1. science

SCIENCE FAIR
Click on a question below to go to the answer:
What is the Forsythe Science Fair?
What is the Southeast Michigan Science Fair (SEMSF)?
When and where is the Forsythe Science Fair?
As a student, why should I participate?
Who can I contact for more information?
How do I enter the Forsythe Science Fair?
What are the categories?
Do students have to do projects individually, or can they team with another student?
Can projects include humans or animals?
How much space do I have for my project?
Will there be electricity for my project?
My project is messy or involves liquids. Is that OK?
Can I have live animals as part of my project at the Science Fair?
How/when do I get my project to school?
How do I know where to put my project in the gym or Tech Ed room?
I did a report on my project – should I include my report as part of my project?
What role should parents play in students’ projects?
How can parents participate in the Science Fair?
What Science Fair Resources are Available?
What are the awards?
Any tips for a winning project?
How can I help make the science fair a success?
Do I have to be with my project during judging?
Will I know if I won before the awards ceremony?
For team project winners, do all team members get a medal (or ribbon)?
What is the judging process?
What is the Scientific Method?
What are the judging criteria?
SCIENCE FAIR
What is the Forsythe Science Fair?
The Forsythe Science Fair is a competitive event where students create and exhibit a science experiment or
model/collection. It is an opportunity for students to learn science hands-on and to share with others what they
learned! It has been the largest middle school science fair in Michigan, with more than 250 projects,
approximately 300 participating students, more than 50 judges, and more than 70 parent volunteers. Students
from all grades conduct experiments or do scientific research and submit projects for judging. The Forsythe
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Science Fair takes place in mid-February, and is open to all 6 , 7 and 8 grade students. Forsythe science
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teachers encourage students to participate (6 and 7 graders are required to participate), but the Fair is
organized and run entirely by the Forsythe PTSO.
What is the Southeast Michigan Science Fair (SEMSF)?
The SEMSF is the regional Southeastern Michigan Science Fair. Every student is eligible to enter this science
fair regardless of your success at the Forsythe Science Fair. You may alter your project or enter an entirely
different project. Forsythe Science Fair is not affiliated with the SEMSF, but many Forsythe students enter their
projects in the SEMSF and are very competitive at the SEMSF. The SEMSF is affiliated with the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair (see below). Students in grades 6 through 8 from any school in the
region are eligible to enter Individual or Team projects in the Junior Division.
Students do not have to be winners in the Forsythe Science Fair and do not have to participate in the Forsythe
Science Fair in order to enter the SEMSF. Students MUST register to enter the SEMSF separately from
registering for the Forsythe Science Fair. Check the web link for registration dates. You may obtain more
information about the SEMSF online at http://www.wccnet.edu/events/sciencefair/.
When and where is the Forsythe Science Fair?
The Forsythe Science Fair will be held mid-February in the gym and Tech Ed room at Forsythe Middle School in
Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dates are on the main science fair web page. Following is the general schedule of events:
December and early January
Display boards sold at school.
Nominal cost; sold in hallway outside of media center.
mid to late January
Students register online (science teacher has details)
Thursday of Science Fair Week
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Set up tables in the gym and Tech Ed rooms
Friday of Science Fair Week
8:00am – 4:00pm
Students set up their projects during science class
Projects are generally due in class earlier in the week.
Saturday
7:30am – 3:00pm
Judging – NO students or parents allowed (other than volunteers)
Each project is judged by 2 judges. The top 20% scoring projects go to
round 2 where they are judged again. The medalist and honorable mention
projects are determined. Phone calls are made to the medalists.
Sunday
12:00noon – 4:00pm
2:00pm – Award Ceremony
Open House and Awards Ceremony – open to all!
Family and friends are invited to the science fair open house. The award
ceremony is at 2pm in the auditorium. The winners of medals and
honorable mention ribbons are announced.
Monday
8:00am – 3:00pm
Student viewing of projects during science class and teardown.
Projects must be taken home after school today. Please plan accordingly.
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SCIENCE FAIR
As a student, why should I participate?
Science Fair participation provides an opportunity to explore a scientific or mathematical concept. You can
choose a topic of personal interest, define a question to explore, design an experiment to test a hypothesis, and
present the results of your own work. Representatives from the University of Michigan, industry, professional
associations, scientific and engineering societies as well as individual scientists and engineers judge the
projects and suggest improvements. Top 20% scoring projects in each grade and category win a medal or
certificate.
