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2013
IMPORTANT STEPS
The NIWA Waikato Regional Science & Technology Fair is held each year in August and is open to all year 7 to 13 students. Get excited about an idea and decide what you will investigate for your science fair project. Talk with your science teacher. They will help you to decide which class of entry your project belongs in and fill in the necessary entry forms with you. Start work on your project straight away! It is important to keep a diary (log book) of everything you do. Prepare your project for completion by the end of July. It must then by selected by your school as one of the school entries to go on to the Waikato Fair. Leading up to the fair you may like to practice talking about your project to the judges. GOOD LUCK Scientific Wall Charts, Observational Drawings and Scientific Photography entries must be entered 2 weeks prior to the fair date
CLASS Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 8 Class 9
AGE GROUP
Year 7 - 8
Year 9 - 10
Material World Physical World Planet Earth & Beyond Biological Sciences
Year 11 - 13 Class 10 Class 11 Class 12 Class 13 Class 14 Class 15 Class 16 OPEN Age Group Year 7 -8 Year 9 10 Year 11 13
Physical Sciences
(includes Earth & Soil sciences & Astronomy)
LIVING WORLD includes: Horticulture, Forestry, Plants, Animals, Marine Studies, Conservation, Agriculture, Behaviour, Health. MATERIAL WORLD includes: Chemistry, Metals, Corrosion, Water Pollution, Chemical Product Testing, Fabrics, Chemical Change. PHYSICAL WORLD includes: Electricity, Light, Heat, Material Strength, Insulation, Magnetism, Speed, Friction. PLANET EARTH & BEYOND includes: Geology, Soils, Pollution, Astronomy, Resource Extraction, Weather. *Note: Science exhibits should show data gathered through experimentation and/or observation, analysed results and a conclusion. The exception to this is in Year 7-8 Planet Earth and Beyond,
which allows entries to have a non-experimental research only focus acknowledging the difficulties of original experimentation in this strand.
water everywhere.
Give a scientific description/explanation of the processes involved in the working of this thing/object. Be concise. Include at least 3 diagrams which help your explanation of the scientific processes involved. Draw these yourself. The wall charts need to be flat no 3D models or extras that can fall off. List references used. Put these in a small box at the bottom right hand corner. Diagrams should be clear and well labelled. Text should be concise, easy to read, and be able to be understood by a non-science person. Judges will look for innovation and originality, clear communication, and good scientific content. Chart size: A2 paper (no larger). Use cartridge or similar weight paper.
Label the back of your chart with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2 weeks before the fair. Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school in each of the year classes. Only the finalists will be on display at the fair.
Label the back of your drawing with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2 weeks before the fair. Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school. Only the finalists will be on display at the fair.
water everywhere.
Submit 2 photographs mounted on black A2 sized card. Link the photographs to the theme. Include a caption beneath each photograph to briefly explain the photo and include information on how you took the photo and with what kind of camera. Please ensure that photographs have a reasonable resolution and are printed on photographic paper. Photographs must be taken by the exhibiting student!
Judges will look for: 1. Technical quality (Is the photo in focus? Is lighting in balance? Is depth of field considered/used?) 2. Composition (Are the objects of interest placed well in the photo? Are there distracting elements?) 3. Creativity (Does the photo demonstrate originality?) 4. Relevance to theme (Does the photo fit within the photography theme?) 5. Overall impression (Does the photo have a wow factor? Is it able to grab viewers attention and hold it?)
Label the back of your photography card with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manger, at least 2 weeks before the fair.
SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
4 TH STEP PRESENTATION
This is a very important step as your entry can only be judged on the information you communicate so communication is very important. To give you an idea of how to start, have a look at the board below and see how different sections are typically arranged:
Maximum width is 1.2m
Results/ Testing
Graphs/Diagrams Bibliography/
Acknowledgments
You are limited to a table space of 1.2m wide X 0.75m deep X 1.5m high.
MAKE SURE: Your display is free standing and robust Your display is eye catching Your display is free standing and robust There are no spelling mistakes or errors Nobody will be offended by any of the content. Any graphics are relevant The information is clear and easy to read. All extra material/models/support information must fit inside your display area.
Oversized entries will not be accepted unless you have written permission from the science fair organisers.
Please check safety rules for any that may apply to your exhibit. (refer to pg 15) Display boards are available from Kiwians Club brian-barb@actrix.co.nz or Phone 07 829 7166 or 07 854 3634
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JUDGING CRITERIA
Its a good idea to look at your project carefully along side the judging criteria and look to improve any areas you feel you might not have covered strongly. Judges will generally use the following criteria in assessing your project: Scientific Thought & Understanding clear scientific thought, the application of appropriate scientific methods, an appreciation of the need for accuracy in observation, measurement, data collection and reporting an understanding of the underlying or related scientific principles embraced within the project Technical & Graphic Skill assembled with skill and dexterity, equipment, models and the frame of the project have been well constructed graphic materials have been carefully prepared and presented living plants and animals have been well cared for working parts are reliable the whole is well planned and neatly finished Originality uniqueness of approach resourcefulness in obtaining and interpreting data ingenious use of illustrative objects, inventive apparatus insight conclusions inspired applications of the principles, process or product Thoroughness & Effort This is reflected in: the scope of the topic the scale of the investigation the detail obtained the extent of the results the repetition of the experiments the construction of the project and its illustrative items written material and other displays Presentation well designed and developed to be attractive, visually interesting, informative on all aspects of the investigation well illustrated with photographs, models, specimens or samples has wide public appeal
NOTE: In Year 7-8 Planet Earth and Beyond Projects the criteria are widened to include nonexperimental investigations. I.e. A question is still posed, but information may be gathered from sources other than experimentation.
