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A professional bilingual committee from the domains of
science and technology will judge the projects.
In the following pages, some elements are given to help in the project
process:
 How to start
a research project
Questions
judges may ask
Three project
types:
• Experimentation
• Popularization (study)
• Innovation (conception)
Summary of
Judging Criteria
1. Start with a question (about a topic that interests you)
Your question can then
be developed in a number of ways, including talking to educators, professionals
and parent supervisors. Try to narrow down a general topic to a very
specific question.
Example: What are the effects
of acidic deposits on the growth of sugar maple
(acer saccharum) saplings?
2. Form a hypothesis
Make a prediction of
what you think the answer to your question will be.
Example: I think that the
saplings will not reach their maximum height.
3. Identify your variables
A)
Independent variables are those which you can vary
The acid type and the dosage represent the two most important independent variables.
Change only one independent variable at a time and deal with the variables from the most important
to the least important. In this example, soil type, position on the slope, aspect, climate (direction of
prevailing winds from the pollution source) etc. represent other variables. Not all have to be addressed
at a science fair.
B) Dependent variables
are those which you can measure to help answer your question
Examples:
growth rate of sugar maple saplings, height, roots, general appearance
(colour, number
of leaves, etc.), plant biomass, etc.
C) Control
This refers to
a sample that has been treated in every way like the other samples except
that it does not
experience the independent variables. Examples: The control pot will
have a sapling just like the others
except it will only be watered not acid treated, comparison of the treated
samples with the control
(baseline) allows you to draw conclusions on the growth of the saplings.
D) Replicates
A replicate is a repetition of the experiment.
The more replicates you do, the more you can be sure
about the outcome.
4. Have a project schedule
Budget your
time, be consistent and persistent (don't change the methodology or procedure because
progress is slow or different from what you expected). Don't lose interest.
5. Observe the dependent variable
Observations
on the dependent variable are critical to the success of your experiment.
6. Analyze
Analyze your
results to determine which variables affected the growth of the saplings.
7. Have a conclusion
Do you accept
or reject your hypothesis? Explain why you agree or disagree with your
original hypothesis. Continuously
back up your experiment by entering observations in a notebook, preparing
data sheets or graphs, and talking to scientists or teachers. Keep all your notes and schedules,
interviews, graphs, research, etc. in a notebook for presentation at the science fair. Take pictures
of your experimental trials for your display board.
8. Prepare
Prepare your
display board and your report. A report is a paper summarizing your
research in 200 words
or less. It must include your
objectives, a brief description of the methodology, the most important
part
of the results and a conclusion.
A list of references must also be included in the abstract.
Why did you decide on this topic?
What is the
purpose of your project?
What was your
hypothesis?
What variable
did you change?
How many trials
did you do?
What response
did you measure or observe?
QWhat were
the constants during your experiment?
What procedures
did you follow?
In your experiment
what was your control? What sample did you use to compare to the others?
What results
did you find?
What conclusions
did you draw?
How did your
results relate to your original hypothesis?
If you had
a mentor, in what way did your mentor assist you?
In doing your
library research, what related research did you find that was helpful
to you in conducting your
project?
What would
you do differently if you were to do the project again?
What might
you do in the future to continue your project?
Experiment:
An investigation undertaken
to test a science hypothesis experimentally. The variables, if identified,
are controlled to some extent.
Popularization (study):
A collection
and analysis of data to reveal evidence of a fact or situation of scientific
interest.
It could include a study of
cause and effort or theoretical investigation of scientific data.
Innovation (conception):
The development
and evaluation of innovations devices, models, techniques or approaches
in technology, engineering or computers (hardware or software).
*
Definitions taken from the Youth Science Foundation Canada: www.usask.ca/cwsf
Scientific Value:
Criteria will change
according to the type of project chosen.
Written Report:
Report components
(title page, introduction, results, analysis, conclusion and bibliography).
Visual Presentation:
Appropriate
support, clearness, quality of the written language.
Stand animation:
Dynamism, interaction,
explanation
* Summary of Judging Criteria
Evaluation Form
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