Creating a science fair project allows you to work on your own or with another student to direct your own
learning, explore topics that YOU decide are interesting, and learn more about how scientists conduct their
work. In addition, ALL students entering the fair will receive participation ribbons.
Who can I contact for more information?
Students may talk with their science teacher about their projects. For questions about the Forsythe Science Fair
itself, please send an email to [email protected].
How do I enter the Forsythe Science Fair?
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Most students (6 graders) register online during science class. Registration is open for about two weeks in mid
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to late January. The science teachers will have the registration dates. 7 and 8 grade students register from
home using the registration link on the science fair webpage. Their science teacher will provide them with a
password. Please ask a science teacher or email the science fair with any questions.
What are the categories?
Projects are evaluated by grade and by category. There are two categories:
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Experiment – Any project where an experiment is conducted should be designated as an experiment.
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Model/Collection – Any project that is not an experiment should be designated as a Model/Collection.
Do students have to do projects individually, or can they team with another student?
Students may work on a project individually or in a team with another student. However, it is up to
the parents to decided whether their child may work on a project with another student, as it involves coordinating
student schedules, transportation (to/from the other student’s house), etc. Every year the vast majority of
projects are individual projects.
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SCIENCE FAIR
Can projects include humans or animals?
Yes, but... If you are considering entering the Southeast Michigan Science Fair (see below), there are stringent
rules regarding use of any human or animal subjects. Also, there is a form you have to submit in early January
for the Science Review Committee (SRC). If you are considering a project with human subjects or animals, we
strongly recommend that you read the rules and authorization process for the Southeast Michigan Science Fair
prior to starting your project. For more information please visit http://www.wccnet.edu/events/sciencefair/.
While our rules for the Forsythe Science Fair allow human and animal subjects, please do not attempt any
project that would inflict pain on either a human or animal, or any project that might be considered dangerous.
You can seek assistance from your science teacher if you have any concerns about your science project.
How much space do I have for my project?
Each project is allotted a space 36 inches wide (side to side), 15 inches deep (front to back), and 60 inches
high. Standard display/exhibit boards which are sold at Forsythe and which are available at office supply stores
will fit into this space. If the project requires more space than listed above, please be sure to note that when you
register online.
Will there be electricity for my project?
Projects that REQUIRE electricity DURING THE EXHIBITING are placed in the Tech Ed room, or in special
locations in the gym. When you register online be sure to indicate that your project requires electricity. Please
note that you should not use lights to illuminate your project or display/exhibit board. We have a limited number
of spaces available for projects requiring electricity, so please request electricity only if it is required for the
project itself.
Please note that the Southeast Michigan Regional Science Fair (see below) does not provide electricity for
Junior division (Middle School) projects. Please keep that in mind if you are considering entering your project in
the Southeast Michigan Science Fair.
My project is messy or involves liquids. Is that OK?
Yes, but such projects will be placed in the Tech Ed room if the liquids will be used DURING EXHIBITING. We
cannot have any liquids in the gym, as they would damage the wood floor. When you register online be sure to
indicate that your project involves liquids (if your EXHIBIT involves liquids or is messy).
Can I have live animals as part of my project at the Science Fair?
No. We cannot accommodate live animals at the school. If you used live animals as part of your project, please
take photographs and place the photographs on your display.
How/when do I get my project to school?
The student’s science teacher will have the exact date the project is due. Students bring their projects to school
the week of science fair and take their projects to their science class upon arrival at school. During science
class on Friday students take their projects to the gym or Tech Ed room for setup.
How do I know where to put my project in the gym or Tech Ed room?
Students set up their projects on Friday during school. Each project is assigned a number, and parent
volunteers will be on hand on Friday to direct students to the assigned location for their projects based on the
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SCIENCE FAIR
number assigned to their project. Your teacher in class will give you the number that is assigned to your project,
and you should write your project number on the backside of your display board.
Please write your name in pencil on an index card and tape it to the back of your project face down so
that judges cannot see your name. During the awards ceremony volunteers will turn the cards around
so that family, friends and classmates can identify your project.
I did a report on my project – should I include my report as part of my project?
Yes. If judges do not see everything on your project display, they will look at your report for additional
information. Please provide a copy of your report without your name on it, and remember to cover up any
photographs of your, your family or your friends that are in your report. Reports will not be accepted
Friday after 4:00 PM.
What role should parents play in students’ projects?
A parent’s only role is to provide encouragement to the student. We want to emphasize that this
is a STUDENT project, not a parent project. The students should do all of the work on the project themselves.
Breaking this rule may result in a project being ineligible for an award.
