Update 10/15/2010

In order for a student to begin experimentation for the science project, the following steps must be completed
1. Find a topic,
2. Fill out the background plan sheet. If you lost yours or need to read more go to
http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-fair-projects/project_background_research_worksheet.pdf
3. Check with the teacher. If she says NO, then she means NO you may not do that project. If she says yes, then start your formal proposal.
4. Go to www.nefrsef.org and fill out forms. You will need 1, 1A, 1B, and 3.
5. Be sure to type out a complete and I mean COMPLETE Research Plan. You know, the one that says...

Provide a typed research plan and attach to Student Checklist (1A).
The research plan for ALL projects is to include the following:
A. Question or Problem being addressed
B. Hypothesis/Engineering Goals
C. Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when
formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)
• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data that answer research question or
hypothesis
D. Bibliography: List at least fi ve (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your
literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference.
o Choose one style and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan
o Guidelines can be found in the Student Handbook

You do have to have a bibliography BEFORE you start your work.

REMEMBER, THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN EXPERIMENT WITH A TEST (INDEPENDENT) VARIABLE AND AND OUTCOME (DEPENDENT) VARIABLE. IF YOU DON'T HAVE THESE THEN IT'S NOT GOOD TO GO.
You will have to have a way to measure the dependent variable for this to be a good experiment.

When should this be completed?????

Everyone should have a topic and a background sheet completed by MONDAY. That way I can talk to everyone and approve any projects that I haven't already approved. I will plan for time in class especially for my B day students. If you don't have a topic then go to http://www.sciencebuddies.com/
and pick one out. Most of their suggestions are investigations, but you can find one variable to change and turn it into an experiment. Check their suggestions for variations.

Since the entire project is due December 7, it's very important for you to get not just approval from your teacher, but from your sponsor (parent). It would be good if you could begin your experimentation next weekend when you have a 3 day weekend. That's right, you have planning day (October 25) off. What a great day to spend on your projects.

REMEMBER, Some projects may NOT be done by students. No mold, bacteria, people, vertebrates, tasting, licking, surveys, or anything that requires special forms. At least not this year.