WHAT is a Science Fair?

A Science Fair is…

• A science competition• The students answer a

question using the scientific method OR design a tool to fit a need

• Students display their projects on poster board & give a presentation

• Judges evaluate the projects & award prizes

WHY do a science project?

• Explore a subject you’re interested in

• Learn organization & critical thinking skills

• Boost presentation skills• Build confidence• Impress your friends &

teachers • Win awards• FUN!!

WHAT is a science project?

1. INQUIRY (classic science project, K – 5th)

2. ENGINEERING DESIGN (for 3rd – 5th grade)

3. OBSERVATION (for kinder – 2nd grade)

INQUIRY - classic science project

• Ask a question about a topic you’re interested in

• Research the question to see what is already known

• Form a hypothesis (educated guess at the answer) for your question

• Do an experiment (manipulate variables) to test your hypothesis

• Analyze the data & draw your conclusion

• Share results – was your hypothesis correct? Why not?

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• I think model rockets are cool and I want to do a project with them.

You need a TESTABLE QUESTION! →If I add fins to my model rocket, will it fly farther?

• What is known about model rocket design?

• How do fins affect the flight of a model rocket?

→ Go to library, use reference books, use known internet sites and keep a list of your references

• I think that my model rocket will fly furthest with 5 fins.

• Design an experiment to test your hypothesis:

Independent variable = number of fins– Dependent variable =

length of flightControlled variables = length of rocket, how hard you launch the rocket, weight of rocket, etc…

• Use graphs, tables, charts, etc… to convey your data

• What happened?

• Was your hypothesis correct?

• Why or why not?

• What other experiments could be done ….?

ENGINEERING DESIGN (3rd – 5th grade)

• Determine a need• Develop a tool to fulfill the

need• Build, test, & refine the

prototype based on results• Evaluate usefulness, cost

effectiveness & performance

• Present your design & results

OBSERVATION (kinder – 2nd grade only)

• Find a subject that interests you

• Do basic background research

• Make & record personal observations on the subject

• Share your findings• e.g.: How does a seed

sprout? Parts of a pine cone. How do birds feed at a bird feeder?

Students should observe, not copy from a book.

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Where can I get inspired?

“Prefab project” - make it your own!Science Buddies

www.sciencebuddies.org/

Salt Lake Valley Science & Engineering Fair website slvsef.org/

Science Stuff.org sciencefairproject.virtualave. net/observation.htm

Science Fair Projects World www.sciencefair-projects.org/

Projects NOT to do

• Projects that are not unique, are a simple preference, or difficult to measure:– Effect of music, talking, different

liquids, etc… on plants– “Which is best?”, e.g. which

popcorn pops better, which paper towel is most absorbent, which soda tastes better, etc…

– Maze running, reaction times, male vs. female comparisons

• Projects that are not experiments:– Baking soda & vinegar volcano– Diet coke & mentos– Optical illusions– The solar system

What does a good project board look like?

• Free-standing!

• Tell project story in a clear, concise, logical way using KEY POINTSEmphasize your exciting conclusion & end result

• Neat & readable - use tables, graphs & charts to present data

How do you present your project?

• Know your project and show your

enthusiasm!

• Look the judge in the eye, speak clearly

• Use props to demonstrate your experiment, if possible

• Practice your presentation on your parents and siblings!

HOW does the Science Fair work?

• All students must register!– Online preferred Illuminating

softwareRegister for TSES Science and Engineering Fair

• Students may work alone or as a team of 2 or 3 students, all from the same grade – ALL students need to do the work!