Science Fair Projects 

Next Deadline:

Brainstorm a science fair project idea!

Traditional Science Fair Projects:

All AP Chemistry students are required to complete an independent research project of a science topic using the scientific method. Students choose a topic, write a research plan, write a 4-7 page literature review on the topic, set up and carry out an experiment, analyze the results, and communicate results through a final written and oral report with a visual aid. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual high school science fair. This project is conducted outside of the normal classroom time throughout the first 3 terms of the year. 

Benefits of a science Fair Project:

Experience ''the Real World" Science Discovery Process.
Utilize the 7 Science Practices in the AP Chem Curriculum that will be assessed on the AP Exam.
Enhance your college resume.
Earn recognition in the Stoughton High School Science Fair, and the opportunity to compete in the Regional Science Fair and State Science Fair .

Steps to a Traditional Science Fair Project

1. Brainstorm Science Fair Topic - Summer 
    Students will brainstorm at least 3 ideas for a science fair project
    and email the teacher by August 1st with their best idea.
2. Original Notebook - September
    Set up/format original notebook. Keep updated log of your 
    science fair journey as you move through each step.
3. Write a Research Plan- September
    Research Plan Directions
    Follow the scientific method when creating your experimental 
    design. Consider controls, constants, independent variable,
    dependent variables, and the number of trials.
4. Complete Science Fair Forms - September
    Submit forms 1A, Research Plan, 1B, and 1. Additional forms   
    required depending on project. Online SRC application at   
    massscifair.com.
5. Literature Review - October-December
    Write an introduction, body, conclusion on your science fair
    topic. Body should be 4-7 pages. Citations must be found within
    the text and a reference list must be provided. 
    Literature Review Rubric
6. Experiment - December-January
    Experimentation can begin once project has been 
    approved. 
    Plan and Organize Experiment.
    Begin Writing Final Paper - Intro (Problem, Hypothesis)
    and Procedure (Problem, Materials, Step by Step Procedure).
    Prepare Data and Results Chart. 
    Update Original Notes as you go.
7. Analysis and Conclusions - January
    Once experimentation is complete, analyze data and results in
    charts, graph results. 
    Make a concluding statement. 
    Discuss purpose.
    Is the hypothesis correct? 
    What are the results?
    Discuss concepts, theories, what happened in the 
    experiment.
    Examine sources of error, limitations to the experiment, and 
    discuss what you could change. 
    Be thorough and detailed.
8. Write Final Paper - January - February
    Consult the Science Fair Booklet for the format of the    
    final paper.
9. Create Visual Aid and Presentation - January -February
     Consult Science Fair Booklet and see in class samples for 
     visual aid. Presentation should be 5-7 minutes.
10. Communication - February 
     Present to Class
     Stoughton High School Science Fair
    Dress to impress - you will be presenting 3 times.
    Judging 2:45-5. Public Viewing 6-7. Awards 7.
Sasin's Science Fair Project Rubric

Science Fair Resources:

MA State Science Fair Student Guide
MA State Science Fair Website

Key Dates:

1. Brainstorm Project Ideas
2. Research Plan
3. Original Notes Check
4. Submit Science Fair Forms
5. Literature Review Outline
6. Literature Review
    and Reference List 
7. Original Notes Re-Check 
                         
8. Data, Results, and Analysis 
9. Final Paper 
10. Presentation and Visual Aid 
11. SHS Science Fair