ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK
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PART F: WRITE A FORMAL REPORT

  • The formal report is how people can read about what you have done.
  • The information for your formal report comes from your logbook.
  • Use these parts for your report:
    • Title Page:
    Make a good title for your project.
    Abstract:
    Write what you wanted to do, what you did, and what you found out. Do this using only three or four sentences.
    Purpose:
    Write why you did the project. Use no more than three sentences.
    Hypothesis:
    Write the hypothesis you used.
    Library information:
    Write what you found out about your topic when you went to the Media Center, Library, or talked with people.
    Materials and Experiment:
    List the materials you used for your project. Write how you did your experiment.
    Results:
    Write two or three sentences about everything that happened when you did your experiment.
    Conclusions:
    Write two sentences about everything you found out about your question or problem.
    List of books:
    List at least three books or magazines you used to do your project.
    Who Helped Me:
    Write the names of all the people who helped you with your project and tell what they did for you.
THE FORMAL REPORT FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS IN GRADES K-3

Students in grades Kindergarten through third grade may want to do a shorter report.
Check with your teacher.

The parts for the shorter report are these:

Title Page:

Make a good title for your project: _________________________________

Purpose:

Write why you did the project.
Use one sentence.
       I did my project because ________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis:

Write the hypothesis you used.
       My hypothesis is ____________________________________

Library information:

Write some things you found out in the Media Center or Library.
Use one or two sentences.
       In the library I found out _______________________________________________________________________

Materials and Experiment:

Use one or two sentences.
Write some things you used for your experiment.
       I used ________________________________________________________________________

Write how you experimented.
       I ________________________________________________________________________

Results:

Use one or two sentences.
Write what happened when you experimented.
       When I experimented this happened: _____________________________________________________________

Write what you found out
       I found out this: ____________________________________________________________________

List of books:

Write the title and author of at least one book you used for your project.
       ____________________________________


Who Helped Me:

List the names of all the people who helped you do your project.
       These people helped me: ________________________________________________________________________

You may want to draw some pictures about your project.

Don't use these -- draw your own.














PART G: MAKING YOUR BACKBOARD

  • You can buy cardboard backboards or make your own from cardboard boxes. Some people make backboard from wood.
  • Follow the pictures below for a couple of ways to make your backboard. The materials can go in a different order or place if you want. Don't use the word "TITLE", just write the title!

Backboard -- two sided

This is one way to do your backboard.
Click on the picture to make it bigger.

Backboard -- three sided

This is another way to do your backboard.
Click on the picture to make it bigger.

The maximum size limits are:

  • 76 cm (30 in) front to back
  • 122 cm (48 in) side to side
  • 274 cm (108 in) above the floor. (The tables are about 76 cm [30 inches] high).

HOW MY TEACHER MAY HELP!

  • Depending on the student's ability, it is recommended that the teacher read and explain the handbook and guide the student in the project.
  • Demonstrate the scientific method numerous times.
  • Introduce and explain the vocabulary.
  • Suggest reference materials and sources from libraries, magazines, trade journals, local hospital or medical places, local businesses, the agriculture department, etc.
  • Suggest references for a topic early in the year, by asking me questions about things I am interested in.
  • Act as the Adult Sponsor, if assigning and/or providing guidance for the project.
  • Check my progress along the way by ...
    • reviewing the science fair rules before starting the project.
    • making sure necessary forms are completed.
    • applying proper safety measures.
    • demonstrating correct use of metric system.
  • Provide access to computers and programs to assist with the project.
  • Allow 12 weeks for the development and completion of the project.
  • Check for spelling errors on the display.

HOW MY PARENTS MAY HELP!

    Parents may give guidance and support by ...

  • showing interest and giving encouragement.
  • providing technical assistance when requested.
  • checking grammar and mechanics.
  • providing space at home to work - assuming responsibility for safety.
  • suggesting resources.
  • acquiring materials.
  • transporting child to the library
  • acting as a sounding board for the student's ideas.

    Parents may also help by realizing that ...

  • the student must do the project him/herself.
  • the project should be age appropriate.
  • the project need not be expensive.
  • the primary purpose of the project is that the students learns, understands and enjoys the experience.
  • the secondary purpose is winning.

© 2001 by Bob Gelinas
Last Revision - 8/23/98