Science Fair

ProjectsYoung Scientists Search

the Unknown…

Communication Tools

• Parent Resources:• Science Fair Brochure – Updated 2011• Parent Resource Guide• Science Fair Parent Power point

Importance of Science Projects?

• Allows for a variety of learning styles• Real world application• Hands-on approach to learning• Encourages higher order thinking• Allows students to investigate what they

are interested in• Students are responsible for their own

learning• Cross-curricular

Think of a Science Project

as an extended assignment,

with three distinct phases.

#1 – The Planning PhaseMost detailed part… includes: Journal….journal….journal

• Deciding what to do• Doing some research• Forming a hypothesis• Writing the experiment plan

KEY: Keep It Simple!

#2 - The Experimentation Phase

The fun part…includes:• Actually conducting the

experiment• Collecting and recording

the data• Seeing if the hypothesis

was correct

#3 – The Artistic PhaseThe creative part…includes:

• Putting the information on a poster board

• Having an organized plan• Creating a presentation

Bryant Science Fair

• In class, each student will create a presentation on a half-sheet of poster board for our school Fair

• Winners from each grade/category will then create a display board for the District

Science Fair

Teacher Roles

• Guide students in choosing a topic

• Guide students through the steps of the science investigation

• Guide students in keeping a log of their project

Students will work on their

projects in class and develop a

final product.

Parent Roles

• Assist students in gathering data at home that cannot be gathered in the classroom– Involves change over time– Involves materials unavailable in the classroom

• Ensure that your child is meeting due dates for each component of the project – Dates may vary by teacher

What topic is right for my student?

• Is it realistic? Does he/she have enough time?

• Is it interesting and measureable?

• Is it something he/she can do?

• Can I investigate my topic, collect data,

and have all of the materials I need?

Purpose

Tells why the investigation is being done.

It is written as a statement from the topic question.

Example:

The purpose of this project is to find out…

Hypothesis• Now we will research the topic and find out

some of the secrets under investigation!

• Once this has been conquered, then the Inquisitive Scientist may reveal his/her possible answers to the question being investigated.

• Don’t forget to give your reasons why the results of the experiments will turn out the way you have stated!

Procedure(The Plan)

• Materials

- What materials will you need for your

experiment?

- Be sure to list all materials, the

type, and amount (in metric ).

Variables• Manipulated (Independent) What is being changed in the experiment on purpose. (What you are testing)

• Responding (Dependent) The measurable result of what is being changed

in the experiment. (What you are measuring)

• Held Constant All the things that are kept the same or controlled during the experiment.

Step by Step Directions(The Recipe)

• Write them clearly so someone else can follow them.

• Be specific and not too lengthy.• Remember to indicate how many trials are

necessary : Example “Repeat steps 3-6 four more times with each item being tested for a

total of five trials”.

DataThe Dirt-The Evidence!

• The Data is kept on a chart or a table.

• All the trials of the experiment must be indicated. (5 or more trials)

• The data must be measured in Metric units for grades 3-5 ; (K in non-standard, 1st-2nd in Standard units)

• All data must be collected according to the math skills of each grade level

Graphs( a picture of the results)

• It is an organized way to display the data collected during the investigation.

• There are two main types of graphs.

1. Bar Graphs- (most common type of graph)

Displays data that does not occur

in a continuous manner

Ex. (Number of burgers eaten)

2. Line Graphs- Displays data that occurs in a

continuous manner

Ex. (Growth of a plant over a controlled period of time)

05

101520253035404550

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

Plant A

Plant B

Plant C

Results

• Write paragraph or a short list of the results from your experiments.

• You are not analyzing yet-just listing!

Conclusion(Summary)

• The analysis of the data as it relates to the original hypothesis. It should include:

- Whether or not your data supports

your hypothesis.

- A description of any problems.

- What would you do differently next

time?

Requirements

• All projects must have a Data Log

- The log should be in the form of a notebook or tablet showing evidence of student work throughout investigation period. - All entries in the log should have dates for each part of the project. - Logs may be hand-written or typed.

Example: 11/3/10 Today I chose my topic. My topic is…The purpose of my project is…

11/8/10 I researched my topic and wrote my hypothesis. My hypothesis is…

Extra! Extra!

‘Research’ All About It!• A Research Paper may be

included and placed in a separate Research Folder.

• Extra data, photos, and information may be included in the Research Folder.

…Science is Everywhere!

http://www.pickinsplinters.com/2009/10/08/open-thread-thursday-october-8th-2009/#comment-7264

District Entries

Class ProjectsClass Projects

ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL

K - 2: 1 per grade

Individual ProjectsIndividual Projects

ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL

3 - 5: 2 per grade

Small Group ProjectsSmall Group Projects

ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL

3 - 5: 4 per school and 1 additional project*

from an exceptional education group may

be included per school