19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

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1 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 1. The Conference and Exhibition is open to Upper Secondary students in all secondary schools and Junior College (JC) students. 2. Each NZ secondary school or JC can submit a maximum of eight projects, with not more than five students in each project. Each secondary school outside NZ can submit a maximum of five projects, with not more than five students in each project. 3. More details of the 19 th International Elementz Science Research Conference & Exhibition can be found at the following Annexes: Annex A: Rules and Regulations Annex B: Schedule of Events Annex C: Judging Criteria Annex D: Project Report Guidelines Annex E: Elementz Science Experience Annex F: Science Research Skills Workshop 4. Online registration of science research projects for 19 th International Elementz Science Research Conference & Exhibition must be completed online by the Head of Science (HOD) by Wednesday, 14 th Feb 2018 at Blq4s9BraFhx6RWxGb0xgnIWfiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link th International Elementz Science Research Conference & Exhibition All Project Reports must be submitted by Tuesday, 20 th March 2018 to: Dr Sarasa, Centre Manager Elementz, NZ Centre of Excellence for Science Anderson Junior College 4500, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 Singapore All projects will undergo judging. The exhibition of projects and oral presentation during judging constitute part of the total score. The judging criteria are attached in Annex C. All projects will be showcased during the Exhibition. Selected award winning groups will be invited to present at the Conference. 6. Entries from the same school MUST be completed online by the Head of Science. An acknowledgement will be sent to confirm receipt of your entry. 7. To prepare students for the conference and to give students a more engaging science enrichment experience, the following workshops are open for registration: Science Research Skills Workshop for conference participants (7 Feb 2018) Elementz Science Experience Learning Journey to Citizen Farm (6 Apr 2018) 1

2 Elementz Science Experience Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop on Arduino and robotics in Anderson Junior College (10 Apr 2018) Elementz Science Experience The Elementz Science Experience is open to participants and two workshops will be conducted on 6 th April and 10 th April 2018 separately. Each school can send teachers and students to attend any of the two workshops, namely Learning Journey to Citizen Farm, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop on Arduino, robotics and 3D printing in Anderson Junior College. Science Research Skills Workshop A Science Research Skills Workshop designed to prepare and equip participants with skills to write their research report and present their results. It would be conducted on 7 th Feb 2018 (Wednesday). There are two concurrent sessions one for teacher mentors and another for students. 8. Please refer to the Annexes E and F for more details on the Elementz Science Experience and Science Research Skills Workshop respectively. Details for Elementz Science Experience 2018 Annex E: Synopsis of Elementz Science Experience Workshops and Entry Form Registration Forms for Elementz Science Experience must be ed to the respective workshop teacher in-charge by Tuesday, 20 th Mar Details for Science Research Skills Workshop Annex F: Synopsis of Science Research Skills Workshop and Entry Form Registration Forms for Science Research Skills Workshop must be ed to ho_kian_tong@moe.edu.sg by Friday, 19 th Jan We seek the assistance of the schools to keep the participants informed of the information in the attached Annexes. 10. More information about the Competition & Exhibition can also be found on our official website: All enquires can be directed to the Organising Committee: Co-Chairpersons Mr Poh Wei Leong, poh_wei_leong@moe.edu.sg, Tel Ext 143 Mdm Resma Gulzar Mohd, resma_gulzar_mohd@moe.edu.sg, Tel Ext 141 Mr Ho Kian Tong, ho_kian_tong@moe.edu.sg, Tel Ext 141 Centre Manager Elementz Laboratory Dr Sarasa, elementzst@singnet.com.sg, Tel

3 ANNEX A (page 1 of 3) 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. ENTRIES FOR THE SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 1.1 All registration of entries to the Science Research Conference & Exhibition must be made online at Blq4s9BraFhx6RWxGb0xgnIWfiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link 1.2 Each Entry Form must be sponsored by a teacher and approved by the Head of Science. 1.3 Each north zone school is allowed a maximum of eight entries while other schools outside north zone is allowed a maximum of five entries. 1.4 The number of participants for each entry should not exceed five. 1.5 The Organisers reserve the right to reject any entry. 1.6 The Organisers will not be held responsible for any accidents or injuries incurred by the participants as a result of their participation in the Science Research Conference & Exhibition. 1.7 The deadline for online registration of Summary of Entries and Entry Form(s) is Wednesday, 14 th Feb All Project Reports must be submitted to: Dr Sarasa, Centre Manager Elementz, NZ Centre of Excellence for Science Anderson Junior College 4500, Ang Mo Kio Ave 6 Singapore The deadline for the submission of project reports is Tuesday, 20 th March

