Science Fair Project Guidelines

• The Science Fair is mandatory for 5th Grade Honors Science students.

• The Science Fair is an exhibition where students test a hypothesis using the scientific method and display the outcome of their scientific experiment.

• A science fair project allows students to explore different branches of science and interests using the scientific process.

• The scientific process includes:

• Asking a question

• Doing background research

• Constructing a hypothesis

• Testing the hypothesis by doing an experiment

• Analyzing the data and drawing a conclusion

• Sharing your results

• This process will help to develop skills in writing, oral presentation, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

• Choosing a topic is the most difficult part of the entire Science Fair process.

• Students should choose a topic in which they are interested.

• Be guided by your own interests.

• All Science Fair Projects must be approved by your teacher before you begin.

• Consider what will be measured or quantified (you need numbers!)

• Consider what the control group will be.

• Consider how much time the project will take.

• Consider any special conditions or equipment required.

• Consider how much the project will cost to complete.

• A preliminary Internet search should be done to make sure there are enough sources about your topic to write your background research.

• Cite at least three sources in your research.

• All sources must be copyrighted between 2010-2025 (older sources are considered out-of-date).

• The teacher must give written approval for all topics.

• Complete a Science Fair Proposal Form.

• Once the topic has been approved by the teacher, it cannot be changed even slightly, without getting written permission.

• The following forms are required for all participants before beginning an experiment:

• Science Fair Proposal Form

• The above form MUST be signed by a parent before ANY experiment can begin.

• These items will be turned in at the end of the Science Fair process:

• Data Log (SEE LOG BOOK WORKSHEET)

• Research Paper

• Display Backboard

• Read the rubric for each section to help complete the paper.

Important Dates/Steps for Science Fair Project

• 10/28/24:
• Submit a topic for the teacher's approval.
• Complete SF Planning Form
• Be specific. Explain the experimental setup.
• Describe numerical measurements that will be taken
• 12/16/24:
• Statement of Purpose
• Research in order to state the hypothesis/save URL'S for noodletools
• Hypothesis
• Control Group and the Independent and Dependent Variables
• References in Noodletools: add as needed
• 1/10/25:
• Title page
• Statement of Purpose
• Background Research
• Hypothesis
• References
• List of Materials
• Step-by-Step Procedures
• 1/31/25: Begin experiment (5-7 trials)
• Photograph work in progress
• Record ongoing observations in Data Log
• Create data table (at least one) and graphs (at least one) of the results
• 2/16/25:
• Research Section
• Conclusion
• Limitations
• Future Research
• Abstract
• Graphs (at least one)
• Pictures
• Data Table (at least one)
• Data Log
• 2/29/25:
• Create Tri-fold board
• Tri fold boards can be digital for full credit
• If presenting the board receive 5 extra points. Due 3/8/25: Turn in SF Research Paper and Display Tri-fold Board 3/19/25: Science fair Parent viewing from 4-6pm

Topic Selection

• Research and submit one topic to investigate.
• Pick a topic that is original and one that is of interest to the student.
• Topics should be testable and measurable.
• Topics should not be based on opinions.
• Experiments should be able to be performed in order to answer the topic.
• Measurements must be taken using scientific tools.
• Measurements must be taken in METRIC UNITS ONLY!

Base SI Units

• Length is measured in meters (m)

• Mass is measured in kilograms (kg)

• Time is measured in seconds (s)

• Amount is measured in mole (mol)

• Temperature is measured in kelvin (K)

• Electric current is measured in ampere (amp)

• Luminous intensity is measured in candela (cd)

• Topics that involve human subjects, vertebrate animals, microorganisms (bacteria), or potentially hazardous materials or situations, including household cleaners/ detergents, are prohibited.

• Science Fair Planning Document is the first step in planning the science fair project.

• The project will be discussed with the teacher and the form must be signed by a parent.

• Science Fair Planning Sheet must be handed in in order to have the Science Fair project approved.

Title Page

• Title should be in the form of a statement (not a question), centered, in the middle of the page and useful to the reader.
• Your name, teacher's name, period, and the due date must be typed in the lower right corner, using "right align” orientation.
• The title page section is worth 5 points.

Abstract

• Write an overall summary of the entire Science Fair Project to include:
• Purpose of the experiment
• Summary of experiment procedure
• Results of experiment (includes data)
• States if hypothesis was supported or not supported
• Written in the past tense, third person.
• The abstract section is worth 12 points.

Statement of Purpose

• Is is a statement of what the experiment is about.
• The statement of purpose section is worth 5 points.

