I. INTRODUCTION
This handbook is an attempt to answer questions concerning the Vermont State Science and
Mathematics Fair. The purpose of the event is to stimulate interest in the study of
science and mathematics by giving students a forum where they can present visual reports of
their research. Projects may cover the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, and behavioral or experimental psychology. The presentations will
be evaluated by scientists and science teachers.
Criteria for prizes by sponsors are listed below.
| NOTICE -- For Schools Having Local Science Fairs
If you plan to have a school or district science/math fair BEFORE FEBRUARY 29,
you need not submit preliminary abstracts. Ignore Rules 5, 6, and 7. By the January 25th
deadline, you must submit the application forms
for schools holding local science fairs to indicate
that you are having a fair and the approximate number you propose to send to the
state fair. We will try to accept all students you wish to send but you may be
asked to limit this number. After your school fair, follow Rule 8--use the Final abstract forms
which will be available on this web site in February. |
DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE FAIR
DEADLINES ARE FIRM---NO EXCEPTIONS!
**Important Dates**
|
| January 25, 2008 |
- |
Preliminary applications submitted and received--EVERYONE |
| February 1, 2008 |
- |
Applications returned to schools |
| February 29, 2008 |
- |
Final applications submitted and received
Applications
received after this date will not be accepted. |
| April 5, 2008 |
- |
Science Fair located in New Science Complex
at Norwich University,
Northfield, VT |
**Saturday, April 5th
Program Schedule**
|
| 7:45 - 9:00 a.m. |
- |
Set up projects |
| 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. |
- |
Judging of projects |
| 9:00 - 12:30 p.m. |
- |
Projects open to public |
| 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. |
- |
Lunch at Food Court in the Wise Campus Center (details with final application) |
| 1:15 - 1:30 p.m. |
- |
Take down projects |
| 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
- |
Program and Awards |
All correspondence and applications should be addressed to:
Carl Pinkham
Department of Biology
Norwich University
Northfield, VT 05663
(802) 485-2319 or 485-2354
email:
pinkhamc@norwich.edu |
In addition to this web site there are other aids available
to students and teachers who are preparing for the fair. Try our
Science Links.
Some are specifically devoted to tips on doing science fair projects and others
are student friendly introductions to various areas of science.
II. RULES
(Please give copies of these rules to interested students.)
- The Science Fair is open to Vermont students in grades 7 through 12. Generally,
each project must be the work of an individual student. Group projects are accepted for
grades 7 and 8 only.
The fair is a VISUAL presentation of your project. You will prepare an exhibit
which illustrates your project and will be expected to answer questions concerning your
project. Each exhibitor will be given a space 0.5 meter x 1 meter. (NO
EXCEPTIONS)
- All participants should choose an experimental or investigative PROJECT in
some area of science or mathematics. The areas are biology, chemistry, physics,
computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, and behavioral or
experimental psychology.
Use the SCIENTIFIC METHOD in carrying out your project. Formulate a hypothesis,
test your hypothesis using an appropriate experimental design, record all of your data,
adjust your hypothesis if you see that the data do not agree with your original
hypothesis, improve your experimental design.
- If animals are to be used in the project, students must be made aware that a
scientist conducts animal studies only after serious thought as to how their use will
be of benefit to the advancement of science. All animals must be treated humanely.
Students should be encouraged to undertake "positive" experiments when dealing with
living organisms, e.g., "Does a Nutritional Diet Contribute to Growth Rate?"
- If your school will have a science fair BEFORE February 29, your teacher must
submit the application forms
for individual projects and/or group projects before the January 25th deadline.
You may then continue the application
process (Rule 8).
If your school does not have a science fair, follow Rules 5-7 for the submission of a
preliminary application.
- The
PRELIMINARY APPLICATION consists of the form (see
individual projects or group projects) and a written description of your project.
This write up will be reviewed by someone knowledgeable in that area. This person will
provide some suggestions on improving your project. The reviewer can only help if your
write up contains information about the aim of the project, techniques and methods being
tried, and also some indication of the type of results you are obtaining. The reviewer
will then be able to make comments and/or suggestions to help you complete the
project.
- Be sure to give credit (see preliminary application) to the principle sources of help
on your project whether from a teacher, scientist, parent or friend. Your teacher must
sign your preliminary application before you mail it. Although the project must be
conducted by the student, teachers and advisors are encouraged to supply guidance in the
formulation of a workable hypothesis, appropriate experimental design, clear and concise
written work, and in the mastery of experimental techniques.
