1

6 th

Annual Elementary Science Fair

January 7 th

–

January 9

99 9

th

2019

University of North Florida

Adam W. Herbert University Center

Alumni 12000 Drive

Jackso nville, FL 3222 4

2

General Rules and Regulations

Duval County Public Schools

Elementary Science Fair

ENTRIES

A. Individual participants must be students enrolled in grades PK-5 for the 2018-2019 school year in Duval

County.

B. Grade Pre-K students may enter class projects ONLY.

C. Grade K-2 students may enter individual OR class projects.

D. Grade 3-5 students may enter individual OR small group (no more than 3 students). Students

participating in small group projects must be from the same grade level. Grade 3-5 class projects will

NOT be accepted.

E. Each school will be allowed to submit 6 projects for the Science Fair.

F. It is the teacher’s responsibility to inform and provide copies of these rules and regulations to the

entrants. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of these rules and regulations.

G. All projects must remain through the end of the Elementary Science Fair and must be picked up by a

school representative or the participant after the awards ceremony. Any remaining projects will be

discarded.

SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

A. Grades PK-2 Students work collaboratively with the help of a directing teacher to produce an individual or a class

project for display. B. Grades 3-5 Students work independently to complete a scientific experiment and construct a display. Grade 3-5

students who work as a small group (no more than 3 students) must contribute equally to complete a

scientific experiment and construct a display.

C. Students submitting projects in grades 3-5 must be present for judges’ interviews during the time

specified by the Elementary Science Department.

Students entering a small group project must select ONE member to be present for judges’ interviews

during the time specified by the Elementary Science Department, but all participants may attend the

fair and the interview.

CATEGORIES

A. Grade K-5 individual, class, and small group projects are divided into 3 categories:

Life Science

Physical Science

Earth and Space Science

B. The selection of the category is the responsibility of the student with guidance from the

teacher and parents.

DISPLAYS

A. Students may have assistance with basic display construction; however, is it highly recommended that

the arrangement of display materials on the display board be done by the student.

B. Projects should be free standing and not utilize more than 30 inches by 48 inches of space on a table.

3

C. Displays must be durably constructed and self-supporting. Displays may not be taped, glued, or in any

way attached to tables, walls, floors, or fixtures.

D. Science Fair participant or school name/logos may not appear on display materials. K-2 class projects

may have the class name, while grades 3-5 should have no reference to the participant’s name

anywhere on the project. A project entry form will be provided to the teacher for each project

submitted. This form must be placed on the center back of the display board. A label, providing the

project identification number will be furnished and must be attached to the project entry form on the

back of the display board. Another label with the same ID # will be placed on the front of the display

board in the upper right hand corner.

DISPLAY RESTRICTIONS

A. Chemicals and any liquids (including household products) soils, food, gases, open flames, and

explosives may not be displayed. Wrappers for these items may be used instead. B. Pictures of

dead or dissected animals may not be displayed.

C. Controlled or illegal substances, including over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or

tobacco may not be part of the entire display.

D. Knives, syringes, or any sharp objects are not to be displayed.

E. Any item that can be easily pulled off and swallowed will be removed or secured by the Elementary

Science Department.

F. Straight pin, tacks, and staples are not to be used to secure materials onto display boards.

PROHIBITED RESEARCH

Research involving humans, animals, mold, human blood, and pathogens

A. Projects involving humans, animals, human blood and pathogenic agents (bacteria, mold (bread mold

included), viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) are PROHIBITED. This also applies to all pathogens-human,

non-human, and plants.

Research involving weapons

A. Weapons include any kind of gun, arrows, catapults, knives, darts, paint ball guns, or explosives

(including rocketry engines). Any projects including these items are prohibited at the elementary level.

Any objects that would cause bodily harm are prohibited.

ADULT CHAPERONES

All participants must be accompanied to the Elementary Science Fair by an official adult designated by the

school. This person will be responsible for the supervision of the participants during the fair. All non-DCPS

employees must possess a volunteer card issued from Duval County Public Schools.

