galena park independent school district park independent school district secondary science...

Galena Park Independent School District Secondary Science Department

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Attached is the Galena Park ISD Science Fair Packet. Please read through the information, sign

and return this page to your child’s science teacher no later than September 10, 2015.

I have received and read the Galena Park ISD Science Fair packet. I understand that the project

will count for 2 major grades, one in the Fall Semester and the other during Spring Semester. I

understand that should my child not complete the project he/she could receive up to two (2)

zeros as major grades. I also understand that grades are final and will not be changed.

Student’s Name (please print) _________________________________Date___________

Parent/Guardian’s Signature __________________________________ Date___________

Please return to your child’s science teacher no later than September 10, 2015.

____________________________________________________________________________

Adjunto se encuentra el Paquete para la Feria de Ciencias de Galena Park ISD. Por favor lea toda

la información, firme y regrese esta página al maestro de ciencias de su hijo/a no más tarde del

10 de septiembre de 2015.

He recibido y he leído el paquete para la Feria de Ciencias de Galena Park ISD. Entiendo que el

proyecto contará como 2 calificaciones principales, una para el semestre de otoño y la otra para

el semestre de primavera. Entiendo que si mi hijo/a no termina el proyecto, él/ella podría recibir

hasta dos (2) ceros como calificaciones principales. También entiendo que las calificaciones son

finales y no serán cambiadas.

Firma del Padre ______________________________________Fecha___________

(por favor escriba con letra de molde)

Firma del Padre/Tutor _________________________________ Fecha_____________

Por favor regrese al maestro de ciencias de su hijo/a no más tarde del 10 de

septiembre del 2015.


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Dear Parent/Guardian:

The Galena Park ISD Secondary Science Department will be holding a District Science Fair on

Friday February 26, 2016. The following are district guidelines for the project:

Participation:

Campuses will require students to submit a project in their science class. Winners from the

class will participate in the campus science fair. The top three winners in each category from

each campus will advance to the district level science fair.

Project requirements:

All projects must be experimental in nature as opposed to research oriented. In other words,

students must perform a test, survey, or experiment to determine the answer to the question

being posed in the project.

Topics must be original and not something the student may have already experimented with in

the past.

Projects will be completed at home, independently by the student. We do encourage you to

discuss the project ideas with your students as they brainstorm. The topics should be

something of interest to the student as they will be spending a large amount of time completing

the project over the next few months. Teachers will provide support when the students are

proposing topics to help guide them in the appropriate direction. Teachers will also answer

questions, steer students to resources, offer encouragement, and, most importantly, keep

students on track with timelines.

Students will be required to use a lab journal for this project. The journal can be a composition

book or 30 pages of notebook paper stapled together to form a bound book.

Students are required to turn in the project on a presentation board.

Grading:

Students will receive 2 major grades for this project. One will be given during fall semester and

the other will be given upon completion in January (See grading rubric and timeline attached).

Science Fair Dates:

NSMS January 27, 2016

CMS January 28, 2016

Cobb February 3, 2016

GPMS February 4, 2016

WAMS February 5, 2016

District Middle School Science Fair February 26, 2016


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Estimados Padres de familia:


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El Departamento de Ciencias Nivel Secundaria y Preparatoria de Galena Park ISD llevará a cabo

la Feria de Ciencias del Distrito el viernes, 26 de febrero del 2016. A continuación se establecen las reglas del distrito para el proyecto:

Participación:

Las escuelas requieren que los estudiantes presenten un proyecto en su clase de ciencias. Los ganadores de la clase participarán en la feria de ciencias de la escuela. Los primeros tres

ganadores en cada categoría de cada escuela avanzarán a la feria de ciencias a nivel distrito.

Requisitos del proyecto:

Todos los proyectos deben ser de carácter experimental en lugar de proyectos orientados a la

investigación. En otras palabras, los estudiantes deben desarrollar una prueba, encuesta o un experimento para determinar la respuesta a la pregunta que fue propuesta para el proyecto.

Los temas deben ser originales y no algo que el estudiante ya haya experimentado en el pasado.

Los proyectos deben ser hechos en la casa, de manera independiente por el estudiante. Los animamos a que hablen con sus hijos sobre las ideas del proyecto a medida que éstas surjan.

