Where am I?
Virtual Projects
Deadline for Virtual Projects: February 20, 2012 PLEASE NOTE: THIS DATE SHOUD BE FEB 10. PLEASE SEND CAROL ROSS-BAUMANN AN E-MAIL IF YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THE FEB 10 DEADLINE. WE WILL ACCOMODATE YOU.
WHAT IS A VIRTUAL PROJECT?
A virtual project is a standard science project except that the work is done completely on a computer. The logbook is word-processed rather than hand-written and completed in a paper notebook. The "display board" still contains all parts of a display board, but is completed in a slideshow format. Two files must be turned in with each e-fair project: a PowerPoint or PDF File for the project presentation and a Microsoft Word or PDF File for the Log Book.
Please note: ALL virtual projects must be submitted either in Word/PowerPoint OR as PDFs. Do not scan handwritten pages into your logbook. Do not submit a project in Pages/Keynote- convert it to a PDF.
How To Name Your Files
The naming convention for the two files you attach to your email is:
[title of project].[log or display].[initials of lead investigator].[grade level]
Example: Will Bean Seeds Grow in Salt Water.log.xyz.8
Will Bean Seeds Grow in Salt Water.display.xyz.8
After saving the two documents to your desktop or storage media, create an email and attach the two documents.
Send the email to yourself to test if you can open the attachments, then submit your two files by the deadline with the Subject Line "Virtual Fair Project" via email to:
carol.ross-baumann@kirkwoodschools.org
Projects not using the naming convention will be returned to be renamed.
Projects submitted after the deadline will not be judged and cannot advance to the regional fair.
How Virtual Projects Are Judged
All virtual projects are judged using the same rubrics as a typical displayed project. Please see the Academy of St. Louis site for these rubrics with the exception of the Experiment rubric. Kirkwood has developed its own rubric for this type of project. Please see the RUBRICS page for more information.
If you advance to the Academy of Science St. Louis Science Fair, you will follow their instructions for submitting the project. Please see their website for these instructions: STL Science Fair E-Fair Option
Additional details may be found at the following weblinks:
http://www.sciencefairstl.org/students/elementary-k-5/e-fair-option/
http://www.sciencefairstl.org/students/elementary-6-12/e-fair-option/
KSD Science Fair Guide (pdf, 244.93KB)
AN EXAMPLE OF A VIRTUAL PROJECT
Here is an example of a virtual project. Please note that two files are submitted- one with the logbook and one with the display. Also note the way the files are named.
Will Bean Seeds Grow in Salt Water.log.xyz.8 (pdf, 12.6MB)
Will Bean Seeds Grow in Salt Water.display.xyz.8 (pdf, 10.54MB)
Some comments about this project:
While this project has some technical issues, it remains a good example of what the virtual project should look like before submitting it.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Be sure the font you choose is simple and easy to read. Be sure the font size is consistent throughout the project.
- Watch the use of color in your display file. Review it before submitting to be sure that colors play well with each other and do not distract from your research.
- Check your spelling and grammar.
- Be sure not to show faces of participants. Black or blur them out.
- Background information should be deep and thorough. What has already been learned or discovered? What areas still need research? What questions remain? Type notes from your research- do not copy and paste pages from digital sources. Judges want to see what specific information you chose to use from your resources. They do not have time to read pages and pages of copied web pages.
- The logbook is like a journal or diary of your experiences and observations. Please see examples of logbooks on the grade level pages. Judges look for your own personality to come through. If you are excited about a result, find a way to express this excitement in your writing.
- Credit any images you use from the Internet or other resources with the source of the image.