4

Science Fair Judging Criteria All projects will be judged by a team of judges using a rubric

Grades PK-2 Grades 3-5 Scientific Thought (40%) -Clearly followed the scientific method in order to perform the experiment -The problem and the hypothesis are indicative of scientific thinking -All variables are identified and controlled -The date is well presented and analyzed Scientific Concepts (20%) -Excellent explanation about what was discovered, which may be used to pursue new questions for a possible explanation Project Creativity (20%) -Highly original project -Exemplary design -Very creative use of equipment and/or construction Display (20%) -Self-standing presentation board -Neat, colorful, graphics, tables, charts, photographs, etc. -Self explanatory -Flows logically -Titles are clearly labeled -Used some fresh ideas instead of just pasting on the report

Scientific Thought (40%) -Clearly followed the scientific method in order to perform the experiment -The problem and the hypothesis are indicative of scientific thinking -All variables are identified and controlled -The date is well presented and analyzed Scientific Concepts (20%) -Excellent explanation about what was discovered, which may be used to pursue new questions for a possible explanation Project Creativity (10%) -Highly original project -Exemplary design -Very creative use of equipment and/or construction Display (20%) -Self-standing presentation board -Neat, colorful, graphics, tables, charts, photographs, etc. -Self explanatory -Flows logically -Titles are clearly labeled -Used some fresh ideas instead of just pasting on the report Oral Presentation (10%) -Eye contact and good voice projection -Confident about knowledge communicated -Convincing and enthusiastic

5

Science Fair Helpful Hints 1. Review the timeline (included)

2. Sketch a rough layout on a piece of paper before posting up your display.

3. Photograph each step of your procedure.

4. Decide on a catchy title for your project.

5. Include all required categories and content on your display.

6. Tell the story of your science project in a logical and easy to read manner.

7. Arrange the items from left to right and from top to bottom.

8. Space elements evenly across your display board, to achieve a balanced and consistent look.

9. Use black or dark colors for type in a font that is easy to read.

10. Make your font large enough to read from four feet away.

11. Label all graphs, charts, and tables.

12. Write descriptive captions for your photos.

13. Be sure to proofread your work, before posting on your display board.

14. BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!!!!

How to select a topic? • Is my topic realistic? Is it something I can do independently?

• Is my topic interesting to me?

• Is my topic measurable?

• Can I investigate my topic by experimenting and collecting data? Do I have enough time to

complete my project?

What is expected from the teacher? • Instructions for the selection of a topic and every other phase of the project will be provided. Time will

be provided in the class to on the project?

What is expected from the student? • The student will be expected to work on their project in class. They will keep a science log book. Data

can be collected at home.

What is expected from the parent? • Talk to your child about their science project and encourage them. The parent may help collect data

and help with the design of the presentation.

6

Science Fair Project Ideas

The list below includes ideas that students may consider when deciding on a Science Fair project. The list is

suggestions ONLY and students may choose from the list or develop their own project ideas and question with

teacher support if needed.

Grades PK-2 Grades 3-4 Grade 5

Life Science Senses Habitats and Environments Adaptations

Living/Non-Living Invertebrates Food Chains

Plants Life Cycles Inside Living Things

Animals Plant Life

Earth/Space

Earth’s Surface

Clouds, Wind, and Storms

Atmosphere and Climate

Earth, Moon, and Sun Minerals, Rocks, and Soils Changing Landforms

Weather The Solar System Outside the Solar System

Physical Science Energy

Heat Energy

Force and Motion

Things Move Machines Electricity and Magnetism

Properties Solids, Liquids, and Gases Mixing Matter

Light Sound Energy Resources

Magnets

Here are some internet sites that may be helpful.

