Science Fair 2012

Categories we can enter:

Classes 11-13, Scientific Wall Chart
Topic: Impact of scientific research in our lives.
Give a scientific description/explanation of the processes involved in the working of
this topic. 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 Manager, 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.
  Class 14, Observational Drawing
  Topic: NATIVE PLANT WITH LEAF. Drawing must be from real life and a dried specimen should accompany the drawing.
  

•   Clear, sharp, accurate outlines in pencil on A4 paper (no larger please)
  
•   Use correct proportions and show a scale
  
•   Label your specimen with its scientific name if possible.
  
•   Remember, your drawing must be from a specimen that you are observing
  and your teacher must sign the back of the your drawing to authenticate this. No copying from a photograph.
  Label the back of your drawing with your name, year level, home phone number & school name and deliver or post to the Fair Manager, at least 2 weeks before the fair.
  Note: Maximum of 10 entries per school. Only the finalists will be on display at the fair.
  

Class 15, Inventions & Technical Innovations
Inventions and innovations are applications of science and technology which solve a problem. (This OPEN CLASS replaces all Technology Classes)
You are asked to apply your knowledge to make a device that has a practical application.
You will need to describe how the invention or innovation uses scientific principles and ideas in solving the original problem that was identified. The steps and stages in development should be recorded so that it is clear how you overcame any problems that were encountered.
Originality and creative thought are important aspects of this Class.
Exhibitors will use the standard display board to present their invention/technical innovation.
Class 16, Scientific Photography
Theme: The result of scientific research in our lives.
 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 viewer’s attention and hold it?)
   

Label the back of your photography card with your name, year level, home phone number & school name

Classes 1-10, Science investigation and research

	CLASS			AGE GROUP			INTEREST AREA
Class 1			Year 7 - 8			Living World
Class 2						Material World
Class 3						Physical World
Class 4						* Our Planet, Our World, Our Resources
Class 5			Year 9 - 10			Living World
Class 6						Material World
Class 7						Physical World
Class 8						Our Planet, Our World, Our Resources
Class 9			Year 11 - 13			Biological Sciences
Class 10						Physical Sciences (includes Earth & Soil sciences & Astronomy)
Class 11			Year 7 -8			Scientific Wall Chart
Class 12			Year 9 – 10
Class 13			Year 11 – 13
Class 14			OPEN Age Group			Observational Drawing
Class 15						Inventions & Technical Innovations
Class 16						Scientific Photography

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 ‘Our Planet, Our World, Our

3 (Guide book last updated 14 April 2011)

Resources’, which allows entries to have a non-experimental research only focus acknowledging the difficulties of original experimentation in this strand.