Science Fair Project Introduction
Below are the guidelines for preparing your science fair project. Read them carefully. Make sure you understand the expectations. Remember, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!
1. You will do your own science fair research report. You can work in pairs to do your experiment, collect data, and prepare your board.
2. The project you choose must be inquiry-based. You will follow the scientific method and collect measured data.
3. The project you choose must coordinate with your grade level standards. The question you present must be approved prior to beginning any research and experimentation. No projects can involve human testing, consuming foods, using hazardous chemicals and growing molds.
4. Follow the steps included in this booklet to guide you through the scientific method as you complete your report and display board. Keep all information in your science folder; you will need to reference the material often through this process.
5. There must be at least three trials (tests) of your experiment. When you choose your project, keep in mind the availability of supplies and time.
6. You must keep a log book of your whole science project process. Starting at the selection of your topic and the planning of your experiment and ending at the drawing of conclusions and looking at other possible ideas or questions.
7. Even if you are absent on the due date, your project is due. Late projects lose 10% per day.
Project Due Date: Friday, January 20, 2012
Student Signature______Parent Signature______
1 Science Fair Project Timeline
Date Date Date Due Started Completed 1 Select a Topic Propose a question. Relate topic to a real life situation
2 Research Topic Make bibliography cards Using note cards, take notes from 5 references Make the outline for your research report 3 Hypothesis Write a paragraph stating your hypothesis, supported by your research.
4 Design an experiment List materials in detail List procedures step by step Include measurements. Define the variables: Independent: what you are changing Dependent: what you are measuring Include a control 5 Conduct your experiment Keep detailed log of each experiment. (A Log MUST be kept.) Include observations and measurements
Have a sufficient number of test subjects or repeat the experiment 3 times or more 6 Examine your Results Analyze your data. Make graphs and charts. Write your results in detail. Discuss. Write your conclusion. Write your research paper 7 Construct Display
To be done in class.
8 Completed Project Due
2 Choosing a Topic
Choosing a topic for a science fair project is often the most difficult part of the entire scientific process. Here are some thoughts to help guide you:
1. The best idea is one in which you develop. It should be a subject you are interested in researching.
2. Look around your world, make observations and ask questions. See how your questions relate to real-life events or situations.
3. Spend some time thinking about the whole project idea. a. What is being measured? How will it be measured? b. Is the topic or idea workable? c. Will I be able to get the materials I need? d. Are all materials readily available? e. How long will the experiment take to get results? f. Do I have enough time?
3 Problem Statement
The next step is to turn your topic into a problem statement for the project. This is what you are going to answer or solve. The problem statement can be a statement or a question that identifies the independent variable and the dependent variable.
Independent(manipulated) variable: The variable or factor that you will change: the cause.
Dependent(responding) variable: The effect that you measure as a result of the independent variable.
Example: How does the amount of water effect the growth height of the plant?
Independent (manipulated) variable: amount of water Dependent (responding) variable: height of the plants
Try using the following patterns to help write questions for the topics on the following page.
1. What is the effect of ______on ______?
2. How does the ______affect ______?
3. Which ______(verb) ______?
4 6th Grade Science Topics to Explore:
Atmosphere- air pressure/temperature ______
Hydrosphere- ocean currents/buoyancy/water pressure/ rates of evaporation/salinity ______
Water Cycle: evaporation/condensation/precipitation/ groundwater ______
Weather Systems: fronts/humidity/wind currents/heating of land and water ______
Violent Weather Systems: hurricanes/ tornados/sandstorms/ flooding ______
Energy: kinetic/ potential/ thermal /mechanical ______
Generating Electrical Energy with renewable sources or nonrenewablesources(batteries?)
5 ______
Technology’s/ Mathematics’ influence in science, probability, ______
Cell theory : plant cells/ cell membrane/diffusion or osmosis ______
Systems: digestion/respiration/circulation/locomotion ______
Plants: transpiration, photosynthesis, absorption/ tropisms ______
Sun’s energy: ultraviolet light ______
Choose one possible problem statement from those you wrote for the topics listed above. Write it in your science journal. Discuss the reason you chose this topic and how it relates to a real-life problem or event.
