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1 Thomas County Upper Elementary Science Fair Project Guide Name_______________________________ Date________________ Teacher________________________ This book will guide you through the steps of keeping the science fair project on track, recording, reporting and presenting your findings.

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1

Thomas County Upper Elementary

Science Fair Project Guide

Name_______________________________

Date________________

Teacher________________________

This book will guide you

through the steps of

keeping the science fair

project on track,

recording, reporting and

presenting your findings.

2

Dear Parents and Students,

Science at TCUE is taught as an inquiry based hands-on approach to learning that aims

to tie the classroom to real world problems. We not only teach the basic content, but also the

beginnings of basic skills needed for careers in science. Science Fair provides opportunities

for student to tackle these real-life problems by using the skills they have been taught in the

classroom. We encourage our students to explore an area of science of their interest, perhaps

related to a particular career interest and we expect them to become an EXPERT in the topic of

their choice. Students will be increasing their knowledge by applying science research skills,

such as improvising with their hands, utilize creative thinking skills, testing problem solving

strategies, analyzing data and synthesizing information.

Each year science fair is used as a tool to teach our students:

1. Research Skills: Students will use world-wide information, connectivity to specialists through various resources, and utilization of a wealth of ideas for preparation of and synthesis into a unique science project.

2. Logical and Creative Problem-solving: Students will learn to solve problems logically and to use creative and or alternate solutions to situations encountered during the research project phases.

3. Critical Thinking: The students will identify and clarify research issues by following a line of reasoning; judging statements, conclusions, and observations of others before applying information and techniques to own research project.

4. Communication Skills: Students will communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions of the independent research project through verbal, written and visual means.

5. Self-direction Skills: Students will use computer skills, graphics skills, determination, goal setting, and organization for information gathering, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation during the Science Fair process.

6. Creative Thinking Skills: Students will use techniques such as brainstorming to generate ideas for unique and/or original research-based directions

What is the role of the parent?

Provide support and motivation for your child.

Make sure that your child understands the time involved and the materials needed to complete the project.

Encourage your child to communicate difficulties or needs for extra support to the teacher.

Help monitor the progress of the project.

What is the role of the teacher?

Help students select a project that interests them and is appropriate for their grade level.

Monitor the completion of appropriate forms and assignments.

Provide feedback during the completion of the project.

3

Science Fair follows the steps of the IB Design Cycle and will be graded using IB technology

rubrics. The rubrics are at the end of this booklet. Be sure to study the diagram below along

with the rubrics before going any further!

4

Let’s Begin!!

Step 1: Finding a topic and formulating a research question

Often the most difficult step; keep the following ideas in mind:

• Choose a topic you like and your parents approve

• Narrow topic to a single aspect and plan your time wisely

• Projects need to be as original as possible; stay away from science

buddies!

• Stay away from consumer products testing!

What topics am I interested in? (Circle 2 or 3 from the list below) Categories

1. Animal Sciences—Study of animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals. Animal ecology, physiology, animal husbandry, cytology, histology, entomology, ichthyology, ornithology, herpetology,etc.

2. Behavioral and Social Sciences—The science or study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and other animals in their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental methods.

3. Biochemistry—The study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms, the processes by which these substances enter into, or are formed in, the organisms and react with each other and the environment.

4. Cellular & Molecular Biology—The study of the structure and formation of cells. 5. Chemistry—The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular

systems. 6. Computer Science—The study of information processes, the structures and procedures that represent processes, and their

implementation in information processing systems. It includes systems analysis and design, application and system software design, programming, and datacenter operations.

7. Earth and Planetary Science—The study of sciences related to the planet Earth (Geology, minerology, physiography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, speleology, sesismology, geography, atmospheric sciences, etc.)

8. *Engineering: Materials & Bioengineering—The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical machines and systems.

9. *Engineering: Electrical & Mechanical—The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, processes, and systems.

10. Energy & Transportation—The study of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport, and alternative fuels. 11. Environmental Management—The study of managing mans' interaction with the environment. 12. Environmental Sciences—The analysis of existing conditions of the environment. 13. Mathematical Sciences—The study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers

and symbols. The deductive study of numbers, geometry, and various abstract constructs, or structures. Mathematics is very broadly divided into foundations, algebra, analysis, geometry, and applied mathematics, which includes theoretical computer science.

