EMS 14 Week Timetable for Science Project 
One of the biggest pitfalls in a long-term assignment is the tendency to leave things until the last minute. This tendency to procrastinate is not limited to students--- many people battle with this problem in their adult years. A schedule with short-term due dates will help to prevent the work from piling up at the end and can provide the student with a continuing sense of accomplishment as the work on the project progresses. An outline for a twelve-week schedule is given below.
Due date of science project November 30, 2012_
Date to begin working on the project August 24, 2012
Scheduled Completion Date
August 24, 2012
14 Weeks
Begin researching and looking for a topic or problem to investigate.
Purchase note cards and a composition book (not a spiral bound notebook) this will be your logbook. You will write everything pertaining to your project in this book including days you research, write the paper, and put the board together. Make sure you date each entry.
Begin writing in your logbook using ink. Leave three or four pages for a table of contents. Do not rip out pages or use white out in the logbook. If you make a mistake cross through it but do not scribble it out. See the log book instructions attached to this timeline for more information.
August 31
13 Weeks
Complete research plan(template is included in this packet or on Mrs. Hooley’s website) due to your science teacher for review by a Scientific Review Committee.
Do not begin experimentation until you have received approval from this committee and have turned in all paperwork required by the committee.
September 7
12 Weeks
Make corrections based on feedback from your research plan.
Print, complete, and sign all ISEF forms required by the IRB or SRC. Forms can be found at http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/document
September 14
11 Week
Make a list of resources (libraries, places to write, people to interview)
Continue writing in your logbook.
If you still have any ISEF paperwork required and may have needed outside signatures, make sure that it is turned in.
Begin research.
September 21
10 Weeks
Complete initial research.
Interview experts for more information on your topic and procedures for experiment.
Send letters to experts that you cannot access face to face or via email.
Decide how to set up your experiment.
Begin a preliminary design for the construction of your engineering project.
Take photographs of your experiment or construction. (you should NOT be in the photographs and you must give credit to photographers on your display board).
Set up the experiment or collect materials for construction of the project.
Learn how to use any apparatus you need.
Keep progress current in your logbook dating all entries.
September 28
9 Weeks
Organize and read materials sent in response to your letters.
Decide whether you need additional material from outside sources.
Begin experiment or construction of engineering project.
Add information to project logbook as you work.
Continue taking photographs of project.
October 5
8 Weeks
Continue the experiment or work on construction of project.
Continue recording notes and observations.
Take photographs of the project in progress.
Continue research for background information about the topic.
Continue taking photographs of project, remembering that you will be required to give credit to photographers.
October 12
7 Weeks
Continue experiment or construction as needed.
Begin work on first draft of written report (statement of problem, hypothesis/engineering goal, preliminary information, bibliographic information).
Continue recording notes and observations.
October 19
6 Weeks
Continue experiment or construction as needed.
Check with experts contacted earlier as needed.
Review books, articles, etc for additional ideas.
Continue recording notes and observations.
Take photographs of final stages of project.
Review work done to date on report.
October 26
5 Weeks
Begin preparing signs, titles, labels for display.
Begin analysis of data collected.
Begin designing charts, graphs, or other visual aids for display and written report.
Have photographs developed and enlarged as needed.
Continue writing first draft of report including sections on experimental procedure or engineering approach and recording/analysis of data
November 2
4 Weeks
Review analysis of data and results obtained.
Write a second draft of your report to also include analysis of information, evaluation of possible solutions, conclusions and presentation of results of your project.
Continue writing about progress in your notebook
Continue designing display.
November 9
3 Weeks
Finish constructing display.
Write text for background of display and plan its layout.
Complete charts, graphs, and visual aids.
Work on draft of written report.
November 16
2 Weeks
Write another draft of written report.
Do lettering of explanations and mount them on your display.
Check and double-check display for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Mount graphs, charts, drawings and photographs.
Assemble apparatus or other display materials; check against your list.
Write and type final report.
November 30
1 Week
Proofread your written report.
Set up display at home and check for any flaws
Check and double-check everything; especially spelling, punctuation, and grammar on display
Transport materials to school.