Science Fair Projects
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 .
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 Project1. 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. |
Science Fair Resources: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 |