The only exception to this rule is in the event a project requires electrical wiring or other dangerous work that
should not be performed by a student. For example, if an apparatus needs to be made that provides light, heat
or power for a project and the apparatus needs to be wired with 120v electricity (normal house current), it would
be OK for the parent to do the wiring. However, the wiring should not be the focus of the project. Obviously,
parents may also need to drive their child to the store to purchase materials that may be needed for the project.
The student MUST acknowledge any and all assistance (by parents, other adults or any other person) on their
display board.
How can parents participate in the Science Fair?
The Forsythe Science Fair is organized and run and financed by the Forsythe PTSO. It takes more than 70
parent volunteers to run the science fair. The following are the Volunteer opportunities for planning the science
fair:
Chair or Vice Chair (September through February) – Every year we need someone to organize and
manage the science fair. This is typically 2-3 individuals who share responsibility for the key aspects of
planning the science fair. We like to have a co-chair each grade, keeping a revolving door of co-chairs.
Fundraising (November through February) – Although the PTSO finances the science fair, we solicit in-kind
donations (food, gift certificates, etc.) for meals and thank-you packets for the judges. This work can take
place any time between November and the Science Fair, but it is a good idea to receive commitments as far
in advance as possible.
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SCIENCE FAIR
Volunteer Opportunities During the Science Fair:
Thursday of Science Fair Week
Table
Setup
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Project
Setup
8:00am – 10:00am
10:00am – 12:30pm
12:30pm – 3:00pm
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Help set up tables, and mark and label the tables with exhibit boundaries and
project numbers. Need 4 people (with gloves).
Friday of Science Fair Week
Finishing
Touches
Help students find their assigned project space and facilitate any special needs they
may have for setting up their project. Need 12 people (4 per shift).
Prepare the projects for judging on Saturday morning by covering up names and
photos of students, placing judging forms at each project, etc. Need 4 people.
Saturday – Judging Day
Judge
Check-In
Judge
Breakfast
7:30am – 9:00am
7:30am – 10:00am
Judge
Lunch
10:00am – 1:00pm
Score
Tallying
9:00am – 2:00pm
Score
Data
Entry
9:00am – 2:00pm
Float &
Help
9:00am – 2:00pm
Welcome the judges, give them their name tags and clipboards, and direct them to
the cafeteria for coffee, breakfast and the judges meeting. Need 3 people.
Help setup and serve breakfast for the judges, and clean up in preparation for
breaks and lunch. Coffee will be available throughout the morning. One of these
volunteers will be responsible for bringing the coffee and food to Forsythe (the food
is either donated from local businesses or purchased by the PTSO). Need 4
people.
Help setup and serve coffee during breaks and lunch, and clean up after lunch.
One of these volunteers will be responsible for bringing the food to Forsythe (the
food is either donated from local businesses or purchased by the PTSO). Need 4
people.
Receive score sheets from judges, subtotal and total the scores, file the score
sheets as they arrive, and sort judges comment sheets. Over the course of the 5
hours, each person will be totaling 4 sets of numbers for each of 120-150 score
sheets. Need 6 people.
Enter scores as they are provided by the Score Tally-ers, into Microsoft Excel using
volunteer-provided laptops with USB ports. This is relatively basic data entry work.
Over the course of the 5 hours, each person will be entering 5 numbers from each
of 120-150 score sheets. Need 4 people with laptops.
Be available for general help during judging. You may be asked to fill virtually any
role from those listed above. Need 2 people.
Sunday – Open House from 12noon to 4pm and Ceremony at 2pm
Open
House
Awards
Ceremony
11:30am – 5:00pm
12:00n – 3:00pm
Provide direction and assistance to guests, place ribbons on projects during the
Awards Ceremony, and generally help out with the Open House. Need 8 people.
Help set up the stage and audio-visual equipment for the Awards Ceremony that
starts at 2:00pm. Need 2 people.
Monday
Student
Viewing
8:00am – 10:00am
10:00am – 12:30n
12:30n – 3:00pm
Tear
Down
2:45pm – 4:00pm
Help manage student viewing of the projects during the school day. This is usually
a fairly easy job because there's quite a bit of "down time". However, although most
students are very respectful of other peoples' work and property, this is the day that
we historically have the most trouble with vandalism and other misbehavior. Need
16 people (4 per shift).
Assist students in clearing their projects, remove tables from the gym and Tech Ed
room, and clean up the gym and Tech Ed room (clean tape and other debris from
the tables and sweep the gym). Need 8 people.