Background Research

• Must be 1 to 3 paragraphs, typed in paragraph form and using complete sentences and sentences proper grammar.
• Based on your research, give the background information pertaining to the question you are trying to answer and explain how the results of your experiment can be applied to the real world.
• Include specific information that led to the hypothesis you developed.
• Write in 3rd person passive voice.
• Avoid use of “I,” “me,” “we,” and “you”, or “the scientist."
• Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Double space and use 1-inch margins.
• Do not use contractions such as won't, couldn't, etc.
• Numbers lower than 100 should be written out. Example: "64” should be "sixty-four.”
• The background research section is worth 10 points.

Reference Information

• Use NoodleTools to put your references in APA format.
• Use a minimum of 3 sources that are copyrighted within the past 10 years.
• Wikipedia is NOT allowed.
• Use reliable Internet resources, especially .gov, .edu, and .org
• As sources are found, save the URL in your document.
• Use the APA format.
• Use Noodletools, then export the information to your document.
• Start with the library resources.

Hypothesis

• State the hypothesis in an If ...then ... format.
• Use complete sentences and proper English.
• Whether the hypothesis is right or wrong does not matter.
• The hypothesis section is worth 6 points.

Materials

• List materials in a column, NOT in paragraph form.
• Give exact quantities and specify sizes.
• Use metric measurements where appropriate.
• Do not include general items unless those items are part of the actual experiment.
• Be specific so that another person could read the paper and know exactly what materials to get.
• The materials section is worth 5 points.

Procedures

• Write step by step directions to complete the project as a numbered list.
• Minimum of 5-7 trials will be performed.
• The procedures section is worth 5 points.

Data Tables/Graphs

• One data table that includes the information for each trial performed
• One graph that contains the average data for each variable being tested.
• Use the graphs to show relationships and comparisons with averages.
• Examples of graphs are bar graphs, line graphs and circle graphs.
• For line and bar graphs, the X-axis (horizontal) represents the independent variable; the Y-axis (vertical) represents the dependent variable.
• Label where needed, with a unit of measurement and/or use a key or legend to indicate what the graph represents.
• The title must include the independent and dependent variables.
• Use google sheet or Create a graph. Data Tables/Graphs section is worth 14 points.

Photographs

• Photographs should not show faces.
• Take 2-4 photos showing progress of experiment.
• The photos must be labeled with date taken, photographer's name and a brief explanation of what the photo shows.

Daily Log

• Log is used record visual observations (qualitative data) and record measurable data (quantitative).
• You must keep a daily log of how the experiment is progressing.
• The log should include qualitative and quantitative data.
• You need at least 5 entries in your daily log written in handwriting.
• Each entry must be in ink and dated.
• Errors should be crossed out with a single line.

Conclusion

• Summarize your results
• Use data to explain if you supported or failed to support the hypothesis
• If the data failed to support the hypothesis, explain why and what this means
• You may include an adjusted hypothesis
• If the data supported the hypothesis, explain data
• The conclusion section is worth 12 points.

Application

• Explain in detail how the project is useful in the real world.
• How is this project of practical value or help improve our culture or world?
• What is beneficial globally about the research?
• The application section is worth 6 points.

Limitations/Future Research

• Explain all problems/corrections/errors that could have changed the results.
• How can this project be extended? What else could be changed to get more information on this topic?
• The limitations/future research section is worth 6 points.

Science Fair Paper Requirements

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Do not use first or second person (I, me, we, you). Use 3rd person passive voice.
• Do not use contractions. Write out numbers less than 100, except in the data, materials and procedure sections. Use only metric!
• The Science Fair Paper should include the following:
• Title Page
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Purpose Statement and Control Group, Independent & Dependent Variables
• Background Research (using APA Noodletools)
• Hypothesis (If, then statement)
• Method
• Materials (bulleted)
• Procedures (numbered)
• Results
• Data Table of all trials (at least one)
• Graphs with averages (at least one)
• Photographs (use 2)
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Applications
• Limitations/Future Research
• References (APA format)
• Appendix (this is your Data Log)

Tri-Fold Board Display

• Size limit: 24” deep, 36" wide, 48” high
• Text should use at least 18-point font
• Section titles should be in 48-point font
• Charts and graphs should be appropriately labeled
• Limit "blank space.”
• Photographs must be correctly labeled.
• Pictures from the Internet or published sources can only be used with written permission. Do not use copyrighted material such as logos or brand names.
• DO NOT use staples.
• DO NOT attach 3-D decorations like cans, plastic flowers, candy, balls, etc.
• All pages attached to the board should lie flat.
• No extra headers.
• Do not hand cut the paper, use a cutting board to get straight edges.
• The Science fair tri-fold display is worth 100 points.
• It will be graded on physical appearance.
• Student must be able to explain testing procedures.

Understanding the requirements for a science fair project, covering planning sheet importance, title format, title page details, experiment steps, and display board guidelines. Also addresses photographic evidence, rubric scoring, and alignment.