tests. Be ambitious and determined but also realistic.
You may have to go back and redesign your experimental plan.
Record everything—what worked, what didn’t work, anything you were not expecting, changes you might make if you had time to repeat the investigation again
Take photographs as you go along. These can be used to record progress and results. They also look good in your report book and on your display board.
When carrying out your research write down all your sources; these should be listed in the references section of your report book.
Record all data not just e.g. the average. You want to show that you did the experiment a number of times.
Be safe. Do not carry out any experiments that might be dangerous or use chemicals that might be harmful. Always check with your teacher first.
Entry forms for SciFest@College 2015 are now downloadable from the website www.scifest.ie. Closing date for receipt of entries is 13 March (SciFest@NorthWest in Derry only: 1 May). Please note that teachers, principals and parents have to sign the entry forms.
What the judges look for in a science fair project Section 1: Investigation Introduction: Clear statement of problem/objective/hypothesis Literature Review: Reasons for topic selection with outline of current knowledge and background research Preparation and Planning: Well-planned, replicable, adequate controls, fair test, appropriate variables, list of resources Procedure: Experimental procedure in detail, safety issues Clear accurate labelled diagrams, data tables and graphs Calculations and Data Analysis: Accurate calculations shown Discussion of relationship between variables Analysis of trends/patterns in data – conclusions Creativity and Innovation: Originality of work, use of unique methods, designs or materials, potential for development
Section 2: Presentation skills, visual display and report book Presentation Skills: Speaks clearly, demonstrates enthusiasm, confidently discusses content & answers questions, work as a team (group projects) Visual display: Visually appealing, appropriate level of content, well -organised, good spelling & grammar Report book: Well-documented, organised entries, clear illustrations, adequate & accurate references
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