Project Guide

STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or competition. Plagiarism, use or presentation of other researcher’s work as one’s own, forgery of approval signatures and fabrication or falsification of data or approval dates will not be tolerated. Fraudulent projects will fail to qualify for competition in affiliated fairs.

Student Code of Ethics and Conduct:

• I will be positive about my science experience and accept responsibility for my participation.

• I will encourage sportsmanship from fellow scientists, coaches, officials, and parents at every event by demonstrating good sportsmanship.

• I will do my very best to listen and learn from the judges and scientists.

• I will treat my advisor, other participants, officials, and visitors with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. I will expect to be treated accordingly.

• I deserve to enjoy the event and will alert parents or advisors accordingly.

• I deserve to compete in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and expect adults to refrain from their use at all science events.

• I will expect to receive a fair treatment.

• I will abide by all decisions made by judges and understand that all decisions made by judges are final.

• I will observe the student curfew indicated in the program booklet.

• In the event that I wish to file a formal complaint about something which has happened at the competition, I will follow official MSSEF complaint procedures.

Quad Chart/Poster Layout:

Quad Chart Title:

• Project Title and Student Name (s)

Quadrant 1: Research Question/Engineering Goal

• Please state the research question or engineering problem being addressed.

• Explain what is known or has already been done in your research area. 

• Include a brief review of relevant literature. If this is a continuation project, a brief summary of your prior research is appropriate here. Be sure to distinguish your previous work from this year’s project. 

•  What were you trying to find out? Include a description of your purpose, your research question, and/or your hypothesis

• A leading core graphic or visual is encouraged, but not required.

Quadrant 2: Methodology/Project Design

• Please provide a succinct, bulleted summary of the methodology/project design

• What did you do? 

• What data did you collect and how did you collect that data? 

• Discuss your control group and the variables you tested. 

•  DO NOT include a list of materials.

Quadrant 3: Data Analysis & Results

• It is advised that this quadrant should primarily be a graphic representation of relevant data and results.

• Include tables and figures which illustrate your data. Include relevant statistical analysis of the data. 

• Text should be kept to a minimum.

Quadrant 4: Interpretation & Conclusions

•  What do these results mean in the context of the literature review and other work being done in your research area? 

• How do the results address your research question? 

• Do your results support your hypothesis?

• What application(s) do you see for your work?