Student Resources
Teacher Resources

Science is Alive

 

Research Scenario

You have been invited to participate in our school's science fair. You will demonstrate mastery of the scientific method by creating and conducting an investigation. You will construct a backboard and present your project for all classmates, parents, and judges to view.

Essential Question:

How do scientists use the scientific method to conduct an investigation?

 

Task & Product

 

 

You will complete the following pieces for your science fair project:

( * Right Click to "Open")

Step one: Question *

Fill out the Project Proposal Form before you continue.

Step two:Research Report * or Video

Step three: Hypothesis *

Step four: Materials *

Step five: Procedure *

Step six: Variables *

Step seven: Results in a Data Table *

Step eight: Results in a Graph *

Step nine: Conclusion *

Step ten: Presentation (see "Organize" section below)


 

Assessments

 

 The following scoring tools may be used or adapted by your teacher to evaluate your research process and your final product and presentation.

Research Process Assessment:

Optional Assessments:

Final Product Assessments: 

 

Questions

 

 Essential Question:

How do scientists use the scientific method to conduct an investigation?

Subsidiary Questions:

  • What is the scientific method?
  • How do I conduct a fair test?
  • Why is controlling variables important?
  • How do I present accurate data?

 

 

Gather & Sort

 

 

Use a variety of resources for gathering information about your topic. First look at these pointers.

Next, gather information using these Student Resources.

Sort your research findings on your topic using:

Be sure to avoid plagiarism and keep track of your resources for a bibliography using the bibliography organizer.

Prewrite your report using:

 

Organize

 

Analyze your log book to determine if you have adequate information to answer your question.

 

Synthesize your findings to make your presentation backboard.

  • What new insights have emerged about your topic?
  • Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?
  • Which facts are unnecessary or irrevelent to explaining the background of your topic?

Evaluate your finished product by using this checklist.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

Presentation: You will be asked to present your investigation at the school's science fair. To prepare for your interview, read interview tips.


Reflection/Extension Activity: Write a paragraph reflecting on your entire science fair experience.

  • What are the positive aspects of your experience?
  • What are the negative aspects of your experience?
  • What would you change if you were going to do the science fair again?

Now, that you've finished print a reward of your choice: