The document outlines the details of an upcoming science fair, including its schedule, logbook requirements, and project timelines. Key dates range from topic selection in late August to the fair itself in mid-November, with multiple checkpoints for student progress. It also provides guidance on selecting valid project topics and includes a contract for student accountability.

1. Science Fair Information
You should probably take notes on this!

2. What is the Science Fair?
• It is a program we have each year
• It tests your ability to acquire your science skills
• It is usually done in February or March, but this year we are having it in
October.

3. Science Fair Logbook
• This should be handed out to you in class by your teacher.
• It is used for you to write down your topics, research, contract, hypothesis,
experimentation, observations, data, and conclusions.
• It is very important, and you need it when the judges are looking through your
project.
• It will be due on the week of 2-6 November 2015.
• Refer to your teacher for any questions about the logbook.

4. Project Timeline
• Week of August 24 – Begin thinking about project topics/questions and acquire
journal
• Friday, September 4 – Officially formulate research question and begin research
• Monday, September 14 – Present research recorded in journal to teachers, use time
to formulate or confirm research question, develop hypothesis, formulate plan for
experiment (teacher guidance)
• September 14-25– Conduct experiment, observe and collect data (parental and/or
teacher guidance)
• Friday, September 18 – Journal checkpoint – Teacher checks journal for research
information, progress, data collection, etc.

5. Project Timeline (continued)
• Friday, October 2 – Journal checkpoint – Teacher checks journal for research
information, progress, data collection, etc.
• October 5 - 30 – These weeks used to complete analyzing, finalizing journal, writing
abstract, writing final report, creating project presentation board (parental and/or
teacher guidance)
• Week of November 2-6 – Projects judged and graded by classroom teacher; top
projects move to school fair judging
• Tuesday, November 17 – School-wide science fair; students interviewed by judges
• Wednesday, November 18 – Winners announced and awards presented

6. Science Fair Topic Tips
• Selecting a topic for your science fair project is probably the most difficult
step.
• However, if you begin your search with a field of science in which you are
already interested, this first step will be easy!
• The kind of project you need is one that produces measurable data; your
project must deal with an effect that can be measured with numbers and
units.
• The best projects ask a question and use scientific techniques to answer it.
• Make sure you don’t involve live animals, fire, or anything dangerous.

7. Is my topic valid?
Is there a specific answer? Yes No
Do I know how to find it?
Do I have enough time?
Can I get the materials I need?
Is it safe?
Is it ethical?
Do I understand it?
Is it original?
Am I truly interested?
If you didn’t check “Yes” for all the
questions, then your topic isn’t valid.
If you need help with science fair
examples, go to the next slide.

8. Science Fair Example Pictures
If you still need help,
go to sciencebuddies.org

9. More Resources
• Science Fair Topic Quiz
• All-Science-Fair-Projects
• ScienceFair-Projects.org
• Julian Trubin's Elementary School Projects
• Elementary School Projects
• HomeTrainingTools Science Fair Projects
• Projects For Kids

10. Science Fair Contract (please copy)
• I understand that I am responsible for completing a science fair project, to include
planning, research, and a final product. I understand I am responsible for finding a
mentor within the community to lend assistance with my project. I agree to have my
topic selected by the due date.
• Student Signature ___________________________________
• Date_______________
• Parent Signature ____________________________________
• Date_______________