GRADES 5–12 SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANT MANUAL SATURDAY JANUARY 27, 2018

Central Office 7946 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 513-231-3600 Fax: 513-231-3830 www.foresthills.edu Scot T. Prebles Superintendent Mike Broadwater Assistant Superintendent

Dear Science Fair Participant, We are so excited you have decided to join us for the 2018 Forest Hills School District Science Fair on Saturday, January 27th at Nagel Middle School. In this manual, you will find information on how to choose a Science Fair project, what items are off limits, suggestions for building your Science Fair display and relevant dates and times for the fair itself. Reading this manual is an excellent way to put yourself on the path to a superior Science Fair project. If you are completing a project that involves humans, vertebrate animals, microorganisms or potentially hazardous chemicals, there are additional forms to complete and submit by the registration deadline (see Appendix A). As a reminder, no students may complete a project using explosives, drugs of any kind, alcohol or weapon of any kind. We have eliminated these items to ensure the safety of all participating in the science fair. There are many ways to identify project ideas, including visiting your local library for books on Science Fair projects. In addition, an internet search will return dozens of sites dedicated to helping students choose developmentally appropriate projects. For more hints, you may contact a Science Fair school representative: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Ayer – Holly Sattler ([email protected]) Maddux – Ashley Boerio ([email protected]) and Kristi Strakowski ([email protected]) Mercer – Melissa Oakley([email protected]) Sherwood – Wendy Galluppi ([email protected]) Summit – Joe Turner ([email protected]) Wilson – Amanda Hatton ([email protected] Nagel – Lori Heekin ([email protected]) Anderson – Emily Dorsey ([email protected]) Turpin – Erin Berling ([email protected])

The registration deadline for the FHSD Science Fair is December 15, 2017. Please follow the link on the last page of the manual to register before this date. Each project only needs to be registered once. We look forward to working with you through the Science Fair process and cannot wait to see your project at the fair! Sincerely,

Associate Directory, Secondary Programs

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FHSD SCIENCE FAIR Nagel Middle School Saturday, January 27st 2018 You are invited to participate in one of the most exciting events in Forest Hills School District: the Science Fair. It is an opportunity to have fun and discover more about the world around you. This year the Science Fair will be held on Saturday, January 27st, at Nagel Middle School. If you are interested in participating, this packet is intended to give you an overview of what is involved in completing a Science Fair project. First, you will need to choose a topic. Then, you will conduct an experiment. Finally, you will present your information in two ways, a written report and a display board that you will present at the Science Fair.

Choosing a Topic Select a question about a scientific topic you are curious about and want to investigate through experimentation. You may want to go to the library or search the internet for project ideas. Be sure to choose a topic that is testable through experimentation. Science Fair Experiment Overview: 1. Select a specific question. 2. Review background information. 3. State your hypothesis. 4. Design a procedure for your experiment. 5. Gather necessary materials. 6. Conduct your experiment. 7. Collect data and analyze the results. 8. Draw a conclusion. 9. Prepare your presentation.

Written Report Students should prepare a written report for their project. The report should be bound in some way (a folder or three-ring notebook is fine). There are four parts to the written report: the cover, title page, outline, and the text of the report. 1. The cover (front of folder or binder) A. Must be labeled with: Project Title Student Name Name of Course and Grade Teacher Name B. Must be clean, free of smudges and not be bent or torn. C. Must hold inside pages securely and neatly. 2. The title page: This is the very first page on the inside of your binder/folder and should include the same information as that listed on the cover. 2

3. The outline: The project outline follows the title page. The outline has two purposes. First, it gives readers a basic idea of what they are going to find in your paper. Secondly, it helps you organize and write your paper. The sample outline provided below is given to assist you in the development of your own project outline. You should use the Roman numerals and headings given in bold, and then fill in your own information underneath each Roman numeral. PROJECT TITLE I. Abstract This is a one-paragraph summary of your experiment. It should start with a simple statement of the purpose of the experiment. Then, it should have a brief description of the experimental method. Finally, it should summarize your results. II. Introduction The introduction is written in several paragraphs. It should include the items listed below. This is one of the places where research should be included. A. Background information (based on research) B. Purpose of the experiment C. Hypothesis for the project III. Materials List This should be a list of the items used. The list should include specific amounts when applicable. In this section, you should also acknowledge any help you received in obtaining unusual materials, and cite the sources for your materials. IV. Procedure Give the step-by-step method of your experiment. This should take the form of a numbered list of commands. You should include diagrams or photos if necessary. V. Results Your results will be presented in two forms: A. Written results—write your results in paragraph form. This is a statement of the facts of what happened, not why. B. Graphic results—present your data in tables, charts, graphs, etc. VI. Conclusion State a conclusion that relates the results directly to the original hypothesis. VII. Discussion The discussion is written in several paragraphs. It should include the items listed below. This is one of the places where research should be included. A. Explain meaning of the results (based on research) B. Mention any special circumstances that may have affected the results C. Discuss future experiments that could be done based on this project’s results. This includes ideas to improve this project or to take the next step and learn more about your topic. VIII.