6 Research
When you do research, you want to find articles and books that can teach you something about your project topic. The independent variables and dependent variables work to help guide your research by providing key words. Learn about your topic so that you can make a hypothesis based on intelligent information. Your conclusion will also have to be related to what you learn about the variables and how they turn out in your experiment. Therefore, research is the foundation of a good hypothesis and a meaningful conclusion.
Do not just look for elementary explanations. These may hinder your understanding. Look for information that helps you understand the science behind your experiment.
First you will need to scan general information on your topic. As you read, keep an opened mind for interesting facts, events and ideas. These will help you narrow down your specific topic.
Create a web to record your thoughts and ideas on your topic. Place the general topic in the center of the web. Surround the general idea with specific ideas that come to mind.
Using your problem statement, select the specific ideas that will help you understand your problem better. Write down key terms that pertain to your variables. Use these words and ideas to help you with your research.
You must have a minimum of 5 resources: Must have 3 BOOKS or Magazine Articles Must have 1 Internet (only from an org., .edu, or .gov site) And 1 OTHER which could be an encyclopedia, interview, book, Internet article, magazine, etc. 7 Rough Outline
You have selected a topic, narrowed it down and have written a problem (thesis) statement, now you are ready to write a rough outline. This outline is simply a topic outline. Its purpose is to put your thoughts and questions down onto paper. This way you will have a guide to help you while you are taking notes.
Thesis: Energy is transferred by three methods: conduction, convection and radiation
I. What is energy? Remember: In an A. Types of energy outline, if there is an 1. Kinetic energy A there must be a B. 2. Thermal energy If there is a 1, there B. Temperature is related to energy transfer. must be a 2…and so 1. Associated with feeling on. 2. Hot to cold 3. Equilibrium II. Conduction A. Direct contact 1. unequal temperatures 2. movement of heat within an object Even if you do not have B. Conductive materials an idea to fill in the 1. Metals outline, leave some 2.. Glass space to go back to after III. Convection you have done the A. Movement of a fluid (Gas or liquid) research. 1. Less dense gas or liquid rises (hot) 2. Condenses and cools and sinks B. Cycles 1. heating of a building 2. weather
IV. Radiation A. No physical contact between objects 1. No movement of matter 2. Only form of transfer that can take place in space. B. Electromagnetic waves 1. infrared radiation 2. visible light 3. ultraviolet rays
8 Taking Notes
Go to the library, look on the internet and check out encyclopedias for information. You will need a variety of sources to write your paper. You need to be well versed with your subject of choice. Do not limit yourself to one form of information on your topic.
Sometimes the encyclopedia provides a good starting point for your research. It will give you many key terms that will help you in your research. You can look up these key terms in the encyclopedia, or in the index of any book you find, or in a search engine used on the internet. Check your resources for authenticity. You want information from reliable sources
I recommend that you make a special trip to the library for material. At the library, you may not find a specific book on your topic such as energy transfer. You will need to find more generalized books and then use the index to see if it contains information on your topic. For example, you may look for books on Energy, Heat, Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Science. Remember, you are doing research. You might have to search again and again and again. Do not get discouraged, the information is out there.
Gathering Supplies:
You will need the following supplies 1 package of 3 x 5 note cards (100) (lined) Pen or pencils A highlighter or colored pencil Pocket folder to keep all your science fair project materials.
9 Now you are ready to take notes.
A collection of comprehensive clearly written notes is important to the development of a well-written research paper.
Notes support your problem statement, personal opinions and generalizations. Make sure your notes apply to your topic. Make sure they can stand alone and be understood. Make sure you get enough information on each main idea in your outline. Make sure that all notes are written in your own words. If you use the words directly from a source, be sure to enclose them in quotation marks. A little extra effort now will save you time and stress when time comes to write your paper.
Writing Note Cards:
You now have found a book that has information on your topic and you want to take notes. The first thing you will need to do is make a bibliography card (or fill in the given bibliography sheet.)
