All teams are required to have a small loose-leaf binder solely for Science Fair use. All stages
of the process-all notes, all record-keeping, data and all work submitted for check-up points
(deadlines), including a daily log of work accomplished, are to be kept here for easy location
and reference.
Your first task is to explore the possibilities within the chosen theme and the structure given
above. Write down a list of more specific ideas/areas/experiments/projects that interest you.
Next, visit libraries for information on the area of study to which you have decided to restrict
your research. As you read these resource books for background information, an experimental
topic/idea/design may "jump out at you", if one is not actually mentioned in the text or at the
back of the resource.
Alternatively, if you have already decided what you would like to do for your
investigation/demonstration, you will still need to get background material about the subject
from five sources, three of which can be from computer software or the Internet. You may
also write to companies dealing with your subject, in order to write your two page, minimum,
"Background" information. Person A of the team concentrates on the historical background
information, while Person B researches present day and future aspects of the topic.
N.B. While we have many books in our Middle School library, built up with the Science Fair
in mind, you are welcome to use the Upper School (and possibly the Lower School) library.
For your information, we may place a collection of resource books on "reserve" in our Middle
School library for use on the premises or for short-term loan. Be sure to use your local public
library too.
Many student investigations will be experimental in nature. Please be aware that most student
hypotheses will be supported by their data, but there is the possibility that the results--
through no faulty experimental design or procedure--will result in the hypothesis being
rejected. This happens in the real world every day and is just as valuable a lesson as an
accepted hypothesis.
With regard to the apparatus for the experiment, it must be constructed from bits and pieces
found, collected, purchased and then assembled. That is to say, no store-bought "kits" are
allowed. If in doubt, or in the case of special circumstances, then please ask. Furthermore, this
is to be a "hands-on" investigation, not a computer keyboard one for the most part. You will
need to bring in a cardboard box (to be labeled) for storing all your supplies. You will also
need to provide all your own tools, paper, materials-wood, screws, tape, containers, etc.
In terms of collecting experimental data, please be advised that this can be accomplished by
either changing variables and testing each or by doing the same procedure many times to
gather the results needed for determining a conclusion.
As the demonstrations/presentations will be held in the gym where there are precious few
electrical sockets/outlets, please try to design an experiment/investigation that does not
require electricity. Thanks.