• Science Buddies www.sciencebuddies.org

• Science Fair Project Resource Guide http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide

• Science Projects http://www.scienceprojects.com

You may also Google the following terms for help: Science Fair Central or All Science Fair Projects

7

2018-2019 Elementary Science Fair School Intent to Participate Form:

The 6th Annual District Elementary Science Fair will be held at University of North Florida, Adam

W. Herbert University Center, January 7 - January 9, 2019. Please complete the following

information by October 5, 2018 and return using one of the methods listed below.

□ My school WILL participate in the Science Fair.

□ My school WILL NOT participate in the Science Fair.

(Please print)

School Name:

________________________________________________________________________

Science Fair Contact/Coordinator:

______________________________________________________

Contact Person’s Email:

______________________________________________________________

Contact Person’s Phone Number:

______________________________________________________

Principal’s Name:

____________________________________________________________________

School Science Fair Date (if applicable):

_________________________________________________

For the District Elementary Science Fair each school is allowed to submit a maximum of 6 (six)

projects per school.

Principal’s Signature: ________________________________________________

Please return this form on or before October 5th using one of the methods below. 1. Scan and

email to wilsonj2@duvalschools.org , yarosa1@duvalschools.org or twiggm@duvalschools.org

2. Fax to (904) 390-2904, Attn: Janine Wilson, Ann Yaros or Madeline Twigg

8

Science Fair Project Registration Form

School Name ________________________________________Science Fair Coordinator_____________________________________

Phone #________________________________ Fax # _______________________________ Email: ___________________________

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL - 6 (Six) Pre-K-Class Grades K-2-Class or Individual Grades 3-5-Group or Individual

Principal’s Signature: Tina Fay Date: December 12, 2018

Return this form on or before December 12, 2018 to:

Please return this form on or before December 12th using one of the methods below. 1. Scan and email to

wilsonj2@duvalschools.org , yarosa1@duvalschools.org or twiggm@duvalschools.org 2. Fax to (904) 390-2904, Attn:

Janine Wilson, Ann Yaros or Madeline Twigg

9

Science Fair Project Registration Form

School Name _____________________________________ Science Fair Coordinator_______________________________________

Phone #___________________________ Fax # ____________________________________ Email: ______________________________

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL - 6 (Six) Pre-K-Class Grades K-2-Class or Individual Grades 3-5-Group or Individual

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE

Title of Project

Student, Group, or Class Name For Group projects list no more

three (3) names

Teacher (s) Name

Email Contact No.

Grade Level

Category

Class (K-2) Group Individual

Principal’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: _________________________________

Return this form on or before December 12, 2018 to:

Please return this form on or before October 5th using one of the methods below. 1. Scan and email to wilsonj2@duvalschools.org ,

yarosa1@duvalschools.org or twiggm@duvalschools.org

2. Fax to (904) 390-2904, Attn: Janine Wilson, Ann Yaros or Madeline Twigg

10

Elementary Science Fair Project Entry Form

Note: An entry form must be completed for all projects and placed on back of the display board in the center.

Project Type (see guidelines): Place an “x” or list the grade level in the appropriate box below

Individual Group (3 per project max) Class: (grade level)

Name(s):

School:

Grade Level: Teacher(s):

Project Title:

Brief Description of Project:

11

What should my display board look like?

LEFT SIDE CENTER

RIGHT SIDE

PROBLEM STATEMENT

HYPOTHESIS

ABSTRACT

TITLE

PROCEDURES

DATA

Charts, Graphs, photos, and/or sketches

MATERIALS

VARIABLES

CONCLUSION

Use the project display checklist to ensure that you have thoroughly completed each step.

_____ Title: name of project

______ Problem Statement: Reason for the project.... your question, what you want to find out.

______ Hypothesis: A prediction that you make of the results before conducting the experiment.

_____ Abstract: a summary of your research (5th grade only)

_____ Materials: a list of the supplies needed for the experiment (including identification of variables)

_____ Procedure: The steps or directions that you used to conduct the experiment

_____ Data: Graphs or charts showing what happened after you conducted your experiment.

_____ Conclusion: Telling what happened… Did it work? Was your hypothesis supported or not supported?

What did you learn?

