Bonita Springs Charter School

Middle School
Science Fair Handbook

Student Name: ____________________________

Period: _______ Homeroom: ___________

Rules:
1. Individual projects must include all the steps of the scientific method to make an
investigation. Research projects that do not include inquiries and experimentation
are prohibited.
2. Models such as rockets, solar systems or volcanoes will not be accepted.
3. Survey projects such as comparing brands or projects that are based on opinions
will not be accepted.
4. Unsafe displays, such as ones containing dangerous chemicals, drugs, explosives,
mold, corrosives, open flames, and electrical equipment may not be exhibited to
maintain safety on school grounds.
5. Experiments that cause harm to humans or animals are not permitted.
6. Work on individual projects should be done at home. Parents are encouraged to
only supervise the students progress.
Student commitment:
1. I will follow the basic principles of a scientific investigation
a. Use all the steps of a scientific inquiry.
b. Include research with a bibliography.
c. Summarize the investigation with an abstract.
d. Include the application of new findings and relate it to real life experiences.
2. I will include the basic principles of a scientific investigation on an acceptable free
standing display board (no higher than 48 inches in height) and on a typed report
form (must be included in a report cover or folder).
3. I will make sure the contents on my board and written report are typed on a
computer or word processor.
4. I understand I will be graded and judged on the following:
a. Process and content
b. The proper use of the scientific method (experimental design)
c. Written report
d. Display board
Books with Award Winning Topics
Prize-Winning Science Fair Projects for Curious Kids by Joe Rhatigan & Rain Newcomb
ISBN 978-1-5799-750-1
Sure-to-Win Science Fair Projects by Joe Rhatigan with Heather Smith
ISBN 0-439-40485-1

Written by Mrs. Wojnar

Science Fair Coordinatior
Edited 9/2015 by Ms. Balasco, Mrs. Howell and Ms. Grahm
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Required materials for final submission

DUE December 2, 2015

Typed Report:

Completed from a computer or word processor (not handwritten) and printed

8.5 by 11 paper (orientation must be portrait, not landscape)
1 margins
Font: Arial or Times New Roman are preferred, please ask your teacher if youd like
to used other font types Size must be 12 point
Black ink for the written parts (cover, graphs and pictures may include color)
Must be in order and assembled by December 1, 2015
The following components of your typed report must be labeled with the
appropriate headings. Each heading does not have to be on its own page, as long
as there is space between each section, the component is seen in its entirety and it
is labeled. (Only *starred* components NEED their OWN page.)
1. *Title page- must include: projects title, students name, schools full name,
teachers name, due date
2. *Abstract
3. *Table of contents
4. Purpose
5. Research
6. Variables, Control Group or Constants, Hypothesis
7. Materials list and Procedure
8. Data [table(s), graph(s), log(s), picture(s)]
9. Results
10. Conclusion
11. Application
12. *Bibliography

Display:
Free-standing, tri-fold board (maximum 122 cm/ 48 inches high)
Labels must be affixed for every component listed below
Must be typed on a computer/word processor (hint: copy and paste the parts you
need from your typed report and change the font size as needed)
Title
(the
title
of
your
project
is the only component that
Purpose
Results
Variables
Hypothesis

does NOT need a label, simply display your projects

title)

Materials
Procedure
Data Table(s)
Graph(s)
Pictures, logs, and/or charts

Conclusion
Application

* Points will be deducted if these items do not appear in this exact order or if the project
seems to be thrown together at the last minute
**Pictures that are posted on any part of the project may NOT show the students face or
body.
*** Tri-fold boards are the ONLY portion of the project that will be displayed in the BSCS
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science fair. Any addends may only be displayed in the students class and CSUSA
Science Fair if they are qualified to enter.

Timeline:
These items are expected to be completed for the final project. Some elements may be
assigned for homework, collected and given an individual grade on a given date.
Assignment
Title

Due Date

Notes

#1 Purpose and
Variables

5 points on the selection of testable questions referencing a

cause and effect relationship or a measurable change and
identification of variables

#2 Research
and
Bibliography
(typed)

30 points on communication and the use of developed language

and science terms, sequential order of essay (introduction,
body, and closure), focus and details, content (variables,
hypothesis, evidence of connection and understanding of
sources), variety of sources used, and appropriate bibliography
format Rubric will be used

#3 Hypothesis

5 points on the use of proper format If___, then___ because

___, based on background research, testable and valid

#4 Materials
and Procedure

10 points on the selection of appropriate materials, detailed list

(bulleted), use of SI units, sequential steps (numbered
procedure), repetition of trials (3), and clear description of
investigation

