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2015 NBE Science Fair
February 19, 2015
** Sponsored by the NBE PTO **
The goal of the NBE Science Fair is to promote interest in science and technology by giving students an
opportunity to design and conduct their own experiment. Participating in the science fair encourages students
to ask questions about what they see and experience, learn about the science related to their questions, design
and conduct an experiment to answer one of their questions and share their results with others. In other
words, students use the scientific method to complete their project. The scientific method is used in all areas of
science and is an important part of scientific discovery.
The Science Fair is open to all New Britton Elementary students in 1st – 4th grade. Science Fair projects may be
completed and submitted individually or by pairs of students. Projects are done at home then judged by
professional scientists during school on February 19, 2015.
An awards ceremony and special science presentation by Rick Crosslin, “Mr. C the Science Man”, will be held
from 6:30 to 7:45 pm on February 19, 2015 in the NBE gym. Grade level winners will be eligible to compete in
the Central Indiana Regional Science Fair on March 14, 2015 at Marian University.
This NBE Science Fair packet contains the NBE Science Fair rules, general science fair information, and some
Regional Science Fair requirements. The NBE Science Fair Entry Form and Judging Rubric are also included.
Please review the NBE Science Fair rules. There have been changes in the rules from years past. In
particular, there have been changes to the type of acceptable projects and there are new requirements for
consent forms, risk assessments and veterinarian approval for some projects. Also use the International
Science and Engineering Rules (ISEF) Rules and Guidelines 2015 as a reference. The NBE Science Fair Packet
and ISEF Rules are available on the NBE website.
March 2, 2015
NBE Science Fair Timeline
Entry forms with project outline due.
Final Science Fair details sent home.
Science Fair project set up in NBE gym from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Alternate Science Fair project set up in NBE gym from 8:00 – 8:45 am.
Science Fair judging during school.
Gym doors open for viewing Science Fair projects at 6:00 pm.
Science Fair presentation and awards ceremony from 6:30 – 7:45 pm.
Regional Science Fair entry and abstract due.
March 14, 2015
Regional Science Fair at Marian University.
January 23, 2015
February 13, 2015
February 18, 2015
February 19, 2015
If you have any questions, please contact Toby Holsman at 317-506-2658, or [email protected].
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
New Britton Elementary Science Fair Rules
Required Elements for all Projects
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NBE students in 1st – 4th grade may participate in the Science Fair. Students may do a project by themselves
or with a partner. Student partners may be in different grades.
Each project should use the scientific method to answer a scientific question, solve a scientific problem or
demonstrate a scientific principle.
Each project should include the following elements: background research, purpose/problem, hypothesis,
variables, data/results, procedure, materials, and conclusion/discussion.
Students are encouraged to keep a notebook containing their background research along with dated and
detailed notes, observations and data from the experiments.
Participating in the Science Fair is meant to encourage students to conduct their own experiment. Parental
guidance is required but please remember that the child should do most of the work.
Prohibited Studies
Projects that use or study microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, prions, fungi and parasites are
prohibited.
This includes all projects involving bacteria and mold growth. For example, a project that investigates how
long it takes for mold to develop on bread stored under different conditions is not permitted. Similarly,
projects that test for the presence of bacteria by looking for growth in agar or other culture media are
prohibited.
Other prohibited projects include:
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Projects that involve pain or the withholding of food or water from animals.
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Projects that use hazardous chemicals or reagents, DEA Controlled Substances, tobacco, alcohol,
prescription drugs, firearms or explosives.
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Projects that use radioactive substances or equipment that emits any form of ionizing radiation.
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Projects that involve working with human or animal tissue.
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Projects that use class IV lasers.
Rule Change
Projects that use baker’s or brewer’s yeast (considered basic household supplies) are permitted.
Studies with Special Conditions
Animal behavior studies must be reviewed and approved by a veterinarian to ensure the safety of the student
and the animal.
Any project involving vertebrate or invertebrate animals must be reviewed and approved by a veterinarian
prior to the start of the study. A note from the veterinarian (on business letterhead) stating that the study
is believed to be safe for the student and the animal must be submitted with the Science Fair Entry Form.
The veterinarian note must also be included with the project display during the science fair.
