Science Fair Project

 Your science fair project should follow the format of the scientific method.

Step 1. Define the Problem

• Think of some kind of experiment that you would like to try. Remember that you must be able to measure the experiment each day.
• Set up a control group and an experimental group. Remember to change only one variable.
• Write down your problem. Make sure that there is a purpose to your experiment.
• Explain how you have set up your groups and the materials used. This is done in the form of a lab report.

Step 2. Research

• Look up information about your topic and your variable
• Donít forget to write down information for your bibliography
• Use at least three different sources including books, magazines, Internet, interviews, encyclopedias, etc. 

  Step 3. Hypothesis

• Write down what you expect to happen before you try your experiment.
• Be specific! Make a chart of the numbers that you are predicting and give reasons for your guesses.
• Include other guesses such as height, color, condition, size, time, etc.

 Step 4. Test and Experiment

• Begin a daily diary recording the progress of your experiment.
• Be sure to record numbers and observations for each day.
• All measurements should be in metrics.

 Step 5. Check Hypothesis

• Record your results in full (make charts, graphs, and diagrams).
• Compare what you thought was going to happen to what did happen.
• Rewrite the hypothesis, if necessary.

 Step 6. Conclusions

• Explain what you learned from your experiment.
• Explain the importance of your results.
• Organize and complete the project.
• Write comments about your project. Explain how you could have improved your project.

 Final Note:

Completion of this project shows that you have learned how to conduct an experiment as a scientist would. This is a very important goal of the 7^th grade curriculum. The grade, therefore, will reflect a large portion of your third term grade. While some class time will be devoted to the science fair, most of the work of the science fair will need to be completed at home.

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