4 ANNEX A (page 2 of 3) 2. ELIGIBILITY All upper secondary students currently attending Secondary Schools and all students attending Junior Colleges are eligible to participate in the 19 th International Elementz Science Research Conference & Exhibition. 3. PROJECTS 3.1 All participants must undertake an investigative-type project based on the theme Brave New World: Ideas that transform lives. Each entry must illustrate at least one scientific principle and a write-up on the practicability of the project. 3.2 All participants must submit a printed Project Report in simple, clear English describing their project and findings. This report should not exceed (ii) 2000 words for Upper Secondary level projects (iii) 3000 words for Junior College level projects 3.3 The Project Report Guidelines (Annex D) MUST be adhered to. The Organisers reserve the right to reject any entry if the guidelines are not adhered to. 3.4 Hard and soft copies of the project report must be submitted to Elementz, NZ Centre of Excellence for Science by Tuesday, 20 th March Details of project submissions can be found in Annex D. 3.5 Each team of participants must be prepared to exhibit their project at the Science Research Conference & Exhibition, selected winning projects will be invited to present in the Conference. 3.6 Exhibits using dangerous items such as exposed high tension wires, explosive chemicals, open fires and ferocious or poisonous animals are strictly prohibited. 3.7 Necessary approval would have to be sought from The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) if the research projects conducted involve animals including zebra fish and rodents. The AVA is the authority that grants the license for conducting any research projects involving animals like fish, rats, mice, guinea pigs, etc. The institution that conducts research would have to set up the premises, organise the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) and observe certain rules for getting the approval of AVA. There would be periodic visits from AVA to check on the animal care. The details can be found in the AVA website. 4. JUDGING OF ENTRIES 4.1 The judging criteria are modified and adapted from the judging criteria used in the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF). 4.2 The Organisers reserve the right to decide on the mode of judging. 4.3 Judges are from tertiary institutions and will be appointed by the Organisers. 4.4 The decision of the judges will be final. Enquiries on the judging will not be entertained. 4

5 ANNEX A (page 3 of 3) 5. AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES 5.1 The Main Organising Committee of the 19 th International Elementz Research Conference & Exhibition will decide on the quantum of awards. 5.2 Certificates of Participation will be awarded to each participant. 6. DECISIONS PERTAINING TO THE INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION The Organisers reserve the right to decide on issues pertaining to the 19 th International Elementz Science Research Conference & Exhibition that is not explicitly stated in the Rules and Regulations. 7. ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS All institutions and participants will, by registering their projects online, bind themselves to these Rules and Regulations. 5

6 ANNEX B 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION DATE: 9 th to 11 th April 2018 VENUE: Anderson Junior College (AJC) Schedule of Events Date Key Events Details Remarks Fri 19 th Jan 2018 Wed 7 th Feb 2018 Wed 14 th Feb 2018 Submission of Annex F form for Science Research Skills Workshop. Science Research Skills Workshop. Deadline for online registration of Entry Forms and the Summary of Entries. Soft copies to be submitted via to: ho_kian_tong@moe.edu.sg Held at 3.30 pm in AJC Registration to be done at pqlsfx27lt7edgshhzo6tb6n- Blq4s9BraFhx6RWxGb0xgnIWfiQ/viewf orm?usp=sf_link Concurrent sessions for students and teacher mentors would be held in different venues in AJC. To be done by Head of Science (HOD) of each school Tue 20 th Mar 2018 Fri 6 th Apr 2018 Mon 9 th Apr 2018 Tue 10 th Apr 2018 Tue 10 th Apr 2018 Wed 11 th Apr 2018 Deadline for submission of project reports. Elementz Science Experience Learning Journey to Citizen Farm Setting up of Exhibits and Judging at AJC main Hall. Elementz Science Experience STEM workshop Dry Run (i) Conference followed by Exhibition (ii) Appreciation tea break Submit to Elementz, NZ CoE for Science at AJC: 3 hard copies per project group. 1 CD-ROM with soft copies of ALL projects from the school. Submission of Annex E form via to: resma_gulzar_mohd@moe.edu.sg Setting up of Exhibits at Anderson JC main Hall. Submission of Annex E form via to: poh_wei_leong@moe.edu.sg Dry Run at AJC Auditorium for selected award winning schools (i) Conference and Exhibition at AJC (Auditorium and Hall respectively) (ii) All teacher mentors and international teacher guests are invited. A bus would be provided for return journey from AJC to Citizen Farm Schools will be informed of details in due time. The workshop would be held in AJC. Selected schools will be informed in due time Schools will be informed of details in due time. 6