Projects that involve human participants under the age of 18 are permitted only if all experimentation is
conducted under adult supervision and student researchers have notified the participant’s parents of the
conditions of the experiment and received written permission for the child to participate.
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Display Guidelines
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Exhibits will be confined to a table space measuring 15” front to back, 42” side to side, and 72” tall.
All switches and cords must be equipped for maximum 110 volt /500 watt operation, and must be ULapproved. The need for electricity must be indicated on the entry form or the exhibit may be placed at a
table without electrical service.
All photos, images, charts, etc. should have a credit line (“photo taken by …” or “image taken from…” or
“graph created by”). If all photos, charts, etc. being displayed were taken by the student or are from the
same source, one credit line is sufficient.
To display photos of people, other than the student researcher, you must obtain a signed photo release
consent form from the person in the photo or, if the person is under 18 years of age, from the person’s
parent. The consent forms should be kept confidential.
No identifying information about people in photos (name, birthdate, etc.) should be on the display board.
Note that the safety and health of participants, judges, and spectators is our foremost concern. Certain types of
materials cannot be part of any display at the NBE or Regional Science Fair. Photos, drawings, diagrams or text
must be used to describe the project, not the prohibited display materials themselves. The use of photos or
diagrams for prohibited display materials will not affect the judging of the project; however, inclusion of such
prohibited display materials will result in removal of such materials from the fair and may require
disqualification of the project.
The NBE Science Fair follows the ISEF Rules for project display. The following display regulations are from the
ISEF Rules and Guidelines 2015. Please refer to the ISEF Rules for a complete description of prohibited display
materials.
Not Allowed at Project or Booth
1) Living organisms, including plants
2) Soil, sand, rock, and/or waste samples, even if permanently
encased in a slab of acrylic
3) Taxidermy specimens or parts
4) Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals
5) Human or animal food as part of the exhibitor demonstration of
the project
6) Human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine)
7) Plant materials (living, dead, or preserved) that are in their raw,
unprocessed, or non-manufactured state (Exception: manufactured
construction materials used in building the project or display)
8) All chemicals including water (Projects may not use water in any
form in a demonstration .)
9) All hazardous substances or devices [for example, poisons, drugs,
firearms, weapons, ammunition, reloading devices, and lasers
10) Dry ice or other sublimating solids
11) Sharp items (for example, syringes, needles, pipettes, knives)
12) Flames or highly flammable materials
13) Batteries with open-top cells
14) Glass or glass objects unless deemed by the Display and Safety
Committee to be an integral and necessary part of the project (for
example, glass that is an integral part of a commercial product such
as a computer screen)
15) Any apparatus deemed unsafe by the Scientific Review
Committee, the Display and Safety Committee, or Society for Science
& the Public (for example, large vacuum tubes or dangerous raygenerating devices, empty tanks that previously contained
combustible liquids or gases, pressurized tanks, etc.)
Other Safety Regulations
1) Any inadequately insulated apparatus producing
extreme temperatures that may cause physical
burns is not allowed.
2) Any apparatus with unshielded belts, pulleys,
chains, or moving parts with tension or pinch points
must be for display only.
3) Society for Science & the Public, the Scientific
Review Committee, and/or the Display and Safety
Committee reserve the right to remove any project
for safety reasons or to protect the integrity of the
Intel ISEF and its rules and regulations.
4) Project sounds, lights, odors, or any other display
items must not be distracting. Exceptions to this rule
may be permitted for judging demonstrations.
Approval must be given prior to judging.
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Judging and Award Information
The evaluation process will consist of a review of the display and an interview of the student(s) by at least two
separate judges. The judging rubric is included in this packet. Students must be present during the judging
and will be expected to explain their work to the judges and answer questions about their project. Students
should be able to use the information on their display board to take the judges step-by-step through their
project. Student partners will present their project together and be judged as a team. Projects completed by
partners in different grades are typically grouped with projects from the higher grade for judging.
An award ceremony will be held the evening of the Science Fair, February 19, from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. All projects
will remain on display in the NBE gym during the awards ceremony. Participation ribbons will be awarded to
each student. Special recognition will be given to the top three projects from each grade. Grade level winners
will be invited to participate in the 2015 Central Indiana Regional Science Fair on March 14, 2015 at Marian
University.