Los temas deben ser sobre algo de interés para el estudiante, ya que pasarán una gran cantidad de tiempo para terminar el proyecto en los próximos meses. Los maestros proporcionarán apoyo

cuando los estudiantes propongan temas para ayudar a guiarlos en la dirección apropiada. Los maestros también contestarán preguntas, dirigirán a los estudiantes a los recursos adecuados,

les ofrecerán estímulo y lo más importante, supervisarán el avance de los proyectos para que

cumplan con las fechas límite.

Los estudiantes están obligados a usar un diario para este proyecto. El diario puede ser una libreta de composición o 30 páginas de papel de libreta grapadas para formar un libro.

Los estudiantes están obligados a entregar el proyecto en una cartulina (presentation board).

Calificación:

Los estudiantes recibirán 2 calificaciones principales en este proyecto. Una se otorgará en

diciembre y la otra se dará en enero una vez terminado el proyecto. (Adjunto se encuentra el estándar para calificar y la fecha límite)

Fechas de la Feria de Ciencias:

NSMS 27 de enero, 2016

CMS 28 de enero, 2016

Cobb 3 de febrero, 2016

GPMS 4 de febrero, 2016

WAMS 5 de febrero, 2016

Feria de Ciencias para Secundarias a Nivel Distrito 26 de febrero, 2016


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Important Dates:

Parent Letter Signed and Due to Teacher September 10, 2015

Proposal Due October 1, 2015

Journal Check 1 (Problem, Research and Hypothesis)

Journal check due dates will be

determined by the teacher.

Journal Check 2 (Procedures and Materials)

Journal Check 3 (Results/Data)

Journal Check 4 (Conclusion, Abstract and Bibliography)

Final Project Due January 7, 2016

Rubric:

Major Grade 1 Rubric

Assignment Details Possible

Points

Points

Earned

Proposal Form Submitted

10 /10

Problem

Form of a question 1

/10

Variables are included 4

Can be tested 5

Research and

Hypothesis

3 Sources

1 point each 3

/50

Bibliography information

1 point for each source 3

Relevant to problem Summarized in own words

Answered all questions 8 points / source

24

Hypothesis in correct form 20

Procedures and

Materials

Procedures listed out clearly 15

/30 Materials listed – no safety violations 15


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Rubric:

Major Grade 2 Rubric

Assignment Details Possible

Points

Points

Earned

Data

Data collected and hand written in your journal 5

/15

Data accurately organized in journal and multiple

trials reflected 10

Results

Results – hand written factual summary of results in

journal 5

/10 Analysis of data collected and interpretation of results 5

Conclusion

Did your results support or reject your hypothesis? 4

/20

Why do you think you got the results you did? 4

What did you learn from your experiment? 4

Would you make any changes to your experiment?

Yes or no, explain why. 4

What application does this have to our everyday

world? 4

Abstract

Typed, 1 page (200-250 words), Verdana, 10 pt,

single spaced, paragraph form 5

/20

Summary of project 5

Summary of procedures 5

Summary of conclusions 5

Journal

Pages intact (no pages torn out) 2

/5 All entries present and legible 3

Final Project

Typed, or neatly handwritten, grammatically correct

with no misspellings 5

/30

Charts, graphs, tables, properly labeled and computer

generated or neatly handwritten 10

All components present 5

Presentation to class 10


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Judging Rubric

Sup

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Abo

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Ave

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Ave

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Bel

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Ave

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No

Evi

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Points Earned

1 Scientific Approach

a) Did the student start with a clearly stated problem and hypothesis? 12 9 6 3 0

b) Was the student orderly and logical with the setup and follow through of the project? 12 9 6 3 0

c) Did the student identify and manipulate the variables appropriately? 12 9 6 3 0

d) Did the student perform multiple trials? 12 9 6 3 0

e) Were the student’s conclusions consistent with the data collected? 12 9 6 3 0

Subtotal

2 Thoroughness

a) Did the student do sufficient research from literature before starting the project and properly cited sources?

12 9 6 3 0

b) Did the student keep an original, handwritten journal with all plans, procedures, observations and conclusion?