#5 Data table
(blank)

5 points on the proper use of titles, labels for rows and columns,
identification of variables, repetition of trials (3), and use of SI
units

#5 Data table
and graph,
completed
using computer

10 points on the use of appropriate titles and labels for both

data table and graph, identification and correct placement of
variables, use of appropriate graph, and accuracy of data
Rubric will be used

#6 Results and
Conclusion
(typed)

10 points on the use of data analysis to describe trends or

patterns, comments on reasons for findings, acceptance or
rejection of hypothesis (use of vocabulary supported or not
supported), answering purpose, suggestions for further efforts

#7 Abstract and
Application
(typed)

20 points on summary of project in paragraph form, purpose

clearly stated, hypothesis referenced, summary of procedure in
correct sequence, inclusion of conclusion and all its elements,
creative and critical thinking is evident in application, research
is referenced, contribution to society is purposeful and relevant

Final Typed
Report

30 points on the correct use and order of contents: abstract,

purpose, variables, hypothesis, research, materials, procedure,
data table(s) and graph(s), results, conclusion, application,
bibliography Rubric will be used

(assembled using
guidelines listed
on page 3)
Display Board
and
Experimental
Design
(assembled using
guidelines listed on
page 3)

20 points on the creativity, neatness, and correct use and order

of experimental design: purpose, variables, hypothesis,
materials, procedure, data table, graph, results, conclusion
Rubric will be used

Grading:
Before turning in the Typed Report, please check off each component listed below:
Project
Elements

Expectations

Summary of project in paragraph form

Purpose clearly stated, hypothesis referenced

Abstract

Research
and
bibliography

Summary of procedure in correct sequence, in the past tense, and use of transition words
Conclusion is based on analysis of the data with the acceptance or rejection of hypothesis (use of vocabularysupported or not supported)
Purpose answered and suggestion for further efforts
Introduction of problem statement or purpose with relevance of selected topic to society and closure with key
points mentioned throughout essay
Independent and dependent variables clearly identified with research and summary of discoveries made on each
Hypothesis stated with the use of research for support
5 sources listed, variety of resources (book, magazine, internet, encyclopedia, etc.)
Appropriate bibliography format for each source is used
Purpose is in the form of a question

Purpose,
Hypothesis,
Variables,
Materials,
and
Procedure

Data Table
and Graph

Hypothesis is written using proper format If __, then __, because __ and based on background research for
support
Variables are present and correct (independent, dependent and/or constant/control)
Materials list is bulleted, using SI units
Sequential procedure steps are present with the mention of repetition of trials (3 or more)
Data table displays rows and columns with clearly identified independent or dependent variables and appropriate
title
Data is recorded and evidence of three trials represented
SI units are used if applicable
Appropriate graph is used: line graph for changes over time, bar graph for comparisons
Graph displays appropriate title, labels, scales, intervals and data
Appropriate graph is used: line graph for changes over time, bar graph for comparisons

Results,
Conclusion,
and
Application

Appropriate title, labels, scales, intervals, and SI units used if applicable

x-axis (IV) and y-axis (DV) labeled properly
SI units used if applicable
information presented on data table and graph are compatible
Report is typed in correct order according to teacher directions
All components are present

Content

Report does not appear plagiarized

Typed following format criteria
Thoughts expressed completely

Grading
Before turning in the Display Board, please check off each component listed below:
Expectations

Project
Elements

Free standing board

Visual
Display

Project title is present

Steps marked with titles
Proper location of each component
Neat assembly

Purpose,
Hypothesis,
Variables,
Materials,
and
Procedure

Purpose is in the form of a question

Hypothesis is written using proper format If __, then __, because __
Variables list is present and correct
Materials list is present and correct
Sequential procedure steps are present and correct
Data table is displayed

Display of
Data

Data table is correct

Graph is displayed
Graph is correct
Data table and graph are visible, clear, and attractive
Analysis describes the trends or patterns found in the data
Analysis may have comments on reasons for trends or patterns

Results and Conclusion is based on analysis of the data

Conclusion Acceptance or rejection of hypothesis (use of vocabulary- supported or not supported)
Suggestions for further efforts
Check out these websites for science fair ideas and information
Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
Energy Quest Science Fair Projects
http://energyquest.ca.gov/projects/index.html#chemical
Exploratorium: The Science Explorer
http://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/index.html
Science Fair Central
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.html
Science Made Simple
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/
The Science Club: Kid' Science Projects
http://scienceclub.org//kidproj1.html
U.S.G.S. Science Fair Projects
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/kids/sciencefair.php

All Science Fair Projects.com

http://www.all-science-fairprojects.com/category0.html
Funology.com Weird Science http://www.funology.com/laboratory/listing.cfm?
category=49&type=laboratory
NOTE: Not all the science fair project ideas listed in the provided websites will be approved. Be
selective. Ask yourself: Does this experiment have all 3 variables? Is the outcome
measurable? Am I following the rules?