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SCIENCE FAIR
What Science Fair Resources are Available?
There are many resources that you can use for help when working on your science project. Your
science teacher should be the first stop if you need help or have questions. The library and internet
have wonderful books and resources on science fair topics. Talk to your fellow students, or brothers/ sisters
who have participated in the past. Also ask science, math and technology teachers and professional scientists
and engineers. We have compiled the following list of resources, but it is by
no means exhaustive. It is a good place to start!
Science Service home page.
[http://www.sciserv.org/isef/]
Info on Intel science fairs & science news for kids.
SE Michigan Science fair homepage
www4.wccnet.edu/events/s#7F9EC4
This site has resources and links for teachers and students. Encourages participation in math/science
activities by African American students.
www.thebannekerinstitute#7EBE30
Very user-friendly site with project ideas and guides, Q&A, info on careers. Can subscribe for newsletters.
www.sciencebuddies.org/.webloc
Teachers’ tips. [http://www.sciserv.org/isef/teachers/]
Crystal Clear Science Fair Projects.
[http://www.crystal-clear-science-fair-projects.com/index.html]
Clear tools to guide you through science fair projects from ideas to presentation
IPL: Science Fair Project Resource Guide. [http://www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/]
This is from the Internet Public Library and includes many useful sites, lists of possible projects, advice on
"what makes a good project" and more.
Scifair.org web site. [http://www.scifair.org/]
Dr. Shawn's Super Science Fair Project Support Center is all about helping you have more fun and get
better results with your science project. This includes a concise guide to science fair project steps, how to
find a topic, tips on presentations etc.
Science Fair Central. [http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/]
A comprehensive guide to creating your science fair project.
Prize Winning Science Fair Projects for Curious Kids. [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail//1579904785/qid%3D/102-3556433-2144943]
How to get the book by Joe Rhatigan & Rain Newcomb.
Google search engine. [http://www.google.com/]
Search on "science fair projects," "science fair tips," etc.
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SCIENCE FAIR
What are the awards?
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Each grade (6, 7, 8) and each category (experiment vs. models/collections) have medal winners – 1 through 6
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place. For example, the 6 grade experiments category will have medal winners placing 1 through 6 . These
winners are announced during the award ceremony at 2pm on Sunday. Up to 36 projects will receive medals.
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Please note that some categories may not have enough participation to warrant medals through 6 place and
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may only have 1 , 2 , 3 place medals.
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Projects in the top 20% of each category/grade combination that don’t receive medals will receive an honorable
mention ribbon.
Every project receives a participation ribbons, those projects that adhere to the scientific method will receive a
scientific method ribbon, and models/collections that adhere to the exhibit format will receive an exhibit ribbon.
Any tips for a winning project?
The most important thing to remember is to choose a topic that you’re interested in learning about.
If you’re excited about your topic, the project will be a lot more fun! If your project is an experiment, carefully
follow the Scientific Method. Be sure to do your best work, and your own work.
Judges award medals and ribbons based on many criteria. The content is very important. Nevertheless,
a visually distinctive presentation makes a project stand out. Thus, it is very important for the student to think
through how the presentation will look on display.
Typed descriptions are often easier to read than hand printed or written labels. If a judge can't make out what
the student is writing, then all the work that went into the project may be wasted.
Understand the space limitations you will have at the Fair. If your initial presentation is too big for the allowed
space at the Fair, you will have to compress everything on site to fit into the space. This can result in an
overcrowded presentation.
More tips on science fair presentations can be found at the web sites listed above under “What Science Fair
Resources are Available?”
How can I help make the science fair a success?
If you’re a student, the best thing you can do is participate! The more exhibits there are at the science fair, the
more interesting it will be for everyone. If you’re a parent, please volunteer to help! A successful science fair is
not possible without the help of Forsythe parents, and we need you. Please refer to table under “How can
Parents participate in the Science Fair?” above for more information about volunteer opportunities.
Do I have to be with my project during judging?
No. In fact, students and their parents are not allowed in the school during Saturday judging. The only
exception is parent volunteers helping with judging day. Only judges are allowed in the gym and Tech Ed rooms
on Saturday. During the Open House, students do not have to stay with their projects – they are free to walk
through the Fair and view other students’ projects. During the Awards Ceremony no one is allowed in the gym
or Tech Ed room except for a few volunteers who are placing ribbons on the winning projects.
Will I know if I won before the award ceremony?