20 15 10 5 0

c) Was the original plan successfully followed through to completion? 8 6 4 2 0

d) Was the data thoroughly analyzed? 12 9 6 3 0

Subtotal

3 Creativity Does the project demonstrate creative ability and originality in…

a) Question asked? 8 6 4 2 0

b) The approach to solving the problem? 12 9 6 3 0

Subtotal

4 Visual Display

a) Was the project displayed in a logical, neat, and organized manner? 12 9 6 3 0

b) Were correct graphs and tables used to organize and communicate data? 8 6 4 2 0

Subtotal

5 Oral Presentation Did the student clearly explain their project?

a) Did the student clearly explain why they chose the project? 8 6 4 2 0

b) Did they clearly explain the procedures they followed? 8 6 4 2 0

c) Did the student clearly identify and describe the variables of the projects (control, independent, dependent)?

8 6 4 2 0

d) Did the student explain how the data did/did not support their hypothesis? 8 6 4 2 0

e) Did the student explain what if any changes they would make and why? 8 6 4 2 0

f) Did the student explain the importance / application of their project to everyday life? 8 6 4 2 0

Subtotal

Total Points Earned


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Proposal Form – Galena Park ISD Science Fair

Name: ______________________________ Date: _____________ Period: _____

This form needs to be completed, signed by your parents and returned to your teacher by

____________.

General Subject/Topic: (Ex. plants, magnetism, chemical reactions)

_____________________________________________________________________

Title: ________________________________________________________________

Experiment Question/Problem: __________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Independent Variable: (variable you will be changing)

______________________________________________________________________

Explain how you will manipulate the independent variable.

______________________________________________________________________

Dependent Variable: (variable you will be measuring)

______________________________________________________________________

Explain how you will measure the dependent variable. __________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Constant Variables: (variables that will be kept the same for each trial)

______________________________________________________________________

Is it possible for you to keep these things constant? Yes No

Control: (What will you use as your standard for comparison?)

Risk and Safety: (Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken)

_______________________________________________________________________

All experimental procedures must be done with parental approval and

supervision. (If not approved form must be resubmitted by ______________.)

Parent Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________

Teacher Approval: Yes No Date: __________________


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Science Fair Project Overview

All students are required to complete a science fair project in which a scientific investigation is

performed. The investigation must be testable by means of a single manipulative variable.

Students will pose a question, complete research, form a hypothesis, then design and perform

the investigation at home. Throughout this process, students will keep a log or journal of all

related information. Upon completion of the investigation, students will present their project in

science class. The teacher will then choose projects to compete in the science fair to be held on

_____________ in the multi-purpose room. GPISD volunteers will serve as judges for the event.

Students who receive 1st – 3rd place in the various categories will win a trophy and the

opportunity to compete at the district-level science fair February 26, 2016.

Categories

Category Description Examples

Biology

The study of life and

living organisms, including their

structure, function, growth,

origin, evolution, distribution, and

taxonomy.

Investigate how the presence of

light affects plant growth.

Investigate how a person’s heart

rate responds to an increase in

physical activity.

Chemistry The study of matter, its structure,

composition and properties.

Investigate how temperature

affects the rate at which an

effervescent tablet dissolves.

Consumer

Science

The study of the quality of

products used by consumers

(people who use the product).

Investigate how effective different

types and brands of antacids are

at neutralizing acid.

Physics The study of the motion of matter

in relation to energy and forces.

Investigate how the slope of a

ramp affects the speed of a toy

car.

Behavioral

Science

The study of how humans

respond to their environments.

Investigate how music affects

memory.

Investigate how journaling food

eaten affects weight loss/gain.

Investigate how color influences

choices.


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SAFETY RULES

ALL PROJECTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE TEACHER BEFORE BEGINNING.

1. All experiments using human participants, animals, potentially hazardous biological

agents, and/or hazardous chemicals must have written approval and may also require additional written documentation forms before beginning the experiment.

2. Students should not do experiments involving bacteria cultures.

3. No controlled substances should be exhibited.

4. No dangerous or combustible chemicals should be displayed at the fair. Rockets or

engines must not contain fuel. All chemicals displayed should have the contents clearly marked on the container.

5. No open flames will be permitted at school.

6. Student experimenters should wear safety goggles (eye protection) and follow standard

safety practices when working with fire, hot liquids, or caustic chemicals. Parent approval and supervision is required for these projects.

7. All projects using household electricity must conform to standard wiring practices and

safety.

8. Expensive or fragile items should not be displayed. Valuable items essential to the project

should be simulated or photographed.

9. Items to be displayed in front of backboard should be adequately secured (i.e. batteries,

wire, switch, and motor – secure to a piece of plywood and place in front of backboard).

