an
attractive binder. It must be typewritten, we will have time in class to do this.
 Typed, doubled spaced. One inch margins, and 12 pt Times New Roman Font
 Remember to put headings/titles on graphs/charts/tables
 All photographs must have captions explaining their significance
 Before you hand in your report make sure to reread, revise, and rewrite
 Recheck your calculations, spelling, and grammar.
All written report for a science fair project should include:
 Title Page: The first page in the report should include the title of the project as well as the
name and grade of the student.
 Acknowledgment: Here is where you thank everyone who helped to make your project
successful (including Mom and Dad.) Everyone that you interviewed, including teachers,
scientists, and other experts in the field should be mentioned here.
 Table of Content: This page provides the reader with a list of the different parts of the project
and the page number on which each section can be found.
 Statement of Purpose: State the purpose of the project in the form of a question.
 Hypothesis: You must have a hypothesis before you complete the project. A hypothesis is an
educated guess about what you think will occur as a result from completing your experiment.
 Research: This is the part of the report that contains all the background information that you
collected about your topic. Any books or articles read from the internet/journal, authorities on
the topic that you talked to, or outside materials collected should be summarized in this section.
This section should be written in your own words and NOT copied from your resources.
 Materials: This is a list of all the materials and supplies used in the project. Quantities and
amounts of each should also be indicated.
 Procedure: You will list and describe the steps you took to complete the project. Usually this is
listed in a numbered sequence. This part shows the stages of the project so that another person
can carry out the experiment.
 Observations and Results: In this section, you will tell what you learned from the project. It is
also IMPORTANT to include all graphs, charts, or other visual data (pictures) that helps to show
your results.
 Conclusion: This is a brief statement explaining why your project turned out the way it did. You
should explain why the events you observed occurred. Using the word “because” is a good way
to turn an observation into a conclusion. The conclusion should tell whether the hypothesis was
proven or not proven. Also give the reason(s) why you chose to learn more about the subject.
You could also add what you know now that you didn’t know before you completed your
project.
 Reference Page: The bibliography should list all the printed materials the student used to carry
out the project. Items should be listed in alphabetical order in a standard format. These
website are a great place to go to find the proper way of writing a bibliography.
http://www.bibme.org/ , http://www.easybib.com or http://www.knightcite.com Also
http://www.Icyte.com lets you “tag” information from Internet sources as you research.
 Your Science Fair Oral Presentation
A lot of kids are scared of speaking in public or to a teacher/judge. Just imagine they are a
fellow scientist who just wants you to share what you learned.
Relax, smile, and have fun. Remember, you are the expert and you had fun doing the project.
But if you are a little nervous, we listed some things that you need to do during the
presentation.

Helpful Hints:
 Look sharp, feel sharp, and you will be sharp. Dress nice that day, be polite, and speak
clearly. You will show that you have confidence. Don’t forget to look at your audience.
 Introduce yourself. Point to the title of your display. Tell your audience why you chose
to study this.
 State your problem that you studied (your question.) Tell them about your hypothesis
(what you thought might happen.)
 Talk about what you learned while researching your topic.
 Talk about the sources (books, websites, and interviews) that helped you understand
your topic.
 Tell about your project and explain the steps you took to conduct your experiment. Be
sure to mention all the materials involved and point out the pictures that you may have
taken.
 If it applies, be sure to show them that you tested your experiment at least 3 times.
 Show them all of the cool graphic organizers that you made, like your tables and charts.
Remember to point out the labeled parts of your graph or table to show that you know
what it represents.
 Be sure to explain what your data means. Make sure you can read your graphs and
tables. Let them know if you were surprised by the results, or if you know what would
happen because you studied about it.
 Make sure you sound like an expert on your topic. Always use the appropriate
vocabulary especially by using words from the Scientific Method, like: Problem,
Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Conclusions.
 INDIVIDUAL SCIENCE FAIR REGISTRATION FORM
DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, January 13, 2017
PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM TO YOUR TEACHER

Students must submit a project as part of their graded classroom work. It is a

Science class requirement.
GRADE LEVEL _______________
HOMEROOM TEACHER __________________________________________
*STUDENT NAME
_____________________________________________________________
**PROJECT TITLE
___________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

___________ I need an electrical outlet

*All parents must sign and approve their child’s Science Fair Project.