General Science Fair Information
The Scientific Method
1. Question
Find a topic or subject that interests you. Consider your hobbies, sports, or everyday activities for
inspiration. Brainstorm some questions about the what, when, why and how of your topic. Or research an
area of science related to your topic to come up with some questions. Choose one question that can be
tested.
2. Research
Learn about the science related to your question. You want to find information that will help you form a
hypothesis before you do your experiment. Also look for information about what type of experiment to use.
3. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess about the answer to a scientific question. You should have an answer to
your scientific question before you do the experiment.
4. Materials and Methods/Procedure
Determine how you will test your question. Design an experiment that tests only one variable. Consider
the other variables and how to keep them constant. Your experiment plan should include the type of
measurements you will use, the number of subjects you will use and the number of repetitions you will do.
Also think about how to record your data. Make a list of all the materials you will use.
5. Results
Conduct your experiment. Record the data measured during the experiment but also record your
observations about the experiment, any changes to the procedure and any conditions that could have
change your controlled variables. Use graphs, charts, diagrams or pictures to help you interpret the data.
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6. Conclusion
Did the results support or not support your hypothesis? Do you have ideas about why the hypothesis was
or was not supported? What would you do next?
Project Display Board
You can find cardboard tri-fold display boards at stores like Target or office supply stores. Check the rules for
display size limits.
The project display board presents a summary of your project. Use text, pictures, photos, charts, graphs, etc. to
tell other scientists about your project. Arrange the display in a logical way and use headers, colors, font sizes,
etc. to guide the reader through the steps of your project. The information on your display board should also
help you explain your project to the judges.
There are many ways to arrange a project display board. One example is shown below. Review the judging
rubric to make sure you have the proper information displayed. Sections to be included in the display are
background research, purpose/problem, hypothesis, materials, methods or procedures, data, results,
conclusion and discussion. You can also have your notebook on the table along with your display board.
NBE Science Fair Project Outline Example
Topic/Title:
Falling Objects
Question: (What do I want to find out?)
Does a heavy ball fall to the ground faster than a light ball?
Hypothesis: (What do I think I’ll find out?)
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
A heavy ball and light ball fall to the ground at the same rate.
Materials: (What will I need?)
2 balls of the same size but different masses
ladder
paper
pencil
Procedure: (How will I conduct my experiment?)
I will climb the ladder and place the balls at the same height. I will then drop the balls at the same
time and watch to see which ball hits the ground first or if the balls hit the ground at the same time. The
result will be marked in a data table. I will drop the balls ten times, always from the same height on the
ladder.
(project idea from sciencebuddies.org)
Science Fair Resources
Science Fair Rules and Information
The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Rules and Guidelines for 2015 can be found on the
Society for Science & the Public website. NBE Science Fair rules are based on ISEF rules. The Central Indiana
Regional Science Fair follows ISEF rules with some modifications for elementary grades. The site also has a
Student Handbook with information about the scientific method, completing a science project and putting
together a display.
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Society for Science & the Public
Rules
Student Handbook
http://www.societyforscience.org
https://student.societyforscience.org/forms and NBE website
http://member.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=12
Safety
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) rank the hazard level of chemicals. MSDS information is available at
flinnsci.com/msds-search.aspx and http://www.ilpi.com/msds/. (Sources obtained from ISEF Rules 2015)
Science Fair Information and Project Ideas
http://www.sciencebuddies.org
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com
http://www.education.com/science-fair/
http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/
http://ipl2.org/div/projectguide/
http://www.school.discoveryeducation.com
http://www.juliantrubin.com
http://www.madsci.org
Science Fair Project Supplies
www.enasco.com
www.pitsco.com
www.carolina.com
www.freyscientific.com
http://wardsci.com
www.sciencestuff.com
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
www.basicsciencesupplies.com
www.fishersci.com
www.flinnsci.com
http://sargentwelch.com
www.teachersource.com
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
Participation in the Central Indiana Regional Science Fair
Although the NBE Science Fair rules closely follow the rules set by the Regional Fair there are some additional
requirements for the Regional Fair. Please read the ISEF Rules for details about the requirements for the
Regional Science. Regional Science Fair information is available on the Marian University website
www.marian.edu/Academics/school-of-mathematics-and-sciences/regional-science-and-engineering-fair.