Bibliography and Acknowledgements 3

4. The text of the report: The rest of the report follows the outline page and represents the “meat” of the project. The text should be written from the outline that appears in the written report. Each section of the rest of the report should contain the information given in the sample outline above. Additional suggestions for report: ● Head the report with the title of the project. ● Head each section of the written report with the title of that section. (Introduction, Materials, etc.). You should not include the Roman numerals from the outline. ● The report should be free of spelling errors and should be clearly readable. ● The report must be in ink or typed. ● The report should be interesting and easy to read. ● Write on one side of the paper only. ● The length of the report should be determined by the nature of the project. In general, a project with 8-10 pages including the title page, outline, and bibliography is acceptable, but this will vary. ● The report should clearly describe the experiment and be available with the science project at the Science Fair. ● Acknowledge any help you may have received completing your project in your report. ● Science Fair projects include both research and original experimentation. Make sure to include citations for outside sources used.

The Display A third component of the science project is the display. After you have completed your project, you must develop a display for the Science Fair. Physical Display Requirements: Construct a display panel as shown in the diagram below and that meets the following specifications: ● Display must be no more than 24 inches deep, from the front of the table to the back. ● It must not take up more than 36 inches from side to side. Masonite, paneling, plywood, pressboard, corrugated board, pegboard, or heavy weight poster board are some of the suggested materials for building a display board. The finished product should be sturdy enough to stand by itself. Pre-made display boards are also available for purchase at local office supply stores.

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Display Contents: ●

● ● ●

Title of your project Your name (and your partner’s name if you have one) The same sections that are included in your written report in a simplified form.

Diagrams ,pictures, graphs, charts, and anything else that helps explain your project.

Display Hints: ● Make the title of your project large, clear, and neat. All labeling should be neat and informative. Appearance is important. Put your name on the upper right hand corner of your display. This is important to the judges since they may not know you. ● Make large and clear explanations. An appropriate picture or diagram is worth many words. ● Your display should tell a story. Make it explain itself. ● Put your information on the board in an orderly fashion. Having your sections in order top to bottom and left to right works well. ● Use an attractive color scheme. Make sure the colors add to your overall display. ● If some of the parts of your experiment are portable, adding them to your display will help tell your story. ● Moveable parts must be attached securely. All switches and cords (if used) must be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved and must be furnished by the student. ● You as a participant must be able to tell the judge what your project is about. You are part of the display. The more you know about your project, the more you will be able to tell the judges. A very simple project can win recognition if you sell it well.

Special Hints to Students The following information should help you have success with your science project. If you need additional information, ask your teacher. How much time should be spent on the project? A minimum of six hours is suggested for completion of the project. How should I prepare for the judges? You should note the following when developing your project and presenting it before the judges: ● A demonstration of scientific concept: Do you know what the concept is, what it does, how it works? Can you relate the concept to any other use? ● Investigating a simple problem: Do you know what the problem is compared to the procedure, the conclusion, etc.? Can you apply this knowledge to any other use? Can you predict the outcome of your project? How well do you understand what you have done? ● A basic research project: How well have you defined and isolated the problem? How well do your procedures match your problem? Do your conclusions relate directly to the original research question?

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Are there any other rules/regulations I should know about? ● Any hypothesis that you formulate is legible. ● The use of “kit” models is not allowed, because models do not provide an opportunity to test a hypothesis. Use of models will earn no credit for the scientific method portion of the judges’ scores. ● The use of live (or preserved) animals is only acceptable if approved by a panel well in advance of the Science Fair. Adherence to rules and completion of necessary paperwork are required by the Ohio Academy of Science. The nine-page packet can be obtained from your science teacher if you are interested in research involving live vertebrate animals. The packet must be completed and returned to your science teacher by Friday, December 15, 2017 ● No projects shall involve materials or elements, which might be dangerous to onlookers such as explosives, toxic elements, injurious chemicals or gases, any unprotected moving parts, etc. No student may submit a project that uses any of the following: ● explosives ● drugs (prescription, illegal) ● alcohol ● weapons (firearms, knives, tasers, etc.) The following items may be used in projects, but may not be brought to the fair: potential allergens (any product containing nuts, including soaps and creams, latex, etc.) ● all animals ● over the counter medications ● potentially infectious agents (including all Petri dishes with growth) ● flammable materials ● hazardous biological agents (bacteria, viruses, viroids, prions, rickettsia, fungi, parasites, recombinant DNA(rDNA) technologies or human or animal fresh/frozen tissues, blood, or body fluids).

