Introduction
The Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students studying the application of scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises.
This is a State and National Level Event.
- II. Rules
The rules and deadlines for the Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair will follow those of the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI) found at www.sciencefairofiowa.org.
To remain in compliance with the rules for the National FFA Agriscience Fair, the following guidelines must be applied to each project in addition to those for the SSTFI:
- 1. The project must fit one of the following categories:
- a. Animal Systems (AS)
The study of animal systems, including life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses and/or poultry.
- b. Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems (ENR)
The study of systems, instruments and technology used in waste management; the study of the management of soil, water, wildlife, forests and air as natural resources and their influence on the environment.
- c. Food Products and Processing Systems (FPP)
The study of product development, quality assurance, food safety, production, sales and service, regulation and compliance and food service within the food science industry.
- d. Plant Systems (PS)
The study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants.
- e. Power, Structural and Technical Systems (PST)
The study of agricultural equipment, power systems, alternative fuel sources and precision technology, as well as woodworking, metalworking, welding and project planning for agricultural structures.
- f. Social Systems (SS)
The study of human behavior and the interaction of individuals in and to society, including agricultural education, agribusiness economic, agricultural communication, agricultural leadership and other social science applications in agriculture, food and natural resources.
- 2. The project must fit one of the following divisions:
- a. Division I – individual member in grades 7, 8 and 9.
- b. Division II – individual member in grades 10, 11 and 12.
- c. Division III - team of two members in grades 7, 8 and 9.
- d. Division IV - team of two members in grades 10, 11 and 12.
- NEW – Continuation projects are possible within the same division and category for the Agriscience Fair as long as the proper forms are completed.
- 4. Eligibility for National FFA Agriscience Fair participation:
- a. The winning project in each category in each division will have the opportunity to submit National FFA forms to the Iowa FFA Association by June 1.
- b. Those forms will be reviewed by the Iowa FFA Association prior to submission to the National FFA on July 1.
- c. A panel of judges at the national level will select the top fifteen projects in each category in each division for participation in the National FFA Agriscience Fair.
Task
Developing a quality agriscience project includes and requires:
- Focusing on an important agricultural/scientific issue, question or principle.
- Specific research objectives.
- Using a number of steps.
- Following a scientific process to collect and analyze data.
- Student commitment to a moderate or substantial amount of time.
- Teacher supervision.
ORDER TO COMPLETE-
CHECK BELOW FOR LINKS TO EACH OF THE AREAS LISTED
#1 Complete the Research plan and Research proposal Cover Sheet (on page 34 and 35 of the National Handbook) (Print Document and turn into Mrs. Enyart by November24th.
#2 Interactive Forms (Due on November 24th)
#3 Project/Experiment (Complete Before Jan. 15th)
#4 Written Report (Complete by February 1st)
#5 Tri-Fold Board(all FFA Members) or Powerpoint ( None FFA Members) (Complete By February 8th)
Your project will consist of:
- a visual display (tri-fold board- FFA or Powerpoint – none FFA)
- All projects must have the following information attached to the exhibit:
- Chapter name
- Title of Category
- Division entered (I, II, III or IV)
- Results
- Presented Logically with information from written report
- Preferred Display Requirements
- It is preferred that agriscience fair participants display the results of their study utilizing a standard printed poster with dimension of 36 inches (height) and 48 inches (width). Posters can be created utilizing Microsoft Powerpoint slide format. The displah should be stable and free standing on the provided table top. Each participant is responsible for providing backing for the poster. The display may include any objects the wishes to exhibit at the state level as long as they will not break. No tablets, I pads, cell phones or other electronic devices will be permitted, internet access will not be provided.
- a project report which includes the following components (Chapter 2 pg14-15 of Agriscience Fair Handbook)
- Logbook
- Written Report (National Science Fair Example pg 37-39) (The report should be printed on 8 1/2” x 11” white bond paper. The report will have 1” margins. Font size must be 12 using Arial, Courier or Times New Roman font. The APA style recognized citation system should be used throughout the report. A suggested project report template is available as a resource.)
- Title Page
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Materials and Methods
- Results
- Discussion and Conclussion
- References
- Acknowledgements
- Registration Forms (Interactive Forms) (National Agriscience Fair Paperwork)
- Research Plan Approval
- Hazardous Material Wavier
- Human Vertebrates Endorsement
- Research Expenses
- Application Checklist
- Project Extension Form (if needed)
- Previous Year Abstract (if needed)
You will need to know where you can look for ideas on science fair projects, searching your library and the Internet for resources. (Check the teacher page for websites to references) Understanding the scientific method is also a key part of the process, as well as doing your research and documenting every part of the process. Setting up your presentation and your written report are two essential parts of your presentation that cannot be overlooked. And knowing how to properly cite your resources is a vital element so others are given the proper credit for their research on your topic.
Presentation in class
The following is a list of example questions that may be asked.
1. How and why was the project selected?
2. What was your goal? What did you plan to accomplish in your project?
3. Were there any surprises in your project? How did you deal with them?
4. What did you learn from the experience?
5. How much time did you devote to your project?
6. What kept you from being discouraged?
7. How did you manage time for this project in relation to your other activities?
8. What would you advise others doing a project? What is the value of a project of this
type?
9. How can your findings and conclusions be applied in the agriculture, food and natural
resources industry?
Process
Use the diagram above to follow the process for completing your project. Use the information under tasks to complete all tasks of the project.
Evaluation
View Scoring Sheets at the following website.
Conclusion
Students will learn the basics of the scientific method, by asking a question, doing background research, how to construct a hypothesis, test an experiment, and analyze results.
Credits
Thank you to:
The following sites were used to collect rules and regulations for this event.
Iowa FFA Association Website
Science Fair of Iowa Website
National FFA Organization, Agriscience Fair Handbook
Teacher Page
Suggested Websites for ideas:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas.shtml
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideas.htm
http://www.juliantrubin.com/plantprojects.html
Do FFA Members participating in the Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair need to wear Official Dress?
Students are NOT required to wear Official Dress during the Friday Afternoon Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair judging; however it is encouraged--this will make it easier for the Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair judges to quickly find your project. Saturday's judging is considered professional business attire (you may wear Official Dress but may be more comfortable in professional business attire).
Do FFA Members participating in the Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair need to participate both days of the fair?
YES! You are registering to attend the SSTFI. The Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair is only one small component of this event. All students are required to attend both days of the fair.
Will I have other judges besides the Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair judges on Friday Afternoon?
Probably -- Special Award judges will be reviewing projects at the same time. It is customary at the SSTFI that judges will take turns speaking to you and will wait until a set of judges is finished, come back later, or join in the current discussion.
When will Iowa FFA Agriscience Fair Awards be given?
ALL FFA Agriscience Fair awards will be given at the Saturday morning Special Award Ceremony.
Who should sign as Adult Sponsor if two teachers have monitored the project?
This is up to the Agricultural Education Instructor and the Science Instructor at each school. Typically the Science Instructor (if they were the main person monitoring the project) would sign your paperwork as Adult Sponsor. However, if the Agricultural Education Instructor was the sole adult supervisor they should be the one to sign the paperwork. The SSTFI Officials will not care -- in the event that a student would earn a trip to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair the Adult Sponsor that has signed the paperwork will be the person named to attend with the student (however this can be changed).