14. Medicine and Health Sciences—The science of diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease and other damage to the body or mind.

15. Microbiology—The study of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, prokaryotes, and simple eukaryotes and of antibiotic substances.

16. Physics & Astronomy—Physics is the science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two. Astronomy is the study of anything in the universe beyond the Earth.

17. Plant Sciences—Study of plant life. Ecology, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, plant taxonomy, physiology, pathology, plant genetics, hydroponics, algae, etc.

5

Probe the selected topics to find ideas to research and possible questions that you would like

to test. Put your ideas below:

When writing a research question, be sure to include the independent and dependent

variables. Ex: How does temperature (IV ) affect the rate of photosynthesis (DV) in algae?

Topic : ____________________________________

Research Question 1:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Research Question 2:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Research Question 3:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Ass

ess

me

nt

Communication Is your research

question concise? (Ask someone to read it, do

they understand?) Are you using scientific

vocabulary?

(Forces, friction, magnets, field, scientific

names…)

6

Step 2: Explain the problem and discuss its relevance What is your science fair project about? How did you come up with the idea? How will answering the problem

be helpful?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Have your teacher and guardians approve your topic before going any further.

Once it is approved, you must put your topic and question in your log book (bound journal). Leave the first

page of your log books blank for the table of contents. Remember to always write in blue or black ink pen and

date each entry.

Step 3: Critically investigate the problem

You must include a minimum of 5 sources. Be sure to paraphrase and include the citation.

This information must be recorded in your log book! This will be used to write your

background research report about the topic. The background research report will later serve

as the introduction to the science fair paper! (See your teacher for further instructions.)

Research general information about my topic. Ex: if I am trying to find out how temperature

affects photosynthesis, then I first need to find out everything I can about how photosynthesis

works. Then, move to more specific details of your project.

Ap

pro

ach

es

to

Lear

nin

g

Research (Criterion A: Investigate) Has this ever been tested before? If so, what information is out there? What will I need to know in order to form a hypothesis? What information will help me with writing my research plan (procedure for testing)? Are you making a bibliography?

7

Background Research Report

The background research report is a written document containing the actual research done

about the science fair topic. The research is important because this information “educates’

the student so that a formal hypothesis can be formed. This information is also important

when writing the experimental procedure.

The requirements are:

The initial paragraph should discuss the chosen topic and the purpose behind

the selection of that topic. Discuss the impact it could have on the science

world in general.

The body paragraphs should include the actual research. Be reminded that at

least 5 references should be used! At least one of the five references should

be a book.

The concluding paragraph should be the student’s thoughts about the

outcome of the project. This would be the formal hypothesis. Be sure to

support the reason for this “guess”.

The paper should include a bibliography. This should be cited properly.

Students may use the MLA format or the APA format.

As always, when writing a formal paper, the paper should be double spaced, contain one

inch margins, 12 point standard font!!!

Due Date: 9/20/16

8

Step 4: Write a method for testing the hypothesis

There are many, scientific ways, of solving a problem. These are some examples; please cross

out the ones you think will NOT help solving your problem.

Envi

ron

men

ts Are you wasting resources?

He

alth

an

d S

oci

al A proper scientific experiment should not

affect the way living organisms (including

people!) behave.

Classification

(put things

into different

groups)

Exploration (observe

yourself using some

kind of instrument

and possibly making

some measurements)

Technology

(Make

something or

invent a system

to solve the

problem)

Reference (look

it up in a book or

computer, or ask

somebody who

knows about it)

problem)

Opinion (it depends

on how you feel, it

depends on who is

observing the problem)

Pattern seeking (ask many

people to look very carefully

and launch the rocket many,

many times)

| 9

Question:_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis:___________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Independent (Manipulated) variable:_________________________________________

Dependent (Responding) Variable:___________________________________________

Develop ONE methods for testing your hypothesis:

Method 1:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

__________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

| 10

6. Write finalized detailed methods below. Be sure to include specific details. Ex: type of soil

used, amount of soil, containers used, type of plants, number of plants, how will you run the

experiment, how will you collect data (measuring with a metric ruler in cm, massing in grams,

counting, timing in seconds)? (Data must be quantitative and you must use the SI system of

measurement!)