10. Carefully pack all materials when transporting to and from the fair.


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Coming up with a Good Question

Now that you have picked out a topic that you like and that you are interested in, it’s time to write a question or identify a problem within that topic. To give you an idea of what we mean you can start off by filling in the question blanks with the following list of words:

The effect question:

What is the effect of ____________________ on ____________________?

sunlight on the growth of plants

brands of soda a piece of meat

temperature the size of a balloon

The how does / affect question:

How does ______________________ affect ______________________?

The which/what and verb question?

Which/What _______________________ (verb) __________________________?

color of light the growth of plants

humidity the growth of fungi

color of a material its absorption of heat

paper towel is most absorbent

foods do meal worms prefer

detergent makes the most bubbles

paper towel is strongest


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Research

Now that you have developed a question, you will need to look at your question and

perform research on your topic. It is not a good idea to begin from scratch to answer the question. You want some direction on where to go to make the most of your experiment.

Start with your problem and come up with some additional questions that may come up

when looking at that problem. These questions should help you understand and better design your experiment. This will give you background information on your topic and will

help you better understand the “why” of your experiment.

When researching, follow the guidelines under research requirements.

For a good summary of how to set up your research plan go to the following website:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org Click on the Project Guide tab

Click on Making a Background Research Plan

This should lead to your next step, forming a hypothesis.

Forming a Hypothesis

Now it is the time to PREDICT what you think will happen if you test your problem. This

type of “SMART GUESS” or PREDICTION is what real scientists call A HYPOTHESIS.

So how do you begin? Well, just answer this very simple question:

What do you think will happen, (even before you start your experiment)?

Your hypothesis can be in either of the forms below:

If _________ then ___________ because_________.

I think ________ will be / will cause _________ because_________.

Example Problem:

How will temperature affect plant growth?

Example Hypothesis:

If the temperature is above 80 degrees then plants will not grow as tall because

temperature affects photosynthesis.

Example Problem:

Which paper towel is more absorbent?

Example Hypothesis:

I think brand “X” will be more absorbent because it is thicker and costs more.

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/


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Materials Required

Students will be responsible for getting all materials needed for the project approved.

1. Lab Journal (Single Subject Notebook or 30 pages of notebook paper bound with

staples) 2. Any supplies required for the investigation

Helpful Internet Resources

http://www.sciencebuddies.org

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SciExperiments.htm

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.agclassroom.org/teen/science/idealab.htm

Research Requirements

When researching your topic, you will need to find 3 sources to help with designing your

project. All research will be documented in your Lab Journal and must have the following information:

1. Type of Resource: (book, website, magazine article) Website:

Author: Title:

Publishing Company: Location of Publishing Company:

Date of Publication: 2. Information found in your own words (must be at least a 1 paragraph summary)

3. How did this resource help further your investigation or form your hypothesis?

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SciExperiments.htm

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.agclassroom.org/teen/science/idealab.htm


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Bibliography

A bibliography is required with your science fair project. You need a minimum of three

sources. The bibliography should be included in your lab journal. Use the website and

examples below to help you with your bibliography.

Automatic Bibliography and Citation Maker (free)

http://www.easybib.com

Example for a book or magazine: Smith, John B., "Science Fair Fun" Experiment Time, New York: Sterling Pub. Co., May 1990, Vol. 2:10-25.

Example for a web site: Bailey, Regina, About.com Biology Site, Mar. 9,

2000. Example for an interview with a professional in the field: Martin, Clara,

Telephone Conversation, Jan. 8, 2000.

Journal Requirements Your journal will be used to record all information regarding your project. Journals should be set up as follows:

1. Use of pre-bound journal/notebook (or stapled pages).

2. Front cover contains a title and the time period covered.

3. First page reserved for title. 4. Next 2 pages reserved for table of contents.

5. All remaining pages are numbered in blue or black ink on the top outside corner of each page 1-20.

6. Separate pages are used for each of the following: a. Problem

b. Research (one source per page) c. Hypothesis

d. Materials

e. Procedures f. Observations and Data

g. Results and Conclusions h. Abstract

i. Acknowledgements

http://www.easybib.com/


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Materials

In your journal, you need to include a list of all materials that will be used in your

experiment. Be sure to include the amount used (mass or volume) and measurements

should be in the metric system (SI units).