Author or authors Book Title (Underlined) City, State published Publisher, Year
( you may want to use MLA bibliography form Include a different symbol, or letter, for here) each different source of information.
10 After you have made a bibliography card, you are ready to write note cards from that source. 1. Read the information and decide what you want to write. Will this information help you? It may just be an interesting fact that you had not considered. Decide what information you want to keep. 2. Make the mark or symbol in the right corner, so you will remember the book from which this information came. 3. Next to the symbol, write the page number where you found the information. 4. Write the information down on the note card. Make it clear. Do not use pronouns without an antecedent. 5. Avoid writing lengthy sentences. Phrases are OK. 6. If you want to quote a source, copy the sentence(s) carefully. Be sure to use quotation marks. 7. Record only one note per card. It may be more than one sentence, but it should be limited to one idea. 8. Write only on one side of the card. 9. You can decide under which main idea, in your rough outline, the information belongs and write the Roman numeral in the upper left hand corner. Or you can leave this blank and organize your cards after all notes are taken. II. Conduction 301
Conduction , one method of heat transfer, takes place between two touching objects of different temperatures.
It also takes place within the objects, between the molecules.
Write enough note cards to cover you subject. (Minimum number of cards is 100) Remember: USE YOU OWN WORDS!
11 Organize Your NOTES
If you have not labeled your notes with the Roman Numerals from the rough outline, now is the time to do that. Go through each note card and see where it would belong on the outline. Mark it and put it in a pile for that Main Idea only. (All Roman numeral I’s go in one pile, II’s in another and so on.)
If you have labeled them, then just separate them into piles according to the Main Idea. (Same as above.)
I. First Main Idea pile. 1. Separate the card into sub-groups of supporting ideas 2. Organize these sub-groups into some kind of order: chronological, sequential or logical 3. Color code or label each sub-group 4. Do you need more information? a. No: Go on to the next main idea b. Yes: Do some more research on this idea specifically. II. Second Main Idea Pile 1. Separate the cards into sub-groups of supporting ideas 2. Organize these sub-groups into some kind of order: chronological, sequential or logical 3. Color code or label each sub-group. 4. Do you need more information? a. No: Go on to the next main idea b. Yes: Do some more research on this idea specifically.
12 Repeat these procedures for all Main Idea Piles.
Now your cards are organized!
Final Outline
After you have finished taking your notes, you will finalize your outline by rewriting it using the note cards you have organized and labeled. This will be a detailed outline.
Introduction: The introduction is a condensed preview of everything that is to follow in your report. It may be written before or after the body of the report has been written. Here, in the introduction, you are grabbing the readers’ attention by saying something catchy or interesting. This is referred to as a lead. Choose a lead from the list below: Launch your paper with your problem statement. A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your position. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your problem. Begin with a startling fact or statistic from your research. Be sure to follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration. Borrow an interesting quotation from your notes. Follow the quotation with a sentence or two of elaboration. Start with an interesting anecdote from your research. An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic.
13 Regardless of how you begin, make sure that your problem statement is clearly stated in this introductory paragraph.
I. First Main Idea: Write the main idea in a clear sentence. This should come from the first group of note cards that you plan to use to write your paper.
A. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
B. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
C. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
II. Second Main Idea: Write the main idea in a clear sentence. This should come from the second group of note cards that you plan to use to write your paper.
A. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
14 B. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
C. Supporting idea (use information from your note cards) 1. Supporting details 2. Supporting details 3. Supporting details
You will have a paragraph for each Supporting detail. Be sure to use transition words to allow information to flow easily from one paragraph to the next.
Sections III and IV follow the same pattern as II. Continue following the number and letter pattern until you have listed all of the Main Ideas, Supporting Ideas, and Supporting details from each pile of cards.
Conclusion: Write a paragraph to conclude your report. This paragraph may begin by referring back to the introduction. This ties the beginning and the end together. Restate your problem statement. Be sure to summarize the main points made in the paper being careful not to repeat these points exactly. End with a strong sentence that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
15 Writing a Research Paper
Preparing to write your first draft:
1. Spread out your cards that match the first main idea. (You should already have these in some order according to your outline.)
