SCIENCE FAIRS!!!!

By now all of you would have your current science fair topic and key questions, this is what you should of done to date!!!!

TERM 2   -   WEEKS 1 - 4.

Monday night.

• choose a topic that interests you and identify a problem / issue to investigate.
• Write tis problem or issue as a question.
• Write this question into your SFD and be prepared to discuss how you are going to investigate it further.

Tuesday night.

• Brainstorm your topic in your SFD.
• Construct a mind map from your brainstorm.
• Write down some key words that you can use for library or internet research.

Wednesday night.

Write down some key questions that you will use to research your information.

Thursday night.

• List and collect some resources that you might use to help you with your research.
• Keep track of these resources by compiling a Bibliography at the back of your SFD.
• Start to plan your Method for the experiment

TERM 2   -   WEEK 5. (All week)

Remember to note everything you do in your SFD.

1. Write your Hypothesis.

This is what you think the result of your data collection or experiment will be.

1. Tick off what you have done in your Student Planning Sheet.

3.   Start your experiments or collecting your data. 

      Remember to change only 1 variable and keep all the others that might affect 

      your results, controlled.

1. Start planning your layout. (Look for visual impact)

On lined refill draw up a plan of your display board.  Think of an eye catching title.  

On the left side put the Hypothesis, and Aim.

In the Middle put the Method and diagrams or pictures of your set up, results and graphs.

On the right side put your Conclusions and Discussion and how it might apply to other situations.  Include a Bibliography.

         Set any apparatus or models in front.

TERM 2   -   WEEK 6.

1. Research your topic.

Explore a wide range of resources – people, pamphlets, books, CD and internet sites.

You will need to skim, scan and make notes on the topic , in your own words.

1. Continue to experiment, observing and recording results.

Make sure you are controlling all variables (changing only one)

Make sure your measurements are accurate and meaningful.

1. Continue writing in your SFD.

Record what you do each day.

Record the experiments you are performing, results you record and any problems that develop.

Take photos of your experimental set up to include in your display.

1. Design headings for your display board.

Think about font styles and size and use colours that are easy to read.

TERM 2   -   WEEK 7.

1. Type your Aim, Hypothesis and Method.

Make sure you check the spelling!  Get the size and spacing correct.

1. Prepare your Title

Think about visual impact.  Colour/ size? Easy to read font? Cut out letters? Frames? 

1. Draft an introduction for your topic.

Include some background research  -  100 – 150 words?

1. Type the questions you are trying to answer.

Make sure your experiment is focussed – don’t have more than 3 questions.

1. Type your bibliography.

This is in the form :

Author surname, Initials, Date of publishing, Name of book,  

Publisher, 

e.g. Dahl, R (1986) Going Solo. Penguin Books.

1. SFD.

Continue with experiments, recording observations and actions in your Diary.  Take and keep photos.