The following are some of the additional requirements of the Regional Science Fair.
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Acceptable Projects
Demonstrations and product testing are not appropriate scientific studies for the Regional Science Fair.
Abstract
The abstract should be a one-page summary that states the purpose, hypothesis, procedures and conclusion
of the project. The abstract should be included in the display.
Logbook
The logbook contains a dated account of everything that concerns the project. Every student is required to
keep detailed notes, original observations and data from the experiment in the logbook.
MSDS Reference
The student must read and cite the Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical that is used in the
experiment.
Regional Science Fair Display and Safety Guidelines
Please see the ISEF Rules for a complete description of Regional Science Fair display regulations.
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
NBE Science Fair Entry Form
Entry forms must be returned to your teacher by January 23, 2015.
All students must submit the Student Information and Permission form. For partners, both students must submit
individual Student Information and Permission forms but only one Project Outline form needs to be submitted.
Forms may be handwritten, typed or copies from reference materials pasted on form. Please make a copy since
forms will not be returned to the student. Every student will receive a confirmation that their entry has been
accepted. If a proposal has significant deviations from the entry guidelines, feedback will be provided about how to
better comply.
ISEF Ethics Statement (from Intel ISEF International Rules and Guidelines 2015)
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. This includes plagiarism, forgery, use or
presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in
affiliated fairs and the Intel ISEF. Society for Science & the Public reserves the right to revoke recognition of a project subsequently found
to have been fraudulent.
Student Information and Permission
Last Name
First Name
Phone #
E-mail
Grade
Teacher
If working with a partner:
Name of Partner
Grade
Teacher
Project Topic/Title
Do you need electricity for the display? Yes / No
Parent Permission for this Project:
I give permission for my child to do this experiment.
Signature
Date
NBE Science Fair Committee Approval
By signing here the Committee has approved this research plan.
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
Date
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NBE Science Fair Entry Form
Student Name(s)
Grade(s)
Science Fair Project Outline
Topic/Title:
Question: (What do I want to find out?)
Hypothesis: (What do I think will happen?)
Materials: (What will I need?)
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NBE Science Fair Entry Form
Student Name(s)
Grade(s)
Science Fair Project Outline
Procedure: (How will I conduct my experiment?)
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
If you have questions about the Science Fair, please contact Toby Holsman at 317-506-2658 or
[email protected].
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NBE Science Fair Entry Form
Student Name(s)
Grade(s)
Special Project Requirements
Indicate if this project uses any of the following items:
Human Subjects
Animals
Chemicals
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous Equipment
None of the above will be used.
If you marked any of the above items, you must answer the following (appropriate) questions. Also note the special
requirements for studies involving human or animal participants. The Science Fair Committee may have you answer
additional questions before giving approval. Please attach a separate page with your answers if necessary.
HUMAN PARTICIPANTS AND ANIMAL PROJECTS
1. If you are doing a survey or test involving humans or animals, describe in detail what you are doing. Include any
possible risks involved for the participants and how you will prevent injury.
2. What safety procedures will you use while experimenting?
→ If you are using human participants, you must share your research plan and any surveys to be used with the
parents of participants under 18 years old and get written permission to use their child in your research.
Consent forms should also be obtained for participants over the age of 18. The permission/consent forms
should be kept confidential but available for judges.
→ If you are using animals, you must have your plan reviewed and approved by a veterinarian. A note from the
veterinarian (on business letterhead) stating that the study is believed to be safe for the student and animal is
required. A copy of the note must be submitted with this entry form. The note should be present at the project
display during the science fair.
CHEMICALS and HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES / EQUIPMENT
1. List all chemicals, substances, and equipment that you will be using for your experiment.
2. From where will you get each of these items?
3. What safety procedures will you use while experimenting?
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2015 NBES Science Fair Packet
Example Score Sheet Used by the Judges
NBE Science Fair Judge’s Score Sheet
Judge
Student(s)
Score Topic
Final Score
Table #
Grade Level
Please place score in blank next to each topic
Purpose (Problem) Tell me about your project. What did you want to find out?
(1) No topic sentence is written.
(2) A topic sentence is written and problem/question is defined.
(3) A topic sentence is written and problem/question is defined with reasons/detail.
