CCS SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT 2018-2019

August 23, 2018

Dear Parents and students,

Science projects let students experience first-hand application of the scientific method of problem solving. It demonstrates the critical thinking behind the use of problem solving methods by scientists, and inspires creative thinking. These projects should be interesting and exciting; motivating students to research to make data-based decisions and conclusions. The entire process will be discussed and modeled in class, however, all work on the science fair project will be done at home under parental supervision unless other supervision is required. Students, here is your chance to prove you understand how to think scientifically and try on some scientific roles.

Please review the information regarding science fair as soon as possible. The students will need parental support and guidance in selecting a topic, locating information and materials for an experiment, filling out the necessary paperwork (must be typed), purchase of display supplies and board assembly if needed, etc. Please note that all Science Fair projects must be accompanied by a research paper with bibliography, the visual display (backboard) of the experiment, a data log book, and an oral presentation. Additionally, your student will be required to attend the Three Rivers Regional Science Fair if awarded first, second, or third place in his/her category at the school fair.

While parents are encouraged to brain storm with the student and provide resources, the experiment should be the student's work - not work of the parents or that of an expert you might know and certainly not a copy (plagiarism!) of another project. If you copy some other project, your will be disqualified (and judges have ways of finding this out).

Many professionals cite their science project experience as being responsible for pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. This is an awesome opportunity for the students to use their creativity and problem solve, and they may find that this is their passion!

If you have any questions or need any help, please contact your student’s science teacher(s) or Mrs. Campbell. After reviewing this information with your parent/student, please sign the bottom portion and return that portion to school by/on Thursday, September 6th, 2018, along with three topics for your student's (potential) project. The best topics are those that find solutions to everyday problems (E.g., "Design a device to kill mosquito larvae"),

find new innovations to meet needs in some area (E.g., "Find a way to help students learn better--Standing desks?"),

or that enhance something that already may exist (E.g., "Build a better mouse trap"). No product comparisons are allowed.

Because CCS participates in the regional (Three Rivers Fair in January) and the state (State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in March) competitions, we must also follow their rules. Those rules are provided by the International Science and Engineering Fair organization. Here is the link for all forms, and rules for the regional and state competitions.

https://ssefflorida.com/ https://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef-forms

Microbiology projects are not allowed by middle school students.

Some animal and human behavioral projects are allowed but require approval by the school Internal Review Board (IRB) and additional required safety documentation
These projects are referred to as Protocol Projects because there is a protocol that must be followed for safety requirements.

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Science Fair Project Dates At A Glance

Parent Signature for reading the Science Fair Project materials

and submission of three possible topics: DUE - SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

Proposed Project plans will not approved without a Parent Signature and/or Team contract

Experiment Proposal and Design: DUE - OCTOBER 3, 2018

Protocol Project paperwork: Projects involving Invertebrates, human participants, hazardous materials/devices: DUE EARLIER (will be discussed with individuals with protocol projects)

Note & Bibliography Cards: DUE - SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Draft Research Paper & Bibliography: DUE - SEPTEMBER 26, 2018

Final Research Paper: DUE - OCTOBER 17, 2018

Experimental Log Book Check DUE - OCTOBER 31, 2018

Abstract (Typed on the INTEL form) DUE - Nov. 16, 2018

Test grade = 100 pts. DUE - NOVEMBER 28, 2018

1. Backboard, Data/Experimental Log, Notebook - 50 points possible

3. Oral Presentation in class - 50 points possible

School Science Fair Judging in Fellowship Hall - 4:00 to 7:00 pm DECEMBER 6, 2018

Award Ceremony (Families + Students) - Monday, DECEMBER 10, 2018, during Chapel

PROJECT DUE DATES ARE FIRM -- EVEN FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT

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CCS Middle School Science Project 2018-2019

All 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade middle school students will be completing complete a science project that should be based on an experiment or engineering project. Part of your grade will be focused on how effectively you implemented the scientific method or engineering design process. Please remember this is not just a demonstration but a true experiment; all projects must be accompanied by a research paper, the visual display (backboard) of the whole project, data log notebook of the experiment, and an oral presentation on the project for the students in your science class.

Categories for projects:

1. Animal Sciences
2. Behavioral & Social Sciences
3. Biomedical & Health Sciences
4. Cellular/ Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
5. Chemistry
6. Earth & Environmental Sciences
7. Engineering
8. Environmental Engineering
9. Intelligent Machines, Robotics and Systems Software
10. Mathematics & Computational Sciences
11. Microbiology
12.  Physics & Astronomy
13.  Plant Sciences

Selected Winners of the CCS Science Fair attend the Three Rivers Regional Science and Engineering Fair held in January 2019 at the FSU Holley Academic Center on the Panama City campus.

Selected winners of the Regional Fair will be invited to attend the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in Lakeland FL in March of 2019.

APA and MLA style guide for bibliographies and research papers: https://academictips.org/mla-format/

Graphing website at https:/nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph

Supplies

One (1 inch) 3-ring binder to be used for research paper and various documents.
One 8-count set of Tab Dividers.
One Composition notebook (data log book).
Tri-fold board (the standard size is 36 x 48, but students may use alternative materials and larger sizes as long as the display meets the SSEF regulations). Student may also use a header for the title on top of board if preferred.
Paper for printing and cardstock paper for framing printed material.
Rubber cement for gluing entire project display.
Note cards (for background research notes)- Logic Students may use a notebook.
Please check with your science teacher for any additional materials for experimentation. We are able to contact members of the scientific community to help mentor your project if necessary.

HAVE FUN and BE SAFE!!!

YOUR SCIENCE TEACHERS ARE EXCITED

BY YOUR WORK AND ARE EAGER TO ASSIST YOU

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION - JUST ASK!