The Making of Science Investigatory Projects

A. Getting Started:
* Scientific Method:
* Your Question:
* Laboratory Notebook:

B. Doing the Background Research

• Background Research Plan:
• Finding Information
• Bibliography
• Research Paper

C. Constructing a Hypothesis
• Variables
• Variables for Beginners
• Hypothesis

D. Testing the Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment

• Experimental Procedure
• Materials List
• Conducting an Experiment

E. Analyzing your data & Drawing Conclusion

• Data Analysis and Graphs
• Conclusion

F. Communicating Results
• Final Report
• Abstract
• Display Board
• Science Fair Judging
 Science Fair Judging Criteria

1, Creativity, Resourcefulness and Inventiveness (30 pts.)

A. Is the project creative, neat, attractive and organized? A. ________
B. Is the project an investigation, an invention that was
tested and/or compared w/ a commercial product, or B. ________
a survey ( not something created and put on display)?
C. Is it clear that the student(s) put time and effort into
the project?
C. ________
Comments:
• What are the strengths?
• What are the weaknesses?
• What could be done to make it better?

2. Scientific Thought and Engineering Goals (30 pts.)

A. Is it clear that the student(s) followed the steps of scientific A. ________
method?
B. Does the project improve the student(s) knowledge of B. _________
science and technology?
C. In the student(s) conclusion, is it clear/ they developed a
C.________
reasonable explanation on their current idea?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?

3. Thoroughness ( 10 pts.)

A. Does the project contain all required information A. _______

(ie.Display Board & Research Paper)
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?

4. Research Skills ( 10pts.)

A. Did student(s) use at least 3 primary resources? A. _______

B. Did student(s) correctly list references in bibliogra- B. _______
phic form?

Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?
5. Exhibit ( 10pts.)

A. Does the display board follow all the requirements ( size, A. _______
title, problem,hypothesis, abstract,materials,variables,data,
results & conclusion)?
B. Are the extra items that enhance the project ( ie. Photographs B. _______
/sketches, items used during the project, or data book, etc. )?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
*What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?

6. Oral Presentation ( 10pts.)

A. Is the student(s) speech clear w/ few mistakes? A. ____

B. Is it clear the student(s) knows & understands the B. ____
topic?
C. Is the speech engaging & interesting to the judges? C. ____
D. Is the student(s) enthusiastic about the project? D. ____
E. Can the student(s) correctly answer the judge’s E. ____
questions?
Comments:
*What are the strengths?
* What are the weaknesses?
*What could be done to make it better?