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the materials for the Science
Fair and I am aware that my child is required to complete a Science Project.
I have approved and given permission for my child
_______________________________________________ to participate in this
year’s Science Fair.
Student’s Signature ________________________________________________
Date _____________________
Parent’s Signature _________________________________________________
Date ____________________
Teacher’s Approval of Project: ⃝ accepted ⃝ please make revisions
Please Conference with your Teacher about Project
Teacher’s Signature ________________________________________________
Date _____________________
 PROJECT SUMMARY WORKSHEET
Name: ___________________
Due Date: ____________________________
Topic: _____________________________________________________________
Question (Statement of Purpose) __________________________________________________________
Hypothesis: If……, then I think ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Materials I will need:____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Procedures: (Detailed Steps):_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

You must have 3 Resources

Resource #1
Resource:
Type of Resource: _______________________________________________
Website: http://________________________________________________
Author: ______________________________________________________
Title: ________________________________________________________
Publishing Company: ___________________________________________
Location of the Publishing Company: ______________________________
Date of Publication: ____________________________________________
Information found in your own words: (Must be at least one paragraph summary.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Resource #2
Resource:
Type of Resource: _______________________________________________
Website: http://________________________________________________
Author: ______________________________________________________
Title: ________________________________________________________
Publishing Company: ___________________________________________
Location of the Publishing Company: ______________________________
Date of Publication: ____________________________________________
Information found in your own words: (Must be at least one paragraph summary.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Resource #3
You must have 3 Resources
Resource:
Type of Resource: _______________________________________________
Website: http://________________________________________________
Author: ______________________________________________________
Title: ________________________________________________________
Publishing Company: ___________________________________________
Location of the Publishing Company: ______________________________
Date of Publication: ____________________________________________
Information found in your own words: (Must be at least one paragraph summary.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
 Student Checklist
Due Date Component Completed
Permission/Participation Slip – Signed and Returned
Topic: Choose a topic. Be sure it interests you. Don’t pick one
because you think it will be easy. Talk it over with your parents
and when you have decided. Do not change your topic later.
(Included in Participation Slip)
Purpose: State your purpose as a question or a statement. What
is it you that you want to find out by doing this project? (Included
in Project Summary Worksheet)
Hypothesis: Form a hypothesis. What do you think is going to
happen? Based on what you know or found out, what do you
think the results of your experiment will be? After doing the
experiment, it may turn out that your guess was wrong. It’s okay
if this happens. (Included in Project Summary Worksheet)
Materials: List all materials that will be used in your experiment.
Include exact quantities for each item used. (Included in Project
Summary Worksheet)
Procedures: List and describe steps taken to complete the
project. Presented in chronological order or numbered order.
(Included in Project Summary Worksheet)
Research: Look at any books that might help you, make
observations by simply looking at things, talk to people, and find
out as much as possible about your topic. Write down any ideas
you have and where you got them. (Included in Resource Form –
You must have THREE!)
 Written Report Checklist
Due Date Component Completed
Title Page: The first page in the report should include the title of
the project as well as the name and grade of the student.
Acknowledgement Page: The second page in the report should
thank all individuals who assisted in the project.
Table of Contents: This page provides the reader with a list of the
different parts of the project and the page number on which each
section can be found.
The Purpose: State your purpose as a question or a statement.
What is it you that you want to find out by doing this project?
Hypothesis: State your hypothesis. What do you think is going to
happen? Based on what you know or found out, what do you
think the results of your experiment will be? After doing the
experiment, it may turn out that your guess was wrong. It’s okay
if this happens.
Research: This is part of the report that contains all the
background information the student collected about the chosen
topic. All gathered information should be summarized and
presented in this section. It should be written in the student’s
own words and not copied from the source.
Materials: List all materials that were used in your experiment.
Include exact quantities for each item used.
Procedures of Investigation: List and describe steps taken to
complete the project. Presented in chronological order or
numbered order.
Results: Tell what happened when you did the experiment. Show
what happened by making a chart, graph, or table. Include the
date, the time, and any other useful information. Write all
measurements clearly.
Conclusion: This is a brief statement explaining why a project
turned out the way it did. Students should explain why the events
they observed occurred. The conclusion should tell whether the
hypothesis was proven or not proven. It should offer an answer
to the student’s original purpose.
Reference Page: In alphabetical order, list all the resources that
you used to research your project. Correct format was used.
Conventions: Proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
capitalization. MUST be typed.
 Display Checklist
Due Date Component completed
Title: Does the title catch people’s attention and is it large enough
to be read from across the room?
Purpose
Hypothesis
Procedures of Investigation
Materials
Results/ Graphs/ Charts: Did the student use pictures and
diagrams to effectively convey information about the project?
Conclusion
Conventions: Proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
capitalization on all elements on the display board.
Neatness
Organization: Are the sections on the display board organized so
they are easy to follow?

Oral Presentation
Due Date Component Completed
Introduction: Student introduces him/herself and gives the title
of the project.
Statement of Purpose/ Hypothesis
Explanation of Procedure
Explanation of Results/Charts and Graphs
Conclusion
Good Posture and Eye Contact
Speaks Clearly