Hu

man

Inge

nu

ity

How much time will you need? Where will you need to conduct your experiment (home, school, lab, some other place)? Will you need supervision? Will models be needed? Will any special equipment be needed?

Materials:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Procedures:___________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

| 11

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Teacher’s Initials for approval _______ Due Date: 9/29/16 Once procedures are finalized, record them in your log book.

Safety First! You need to make a risk assessment of your project.

Make a list of any potential hazards.

1. _____________________________________

2. _____________________________________

3. _____________________________________

4. _____________________________________

5. _____________________________________

Step 7: Complete the Appropriate Approval Forms: (See pages

13 & 14 for directions)

All students will complete the following:

Form 1

Form 1A

Form 1B (Only complete the information in #1. You and a parent

must sign the form (be sure you read the Ethics Statement). The

dates for your signatures must be before you begin

| 12

experimentation.)

Research Plan – not an actual form, directions for typing this document are below:

The research plan for ALL projects is to include the following:

A. Question being addressed Make sure your question meets the following criteria:

Does it interest me?

Can it be answered through experimentation or investigation?

Are necessary equipment/supplies available to me?

Is it useful to find out? B. Hypothesis/Problem/Engineering Goals

Make your hypothesis an IF/THEN statement to show exactly what you are testing and what you expect to find.

Make your hypothesis a TESTABLE statement.

NEVER change your hypothesis after experimenting. Remember, it is an educated guess. The reason for an hypothesis is to remind you of the goal of your investigation. If forces you to think and plan before you begin.

Your hypothesis should include the reasoning behind your prediction. Support your point of view with expert information.

C. Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that

should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)

Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection

Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data that answer research

question or

hypothesis

D. Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet

sites) from

your literature review.

If you are working with humans, animals, or hazardous materials, additional information will be

required in your research plan. See your teacher for details.

| 13

Directions for completing forms for science projects

When all forms are completed, you will get a lab grade. Please follow the directions carefully.

Go to http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/ppd/courses/academic-special-programs/georgia-science-and-engineering-

fair (You can do a Google search for Georgia Science Fair, and then click on Forms for Teachers and Students.)

Click on Form 1: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form

Type in your name.

Type in project title

Click an X in boxes 1-3

In # 4, only check those that apply to your project.

In # 5, check the boxes in the first two rows. Only check the bottom two if they apply to your project.

Only check the boxes in #6 if they apply to your project.

Above Adult Sponsor’s printed name type: Dana Studdard

Above Phone type: 229-225-4394

Above email type: [email protected]

Print the form.

Go back to the forms page.

Click on Form 1A: Student Checklist/Research Plan

Complete the information under #1 for you. You will leave b & c blank.

Complete #2.

Complete #3: Thomas County Middle School

4681 US Highway 84 Bypass

Thomasville, GA 31792

229-225- 4394

Complete #4: Dana Studdard

[email protected]

Answer #5 for your project. If it is a continuation, check all boxes. You will have to complete form #7

at the end.

In #6 write your projected start and end date. These are the dates you will actually begin and end your

experimentation. Be sure you use the form month/day/year. You will write in the actual dates

when you actually start and finish.

ALL APPROVAL FORMS MUST BE DATED BEFORE YOUR ACTUAL START DAY!

Complete #7 & #8 for your project.

#9 & #10 will be completed separately and you will be directions later.

Print the form.

Go back to the forms page.

| 14

Click on Form 1B: Approval Form.

Check the two boxes in number 1 (be sure to read them and abide by them).

Type in your name and the name of the parent who will sign the form.

Print the form, take it home and get it signed. Return when signed.

Go back to the forms page.

Only complete form 1C if you are going to do your project somewhere other than school or home.

Only complete form 2 if you are working directly with a scientist who is an expert in the field of your project. (This is not

necessary if you talk to someone.)

Complete form 3 if you are working with anything potentially dangerous (bacteria, burning things, etc.).

Complete form 4 if you plan to work with human subjects in any way.

No one will complete #5.