2. From your outline, Roman numeral I, write a topic sentence
3. Develop the topic with information from your sub-groups on your outline. Elaborate by adding details. (Avoid using figurative language when describing)
4. Vary your sentence structure and length. Choose interesting vocabulary. Think about the reader( the audience) as you write. Who will be reading this? Professionals, engineers, science fair judges.
5. If your paper deals with scientific terms, or words the reader may be unfamiliar with, be sure to define the terms within the sentence.
6. Skip lines as you write. This allows space to add information when you go over your draft.
7. Write on one side of the paper only. As you finish with each point in your outline and note cards, check it off so that you know you have included it in your paragraph.
8. Continue using your outline and note cards as a guide while you write. Each main idea or each sub-group idea should be written as a separate paragraph. Note: As an idea or topic changes, so does the paragraph. 16 Hypothesis
The hypothesis is one sentence that states what you think answers your problem statement based on your research. The sentence should indicate what you expect the dependent variable (the effect) to be on the independent variable (the cause) and why this effect will happen (because). Give reasons to support your hypothesis. Do not use personal pronouns- no I, me, my, we… Do not use “My hypothesis is…”
Sample formats for writing a hypothesis: 1. There is a direct relationship between ______and ______because ______.
2. ______will cause ______to happen because______.
3. ______will result in ______since ______.
It is often suggested that a hypothesis be written as an if–then statement. This is another option to use.
If ______(independent variable) _____ then ______(dependent variable)______because ______.
Write your hypothesis in your Science Project Log. Be sure to support it.
17 Experimental Procedures
Materials List all materials, supplies, equipment, tools, etc. you will need for your project. Be sure to be specific to amounts, types of tools, brand names if applicable and quantities. ( EX: 50 ml of tap water; 100 ml graduated cylinder; 25 sheets of Bounty paper towels.) Use metric units.
Add or delete items from the list later when you perform your experiment so the list you include in your project consists of only the materials used in your experiment or investigation.
In your Science Project Log, make a detailed list of the materials you will need and note how you will obtain them.
18 Variables
Write the variables for the project. These should be found in your hypothesis.
Independent variable (or Manipulated variable) is what you are changing. ______
Unit of Measurement______Tool used for measuring______
Dependent variable (or the Responding Variable) is what you are measuring or observing as a result of a change. ______
Unit of measurement______Tools used in measuring______
Constant Factors are all things in each test that must remain the same.
In you Science Project Log: 1. Write your independent and dependent variables and the units you will use to measure them. 2. Make a list of all the constant factors and tell how you will keep them constant during the experiment.
19 Procedures
Write a list of all the steps you will need to follow to carry out your experiment. Write your procedures in numbered step format with complete sentences. Begin each step with an action verb. Make sure each step is clearly written so that another person could follow your procedure without ever having to talk to you. Be very detailed in your explanations. Do not assume that the reader will know what you mean. Tell them specifically. DO NOT copy procedures from another experiment. Your procedures must be written in your own words.
Write your detailed procedures, step by step into your Science Project Log.
As you carry out your experiment, you will need to adjust and revise your procedure to reflect exactly the process you used. Give reasons for the change.
If something is not working, discuss the reasons why and what changes you will need to make in your experiment.
20 Collecting Data
Recording data: Data Table
You must have a data table drawn before you experiment so that you have a place to neatly record your observations. It is difficult to draw one sample data table as an example, since yours will depend on the type of experiment you choose, but the one below may help you get started.
Guidelines: 1. Label each data table with a number and title. 2. Each column should have a heading with units if appropriate. 3. All 3 trials for each group should be shown. 4. The average for the trials in each group should be calculated.
Table 1: Growth of Marigolds (in cm) with Different Amounts of Water (in mL)
Date Amount of Height of Plants (cm) Average Water (mL) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Draw your data table in your Science Project Log, and use it as a rough draft for your experiment. Also record observations you made while experimenting. Include date and time with each observation.