Hypothesis What did you think would happen?
(1) No hypothesis is written.
(2) A statement is written but it does not form a hypothesis.
(3) A hypothesis is written and includes an educated guess to the problem.
Research What did you do to find background information about your project?
(1) No research is included.
(2) Minimal research is included.
(3) Moderate amount of research is included.
(4) A great amount of research is included.
Materials What materials did you use to complete your project?
(1) No Materials are listed.
(2) Materials are listed but are not sufficient to replicate experiment.
(3) Materials are listed and are sufficient to replicate experiment.
Procedure
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
How did you get your results? What parts of the project did you do yourself?
If partners, how did you divide the project among the team?
No Procedure.
Procedure written but not logical or sequenced.
Procedure is adequate but lacks detail.
Procedure is logical and detailed.
Add 1 additional point if student demonstrated skills needed to complete experiment with little help provided
and/or worked well as a team w/ partner.
Experimentation Did you prove your hypothesis?
(1) Plan does not prove or disprove the hypothesis.
(2) Plan proves or disproves the hypothesis.
Data & Results What happened during your experiment?
(1) No data presented.
(2) Data is minimal or insufficient.
(3) Data is adequately presented.
(4) Data is clearly presented.
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Conclusion What did you learn?
(1) No conclusion.
(2) Conclusion is present but does not prove or disprove hypothesis.
(3) Conclusion is supported by data and proves/disproves hypothesis.
(4) Conclusion is supported by data, proves/disproves hypothesis, and makes additional predictions and other
recommendations from data.
Scientific Thought Give 1 point for each item present.
Controls present.
Limited the variables.
Replication of experimental trials present.
Student understands unanswered questions remain, new tests to be run, …
Critical thinking (application in real world or what did he/she learn)
Display
(1) Fair display – little creativity.
(2) Good display – exhibits creativity.
(3) Excellent display – exhibits strong creative efforts.
Interview
(1) Has difficulty answering questions about the project.
(2) Answers most project questions adequately.
(3) Demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of project.
(4) Extensive knowledge about the project; eager to share details through the scientific process, clear in discussion.
Overall Presentation (0 – 5)
This is a general interpretation and summary of the project.
Add 1 point for each item present.
Showed creative scientific ability: questions, investigation, data, unique approach (consider grade level).
Interpretation of data is accurate and appropriate for grade level.
Student shows enthusiasm.
Student recorded experiment in a scientific notebook.
Other:
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NBE Science Fair Photo Use Consent Form
Student Researcher(s)
I consent to the use of photos of my participation in this science fair project.
Adult Name (printed)
Adult Signature
Date
I consent to the use of photos of my minor child(ren)’s participation in this science fair project.
Name(s) of Minor Children (printed)
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
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Human Informed Consent Form
adapted from the INTEL ISEF Rules and Guidelines 2015
Instructions to the Student Researcher(s): An informed consent/assent/permission form should be developed in consultation with the Adult
Sponsor, Designated Supervisor or Qualified Scientist.
This form is used to provide information to the research participant (or parent/guardian) and to document written informed consent, minor
assent, and/or parental permission.
● When written documentation is required, the researcher keeps the original, signed form.
● Students may use this sample form or may copy ALL elements of it into a new document.
If the form is serving to document parental permission, a copy of any survey or questionnaire must be attached.
Student Researcher(s):
Title of Project:
I am asking for your voluntary participation in my science fair project. Please read the following information about the project. If you would
like to participate, please sign in the appropriate box below.
Purpose of the project:
If you participate, you will be asked to:
Time required for participation:
Potential Risks of Study:
Benefits:
How confidentiality will be maintained:
If you have any questions about this study, feel free to contact:
Adult Sponsor:
Phone/email:
Voluntary Participation:
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you decide not to participate there will not be any negative consequences. Please be
aware that if you decide to participate, you may stop participating at any time and you may decide not to answer any specific question.
By signing this form I am attesting that I have read and understand the information above and I freely give my consent/assent to participate
or permission for my child to participate.
Adult Informed Consent or Minor Assent
Printed Name of Research Participant:
Date Reviewed & Signed:
Signature:
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Parental/Guardian Permission (if applicable)
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian:
Date Reviewed & Signed:
Signature:
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