Anyone working with bacteria needs to complete #6A.

No one will complete #6B.

If you are continuing a project from last year, you need to complete #7.

The abstract will be completed after your experiment is finished. You will get separate directions for this at a later date.

*Research Plan is due on 10/14/16

y

| 15

Presentation

Garbled message due to

problems relating to the

presentation; very difficult to

read and understand; major

distractions; random or

confusing layout; did not

follow format at all

10

Message is understandable at times;

appears empty, fussy, or cluttered;

consistent layout; followed format

somewhat

15

Enhances the ability for reader

to understand and connect

with message; pleasing to the

eye; formatting suits purpose;

followed format

20

Format

Paper includes very few of

the formatting requirements.

10

Paper includes some of the

formatting requirements.

15

Paper is double spaced, one

inch margins, 12 point type,

standard font

20

Comments: Total Points:

| 16

Technology Rubric Years 4 & 5 Student’s Name___________________________ Teacher:

A. Investigate B. Design C. Plan

0 The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors given

below.

The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors given

below.

The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors

given below.

1-2 The student states the problem. The

student investigates the problem,

collecting information from sources.

The student lists some specifications.

The student generates one design, and

makes some attempt to justify

this against the design specification.

The student produces a plan that

contains some details of the steps

and/or the resources required.

3-4 The student describes the problem,

mentioning its relevance. The student

investigates the problem, selecting and

analysing information from some

acknowledged sources. The student

describes a test to evaluate the

product/solution against the design

specification.

The student generates a few designs,

justifying the choice of one design and

fully evaluating this against the design

specification.

The student produces a plan that

contains a number of logical steps that

include resources and time. The student

makes some attempt to evaluate the

plan.

5-6 The student explains the problem,

discussing its relevance. The student

critically investigates the problem,

evaluating information from a broad

range of appropriate, acknowledged

sources. The student describes

detailed methods for appropriate testing

to evaluate the product/solution against

the design specification.

The student generates a range of

feasible designs, each evaluated

against the design specification. The

student justifies the chosen design

and evaluates it fully and critically

against the design specification.

The student produces a plan that

contains a number of detailed, logical

steps that describe the use of resources

and time. The student critically

evaluates the plan and justifies any

modifications to the design.

Per

son

al

Ref

lect

ion

What score do you think you should get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

What score do you think you should get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

What score do you think you should

get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

Tea

cher

’s

Ev

alu

ati

on

| 17

Step 9: Create (Criterion D): You are now ready to gather materials and begin testing!

A. Will I need to get permission to use the school’s labs or other facilities? Are there any

special materials that will need to be order through a science company? Will I need to

check out any lab equipment?

B. Projected start date: _____________ Projected end date: ______________

C. Before beginning the experiment, make tables for recording your results in your log

book or in a digital spread sheet.

D. Did you stick to your original research plan? Or did you have to make adjustments?

Justify adjustments that were made to your original research plan:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

| 18

Step 10: Analyze Data

Data from trials will be averaged and graphed. Bar graphs work best for data that has been

counted; line graphs compare independent and dependent variables; pie charts compare parts

of a whole.

Conduct statistical analysis of data: find average, mode, mean, standard deviation, conduct

test of statistical significance (T-test, X2, Z-test ). See teacher for details.

Print and paste graphs and charts below and put them in your log book:

| 19

Step 11: Evaluation (Criterion E)

Evaluate the success of the experiments in an objective manner based on the results of

testing: (Be sure to evaluate yourself at each stage of the design cycle(refer to pg 4) and

suggest improvements)

Investigate____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Plan_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Create________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

| 20

Eval

uat

e (

Cri

teri

on

E)

What problems did I encounter? If I had to do it again, what changes would I make? What aspects of your project worked well? Was there constancy with your data from each trial(Why or why not)?

Step 12: Conclusion/Discussion

What conclusions can be drawn from the outcomes of your experiments? Was the hypothesis

supported or rejected? How do these conclusions impacts life, society and/or the

environment?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Step 13: Abstract (See rubric on next page)

Abstracts must be type on the official abstract form, must be less than 250 words, and written

in third person, past tense. The abstract will be displayed with your project backboard. This

form is found at the same location as the approval form you have already completed at the

UGA web site. Warning: there are many other forms out there, so please go the UGA site!

| 21

Step 14: Type the science fair paper (See rubric on pages 23-24)

This should be an easy task, since most of the paper has already been written. Follow the

rubric carefully on the next pages.

