Science Fair

In-PersonTeam (1-6)Early Submission

View Official PDF (Page 91)

Present original scientific research with active experiments, data analysis, and comprehensive findings in this team-based competition.

Format

In-Person

Submission Requirements

Early Submission (2 weeks prior):

• Abstract (5 pages or less) submitted to MyMIST
• Must include title page, abstract, bibliography, and citations

On-Site:

• Three (3) copies of the abstract
• Any physical visual aids
• Presentation (medium of choice)

Registration Guidelines

1. A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of six (6) people can register.
2. One submission per MIST team/school.

Procedure

1. Submit an abstract (5 pages or less) of your science fair project two (2) weeks prior to MyMIST.

   • Must include title page, abstract, bibliography, and citations.

2. Presentation must be 5-7 minutes minimum/maximum.

   • 3 minutes allocated for Q&A.

3. Science Fair projects may NOT be used if presented at previous MIST tournaments or other competitions.

4. Visual aids are required along with the speech.

   • If computer usage needed, bring aid on a USB.
   • Options: PowerPoint, posters, pictures, props, video clips
   • Encouraged to include figures, pictures, tables, and graphs.

5. Team must do their own active research:

   • Experiments, surveys, questionnaires, etc.
   • Results must be compiled and analyzed within the research paper.
   • If surveys/questionnaires conducted, must be included in presentation.

6. Present a scientific research question at the beginning of the abstract.

   • Question should be answered by the conclusion of the presentation.

7. At least two sources must be cited accurately within the abstract.

   • Works cited page required, separate from bibliography page.
   • Abstract and all citations must adhere to MLA format.
   • Abstract must be maximum five (5) pages.

8. Science Fair project should consist of four components:

   • Speech
   • Visual Aids
   • Bibliography (as part of abstract)
   • Abstract (with active research included)

9. Judging based on official MIST Science Fair ballot.

Theme Bonus

+3 bonus points can be awarded if the topic is relevant to the theme.

Abstract Requirements

Requirement	Specification
Length	5 pages maximum
Font	12-point Times New Roman
Spacing	Double-spaced
Margins	1” on each side
Format	MLA style
Sources	At least 2 cited sources

Checklist

• Abstract (5 pages max) with title page, bibliography, citations
• Three (3) copies of abstract for judges
• Visual aids (poster board, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Active research data and analysis
• Works cited page (MLA format)
• Submission labeled with MIST IDs (all group members) and Competition Name

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Interactive Scoring Ballot

Interactive Ballot

Enter scores to calculate the total automatically.

Criteria	Score
Section A: Technical (10 points)
General Rules Three copies of abstract submitted on time Visual aids submitted (display board if used) Participants all present and on time No identifiers aside from MIST ID Numbers Presenters professionally credible and appropriately dressed Presentation is 5-7 minutes, Q&A is 3 minutes
Abstract Rules Abstract is five (5) pages or less 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1" margins Bibliography includes all works cited (at least 2 sources) All citations in proper MLA format
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Section B: Presentation Components (20 points)
Visual Aid Did presenter use visual aids? Typed, not written? Visual presentation neat, uncluttered, comprehensible? Display well organized with logical parts? Project clearly tied to visual aid? Does display stand alone (understandable without competitor)?
Introduction, Body & Conclusion Introduction grabbed attention? Topic clearly stated, brief, concise? Key ideas previewed? Effective signposting, internal summaries, transitions? Logical progression of ideas? Adequate time for each section within 5-7 minutes? Conclusive tie of speech? Note of finality?
Section Subtotal	0 / 20
Section C: Scientific Method (40 points)
Scientific Thought Original testable question that can be measured quantitatively? Scientific method followed? Original hypothesis that answers the question? Quantitative data that answers the question? All variables original, considered, and identified? Multiple trials performed if needed? Data clearly interpreted? Conclusions accurately based on data?
Thoroughness Testable question original and intellectual property of competitor? Data individually collected? Problems that arose explained? Work related to reported literature? Study completed or brought to logical stopping place?
Section Subtotal	0 / 40
Section D: Analysis and Content (20 points)
Analysis and Content Question answered clearly? Content informative and pertinent to specific topic? Information adequately documented? Sufficient logic, facts, examples, expert opinion? Scientific literature examined? Original approach with original hypothesis? Well thought-out showing initiative in thought and design?
Section Subtotal	0 / 20
Section E: Abstract (10 points)
Abstract Paper maximum 5 pages long? At least 2 cited sources? Works cited/reference page at end of abstract? Formatting according to MLA style? Active research conducted with results compiled and analyzed? Research question present and answered through the paper?
Section Subtotal	0 / 10
Topic is relevant to the theme (+3 points)	+3
Total Score	0 / 100