Science Fair Project Assignment #1

Purpose

Name: _____________________
Due: _______________________
Period: __________
Show me what youve got! Its time to write your own purpose on the lines below. It is
important that your parents review your purpose before you turn it in. Remember that
the purpose must be in the form of a question and should not be answered by a
simple yes or no. After you have filled this paper out, turn it in to teacher for
approval. Your science teacher MUST approve your experiment before you begin testing.
Remember to stick to the rules in your handbook.
Purpose: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Why are you choosing this topic? _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How is this topic relevant to society? ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Independent variable (what are you manipulating or changing?):
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dependent variable (what is the measurable outcome youll be looking forward to

exploring?):
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Constants (what are you doing to keep things fair?):

__________________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________ Parent Signature: ______________________________

Teacher Approval: ____Yes, go for it! ____No, re-do assignment with appropriate topic
Teachers Signature _____________________________
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General Guide to Formatting a Bibliography

For a book:
Author (last name first). Title of the book. City: Publisher, Date of publication.
EXAMPLE:
Dahl, Roald. The BFG. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1982.
For an encyclopedia:
Encyclopedia Title, Edition Date. Volume Number, "Article Title," page numbers.
EXAMPLE:
The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1997. Volume 7, "Gorillas," pp. 50-51.
For a magazine:
Author (last name first), "Article Title." Name of magazine. Volume number, (Date): page numbers.
EXAMPLE:
Jordan, Jennifer, "Filming at the Top of the World." Museum of Science Magazine. Volume 47, No. 1, (Winter 1998): p. 11.
For a newspaper:
Author (last name first), "Article Title." Name of newspaper, city, state of publication. (date): edition if available, section,
page number(s).
EXAMPLE:
Powers, Ann, "New Tune for the Material Girl." The New York Times, New York, NY. (3/1/98): Atlantic Region, Section 2, p.
34.
CD-ROM:
Disc title: Version, Date. "Article title," pages if given. Publisher.
EXAMPLE:
Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia: Macintosh version, 1995. "Civil rights movement," p.3. Compton's Newsmedia.
Internet:
Authors last name, First Name. Article Title. Website Title. Publisher of Website, Day Month Year article was published.
Web. Day Month Year article was accessed. <URL>
EXAMPLE:
Cain, Kevin. The Negative Effects of Facebook on Communication. Social Media Today RSS. N. p., 29 June 2012. Web.
02 Jan. 2013 <http://www.easybib.com/reference/guide/mla/website>

Note: The bibliography will be the LAST item in your typed report

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Science Fair Project Assignment #2

Research and Bibliography

Name: _____________________
Due: _______________________

Alright! You have been approved for your purpose. Now what? You need to focus on the
research for your project. The research portion of your paper will be included in your final
typed report. At this time it is also due for a grade.
Directions: The research is a comprehensive written summary (5 or more
paragraphs) based on your topic. This summary is NOT A COPY of something you find
in the web or in a book/magazine (this is called plagiarism and is unacceptable).
You also need show where you found your information. You will be able to list this
information in the form of a bibliography. Remember to use the bibliography format page
that your teacher gave you for the correct format of the bibliography. You need at
least 5 sources. The bibliography is also graded- 5 correctly written citations will earn
you an A, points will be taken off for not writing the sources in the correct format. An
incomplete bibliography will result in an unsatisfactory grade.
Research and bibliography MUST be TYPED before submission.

Research Essay Outline

I.
II.

III.
IV.
V.

Introduction
a. Introduce your problem statement/purpose
b. Explain why you chose this topic and why it is relevant to our society
Section 1
a. Summarize the information you discovered about your independent
variable
b. Explain how this information helps you answer your question
Section 2
a. Summarize the information you discovered about your dependent variable
b. Explain how this information helps you answer your question
Section 3
a. State your hypothesis
b. Explain how the research outline above led you to your hypothesis
Closing
a. Summarize key points you learned about your independent and dependent
variables
b. Restate your hypothesis
Bibliography

You may use the following website to help you write your bibliography: easybib.com or
use the reverse of assignment #1 for directions and examples.

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Grading
Before turning in your research essay and bibliography, please check off each
component below:
Project Elements

Expectations

Thoughts expressed clearly and with few errors

Communication:

Evidence of developed vocabulary

Language use,
focus, details

Use of science terms

Main ideas are clear
Main ideas supported by detailed and accurate information
Organization of thought is evident

Communication:
Organization

Sequential order of essay is correct: introduction, independent variable, dependent variable,

hypothesis, closing
Topics for paragraphs clearly introduced
Use of transition words within paragraphs
Appropriate bibliography format for each source is used
Introduction to testable purpose, reason for selecting the topic, and relevance to society

Content: Purpose,
Variables,
Hypothesis

Independent variable identified, research used to understand the variables effect in experiment
Dependent variable identified, research used to understand the outcome of the experiment
Hypothesis is written using proper format If ___, then __, because__
Background information supports development of hypothesis
Use of researched information demonstrates a good understanding of the sources

Content: Evidence
of understanding
content of sources

Resources referenced throughout the essay

Evident connections of sources and topic
Adequate support for all topics of research and variables
Citations used if necessary

Content: Evidence
of understanding
of requirements

Essay is typed
5 complete paragraphs present
Introduction, body, and conclusion are evident
Essay does not appear plagiarized
Thoughts expressed completely
5 sources listed

Bibliography

Variety of resources used: encyclopedia, book, approved scientific journals or magazines, approved
internet sites, etc.
Quoted sources are present
Appropriate bibliography format for each source is used
Sources in alphabetical order

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Science Fair Project Assignment #3

Hypothesis

Name: _____________________
Due: _______________________
Period: __________

The hypothesis is an inference, of what the outcome of the experiment you are doing
will be. It must be stated with specific facts about the study being done. You should state
the conditions that will be in place during your experiment. You should also give reasons
for your rationale using information from your research. What do you think will happen?
If I do this, then (I think) this will happen because based on your research
Remember the if section contains your cause or independent variable, followed by
your then section which contains your measurable outcome, effect, or dependent
variable, followed by the reasons for your prediction derived from your research.
Rewrite your Purpose: (remember that the purpose is a question)

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Hypothesis:

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
____________________________________

For teacher use only:

____ This assignment has been graded, now you may type this.
Please be sure to take teacher comments into account when typing.
Refer to report format for correct order of each section.
____ This assignment has been graded, please re-write and resubmit before typing.

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Science Fair Project Assignment #4

Materials and Procedure

Name: __________________________
Due: ___________________________
Period: _________

After formulating a hypothesis, you should write down all the materials and supplies
you will need in order to carry out the experiment.
Requirements:
Include everything you need for the experiment itself.
Specific amounts are needed for each item listed in SI Units
Measuring tools and safety equipment you will use must be listed
Vertical, bulleted list and should NOT be numbered
Acquire enough materials for 3 trials
It is important that your parents review your materials list to make sure that they are
able to provide all the supplies you will need for your experiment.
Here is example of an unacceptable materials list and how it should be presented to
your teacher
Unacceptable
Materials List
Acceptable Materials List
1. bubble solution, 2. graduated cylinder, 3. straws, 45 mL of bubble solution
4. trash bag, 5. masking tape, 6. ruler
50 mL graduated cylinder
3 plastic drinking straws
3- 20 liter plastic trash bags
15 cm masking tape
metric ruler (30 cm)
Materials list:

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________
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The procedure is a step-by-step listing of the instructions that must be done in order to
carry out the experiment. The procedure is always written in a numbered list. It is
important that the procedure be written so that someone else can perform the
experiment exactly as you did.

The procedure should be written so that you are giving someone else directions on
the steps that should be followed.

Finally make sure your directions include repeating the experiment at least three
times.
Unacceptable Procedures
I poured some water in a bowl
I stuck some Bounty paper towels in
the bowl and let it soak the water
I took out the paper towel from the
bowl
I used a cooking measurement thing
to see what was left over
I wrote down what was left over in my
notebook for the science project
I repeated these steps for a sponge
I also repeated this a few more times

Acceptable Procedures
1. Pour 50 mL of water in a medium sized
bowl
2. Submerge 2 Bounty paper towels in the
bowl for 5 minutes
3. Remove Bounty paper towels from bowl
without spilling any excess water out
4. Pour water remaining in the bowl into
the graduated cylinder
5. Measure how much water was left over
and record data
6. Repeat steps 2-6 for a congruent piece
of Sham Wow rag
7. Repeat the steps 1-7 three times

Procedure:

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
* Attach a sheet if you need more space for writing
For teacher use only:
____ This assignment has been graded, now you may type this. Please be
sure to take teacher comments into account when typing. Refer to report
format for correct order of each section.
____ This assignment has been graded, please re-write and re-submit
before typing.