Abstract Rubric

The abstract should be completed after experimentation and typed on the official form which is available at the same website as

other forms. Use the rubric below as a guide for completing the abstract. Include the information below in one blocked paragraph!

Ab

stra

ct

Format

The abstract contains

only one of the

important formatting

elements.

5

The abstract contains some

of the important

formatting elements.

7

The abstract is on the official form and

is less than 250 words. It is written in

third person and past tense.

10

Total Points:

Comments:

Title

The title contains none

or only one of the

important elements.

5

The title contains some of

the important elements.

7

The title is limited to 65 characters

and spaces. It is brief and descriptive.

(The same title must be used for all

forms and displays.)

10

Problem

The statement of the

problem contains none

or one of the important

elements.

5

The statement of the

problem contains some of

the important elements.

7

The statement of the problem tells the

reader what specific questions are

addressed in the study. The variables

and limitations are identified. The

intent and objectives of the research

effort are made explicit in this

statement.

10

Purpose

The purpose of the

project is not mentioned.

7

The purpose of the project

is mentioned, but is not

clear.

10

The purpose states the usefulness of

the study. It answers the question

why the project was undertaken.

15

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is not

focused and clear.

7

The hypothesis is stated

clearly, but does not limit

the scope of investigation

or unify the research

design.

10

The hypothesis limits the scope of the

investigation and unifies the research

design.

15

| 22

Procedure

The procedure is not

mentioned

5

The procedure is

mentioned, but is not clear

7

A brief summary of what was done is

provided. (This is not a step by step

procedure.)

10

Data

There is no mention of

any data

7

Some data is mentioned,

but it is not clearly

summarized

10

The data is summarized in a clear and

understandable way

15

Conclusion

There is no clear,

reasonable conclusion

7

The conclusion contains

some of the important

elements.

10

The conclusion provides a concise

statement of the outcomes of the

investigation. It is written in

nontechnical language and relates

directly to the hypothesis. The

conclusion identifies unsolved aspects

of the original problem or identifies

any new problems.

15

Name ______________________________ Research Report Rubric

The research report should be in a notebook (three-ring binder). It should contain the following information (in the

order indicated). Each section should begin on a new page. Use 1 inch margins and 10 or 12 pt. type. The title

page may include larger type.

Total

Points:

Comments

Original

abstract &

forms

Abstract and forms are very

incomplete or not included.

5

Abstract and forms are

incomplete.

7

Original abstract & forms

present and completed

properly.

10

Title page &

table of

contents

(separate

pages)

The title page and table of

contents are not complete or

not included

5

The title page and table of

contents are present, but are

not very helpful in following

the paper.

7

Title page and table of contents

present. The TOC allows reader

to follow the organization of the

paper quickly.

10

Introduction Very few or none of the

elements of an introduction

are present.

5

Some of the elements of an

introduction are present.

7

The introduction sets the scene

for the report. This includes the

background information,

hypothesis, problem, and

explanation of what prompted

the research.

10

Materials &

methods

The methods and materials

are not described clearly.

5

Some of the elements of the

description of the materials

and methods are present.

7

The methodology used to collect

data and/or make observations

is described in detail. The

description is detailed enough

that someone would be able to

repeat the experiment from the

information.

10

| 23

Results The data are missing or very

incomplete and unorganized.

5

The data are included, but is

not in an organized way.

7

The data and/or observations

are listed neatly and clearly in

tables and graphs if applicable.

10

Discussion Only one or none of the

elements of a good

discussion are present.

7

Some of the elements of a

good discussion are present.

10

The results are compared with

expected results. Possible

errors are included. Ideas for

other experiments to be

conducted are discussed.

15

Conclusion Only one or none of the

elements of a good

conclusion are present.

5

Some of the elements of a

good conclusion are present.

7

The conclusion is a brief

summary of results. It is

specific, not generalized.

Nothing is introduced in the

conclusion that was not

discussed earlier.