7 ANNEX C 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION JUDGING CRITERIA Modified and adapted from the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) JUDGING CRITERIA Approximate Weightage (%) 1 The Written Report Total 40 Depth of analysis of Research Problem 10 Design and Methodology 10 Execution Data Collection, Analysis and 10 Interpretation Creativity 10 2 Poster Display Exhibit and Oral Presentation Total 60 Poster - Relevant and aids presentation 10 Prototype demonstrates intended design (For engineering project) Systematic data collection, interpretation, and analysis (For science research project) Oral defence skills - Knowledge of principle(s) involved, potential application, and future use TOTAL 100 7

8 ANNEX D (page 1 of 4) 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION PROJECT REPORT GUIDELINES General 1. The report must be of A4 size, securely bounded and typed in Arial font 12 with double line spacings. 2. Supporting tables, graphs, charts, diagrams, pictures or photos, etc. should be properly labelled in sequential order and captioned. For example, Table 1, 2, 3 etc. Figure 1, 2, 3, etc. Diagram 1, 2, 3, etc. Chart 1, 2, 3, etc. 3. Attachments should be sequentially labelled as Annexes A, B, C, etc., page-numbered and reflected in the Contents Page. 4. Fanciful decoration of the report should be avoided whatever graphics or colours used should support the contents of the report rather than for purely decorative purposes. 5. Each Project Team must submit a printed Report in simple, clear English describing their projects and findings. This report should not exceed (i) 2000 words for Upper Secondary level projects (ii) 3000 words for Junior College level projects 6. The report should be organised for easy reading. It should be concise and direct (to the point). All diagrams, pictures and photographs should be clear and sharp. 7. Three hardcopies and 1 soft copy of the project report must be submitted to Dr Sarasa at Elementz, NZ Centre of Excellence for Science by Tuesday, 20 th March Project Title The project title should throw light on your investigation. It should not be an advertisementtype of slogan. Examples of good project titles: Investigations on the Breakdown of Aspartame The Multi-Purpose Red Cabbage Indicator Effects of Refrigeration & Room Temperature on Proliferation of Yeast on Honey To Study the Effects of Abiotic Factors on the Sungei Api Mangrove Swamp Examples of bad project titles: Small Thing Great Wonders A Magical Solution The Sound of Gourmet Save the World with Vegetables 8

9 Organisation of Report ANNEX D (page 2 of 4) Cover Page Please refer to the sample shown on page 11. The cover page should be kept neat and simple. Any cover design should be relevant to the project. Contents Page The contents page should list the sections in the report with page numbers. Abstract The abstract is a one-page summary of the whole project, stating its purpose, method, main findings and conclusion(s). Declaration of Degree of Guidance from External Mentors / Establishments Students must declare in this section the extent of guidance which they received from external mentors (outside the school) or establishments (such as tertiary institutions). Introduction What the project is all about? Why it is chosen? Why it is important, significant or interesting? What you hope to achieve from your investigation? Investigative Approach / Theoretical Background What theoretical background drives the investigation of the project? What approaches are considered? How is the final approach decided upon? Are there any initial assumptions or hypotheses made? Are there any key questions you hope to answer from your investigation? What is the main focus of your project? Resources What resources (human, physical and time) have been utilised in the project? How have they been procured? Methodology / Procedure Describe in detail the steps in your study or investigation, including timeframe, repetitions, and changes made to original plans. How does your method lead towards answering the key question(s) in your study? Findings What data is collected from the study? Your data must be organised and presented in a reader-friendly format. Analysis of Findings How is the analysis of the data collected conducted? Why is the data analysed the way you did? Present your analysis in a way that makes for easy interpretation by the reader. The use of tools, such as tables, graphs, charts will improve your presentation. The tables, graphs, etc. have to be interpreted. i.e. what do they mean? 9