Procedures

In your journal include the following:

Number each step in order.

Write down everything you will do.

Others should be able to repeat your experiment by reading your procedures.

Complete multiple trials to ensure that your results are accurate.

Be sure that you are testing your hypothesis. (Is there anything you haven’t

considered that could affect your experiment?)

Identify and control variables.

o Independent Variable (manipulated variable) – this is the variable that you

change in the experiment.

o Dependent Variable (responding variable) – this is the variable that gives

you the results – basically what you are measuring.

o Constant variables – all other aspects of the experiment that will be kept

the same for all tests.

For example: You want to see how soil type affects the growth of plants.

The independent variable would be the type of soil you use.

The dependent variable would be the amount of growth the plants

have.

The constant

variables would be the size of pot used, the temperature, and the

amount of water and sunlight the plants get.

Take plenty of pictures of yourself doing the steps and results of the experiment but do not

show your face.


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Data

Recording all data All data should be recorded in your journal. As you collect your data, be sure it is dated

and accurately measured. (i.e. meter, liters, grams, Celsius, etc.)

Organization of data After you have collected the data, you will need to organize it so you can analyze your

results.

Data is generally organized in charts, tables or graphs. You will have to decide what is the best way to organize your data based on your experiment. Here are some examples:

Pie graph – used to show how parts are compared to a whole (percentages).

Line graph – show how changes have occurred over time. In most cases you have time

on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.

Bar graph – used to compare quantities of amounts of similar things.

Results This is where you begin to discuss what happened in your experiment. This should be

written in sentence form summarizing the results.

For example: Based on the data collected, the type of soil did affect the growth of the plants. The plant in soil x grew 5 more centimeters than the plants in the other soils.

Conclusion

Now that you have summarized your results, you will discuss the following: Did your results support or reject your hypothesis?

Why do you think you got the results you did?

What did you learn from your experiment? Would you make any changes to your experiment? Yes or no, explain why.

What application does this have to our everyday world?


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Abstract

An abstract is a short version of your research project. It should be about 200 words, fit on one typed page, and contain no more than 5 paragraphs. The abstract should be written in

past tense since it is a summary of what you have already done.

Your abstract should be typed using Verdana font size 10.

It should single spaced and in paragraph form – including your procedures.

Your abstract should include the following:

Summary/overview of your project and why you chose this experiment Summary of your procedures

Summary of your conclusions and what they mean

Example Abstract:

The Speed of Waves

Waves can extend from a ripple on the surface of water to a 30-foot tsunami wave approaching the shore. Ocean waves can be destructive and threatening to the seashore.

Since the depth of water and the seabed have an effect on a wave’s speed, a wave’s

potential to harm the coast alters from place to place. This experiment was projected to determine a pattern un the effect of the seabed and the depth of water on waves while both

factors were present.

In this experiment, waves were simulated by dropping a wood block in a tank with different water depths and seabed materials. The speed of each wave created was recorded and

categorized according to the seabed and the water depth that it traveled on. The different

sea beds were sand gravel and mixed while the different water depths were 2cm, 4cm, and 6cm. The waves traveling on a depth on 6 cm and on a seabed made of mixed sand and

gravel proved to be the fastest.

Factors altering wave speeds and waves impacting against coasts all around the world should be further studied in order to make more accurate predictions of the arrival of

massive waves like tsunamis. The seabed and the depth of water affect the waves speeds

and therefore waves may take longer to reach the shore, meaning they can have a weaker impact on the coast.


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Final Project

Your final project should be turned in on a presentation board. Please see below for set up

and be sure to print your name, science teacher, and period on the back of the project

board.

Title Problem

Hypothesis Bibliography

Materials Procedures (can include pictures)

Data organized (graphs, charts, etc) Results – should be the written

summary of results not raw data. Conclusion

Abstract

Using a Presentation Board

Size of board:

Depth (front to back): 30 inches or 76 cm Width (side to side): 48 inches or 122 cm

Height (top to bottom): 36 inches or 274 cm

All material must be able to stand on its own.

Below is an example of a set up:

Title

Materials, Procedures &

Data

Can include pictures,

drawings, graphs, etc.

Problem

Hypothesis

Bibliography

Conclusion

Results (explanation of

data)

Journal Model

Set up

if needed

Abstract

48 inches

36

inch

es

30 inches

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