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Note: The correct answers are marked in green here for you, but this marking will not be visible to the students when they view the assignment.

1 - Ask a Question

The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where? For a science fair project, your question should typically be something you can measure, preferably with a number, and should be something that is interesting and important to you.

This workbook includes:

Task #1A: What Makes a Good Project Question?

Learning Objectives
  • List the characteristics of a good science project question as well as the types of projects to avoid.
Instructions
  1. Read the Science Fair Project Question guide for more information about how to pick a project question and examples of good project questions.
  2. Answer the following questions to check your learning:
    1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good science fair project question?
      Well done! Good science fair project questions should be practical and feasible, not requiring rare and expensive materials.
      Nice try! Review the section on creating a good question to understand what characteristics are important.
    2. Which of the following should be included in a good science fair project question?
      Great job! Including one variable to change and one to measure ensures that your experiment is a fair test that can yield clear and reliable results.
      Nice try! Review the characteristics of a good project question to understand the importance of focusing on specific variables.
    3. All of these are examples of science fair projects that should be avoided EXCEPT:
      Excellent! A project that investigates the best material for thermal insulation is a good choice because it involves clear, reliable, and measurable variables.
      Nice try! Review the list of project types to avoid so you understand why certain projects are discouraged and identify what makes a project suitable.

Task #1B: Find a Project Idea

Learning Objectives
  • Choose a project that is feasible with available materials and time, and that meets the requirements of your teacher and/or science fair.
  • Write a testable project question based on a Science Buddies Project Idea or other project idea that you are genuinely interested in and is supported by sufficient reference materials.
  • Use a given science fair project procedure to find potential safety hazards and suggest appropriate safety measures to reduce these risks.
Instructions
  1. Find a project idea using one or more of the following methods:
    • Option 1: Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard (TSW)
      • Be sure to check the ‘Method’ section near the top of the project and pick a project that follows the Scientific Method.
      • Note that projects marked with an * are Abbreviated Project Ideas without provided procedures. These are recommended for advanced students experienced in independent research. Please check with your teacher to see if this type of project is suitable for you. Also, check the 'Variations' section at the bottom of each Project Idea for additional advanced options.
    • Option 2: Search the Science Buddies Science Projects page for a project that interests you. From this page, you can filter by area of science, grade level, cost, and more.
    • Option 3: An internet or library search.
    • Option 4: Develop your own idea based on a question you have. Discuss possible ideas with your classmates, teacher, and family.
    NOTE: Finding the right project can take time! You may want to keep a list of options that seem interesting to you as you come across them and then narrow the list down based on the checklist below.

  • Make sure your project idea meets each of the criteria on the checklist below:

    Project Idea Checklist

  • Check the option that best applies to you and share your project below:
    Link to your Science Buddies Project Idea, another project idea, or the title of the book your idea came from (skip if you thought of your own project idea):
    If you are doing your own project idea or a Variation from a Science Buddies Project Idea, explain it here:
  • Why is this project interesting or important to you? Can you think of any ways to customize it to fit your specific interests?
    Your Answer:
  • Will your project require any safety equipment or have any steps you need to follow to stay safe during your experiment? Explain how you will stay safe during your project.
    Explain:

    • Task #1C: Define Your Project Question

    Learning Objectives
    • Write a testable project question based on a Science Buddies Project Idea or other project idea that clearly identifies the independent and dependent variables and is supported by sufficient reference materials.
    Instructions

    1. What is the question your science project is trying to answer? Make sure that the question is testable, which means it can be answered with an experiment, and that it includes both the independent variable (IV or what you will change) and the dependent variable (DV or what you will measure) in the question. If you need to review variables, check out What Are Variables?

      “How does __________ (IV) affect __________ (DV)?”

      If you are using a Science Buddies project, you can use the Objective and Experimental Procedure sections to help you determine your project question.

      Project Question:
      Independent Variable (IV):
      Dependent Variable (DV):
    2. Briefly (in a short paragraph or bullet points - you do not need to write out the whole procedure) explain how you will answer the project question you identified. What will you do in your experiment? How will you vary the IV? How will you measure the DV?
      Your Answer:

    Task #1D: Lab Notebook Setup

    Learning Objectives
    • List the steps to set up a lab notebook and explain why lab notebooks are important.
    • Create and maintain your own lab notebook for your science project, including planning, research, data collection, and analysis.
    Instructions

    With any science or engineering project, it is important to document your work in a lab notebook.