10 ANNEX D (page 3 of 4) Relevance to Practical Application What are the practical applications of the project and the results obtained? Highlight the feasibility, advantages and relevance of any ideas proposed in the course of the research. Conclusion What significant conclusions can you make from the analysis of the findings? Do the conclusions fit your initial assumptions or hypotheses? If they do not, can you explain the cause of any deviations? Can you explain any interesting or unexpected results of your investigations? Are your research questions sufficiently answered by your investigation? What further investigations can your team or other investigators do as a follow-up? References List your references in alphabetical order of family names of author. The list should include the author s name, year of publication, title of publication, relevant chapters and pages (if applicable), and publisher. E.g.: Einstein, Gilbert & Newton, James (1999) Unified Theory of the Universe Chapter 6, pg XYZ Publishing House References can either be from printed or non-printed media. State the type of media, if non-printed. Acknowledgement List those who have assisted the team in one way or another in the process of the investigation and report writing. The more significant persons should be listed first. 10

11 ANNEX D (page 4 of 4) Sample of Project Report Cover Page 19 th INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION Level: Upper Secondary/JCs Project Title: Effects of Refrigeration & Room Temperature on Proliferation of Yeast on Honey Team Members: Shanti Sivakulunta (Leader) Lee Show Meng Helen Ang Leng Leng Ismail b Abdullah Teacher(s)/Resource (including mentor from higher institutions): Mentors : Mr Patrick Sung Mdm Chan Geok Choo School: Millennia Secondary School 11

12 ELEMENTZ SCIENCE EXPERIENCE 2018 ANNEX E (page 1 of 2) Synopsis: The Elementz Science Experience aims to give student participants the opportunities to learn more about applications of STEM in a smart nation. The workshops allow Secondary students and teachers to explore scientific concepts by relating everyday processes to scientific principles. There are two workshops to choose from. Each workshop can take up to 40 participants. Signing up is based on a first-comefirst-served basis. Selected participants would be given a booth to share their findings on Exhibition Day in the hall on 11 th April 2018 (Wed). Workshop 1: Learning Journey to Citizen Farm (6 Apr 2018) 6 th Apr 2018 (Friday) 1 pm to 5.30 pm Workshop 2: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshop on Arduino, robotics and 3D printing in Anderson Junior College (10 Apr 2018) Participants will take a farm tour and engage in hands-on activities to understand more about sustainable urban farming. They will also learn about the challenges faced and the solutions adopted. More information can be found at Registration Form for Workshop 1 must be ed to resma_gulzar_mohd@moe.edu.sg by Tuesday, 20 th Mar Participants would learn about the basics of Arduino programming, robotics building and programming, and also using a software to design products for 3D printing. There is also a Maker s workshop too. Both local and overseas participants would get to mingle together too! Registration Form for Workshop 2 must be ed to poh_wei_leong@moe.edu.sg by Tuesday, 20 th Mar th Apr 2018 (Tuesday) 9 am to pm 12

13 ELEMENTZ SCIENCE EXPERIENCE 2018 ANNEX E (page 2 of 2) Theme: Brave New World: Ideas that transform lives Name of School: Name of Teacher in-charge: Contact Number of Teacher-in-charge: address of Teacher-in-charge: Workshop 1 : Citizen Farm Names of Students NRIC No. Contact No Workshop 2: STEM workshop

14 SCIENCE RESEARCH SKILLS WORKSHOP ANNEX F Synopsis: Date: Target Group: The Science Research Skills Workshop aims to prepare both teacher mentors and students to write report and present their results effectively. Students would be taught how to collate data, apply simple statistics, write a proper research report, and how to design a poster. The concurrent workshop session for teacher mentors would help them guide their students. Handouts would be given. 7 th February 2018 (Wednesday) Time and Venue : 3.30 pm at AJC Each secondary school and JC may send teachers and/or students for the research skills workshop. There is no quota for the number of teachers or students. Registration would be based on a first come first serve basis, though unlikely to reach maximum capacity. Name of School: Name of Teacher in-charge: Contact Number of Teacher-in-charge: address of Teacher-in-charge: Names of Teachers / Students (add additional page if necessary) 1 (Teacher/ Student)* 2 (Teacher/ Student)* 3 (Teacher/ Student)* 4 (Teacher/ Student)* 5 (Teacher/ Student)* 6 (Teacher/ Student)* 7 (Teacher/ Student)* 8 (Teacher/ Student)* * Delete where appropriate Please note: All Registration Forms for the Science Research Skills Workshop must be ed to ho_kian_tong@moe.edu.sg by Friday, 19 th Jan

18 th ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

18 th ELEMENTZ SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 1. The Conference and Exhibition is open to Upper Secondary students in all secondary schools and North Zone (NZ) Junior College (JC) students. 2.