Forest Heights STEM Academy Library Media Center: Science Fair and Library Resources (Including Tips)

Before beginning below, review the Middle School Library Procedures (updates 9.19.17) at: http://fhsalmc.blogspot.com/p/rules-and-procedures.html

Science Fair School Guidelines and Outline for Middle School
http://forestheightsstemacademy.weebly.com/science-fair.html

Title page

Abstract.

Table of contents.

Question, variables, and hypothesis.

Background research (your Research Paper).

Materials list.

Experimental procedure.

Data analysis and discussion (including data table and graph(s)).

Conclusions.

Acknowledgments

Bibliography

Science Fair Resources and Tips

1. Science Fair Experiments

http://www.education.com/science-fair/ (see for ideas and possible sources)

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml (see for ideas and possible sources; ask your teacher about preferences for this site)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8EeKjxvOy9IN205dzItem5oZUE/view?usp=sharing (Book list at FHSA)

Consider using Wikipedia for ideas even if you don't use it as a main source. Also, look at the sources in the selected Wikipedia article.

2. Creating an Original Science Project Idea
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/3-strategies-for-an-original-science-fair-project/

3. FHSA Library
Online Public Acces Catalog (OPAC)
http://lime.lrsd.org/opac/forestheightsmiddle/index.html#menuHome or (Symbaloo > OPAC)
(Request a book order for a title that we do not have that you would like to check-out.)

eScience Library (Database features: lexile level, audio read to, change language, click to definition, book carts (teacher recommended sources) and more)
http://science.bigchalk.com/sciweb/science/do/search

ProQuest Central (Databases)
http://search.proquest.com/central

The FHSA Library also has quite a few printed encyclopedias that could be used as a source.

**********Why use databases versus the Internet?******

4. Central Arkansas Library

OPAC (check-out requires a library card)
http://vera.cals.lib.ar.us/

Databases (some links may require a library card)
http://www.cals.org/ > Reference and Research > Databases by Subject > Scroll to Science

5. Help with Citing Sources (seeing defining terms and example in Science Fair Packet: Bibliography)

Easy Bib
http://www.easybib.com/

Google Docs/Google Slides Research Tool
Open File or New > Click Explore (bottom right) > Type in search bar > Find the source > Click Cite as Footnote or Insert
https://support.google.com/docs/answer/2481802?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

Purdue OWL Research and Citation Resources
(Google: Owl Purdue citing sources)

6. Science Fair Board Display Tips

Discovery Education
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html

Science Fair Buddies Advanced Tips
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board_advanced_design.shtml

7. Ask for Help
If you have attempted to locate the information that you need and are having trouble, come by the media center for additional information about any of these resources and/or make an appointment for a science fair consultation. Also, see resources in your S Fair Packet.

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RESOURCES (from FHSA Science Fair Packet as of 9.19.17)

The Kids’ Guide to Science Projects:www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/

NCES Kids’ Zone Graph Maker: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/

Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental ideas/Research) http://www.epa.gov/students/waste.htm