21 Graph your Data
Guidelines:
1. Use a computer program (Excel) to make a table and a graph for your data. 2. Decide whether a line graph or a bar graph is better for your data. 3. Label the top of the graph with a title. 4. Remember to label the x and y axis with a title and metric measurement.
This will be attached to your display board. Make sure it is accurate!
Results
In the results, you discuss your work. This is written in paragraph form. The information for your results comes from the analysis of the data collected in your experiment. Let the reader know exactly what you did and what happened. Be sure to give specific numbered data. Do not just say “more” tell how much more. Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, me…)
Compare your data to other known findings and expected results. (Use information from your research here.)
Discuss possible errors and how these may have affected your results.
In your Science Project Log, write your results. Be sure to follow the guidelines written above.
22 Conclusions
The conclusion will be another mini-report that summarizes the experiment and relates it to the research and hypothesis. In addition, you need to think about how the experiment might be improved upon. Before writing a rough draft of your conclusion, fill in the information in each area below. These are the things you will organize and summarize in the conclusion.
1. What was the answer to the question?
2. Was your hypothesis supported or not supported?
3. List data averages that will defend your answers to #1 and #2.
4. List at least 2 errors that might have happened and explain how they affected your results. (Do not include “I might have written down the wrong number,” or “I might have calculated wrong,” etc.)
5. What could be done differently if you repeated this experiment (either to minimize errors or help clarify your results)?
6. What is the importance of this experiment? What real- life impact could the results have?
23 Future Research
Discuss any changes you think will help your experiment. What improvements could you make? What changes did you discovered during the experimental process that you would recommend to others who want to try this project?
How might you address any research you might want to conduct in the future? Discuss any questions that were introduced because of your research and experimentation.
In your project log, write your plans for future research.
Abstract
This is an extremely important piece of your science fair project. Make sure to read over the examples very carefully. Remember : – Do NOT use personal pronouns. – Write in the past tense – Must be between 150 – 250 words – Use science words – checked, observed, monitored, watched, conclude, conducted, etc
4 Areas Your Abstract Must Include: 1. Purpose of the Experiment An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic. A statement of the hypothesis being studied. 2. Procedures Used A summary of key points and an overview of the investigation. Include only the procedures you completed. 24 3. Observation/Data/Results This section should provide key results, which lead directly to the conclusions. Do NOT give too many details about the results. Tables or graphs are NOT included here. 4. Conclusions Describe your conclusions briefly.
Abstract Example #1 Word Count: 166
The purpose of this experiment was to determine what brand of diaper holds the most liquid. The hypothesis was that if liquid were poured into the Pampers diaper, then it would hold the most liquid compared to other diapers. To conduct this experiment 6 different diaper brands were taped to a bowl and then liquid was poured into each diaper. Next, observations were made on how much liquid leaked from each diaper. This experiment was repeated three times. In trials 1, 2, and 3 Luvs outperformed the other brands of diapers. The diapers were checked for the amount of water each diaper would hold. In the end of the experiment, the average amount of liquid that Luvs brand held was 520 ml, while all the others held significantly less. It is concluded that Luvs brand does work the best. Therefore, the hypothesis was rejected because the Luvs brand worked the best.
Abstract Example #2 Word Count: 160
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if insecticides could protect lima bean plants from insects. The hypothesis was that if insecticides were sprayed on lima bean plants, then the plants would be protected from insects. Sixteen lima bean seeds were planted in 10” plant pots. All received the same amount of water and sunlight. Group A, plants 1-8, was the control group and received no insecticide. Group B, plants 9-16, were sprayed with insecticide twice 25 a week beginning in the experiment’s second week. As the plants grew, Group A began to be affected by caterpillars. The insects continued to eat the plants. By the end of the experiment, all the leaves of the plants in Group A were eaten, and all but one of the plants had died. The plants in Group B were alive and free of harm from insects. It is concluded that insecticide does protect lima bean plants from insects. Therefore, the hypothesis was correct.
