The Project Log Book
 
Project Log Book Checklist The log book is the most important record of your project. It should include a complete account. Even though many items from the log will be displayed on your backboard, they still should be a part of your log. Because it is the record of your project the log counts as 20 points on its own, but in a way counts as much more. The log is where you record your research notes (5 pts.), experiment and procedure (20 pts.), materials (5 pts.), and all the steps of the scientific method (that are also displayed on the backboard). Your log can be bound in a three-prong folder, a one-half inch or one-inch plain or view binder, or other 8.5” x 11” presentation folder. The items should be placed in the logbook in the following order. Here are a few tips to make your log look better and then the requirements for a good log. Tips: n Your log book should include NO empty pages. n Body text should be no larger than 14 point. n Headline text should be no larger than 36 point (Does not apply to title page.) n Do not use “all caps” on the display or in the log - “all caps” is hard to read and unattractive. n Tabs for the sections of the log help to organize it and help judges find what they need. Possible tabs: Purpose and Hypothesis, Research (includes list of references), Procedure, Summary of Data (can include graphs, tables, and charts), Conclusion, Thanks, Addenda (Raw data, project journal, maybe an brief excerpt from a web site or two, or any other important information not included elsewhere) n Keep it simple BUT complete. n If you decorate the cover make it attractive and make sure the decoration fits your project. n It is fine to write the log by hand but make sure it is your very neatest handwriting. n You proofread everything. Get a grown-up to proofread everything. Make corrections neatly. n Be sure to use “affect” and “effect” correctly. (The “effect” of good usage is a better grade, but bad usage “affects” your grade in a bad way.) n Headline text should be no larger than 36 point (Does not apply to title page.) n Do not use “all caps” on the display or in the log - “all caps” is hard to read and unattractive. Use this checklist to be sure your log book meets the Science Fair requirements. n Project Title page n Purpose n Hypothesis n List of Materials n Research notes n List of references and resources (three or more) with brief
 summary of information obtained from each. n Description of experiment (procedure) n Observation notes n Record of results (include graphs, charts, and/or tables as
 necessary) n Conclusion -- include whether or not your hypothesis was proved. n Thanks to those who helped you. n Addenda -- you may want to include at the back of your log: this Science Fair Packet, letters or e-mails to and from resource persons, preliminary sketches, or other miscellaneous records of your project. ≈
Saturday, January 5, 2008