How do I start a Science Fair Project? Start by making a plan! Science Fair Friday #1

Summary

In this educational video, Chrissy O'Malley outlines a comprehensive eight-month plan for students to prepare for a science fair project, starting from June to February. The plan includes setting goals, brainstorming ideas, creating an annotated bibliography, writing a literature review, developing a research plan, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and assembling a research paper. O'Malley emphasizes the importance of starting early to avoid last-minute stress and encourages students to aim high with their projects, potentially reaping benefits like awards and recognition.

Takeaways

• 📅 Planning for a science fair project should start early, ideally in June, to avoid last-minute stress and ensure adequate time for research and development.
• 📝 Completing a Google form is the first step for students to provide information about their project intentions and goals.
• 💡 By the end of June, students should have a novel idea for their science fair project, setting a clear direction for their research.
• 📚 Students are expected to have an annotated bibliography of at least six peer-reviewed references by mid-August, showing their understanding of related work.
• 🔍 The annotated bibliography is crucial for developing a literature review by the end of September, which serves as an introduction to the project.
• 🧪 A research plan, including the design of the experiment and data collection methods, should be completed by the middle or end of November.
• 🌱 Special considerations are needed for projects involving human subjects, animals, plants, chemicals, or hazardous biological agents, including obtaining necessary approvals.
• 🦃 Experimentation can commence around Thanksgiving break, providing a significant block of time for students to carry out their experiments.
• 📊 By the first week of January, students should have collected data and prepared charts and graphs, which will be reviewed by peers for alignment with the project's hypothesis.
• 📑 The final research paper should be assembled by the end of January or early February, following APA style and Ohio Academy of Science publication guidelines for potential submission.
• 🎨 The last two weeks before the science fair are dedicated to preparing the presentation board, which involves distilling the research into a visually appealing and easily digestible format.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Chrissy O'Malley's video?

The main focus of Chrissy O'Malley's video is to discuss a long-range plan for a science fair project, emphasizing the importance of early planning and avoiding last-minute stress.

Why does Chrissy O'Malley want to help students avoid procrastination on their science fair projects?

Chrissy O'Malley wants to help students avoid procrastination because she had a habit of doing so when she was a student, which led to sleepless nights and stress, and she wants her students to have a better experience.

What is the first step Chrissy O'Malley's students are required to take for their science fair project?

The first step for Chrissy O'Malley's students is to fill out a Google form that provides information about their project intentions and goals.

By when does Chrissy O'Malley want her students to have a direction for their science fair project?

Chrissy O'Malley wants her students to have a direction for their science fair project by the end of June.

What is the purpose of the annotated bibliography that students are required to create?

The purpose of the annotated bibliography is for students to identify and analyze peer-reviewed references related to their project, which will later contribute to their literature review.

What is the deadline for students to complete their literature review?

Students are expected to complete their literature review by the end of September.

Why is the Thanksgiving break considered a good time to start experimentation for the science fair project?

Thanksgiving break is considered a good time to start experimentation because it is one of the first significant periods in the fall where students are not overwhelmed by extracurricular activities, allowing them to focus on their projects.

What are the ethical considerations that students need to be aware of before starting their experiments?

Students need to be aware of ethical considerations such as following appropriate rules for the use of vertebrates, humans, and other animals, ensuring safety with DNA or hazardous materials, and considering the growth time for plants if their project involves them.

When should students have their data and charts ready for review in Chrissy O'Malley's class?

Students should have their data and charts ready for review during the first week of January.

How does Chrissy O'Malley's class approach the final assembly of the research paper?

The final research paper is assembled at the end of January or the beginning of February, following APA style and Ohio Academy of Science publication guidelines, ensuring the paper is in a publishable format.

What is the main concern for students during the two weeks before the science fair according to Chrissy O'Malley?

During the two weeks before the science fair, the main concern for students is to put together their project board, which involves distilling information from their introduction, experimental design, and data into a visually interesting and easy-to-digest presentation.