Abstract Example #3 Word Count: 219
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if farmers can use the fungicide, sulfur, to control powdery mildew disease on squash crops. The hypothesis was that if sulfur fungicide were applied to squash plants, then it would control the disease, powdery mildew. In the experiment, a yellow squash called “Dixie Hybrid” was used because it is known to be highly susceptible to powdery mildew disease. On October 4, 1992, six yellow squash seeds were planted in 10” pots. All were planted in the same amount of rock, soil, and mulch. They all received the same amount of water, sunlight, fertilizer, and insecticide. The control group (plants 1, 2, and 3) received no sulfur fungicide. Beginning in the third week, plants 4, 5, and 6 were sprayed weekly with sulfur fungicide. As the plants grew, the number of powdery mildew was counted. By the eighth week, plants 1, 2, and 3 had a combined total of 420 foci. In contrast, plants 4, 5, and 6, which received the sulfur fungicide, had a combined total of 115 foci. It is concluded that the fungicide, sulfur, is effective for the control of powdery mildew. Therefore, the hypothesis was correct. Sulfur fungicide does not, however, eliminate the disease completely. Also, the continuous use of sulfur in too high of a concentration can damage the plant.
Checklist for Science Fair Project Report 26 Double spaced Simple, clear font such as Arial, 12 font body/ 14 bold font titles Pages numbered
____ Title page
_____Table of Contents (1 page)
_____Abstract (1 page)
_____Introduction/Research (2-3 pages)
_____Hypothesis
_____Experimental Procedures (continues after the hypothesis)(1-2 pages)
_____Results (continues after Experimental procedures)(1-3 pages) Includes pictures, charts and graphs embedded in the report.
_____Conclusions (1-2 pages)
_____Future Research: ( include on Conclusions page)
_____Acknowledgement (1 page) For report only not the board.
_____Bibliography (1-2 pages)
27 Preparing Your Science Display Board
This is one way to arrange your display board. You want to arrange your board in a manner that is neat and attractive to the viewers. Information should flow easily, left to right, allowing the judges, and viewers, to read it in a logical order.
For students in grade 6 an abstract is required. This model shows the abstract placed in front of the board. I would recommend putting the abstract on the board under the Title. Extra copies of your abstract Bibliography- can be left on the table for the Add a small printed judges. list of all references used. At least 3 different sources are required. In the Experiment section, include materials, variables and detailed numbered procedures.
NO MODELS allowed
A journal or experimental log is required.
NOTE: No names or pictures of people allowed on the front of the board. Pictures of materials, or of hands, doing the experiment, can be used. Pictures showing the results or changes that occurred can be used. All pictures should have a caption that explains the events in the picture. Each picture should have the name of the person who took the picture or the source of the picture.
Do's and Don'ts
28 Do use computer-generated graphs.
Do display photos representing the procedure and the results.
Don't have faces of people on the boards. Include a caption with a note of who took the picture and what the picture represents.
Do use contrasting colors. Example of a Bad Display Do limit the number of colors used.
Do balance the arrangement of materials on the science board. This means evenly distributing the materials on the board so that they cover about the same amount of space on each panel.
Do use rubber cement or double-sided tape to attach papers. White school glue causes the paper to wrinkle.
Don't leave large empty spaces on the science board.
Don't leave the table in front of the science board empty. Display your report, copies of your abstract, and your journal here.
Don't make the title or headings hard to read by using uneven lettering, words with letters of different colors, or disorganized placement of materials.
Don't hand-print the letters on the science board. Generate them using the computer, or cut them out of construction paper or draw them neatly on paper. Next, back the titles with colored paper and then glue them to the backboard.
Don't attach folders that fall open on the board.
Do attach a large envelope or folder to the back of your science board to hold all signed papers, your science log/journal and any other required papers.
Don't make mistakes in spelling words or writing formulas. IMPORTANT! PROOFREAD and EDIT.