    1. Read the resource about how to create great Science and Engineering Project Laboratory Notebooks to learn why it is important to document your work in a lab notebook.
    2. Answer the following questions to check your learning:
      1. True or False: It is important to use a lab notebook for a science project to document every step for accuracy and reference
        Correct! Using a lab notebook helps document every step of your project accurately for future reference.
        Nice try! Review the section on why documenting every step is crucial for accuracy and future reference.
      2. What should you do if you encounter an error or a blank page in your lab notebook?
        Excellent! Crossing out errors ensures clarity without removing important information.
        Nice try! Refer to the guidelines on handling errors and blank pages to maintain clear and accurate records.
      3. Which of the following is NOT a recommended step in setting up your lab notebook?
        Well done! Leaving the first few pages blank is not recommended because it can cause confusion and disrupt the continuity of your records.
        Nice try! Review the steps for setting up your lab notebook to understand the essential practices.
      4. True or False: It is important to carry your lab notebook with you at all times during your project work.
        Correct! Keeping your lab notebook with you ensures you record all details immediately, avoiding loss of information.
        Nice try! Check the importance of carrying your lab notebook with you to ensure all details are recorded immediately.
    3. Use the Getting Started with Your Science Laboratory Notebook section of the above resource to set up your own lab notebook. It may help you to summarize these tips on the inside cover of your notebook for future reference. Follow steps 1-5 to set up your lab notebook. On the first page, title it ‘Project Question’ and record the following information from above:
      • Where you found your project idea
      • Your project question
      • Why your project question is important to you
      • Safety information
      Turn in your lab notebook to your teacher OR take pictures and insert links to them below:
      Link to a picture of the front of your lab notebook labeled with key information:
      Link to a picture of your table of contents:
      Link to a picture of page 1 (be sure to include a page number and the date):
      NOTE: Moving forward, you will want to document all of your project work in your lab notebook.

    Task #1E: Self-Assessment Mastery Rubric

    Ask a Question
    *Proficient is the goal for most students

    Use this mastery rubric to check your learning for each skill or concept in this section of your science project. Identify which level you think you are currently at, add notes about why you think you're at that level, and plan what you can do to improve and take your project to the next level.

    Swipe left to see more
    Skill/Concept 1 - Beginning 2 - Developing 3 - Proficient* 4 - Extending Assessment + Notes
    Interest in Project Idea The student is unable to explain their interest in their project idea The student explains a general interest in the project idea, but it isn’t totally clear that they have a genuine interest in it. The student has chosen a project idea that they are genuinely interested in. The student has chosen a project idea that they are genuinely interested in and customized it to fit their individual interests. Select: Notes:
    Feasibility - Subject The project idea is obscure, and there are no existing reference materials on the subject. There are some existing reference materials on the subject. There are sufficient (at least 3) existing reference materials on the subject. There are sufficient existing reference materials on the subject, and the student has identified how their project will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Select: Notes:
    Feasibility - Time & Materials The project is not feasible with available time. The project is somewhat feasible but has significant limitations. The project is feasible with available materials and time. The project is highly feasible and well-planned with available materials and time. Select: Notes:
    Project Question The project question is vague, with poorly defined or missing independent and dependent variables, and/or is not clearly testable. The project question defines the independent and dependent variables but lacks clarity or feasibility in the testing procedure. The project question clearly defines the independent and dependent variables and is clearly testable using a feasible procedure. The project question clearly defines the variables, shows a deep understanding of underlying scientific principles, and is highly feasible. Select: Notes:
    Feasibility - Safety The project idea is not safe, and needs to be significantly modified or replaced with a new project idea. The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, but the student needs to think more about how they will address any safety issues. The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, and the student has clearly identified how they will address any safety issues. The project idea is at an acceptable risk level, the student has clearly identified how they will address any safety issues, and the student has modified the project idea to increase safety. Select: Notes:
    Meeting Teacher and/or Science Fair Rules Multiple rules are not followed. Some rules are not followed. All rules are clearly followed. All rules are clearly followed. Select: Notes:
    Lab Notebook Setup The lab notebook is disorganized and missing multiple required sections or elements. The lab notebook contains most, but not all, required sections and elements and/or is somewhat disorganized. The lab notebook is well organized and contains all required sections and elements. The lab notebook is exceptionally well organized and contains all required sections, with additional sections or information that enhance understanding Select: Notes:

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