Each winner will receive either a phone call or an email Saturday afternoon/evening, letting them know that they
won an award (first through sixth place or honorable mention). However, medal winners will not know which
award they have won until the Awards Ceremony at 2pm on Sunday.
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SCIENCE FAIR
For team project winners, do all team members get a medal (or ribbon)?
Yes. However, for winning team projects only one medal is available at the Sunday Awards Ceremony, and the
other medal will be engraved and made available to the other student(s) within about a week after the Fair.
What is the judging process?
The judging of the fair occurs on Saturday. No students are to be present during this time. Each project is
judged by two judges. Each judge evaluates approximately 10-15 projects during the course of the morning. All
projects are scored and awarded points based on a set of uniform criteria (see “What are the Judging
Criteria?”).
Based on points from round 1, we determine the top 20% in each category/grade combination. To minimize the
risk of inter-judge variability (some judges may evaluate projects more critically than other judges), the top 2
projects evaluated by each judge are automatically included in the top 20% group. The top 20% of the projects
undergo further evaluation and/or discussion by the team of judges handling that category/grade combination.
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The judging team makes the final decision regarding the 1 through 6 place awards, and the remainder of the
top 20% receive honorable mention ribbons.
Note that some Forsythe parents serve as judges. However, parents are not allowed to judge projects in their
child’s grade. Every attempt is also made to identify judges who have friends or relatives whose children attend
Forsythe, and to assign those judges to other grades.
What is the Scientific Method?
At the Forsythe Science Fair, proper use of "The Scientific Method" is one of the judging criteria for experiments.
Every project that adheres to the Scientific Method will receive a special ribbon. If you are unclear about The
Scientific Method, the following site may help:
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Science Service [http://www.sciserv.org/isef/primer/scientific_method.asp]
What are the judging criteria?
The judges use criteria that are similar, but not identical to, the criteria used by the Southeast Michigan Science
Fair. Differences between the Southeast Michigan Science Fair (SEMSF) and the Forsythe Science Fair make
it impossible to have exactly the same criteria. For example, the SEMSF has a separate category for team
projects, but the Forsythe Science Fair evaluates team projects the same as individual projects within the same
category (Experiments vs. Models/Collections). The following are the criteria on which projects will be judged.
Experiments:
• Creativity (15 points)
o Creativity or originality in the approach to solving the problem
o Creativity or originality in the analysis and interpretation of the data
o Creative research supported an investigation and helped answer a question
• Scientific Thought (30 points)
o Did the student follow the format of the scientific method?
o Did the student state the hypothesis/problem clearly and logically?
o Was there a procedural plan for obtaining a solution, and was the experimental design or procedure
used logical to test the hypothesis?
o Are the variables clearly recognized and defined, and can they be accurately measured?
o Is the summary of results appropriate to support the experiment?
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SCIENCE FAIR
o Are the conclusions logical and limited to experimental results/data?
• Thoroughness and Skill (35 points)
o How completely was the problem covered?
o How complete are the project notes?
o How much time did the finalist or team spend on the project?
o The student lists the materials used thoroughly and accurately
o The raw data or results are clearly depicted with appropriate units
o The exhibit contains correct grammar, usage, and spelling
o Bibliography with at least 3 references
• Clarity (20 points)
o Important phases of the project are displayed logically, in order, and with clearly labeled headings
o The exhibit is neat, attractive and visually appealing
o The exhibit shows noteworthy skill, workmanship and effort
o The project is explained well
Models/Collections:
• Creativity (20 points)
o Does the project show creative ability and originality in the topic and the way it is presented?
o Creative research should support the topic and help present information in an original way
o Photos, printed matter and prefab items are referenced, not used exclusively
• Instructiveness (30 points)
o Interesting facts or background information about the topic are presented
o Adequate details are given to enhance understanding of the project
o Areas of the subject matter that are still unknown are presented
o What was learned by doing this project is presented
o Conclusions can easily be drawn from the information presented
o The project is logical and easy to comprehend relative to its complexity
• Scientific Accuracy (25 points)
o The purpose is clear, includes questions investigated and resources used
o Models are to scale; Collections are accurately systematized
o The exhibit contains correct grammar, usage and spelling
o Did the project cite scientific literature, or only popular literature (e.g., local newspapers, Reader’s
Digest, etc.)
o Bibliography with at least 3 references
• Clarity (20 points)
o Important phases of the project are displayed logically, in order, and with clearly labeled headings
o The exhibit is neat, attractive and visually appealing
o The exhibit shows noteworthy skill, workmanship and effort
o The project is explained well
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