Science Project Timeline: 

• Begin a log book. Write down possible topics and ideas for your project. What are you interested in? Do you see Science and Engineering Problems in the world you would like to improve? Find something relevant in real world situations to work on, explore Scientific Current Events. Examine your own life experiences when selecting a topic, what kind of project would make a positive impact for you?  or http://wayback.archive-it.org/3635/20140211215243/http:/www.thinkquest.org/pls/html/f?p=52300:30:2798534083552739::::P30_CATEGORY_id:CPJ_SCIENCE_TECHNOLOGY (Junior and Senior divisions)

• Visit and Like the GUSD SEF Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/GUSDSEF?ref=hl ) and http://www.pinterest.com/notsa39/science-fair/ for updates, helpful links and inspiration for your project

• Select a topic and choose your study design – Have Adult Sponsor review checklist and complete the 5-8 Research Plan & SRC Approval Form (in packet from teacher or email attachment) All projects must adhere to the requirements of the AZSEF and ISEF – visit http://student.societyforscience.org/international-rules-pre-college-science-research for a full list of the rules and regulations.

• Register your project – http://www.planetreg.com/gusdsef2015 starting September 1 until February 6, 2015

• Gather background information about the history, significance, facts, and methods of study for your topic. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_background_research_plan.shtml

• Prepare a bibliography of your sources http://www.easybib.com/  Cite your research!!!

• Decide on the problem and the hypothesis http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/scientificmethod.php

• Define your independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), and constant variable (CV) 

• List the materials and write the procedure 

• Collect the materials you will need (including display board) and do a trial run of your procedure to be sure it is going to work as planned 

• Prepare a data table for recording results http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Projects/Investigation-Set- Up-and-Collect-Data.html

• Run at least THREE trials of your procedure and collect data using ‘metric’ measurements http://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/2010/03/science-fair-project-troubleshooting-guide.php

• Take photographs or draw pictures being sure to NOT include people’s faces

• Construct a graph that shows that the averages of your results and write a summary of your findings https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx

• Write the conclusion and discuss the scientific relevance of your project http://www.ehow.com/how_6283881_write-conclusion-science-fair-project.html

• Compilation of all the above constitutes your research report...

• Write your abstract (Elementary & Junior division) or project report (Senior division) – ask your teacher for a copy of the official form 

• Prepare the items for the display and arrange them attractively on the board, remember to acknowledge assistants and/or photographers that helped with your project  http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html

• YouTube channel ideas for tips on having successful projects - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00oxyXwnWb4 &  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRzj1OQ_IeA

• Steve Spanglers Science Experiment Channels - good way to get kids psyched up for science! https://www.youtube.com/user/SpanglerScienceTV