Science Fair Information

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Definitions

Abstract
Concise statement of the problem, materials and methods, key results and conclusions. It should not exceed 250 words.

Acknowledgments
The author gives credit for specific assistance from scientists, instructors, parents or other sources.

Adult Sponsor
The classroom teacher

Appendix
A section, separate from the main body of the paper, which contains details and illustrations not required in the Results sections; includes all raw data.

Bibliography
An unnumbered alphabetical listing of all papers, books, journal articles and communications sited in the paper; last section of the research paper

Constant
All factors in the experiment that the student attempts to keep the same. These conditions should be monitored so that they do not change.

Control Group
The part of an experiment that serves as a standard of comparison. A control group is used to detect the effects of factors that should be kept constant, but may very. The control may be a "no treatment group" or an "experimenter selected" group. All experiments should have a control group.

Data
The student's observations of everything that happens during the experiment. Even errors or disasters are to be included. Quantitative data based on multiple trials of the experiment must be recorded to provide adequate documentation. Raw data is often included in the report an an appendix.

Dependent Variable (DV)
The factor or condition in the experiment which changes as a result of the experimentation. (Height of a plant depends on the amount of sunlight). Sometimes called the responding variable.

Discussion/Conclusion
Purpose of study, the major findings and support of the hypothesis by the data restated. Focus should be on the interpretation of the results. Propose explanations for discrepancies. Make suggestions or recommendations for further study and for procedural improvements. Include a clear and concise statement that answers the problem and accepts/rejects the hypothesis.

Hypothesis
Through the student's literature search he/she becomes educated enough to make a guess as to what the experiment will show. This is an educated guess about the relationship between the variables that can be tested (prior to the experiment). This needs to be in the If...then format.

Independent Variable(IV)
The factor or condition in the experiment which the student intentionally changes. (The amount of sunlight given a plant). This is sometimes called the manipulative variable.

Introduction (ISEF)
In paragraph form. It sets the scene for the report. Includes the hypothesis or engineering goals, an explanation of what prompted the research and what you hope to achieve (purpose).

Levels of IV
the specific values (kinds, sizes or amounts) of the independent variable that are tested in an experiment

Logbook
The student's dated chronological record of his/her science project ideas, information, notes, equipment, materials, events, data, sketches etc. This provides both the teachers and parents a way to monitor the progress of the science project.

Materials and methods (ISEF)
a list of materials and equipment that were used.

Problem
Specifically what the student is attempting to find out by doing his/her experiment. It should be posed in question form.

Procedure (ISEF only)
A detailed explanation of how you will conduct the experiment to test your hypothesis. It should be like a recipe. Include a regular timetable for measuring results or observing. The description should provide sufficient detail to allow a reader to repeat the study. Metric units of measurement are to be used.

Purpose
An explanation of the student's interest in the problem and his/her reasons for selecting the problem.

Repeated Trials
The number of experimental repetitions, objects or organisms tested. At a minimum, there should be 3 repeated trials. (More trials may be necessary dependent upon the nature of the experiment.)

Research/Literature Search
Learning about the topic by reading books, newspapers, magazines, scientific journals, scientific encyclopedias; by watching TV, films; by surfing the Internet; and b;y interviewing people who are knowledgeable regarding the topic. Information gathered by the student is written in his/her scientist's logbook along with the bibliographic information.

Results
The information obtained as a result of the investigation or experimentation. Data should be summarized from the information in the logbook in diagrams, charts, graphs or tables, Results of any statistical analysis are also presented here.

Table of Contents
Allows a reader to follow the organization of the paper quickly. (Does not apply to VJAS)

Title Page
Cover page which includes: title, student name, teacher and date. (NOT included with JVAS entry).

Topic
The general are of interest explored through the project investigation.

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Science Project Resources