Science Fair Timetable- Grade 8-2011-2012
Scientific Method of Inquiry
Stage 1- Research Paper
Why write a paper?
Research is an important aspect of the scientific method of inquiry. It is through research that scientists formulate questions, form hypotheses, and develop experiments. Therefore, all 8th grade students must conduct research and write a 3-5 page paper. The research paper will serve as background information to develop a hypothesis and experimental plan. Mrs. Stone will instruct the students in the proper ways to: create note cards, format a bibliography, outline, and write a research paper.
The many components of this long term project with their due dates are listed in the the tables. At the completion of the project, the students will have produced a high quality laboratory report communicating the results of their research and experimentation.
· All students must have a 1-1/2” hard covered, three ring binder and page protectors
· All assignments must be computer generated; 1” margins, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, black ink
· Be sure to save your work!!!!!!!!!
Choosing & Researching a Topic -Choosing a topic is sometimes the most difficult part of this project. Remember to phrase your topic in the form of a specific question that you are trying to answer. Also, keep in mind that you must write a 3-5 page paper!
Due Date Submit To:
|
9/23/11 |
List of ten topics of interest
|
Mrs. Almeida |
|
9/30/11 |
Final Topic
|
Mrs. Almeida |
|
10/12/11 |
- Cover card-title of project, student’s name
- 20 note cards
- 2 Bibliography cards (1book, 1 internet source)
|
Mrs. Stone |
|
10/21/11 |
- Cover card
- 20 additional note cards
- 2 additional Bibliography cards
(1 book, 1 internet source)
|
Mrs. Stone
|
|
11/1/11 |
Outline
|
Mrs.Stone-1 copy
Mrs. Almeida-1 copy |
|
11/9/11 |
Research Paper Rough Draft
(Reminder- this is preliminary information that you have gathered to develop your hypothesis and experiment)
- 3-5 typed pages- paragraph form,12 pt font, 1”margins, subtitles
- Separate Bibliography Page
Minimum requirements
2 research books
2 internet sources
|
Mrs. Stone- 1 copy
Mrs. Almeida – 1 copy |
|
11/18/11 |
Final Copy of Research Paper
- Corrected rough draft and Bibliography Page
Must be submitted in a 1-1/2” binder
All pages must be in page protectors |
Mrs. Stone
Mrs. Almeida |
Stage 2- The Experiment
Now that the research is complete it is time to form a hypothesis, develop an experiment, make observations, create data tables, record data, graph and analyze data, and conclude!
All of the following assignments are to be submitted to Mrs. Almeida
|
11/16/11 |
Hypothesis and Experimental Plan
- Based on your research, form a hypothesis.
(upon approval of experimental plan, begin to gather materials, set up, and conduct experiment) |
|
11/18/11 |
Rough draft of Data Tables
(will vary depending on the experiment)
|
|
11/30/11 |
Data Tables
preliminary data from the experiment |
|
12/14/11 |
Conclude Experiment
|
|
12/19/11 |
(must be computer generated)
(minimum 1-2 paragraphs summarizing the results of your experiment including reference to your data to support your conclusion)
|
Stage 3- Communicating Your Results
You will communicate the results of your research and experiment in a detailed laboratory report, on a display board, and by an oral presentation to the judges at the Science Fair
Laboratory Report
All of the following components must be in a 1-1/2/” binder with page protectors.
Create and arrange the pages in the following order in your binder:
· Cover Page- title, picture(centered), your name and grade (lower right)
· Table of Contents- itemized list of the pages found in the report
· Research- 3-5 page research paper
· Hypothesis
· Experimental Plan
· Data Tables
· Graphs
· Conclusion
· Bibliography
· Acknowledgements- a list a people who helped you with the project
Due Date- January 12, 2012
Display Board
· Guidelines and instructions for creating your display board will be given in class
· Display boards must be purchased in school
Due Date- Science Fair Set Up- February 1, 2012
Lab Report, Display Board and other materials needed to communicate the results of your project must be present
Oral Presentation-
To school and visitors- Science Fair- February 1, 2012
To the judges- Science Fair- February 2, 2012