- A REVIEWER will return your preliminary application with comments. You should
use the suggestions to improve and adapt your project. At this time you will also receive
a final application.
- Part of your final application is a FINAL
ABSTRACT typed and submitted on the Web. This is a concise summary of your
project (200-300 words) including: the major hypothesis or problem studied, a summary of
procedures used, your principle findings, and major conclusions.
IIA. RULES FOR GROUP PROJECTS
(7th AND 8th GRADERS ONLY)
- This special section of projects will be located in a separate area
and will be judged as one category. The general rules described above in
Section II apply with the following exceptions.
- Group projects are open only to students in grades 7 and 8.
- Groups may consist of 2, 3, or 4 students.
- The preliminary application forms for group projects can be found at this web site.
Please note that there are separate forms for those who are
participating in a local school fair prior to the state fair
and those who are not.
III. AWARDS
The Vermont Principals' Association sponsors extra-curricular activities throughout the state.
They will award gold and silver medals to those students judged to have Superior or Excellent
projects. A certificate of participation will be given to each participant. The number of
Superior and Excellent awards will be at the judges' discretion. In addition, the VPA gives a
scholarship to the senior with the top project.
Several state organizations and local branches of national organizations have been generous
and loyal contributors to the Science Fair. They provide judges and a number of
monetary prizes. Each group establishes its own criteria
for making awards.
| The Vermont State Science & Math Fair is now affiliated with the Intel International Science
& Engineering Fair. This affiliation will provide the top two students from grades 9-12 and their teachers the
opportunity to participate in ISEF later this spring. This year The Discovery
Channel Young Scientist Challenge for grades 7-8 is also included. Finally,
ISEF affiliation brings with it a number of national
sponsors of awards. These prizes are available in all areas but prizes are limited to
students in grades 9-12.
To be eligible for the ISEF awards, students in grades 9-12 must fill out the ISEF
forms provided under paragraph 3) of the ISEF
Requirements and send the completed forms to the Vermont
Scientific Review Committee using the address at the right. |
|
Vermont Scientific Review Committee
Carlos F. A. Pinkham, PhD
Chair, ISEF-VSSMF SRC
Biology Department
Norwich University
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663 |
Because VSSMF is affiliated with ISEF, the
students with the two top projects and their teachers will be sent all expenses paid to ISEF. To be eligible for ISEF competiton, students will have to comply early with the more rigorous ISEF rules, which will be in Atlanta, Georgia, May 11-17, 2008. At ISEF they will compete with over 1000 other finalists for over $3,000,000 in prizes and scholarships. Affiliation with ISEF also brings a number of national award sponsors to the VSSMF.
ISEF rules.
IV. SAMPLE JUDGING FORM
All projects will be judged by three judges. To give you an idea of what the
judges will be looking for, a sample judging form is included.
| |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| ABSTRACT |
| a. Abstract neatly typed on proper form. |
|
|
|
|
X |
| b. Presented concise summary of project. |
|
|
|
X |
|
| INTRODUCTION |
| c. The problem was clearly stated. |
|
|
X |
|
|
| d. The hypothesis was clearly stated and reflected background information. |
|
|
|
X |
|
| e. Appropriate background material was utlized. |
|
X |
|
|
|
| METHODS |
| f. Project was designed showing an understanding of scientific method or
illustrating a scientific principle. |
|
|
|
|
X |
| g. Observations and information gained were clearly summarized. |
|
|
X |
|
|
| h. Data, ideas, and conclusions were recorded. |
X |
|
|
|
|
| RESULTS |
| i. Tables, graphs, and illustrations were used effectively. |
|
|
|
|
X |
| j. Researcher answered questions effectively and accurately. |
|
|
|
X |
|
| k. Conclusions and summary of remarks were justified. |
|
|
X |
|
|
| l. Did the project suggest other problems or unresolved questions to the
student? |
|
X |
|
|
|
| TOTALS = |
1 |
4 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
| GRAND TOTAL = |
41 |
|
Top of page
Home | Rules & Regs |
Fair Day | Preliminary
Applications | Final Abstracts |
Final Notices
Page maintained at www.evergreenscience.com
Comments or questions, e-mail Carl Pinkham
scifair@norwich.edu