From Janice VanCleave's Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects, Janice VanCleave (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997)
29 Checklist for the Science Project Display Board
______Large Project Title for Center of the Board _____Board Titles (Printed and Mounted) Abstract Purpose or Question or Problem Statement Research or Background Knowledge Hypothesis Experimental Procedures Materials Variables Procedures Data Results Conclusions Future Research Bibliography _____Abstract
_____Hypothesis
_____Experimental Procedures
_____Graphs, Charts and Pictures-Mounted and labeled
_____Results
_____Conclusions
_____Future Research
_____Bibliography (Minimum of 4 references)
30 BIBLIOGRAPHY MODELS
Remember when writing a bibliography, DON’T indent the first line, but DO indent every line underneath it!! It’s the opposite of how to write a paragraph. (You can format this in Word, by going to Paragraph and find indention. Click on indention and select Hanging.)
The author’s name may appear either at the beginning or at the end of the article. If you see no author, start with the title of the article.
ENCYCLOPEDIA or REFERENCE BOOK Author’s last name, author’s first name. "Title of Article." Title of Book. Copyright date.
EXAMPLE Squires, Daniel J. "Manchester." World Book. 1985.
BOOK FORMAT
A book with one author:
Author’s last name, Author’s first name. Title of book. Place of publication: Name of publisher, Copyright date.
EXAMPLE Verne, Jules. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. New York: Imaginary Publishers, 1880.
A book with 2 or more authors: the authors’ names are listed in the order found in the book.
Author’s last name, Author’s first name, Second Author’s first and last name. Title of book. Place of publication: Name of publisher, Copyright date.
31 EXAMPLE Adams, John and Abigail Smith. The First Book of Presidents. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974.
ARTICLE IN A PERIODICAL (Magazine)
Author’s last name, author’s first name. "Title of Article." Title of Periodical. Exact date of issue: Page numbers of article.
EXAMPLE Blake, Patricia. "My Short Career as an Adman." Time. May 14, 1992: 44-46.
PAMPHLET Author’s last name, Author’s first name. Title of Pamphlet. Place of publication: Name of publisher, Copyright date.
EXAMPLE: Laird, Jean E. The Metrics are Coming. Burlington, Iowa: National Research Bureau, 1976.
GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS Name of the government. Name of the agency. Title of Publication. Place of publication: Name of publisher, Copyright date.
EXAMPLE:
United States. Congressional Quarterly Service. Congress and the Nation: A Review of Government in the Postwar Years. Washington: GPO, 1965.
WEB SITE Author’s Last name, Author’s first name. "Title of article." Title of Publication. Date of article. URL--http address. (Date article was visited).
EXAMPLE: Mears, Teresa. "Can Cuba Change?" Junior Scholastic. February 23, 1998. http://place.scholastic.com. (10/15/2008).
32 EMAIL Sender’s Last name, First name. "Subject of message." Description of the message that includes the recipient. Date of message.
EXAMPLE Johnson, Louise. "Internet Citations." Email to Doug Cortez. 19 Feb. 2002.
A PERSONAL INTERVIEW Interviewed person’s name, last name first. Kind of interview. Date of interview.
EXAMPLE Smith, James. Personal interview. May 19, 2003.
A RADIO or TELEVISION PROGRAM "Episode or segment title." Program Title. Name of the network. Call letters, City of local station (if any). Broadcast date.
EXAMPLE "Enter the Jury Room." CBS Reports. CBS. April 16, 1997.
DVD or VHS PROGRAM Program title. Director (if given). Producer. Original Release date (if relevant). Medium. Distributor, year of release.
EXAMPLE
The Incredible Human Body. Directors and Producers Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon. DVD. National Geographic Society, 2002.
33 Oral Report Guidelines
____ Prepare for your presentation by reviewing each part of the experiment so you know it well. Review your research so you speak intelligently about your topic.
_____ Think about the following questions: What were your results? Why did you choose this project? What was the hardest part (or easiest)? What were the one or two things you learned? What would you do differently next time? Why?
_____ Use note cards for your presentation. Do not read from your poster.
_____ Practice your presentation before you actually present.
_____ Prepare a 1-2 minute introduction of your project. Purpose and Real-life benefits.
_____ Speak slowly, loudly, clearly. Take a deep breath if you get confused.
_____ Explain how you tested your hypothesis.
_____ Review your major findings.
_____ Discuss your conclusions.
_____ Prepare a 1 minute conclusion to your presentation.
_____ Ask if there are any questions.
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