Science Fair Instructions When do I set up my project? Exhibits must be set up between 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, January 26th at Nagel Middle School. A week before Science Fair, you will be given your assigned table number. Where is the Forest Hills School District Science Fair? The Science Fair will be held at Nagel Middle School. All exhibitors should set up their projects’ in their assigned space (Nagel cafetorium/gym/auxiliary gym) on Friday between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you are unsure of your assigned space, you may check with registration in the lobby or cafetorium on Friday evening. How do I set up my project? Table space will be provided in the Nagel cafetorium/gymnasium/auxiliary gym. Students must enter the school through the side door to the gymnasium. Students must bring all materials that they need for their project. The district will provide no materials other than a table.

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What time does judging occur? The Science Fair judging will begin on Saturday, January 27st. Projects will be judged from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE JUDGING. Students should be standing by their projects at 9:00 a.m. and will need to remain by their project until they have been evaluated by three (3) judges. Students are advised to bring along a book to read or something to do while waiting for the judges. When is the fair open to the public? The Science Fair will be open to the public from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. Exhibits should be removed between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. the day of the Science Fair. Any exhibits not removed by 12:30 p.m. will be discarded.

Miscellaneous Information Awards Every student who participates in the Science Fair will be awarded a certificate of recognition. Ribbons for the rating received will be awarded to each student participating. Public Parking Parking will be available in the Nagel Middle School parking lot. Enter from Nagel Road. Ratings Table Projects entered in the Forest Hills Science Fair will be judged on the basis of the qualities shown in the ratings table below. NOTE: The evaluation criteria identified in the Ratings Table requires that students be interviewed at the exhibition. Obviously, students will have to be present to explain their projects to judges and visitors.

S KNOWLEDGE ACHIEVED

SUPERIOR

EXEXCELLENT

GOOD

SATISFACTORY

10-9

8-7-6

5-4-3

2-1

10-9

8-7-6

5-4-3

2-1

CLARITY OF EXPRESSION

10-9

8-7-6

5-4-3

2-1

ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY

10-9

8-7-6

5-4-3

2-1

TEAMWORK*

10-9

8-7-6

5-4-3

2-1

EFFECTIVE USE OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD

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The minimum number of points for each rating is as follows: Superior………………….36 (45*) Excellent…………………24 (30*)

Good…………………………12 (15*) Satisfactory………………….. 4 (5*)

*Only group projects will have this additional category and use these ratings.

Suggestions for Adults Supporting Students Science projects offer students an opportunity to investigate something of interest to them and learn to organize their findings into a report. Parents are urged to remember that growth is a process and that maximum benefits are developed by the student if he/she is solely responsible for the completed body of work. One of the major questions asked of Science Fair participants is: “What did you learn that you can use in other situations?” The role of teachers, parents and other adults is to encourage the student, stimulate an inquiring mind and oversee the activities. Many parents ask questions about how they can help with a Science Fair project. The Science Fair coordinators have formulated a list of suggestions for your information. This is a general list and we are aware that other activities might be helpful. Students may need help with:

Students should be able to:

Selecting a project

Make the final choice based on their interest

Obtaining information about their subject

Organize the information into a report.

Interpreting the information if necessary, serving as a resource person or obtaining other resource help

Prepare the display area by planning, (e.g., drilling, cutting holes, etc.) organizing, painting, assembling, and diagramming their information

Building a display area

Execute the activity

Accumulating materials

Make sure project is based upon their ideas and words

Transporting their exhibit to and from Nagel

Execute the activity or experiment and interpret the results

Good Luck in Your Scientific Endeavor! You may now register by clicking on the image below.

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APPENDIX A Qualified Scientist Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHY2JNaUxFM052aEk Live Animal Vertebrate Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHRTQ3THVTUzZzbEE Human Participant Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHN250XzVIcUNSRWc Human Participant Consent Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHQ2NMdkpZbkhlYUE Risk Assessment (Required for projects using hazardous chemicals, activities or devices and microorganisms exempt from pre-approval. Must be completed before experimentation.) https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHZGU0RnlsRkVodzA Potentially Hazardous Biological: Required for research involving microorganisms, rDNA, fresh/frozen tissue (including primary cell lines, human and other primate established cell lines and tissue cultures), blood, blood products and body fluids. SRC/IACUC/IBC approval required before experimentation. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9cXxVCNwsdHN2xRbnJBVmtZRDQ

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