The Science and Mathematics Education Center

1. The Science and Mathematics Education Center The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (910) 962-3168 http://www.uncw.edu/smec/

2. Science Fair Category Descriptions • 1. Biological Science • Study human & animal behavior, chemistry of life processes, • study of plants, animals, microorganisms, diseases, biotic environment • Physical Science • Study of nature & composition of matter, theories, principles and laws • governing energy and effect of energy on matter • Earth Science • Study of geology, mineralogy, physiography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology and astronomy • Technology • Projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing • and practical uses

3. Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project • Select Topic • Gather Background Information • Follow Scientific Method • Run Controlled Experiments and Record Data • Use Graphs and Charts

4. Steps to Prepare a Science Fair Project • Construct an Exhibit or Display • Write a Short Report • 8. Practice Presentation for Judges

5. Practical Hints for Science Fair Projects • 1. Pick topic of personal interested. • 2. Get assistance performing & • understanding project, but DO the work yourself. • 3. Don’t wait to start your project. • Complication good project.

6. Practical Hints for Science Fair Projects 5. Don’t get upset if your experiment(s) demonstrate that your hypothesis is invalid. 6. Sometimes the most interesting science fair project is the one suggested by your first project.

7. Ways to find a Science Fair Project • 1. Look at lists of Science Categories • 2. Use your experiences ( I wonder how/what…) • 3. Check the school library (books/magazines) • 4. Think about current events (newspapers) • Watch the commercials on TV (test/dispute their claims)

8. How to Set Up a Science Fair Project • 1. What impression do you want to make (judges/viewers)? • 2. Display is your projects advertising. • USE SHOWMANSHIP. • Colored Items and Pictures Attract Attention

9. How to Set Up a Science Fair Project 4. Display Board should be professional and follow Fair rules Top Panel: Header, Scientific Title Left Panel: Problem, Hypothesis, Abstract Center Panel: Procedures/Materials, Variables, Control/Constants, Table, Graphs, Pictures Right Panel: Results, Conclusion, Application

10. Right Panel Left Panel Center Panel PROBLEM STATEMENT HYPOTHESIS ABSTRACT (space holder) RESULTS CONCLUSIONS APPLICATION PROCEDURES MATERIALS VARIABLES CONTROL INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT CONSTANTS TABLE GRAPHS PICTURES How to Set Up a Science Fair Project Top Panel HEADER SCIENTIFIC TITLE

11. Science Fair Rules and Regulations • 1. Displays size 122 cm x 76 cm x 198/274 cm • 2. Experimental procedures with animals must obtain approval • 3. No animals (live or preserved) allowed at fair • 4. No Dangerous items: syringes, bacterial cultures, toxic/flammable chemicals, high voltage • Any exhibit that does not follow rules will be Disqualified

12. Science Fair Judging Criteria Junior/Senior Division 1. Creative Ability (30 points) Originality of thinking & investigation of an original idea? 2. Scientific Thought (30 points) Evidence of well-organized work, use of scientific methods, concepts and investigations clearly demonstrated?

13. Science Fair Judging Criteria Junior/Senior Division 3. Skill & Thoroughness (15 points) Evidence of careful workmanship, clearly organized. Presentation of the steps taken in conducting the investigation & presenting results and conclusions? Complete explanation of the principle or process involved?

14. Science Fair Judging Criteria Junior/Senior Division 4. Clarity & Dramatic Presentation (10 points) Presented in an easily understood manner, attractive layout commands the attention of viewers clearly defined and well-labeled display? 5. Interview (15 points) Is the student knowledgeable in areas covered by the research?

15. Forms Junior Division NC State Elementary/Junior Division Form

16. Forms Junior Division All Students Must Write a Research Plan as Listed Below and Have the Plan Approved PRIOR to BEGINNING the Experiment! This Form and the Research Plan should be submitted to all Fairs!

17. Forms Junior Division If you are working with ANY of the following items, you MUST have a “Qualified Scientist/Adult Sponsor” to supervise your work and first be approved by a local SRC Committee: Non-Human vertebrate animals, Bacteria, Human/Animal Tissue, Recombinant DNA, Pathogens, Human Subjects, Controlled Substances, Hazardous Substances or Hazardous Devices. You must also use the ISEF Rules Wizard at http://www.sciserv.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp to determine other forms that may be required for your research and if approval is needed before beginning the experiment!

18. Forms Junior Division • Exemptstudies – do not require IRB review nor human subjects forms • Product testing of a student invention, program, concept, etc. • No health hazards • No personal data collected • Feedback directly related to product • Studies using pre-existing, publicly available human data

19. Forms Junior Division • Additional exempt studies • Behavioral observations in unrestricted public settings • No interaction • No manipulation of environment • No recording of any personal identifiers • Studies using certified de-identified/ anonymous data

20. Forms Junior Division Informed Consent • As required by IRB • Participants under 18 years of age • Parents of participants under 18 years of age • Subjects 18 years or older

21. Other Possible Forms • Vertebrate Animal Form (5B) – ALL research involving animals • Potentially Hazardous Biological Agent Risk (6A) • Human and Vertebrate Animal Tissue Form (6B) • Continuation Projects Form (7)