Mission Vista Science Fair

The Science Fair will be virtual for this school year. Our finalist will move to the Riverside County Science Fair which will also be virtual. All boards will need to be presented live through Zoom. The boards & notebooks will all be submitted virtually.

Riverside County will be using Zfairs as their platform for all parts of the Science Fair. Display boards and notebook can be submitted using Google Docs or Microsoft Office Powerpoint.

Animals

Human participants

Model Rockets

Fungi/Molds

Biohazards

1. Project Creativity

a. Originality of the problem, uniqueness of approach and interpretation of data should be commensurate with the student’s grade level. Ingenious use of equipment and materials is considered regardless of the expense of the items involved.

2. Scientific Thought/Engineering Project Goals/Mathematics and Computer Project Goals

a. Scientific Method/Process:

i. The project shows depth of study and effort in employing scientific

procedures/protocols in the solution of a clearly defined problem (including

background study, organized procedures, appropriate sampling, orderly

recording and analysis of data and the formulation of logical conclusions).

b. Engineering Project Goals:

i. The project has a clear objective relevant to the needs of the potential user. The product or process has been tested and is both workable and feasible

economically and ecologically.

c. Mathematics and Computer Project Goals:

i. The project has a clear objective, has been thoroughly tested and the process is well documented to both practical and workable outcome(s).

3. Thoroughness

a. The study is complete within the scope of the problem. Scientific literature has been searched, experiments repeated and careful records kept. And given credit when citation is needed.

4. Skills

a. Credit is given for special skills needed for the construction or use of equipment and for mathematical, computational, observational, and design skills.

5. Clarity

a. The purpose, procedures and conclusions are clearly explained orally and through the display. The DIGITAL RESEARCH NOTEBOOK is well organized, neat and accurate. Sources of ideas, data, and assistance are clearly identified.

Items to be judged:

1. Video Presentation

2. Digital Display Board

3. Digital Research Notebook

4. Project Abstract

Video Presentation with Judging Questions

Here is your chance to tell the judges about your project. Present your summary on the important points of your project. Be sure to present a clear and organized video.

Video Presentation Time Limits:

• Elementary Division (Grades 4 & 5): 3 to 5 minutes

• Junior Division (Grades 6 to 8): 4 to 6 minutes

• Senior Division (Grades 9 to 12): 5 to 8 minutes

During your video presentation you will need to answer the following questions for the judges:

1. Where did you get the idea for your project?

2. What interests you the most about the subject you chose?

3. Why is your project important in today's society? (How will it help people today?)

4. In general, what were your results and conclusions?

Here are additional questions you can answer within your video presentation: 1. What special skills or equipment did you have to learn to use to develop your project? 2. What is special or distinctive about your project?

3. Explain briefly and simply the goal of your project.

4. Explain why you formulated your particular hypothesis.

5. Were you able to support your hypothesis? Explain.

6. What are some possible sources of error in your project?

7. If you were to do this again, what would you do differently?

8. Is there a practical application for the information you gained from this experiment? If so, what is it?

9. What problems did you encounter in developing and/or conducting your experiment? How did you overcome them?

10. In your research, what did you find that was already known about your project? 11. What resources did you use to acquire the information you needed to set up your project?

12. What questions, if any, were created as a result of your work?

13. What are the three most interesting things you learned when doing this project?

Research Question/Problem – 10 points

Research Question

• Clear and focused purposed

• Identifies contribution to the field of study • Testable using scientific methods

Design and Methodology

• Well-designed and data collection methods • Variables and controls defined, appropriate and complete

Execution: Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation • Systematic data collection and analysis

• Reproducibility of results

• Appropriate application of mathematics and statistical methods

• Sufficient data collected to support interpretation and conclusions/claim

• Appropriate control of variables

• Scientific/Engineering Journal to support the research

Research Question

• Description of a practical need or problem to be solved

• Definition of criteria for proposed solution

• Explanation of constraints

Design and Methodology – 15 points

Design and Methodology

• Exploration of alternatives to answer need or problem

• Identification of a solution

• Development of a prototype/model

Execution – 20 points

Execution: Construction and Testing • Prototype demonstrates intended design

• Prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials

• Prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness

• Scientific/Engineering Journal to support the research

Research Question

The project had a clear objective

Design and Methodology

• The project had a clear objective

• The project was an improvement over current computer science inquiry

• For projects in theoretical computer science – The project involved creating/writing a new mathematical algorithm to solve a problem in programming

• For projects in applied computer science - The student/team created a simulation or a model, using computer science to explain, demonstrate, or make understandable existing scientific understanding

• For projects in theoretical mathematics - The student/team understood the project’s potential applications

• For projects in applied mathematics - The student/team understood the underlying mathematical theory

Execution: Construction and Testing

• Was the software or hardware prototype

to be invented/engineered relevant,

workable and feasible

• Explanation of method of debugging program

• The mathematical approach (proofs,

graphs, formulas, etc.) was clearly

explained

Creativity – 20 points

Creativity

• Project demonstrates significant creativity in one or more of the above criteria

Digital Display Board

• Logical organization of material

• Clarity of graphics and legends

• Supporting documentation displayed

Video Presentation

• Clear, Concise thoughtful response to questions • Understanding of basic science relevant to the project

• Understanding, interpretation and limitations of project outcomes and consequences

• Degree of independence in conducting project • Recognition of potential impact in science, society, and/or economics

• Quality of ideas for future research

• For team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members

Digital Display Board – 10 points

Digital Display Board

• Logical organization of material • Clarity of graphics and legends

• Supporting documentation displayed

Video Presentation – 25 points

Video Presentation

• Clear, Concise thoughtful response to questions

• Understanding of basic relevant to the project

• Understanding, interpretation and limitations of project outcomes and consequences

• Degree of independence in conducting project

• Recognition of potential impact in science, society, and/or economics • Quality of ideas for future research

• For team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all

members

Creativity

• The student/team showed creativity in

choosing the problem and/or the

methodology used

Digital Display Board

• Logical organization of material

• Clarity of graphics and legends

• Supporting documentation displayed

Assistant Director

Email: hope.cutter@missionvistaacademy.org
Phone: (951)3166783