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NOTE: Second and third placing, merit certificates and special prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judges.
Special Prizes (Award focus and sponsors from previous year as indication ONLY) Award focus Sponsor 1. Water/Atmosphere 2. Biological Investigation 3. Chemistry 4. Engineering/Construction 5. Earth Sciences 6. Mining 7. Natural Resource Management 8. Conservation 9. Statistics 10. Biotechnology 11. Agricultural Science 12. Senior Material World 13. Life Sciences 14. Inventions 15. Technological Innovation 16. Food Safety 17. Native Plants 18. Food Science 19. Soil Science 20. Special Award 21. Flour Products Use NIWA Waikato University Biological Sciences Dept NZ Institute of Chemistry NZ Institution Professional Engineers Waikato University Earth Science & Oceans Dept Australasian Mining & Metallurgy Environment Waikato Department of Conservation NZ Statistical Association Biozone NZ Institute of Agricultural Sciences Waikato Uni Materials & Process Engineering Ag Research WaiCAM Waikato University Physics & Engineering Ecolab Waikato Botanical Society NZ Institute Food Science & Technology NZ Soil Society Ulrich Aluminium NZ Bread & Flour Users
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MAJOR PRIZES
Best in Fair Best in Fair Runner Up NIWA work experience scholarship for best senior student (Age 16+) Best Living World Exhibit Best Material World Exhibit Best Physical World Exhibit Best Planet Earth & Beyond Exhibit Best Inventions and Technical Innovations Exhibit Best Senior Biological Services Best Environment Exhibit $500 + medallion $300 + medallion Paid holiday work $200 + trophy $200 + trophy $200 + trophy $200 + trophy $200 + trophy $200 + trophy $200 + trophy
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ETHICS APPROVAL
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SAFETY RULES
The following safety rules for construction of projects are necessary to prevent electrical fires and prevent injury to exhibitors and visitors: 1. Construction must be durable and stable when on display 2. Electrical Rules:
Apparatus must be constructed following standard electrical safety laws. Check with an electrician or other qualified person. An AC 230 volt supply is available if required, but only NZ standards approved switches can be used and these must be suitable mounted. All wiring, switches and metal parts that carry current from a supply of 230 volts (or higher) must be completely enclosed by barriers that positively prevent observers from reaching into the exhibit and receiving an electrical shock. The barrier material can be clear to allow working parties to be seen. Properly solder and tape electrical joints. Wire used must be properly insulated for the voltage in use. A clearly visible sign must warn of voltages higher than 230 volts. Heating elements and light bulbs must be well ventilated and insulated to prevent hazard from fires.
4. Dangerous chemicals and explosives must not be exhibited. 5. No gas supply is available. You may only use a portable gas supply with permission from the organising committee.
6. Animals must be fed daily and their containers kept clean. A certificate of approval from the NZASE Animal Ethics Committee is needed for projects that involve manipulation of animals (See pg14). 7. Human participants in projects must be fully informed see your teacher for information and before carrying out your investigation, get approval. (See pg14) ALL PROJECTS WILL BE INSPECTED BY THE SCIENCE FAIR COMMITTEE AND THOSE THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
Responsibilities: The Science Fair Committee will take due care of equipment and exhibits on display, but does not take responsibility for loss or damage.
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RESOURCES
http://www.projects.org.nz/ This student-run website was designed by the 2008 Waikato Science & Technology Fair winner Jake Martin to help you through the process of doing a science and technology project. It has information to help you through every stage of doing your project. http://www.realisethedream.org.nz/ Visit this website if you want to find out more about the national Realise the Dream Science camp. You can also read about past participants projects there and perhaps use them as an inspiration for yours! There are many websites you can surf through to help inspire you youre your own science fair idea. Remember though the best idea is your own!
www.all-science-fair-projects.com www.super-science-fair-projects.com www.ipl.org/div/projectguide/
www.nzase.org.nz/safety.html This website has all the safety guidelines you need to know when doing experiments in laboratories. And of course, when youre stuck or unsure, you can always ask your teachers or parents for help!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Remember to thank all the people or organisations who have helped you with your project. Acknowledgements are important as the judges need to know how much help youve received, in order to avoid any suggestions of plagiarism.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information about the NIWA Waikato Science & Technology Fair please contact the Fair Manager waiscifair@vodafone.co.nz
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