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Science Fair Project Assignment #5

Designing a Data Table
Completed Tables and Graphs

Name: __________________________
Due: _______________________
Due: ___________________________
Period: ________

After you have written your materials list and procedure, and you have identified all your
variables, you are ready to begin experimenting! A data table is a good way to show your
experiment results in an organized way. Creating a data table is simple if you keep in
mind 3 things: 1) the Dependent variable; 2) the Independent variable; and 3) at
least three trials and an average should be reflected on the table.
Your Data Table
The next step for your experiment is to design the data table where you collect and
gather the results of your experiment while you are experimenting. You do not need to
fill out the table if you are not done experimenting yet. In your next assignment
youll be asked for a complete data table and graph.

**Completed tables and graphs are due on a computer generated sheet of

paper by ___________________________(these are necessary when writing results and
conclusion)
You may use the following websites to help you generate your graphs:
www.onlinecharttool.com and http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/classic/

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Grading
Before turning in your computer-generated (and completed) data table and graph, please
check off each component below:

Project
Elements

Expectations

Appropriate title is used

Data
Table

Rows and columns are clearly identified with independent or dependent

variables
Data is recorded
SI units are used if applicable
Three trials represented in columns/rows or use of different tables
Appropriate graph is used: line graph for changes over time, bar graph for
comparisons
Appropriate title, labels, scales, intervals, and SI units used if applicable

Graph

x-axis (IV) and y-axis (DV) labeled properly

SI units used if applicable
information presented on data table and graph are compatible

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Science Fair Project Assignment #6

Results and Conclusion

Name: __________________________
Due: ___________________________

Results
Interpret the data. Think about what you are learning from it. State your findings of the
experiment based upon the data you observed and analyzed in paragraph form. You
should write comparative statements about your results rather than simply stating what
is on your data table. Use words and/or phrases like more than, less than, twice as much,
less than half, etc. Be sure to include a statement about some interesting or unexpected
results in one of more of the trials.
Conclusion
Your conclusions should begin with a statement of whether or not the results supported
your hypothesis. Your conclusion should also answer the purpose in paragraph form.
Include a sentence that describes what could have affected your results. Do not blame
anyone for the errors; just describe the errors. Think back on your research for support.
Add any new ideas you have to improve this experiment. Finally, include a sentence that
may lead to new experiments. The following is a framed paragraph you may choose to
use when writing a conclusion. Be sure to elaborate on the ideas to have communicate
all of your findings.
In conclusion, my hypothesis was (supported or not supported) because (explain why
this happened). Write a complete sentence to answer the purpose. The results could have
been affected by ---. Include Ideas from your research that may have affected your results. In
the future, I will (ideas for improving this project). It would be interesting to see if (new
experiment idea).
Results and Conclusion MUST be TYPED before submission.
Notes:

_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________
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Assignment #7
Abstract and Application

Name: __________________________
Due: ___________________________

Your abstract is a summary of your project. It usually follows your title page in your
written report. This summary includes three paragraphs:
1. Purpose: Your purpose is basically your problem statement, but it is written in the
form of a declarative sentence. The hypothesis is also stated, but it is written in the
past tense.
2. Procedure: The procedure is written in complete sentences and using transitional
words such as first, second, next, then, finally, etc. The procedure is also written in
the past tense since it is a summary of what you have already done.
3. Conclusion: Your conclusion can be copied as it is from your project.
The following is a suggested frame for writing your abstract:
The purpose of this project is to find out (purpose is rephrased into a declarative
sentence.) It is hypothesized that (restate your hypothesis remember to write it in an if__,
then__ statement format).
In order to test my hypothesis I carried out various steps. First I (write your first step
in a complete sentence). Continue to write sentences for the steps in your procedure using
your transitional words in sequential order. Summarize or combine steps that belong together
in the sequence if needed.
In conclusion, my hypothesis was (supported or not supported) because (why this
happened). Write a complete sentence to answer the purpose. The results could have been
affected by ---. Include ideas from your research that may have supported these results. In
the future, I will (ideas for improving this project). It would be interesting to see if (new
experiment idea).

Application
The application portion of your project is intended for you to think critically about who
will use the information you provided. How is your project making a contribution to our
world? Think about this topic or do a little research before you respond.
Abstract and Application MUST be TYPED before submission.

Notes:
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________

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