Science Project Helper

by Dickinson, Mike

• ISBN13: 9780930324773
• ISBN10: 0930324773
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-01
• Publisher: Wings Press

Summary

This comprehensive guide helps middle and high school students conceive, design, execute, and present science projects. Current ISEF forms are included.

Author Biography

Mike Dickinson is an instructional designer and corporate training director with many years of experience in judging and mentoring young scientists.

Table of Contents

From the Publisher	viii
Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	x
A Word About Science Fairs	1	(2)
Part A: Step by step through the science project process
Step 1: Choose your topic and question	3	(10)
Find a topic	3	(4)
Gather background information	7	(3)
Pick a question (but not just any question)	10	(1)
A note about project types	11	(2)
Step 2: Develop your hypothesis	13	(6)
Step 3: Plan how you'll conduct your experiment	19	(11)
Identify variables and controls	19	(5)
Develop your plan	24	(4)
List and obtain materials and equipment	28	(1)
Get approval	28	(2)
Step 4: Carry out your plan	30	(2)
Step 5: Interpret your results	32	(9)
Analyze the data [what does it mean?]	32	(3)
Draw conclusions	35	(6)
Step 6: Communicate your results	41	(8)
Write your research report	41	(1)
Make your display	42	(2)
Present your project verbally	44	(5)
Part B: Additional information
One student's project from start to finish	49	(10)
Tips for parents	59	(2)
Resources for science projects	61	(2)
What about next years?	63	(1)
How to apply what you've learned in your everyday life	64	(1)
On Winning	65	(5)
Teacher's corner	70	(32)
Appendices
A. Topic ideas by category	76	(4)
B. Approval forms and science fair information	80	(19)
C. Bibliography	99	(3)
Index	102