10

Acknowledgments No acknowledgments are

given.

0

Acknowledgments are

present, but incomplete.

3

Individuals, businesses, and

educational or research

institutions that provided

assistance are credited.

5

References/

bibliography

References are not included.

0

References are listed, but not

in an appropriate format.

7

References are listed in an

appropriate format.

10

Presentation Very few of the directions for

completing the research

report were followed.

5

Some of the directions for

completing the research

report were followed.

7

Directions (see top of page) for

completing the research report

were followed.

10

Step 15: The Display

Your display should attract and inform. Make it easy for readers to assess what you have done

and the results you have obtained. Use your limited space well with concise language and

compact visuals. Make headings stand out to guide your reader through your research. Make

all text and graphics large enough to read from several feet away. Display data in graphs and

include photographs. Do not cut out your research paper and paste it on the board. The

display is just a summary of your work!

Examples:

| 24

Be sure to write captions under pictures and graphs! Below is the minimum information that should be part of your display. Name ____________________________

Items to be displayed

with backboard—

Notebook with originals

of required forms and

research paper,

logbook, & abstract

None of these

items are

displayed with

the backboard

0

Only one of the

three items is

present

3

Only two of the

three items are

present

6

All three are present

10

Total Points:

Comments:

Title Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not clear

3

Easy to read or

clear

6

Easy to read and clear

10

Background

information &

question

Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not well

developed

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

Purpose

Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not well

developed

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

Hypothesis &

Independent and

Dependent

Variables

Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not well

developed

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

| 25

*Materials &

Methods

Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not well

developed

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

*Results Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not developed

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

*Conclusion Not present

0

Not easy to read

and not clear

3

Easy to read, but

not well developed

6

Easy to read and well

developed

10

Overall

Appearance

Not neat,

attractive, nor easy

to follow

6

Somewhat neat,

attractive, and

easy to follow

12

Neat, attractive, and

easy to follow

20

*No credit will be given for Materials & Methods, Results or Conclusion if you do not show proof/evidence

that the experiment was actually completed. This can be easily accomplished by taking pictures of you

working on the experiment. If a survey was used, then you must provide the surveys. If you built a model,

then you should bring a model to display or at least a picture of the model with you in it.

Scholars Academy Technology Rubric Years 4 & 5 Student’s Name___________________________ Teacher:

D. Create E. Evaluate **F. Attitudes in Technology

0 The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors given

below.

The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors given

below.

The student does not reach a standard

described by any of the descriptors

given below.

1-2 The student considers the plan and creates at least part of a product/ solution.

The student evaluates the

product/solution or his or her own

performance.

The student makes some attempt to

test the product/solution.

The student occasionally displays a satisfactory standard in one of the aspects listed below.

3-4 The student uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the plan and mentions any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of good quality.

The student evaluates the

product/solution and his or her own

performance and suggests ways in which these could be improved.

The student tests the product/solution

to evaluate it against the design specification.

The student frequently displays a satisfactory standard in both of the aspects listed below.

5-6 The student competently uses appropriate techniques and equipment. The student follows the plan and justifies any modifications made, resulting in a product/solution of *appropriate quality using the resources available.

The student evaluates the success of the product/solution in an objective

manner based on the results of

testing, and the views of the intended

users. The student provides an

evaluation of his or her own

performance at each stage of the

design cycle and suggests

improvements. The student provides an appropriate evaluation of

the impact of the product/solution

on life, society and/or the environment.

The student consistently displays a satisfactory standard in both of the aspects listed below.

| 26

Per

son

al

Ref

lect

ion

What score do you think you should get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

What score do you think you should get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

What score do you think you should

get?

What did you do well for the above

criteria? What do you think you could

have done better?

Tea

cher

’s

Ev

alu

ati

on

*Appropriate quality: This is the best product/solution that the student can produce, taking into account the resources available, the skills and techniques they have used, their educational development, how the product/solution addresses the identified need, and aspects of safety and ergonomics. **Criterion F refers to students’ attitudes when working in technology. It focuses on an overall assessment of two aspects:

personal engagement (motivation, independence, general positive attitude)

attitudes towards safety, cooperation and respect for others.