12

District Science Fair January 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

When will judging occur? Judging of projects will occur the afternoon of Monday, January 7 and the morning of

Tuesday, January 8, 2018.

Is judging open to the public? No, the judging process is closed to the public.

What is the set-up process? Set up of projects will begin at 7am and conclude at 12pm on January 7. Early Project

Drop Off/Submission will be available on December 14, 2018 and December 17, 2018 between 8AM and 4PM at the

Science Resource Center, Elementary Building, directly behind Southside Middle School or NO LATER THAN Noon

(12PM) on January 7, 2019 at the UNF Herbert Center. Projects may be delivered by the teacher, administrator and/or

Science Coordinator at the school or by the parent (s) of the students. Projects will NOT be accepted after 12 p.m. on

January 7th, 2019.

Who is responsible for setting up projects, and are parents allowed and students allowed to assist with this process?

The teacher and/or Science Coordinator of the school will be responsible for transporting projects to UNF (unless

arrangements have been made with the parents). We encourage participation from everyone (teachers, Science

Coordinators, parents, and students) to assist with set-up.

What happens to the projects at the end of the Science Fair? All projects must be removed from the premises on

January 9, 2019. Any projects left at the conclusion of the Awards Ceremony will be discarded.

Should I complete a field trip packet? Yes, a completed field trip packet is required for the event on January 9, 2019.

Are we responsible for transportation? Transportation will be arranged and paid for by participating schools.

Will lunch be served or are the students required to bring a bag lunch? Students should NOT bring any food to the

Adam W. Herbert University Center. There is only a small snack area sponsored by the University Center. It is

suggested that schools have snack/lunch before arriving or when leaving the Science Fair.

How many students (per school) are teachers allowed to bring to the event? Due to the size of the venue, each

participating school is allowed to bring 20 (twenty) students per school to the event and 2 chaperones (10 students per

chaperone).

What is the number of projects allowed to be submitted per school? Only 6 (six) projects per school may be entered

into the Science Fair.

Who attends the Science Fair? The morning of the Science Fair (January 9th from 9:00am-12:00pm) is open to

students, teachers, faculty, and staff of DCPS. Schools will have different arrival and departure times. Adults that are

not DCPS staff must be prepared to present a DCPS approved Volunteer card or Volunteer ID distributed by their

school at the time of registration; otherwise, they will not be permitted to enter. The Awards Ceremony for the

Science Fair will be at the UNF Herbert Center (January 9th from 530pm-630pm) and is open to family and friends.

How long will students be at the venue for the field trip and what do they need to bring? Students will be at the venue

for approximately two or more hours depending on their arrival and departure times. The Science fair will be open

from 9:00am-12:00pm on January 9, 2019 and there are no items needed for the event.

13

When will awards be presented to the Science Fair Winners? Will winners be notified, prior to the ceremony? PreK-5th

grade winners will be determined on January 8th, once the judging process has been concluded. Administrators

and/or Science Fair Coordinators will be notified of students selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted on

January 8th the day before the fair from 3:00PM-4:00PM. Schools with students selected for an interview should

report to the registration desk when they arrive for further information on the interview process.

Will everyone receive awards or just those persons that won? Everyone with a project submitted to the district fair will

receive a ribbon of participation. Grand Prize winners from each category will receive trophies; however, students

placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will also receive a ribbon reflecting their place in a specific category, and all students

interviewed will receive an honorable mention ribbon. Awards will not be given to students participating in school

based science fairs.

14

2018-2019 K-5 District Science Fair Timeline

August/September • Identify and organize a Science Fair Committee and appoint a Science Fair Coordinator.

• Discuss Science Fair and science fair projects with the faculty and students.

• Set a date for your school-based science fair. • Science Fair Coordinator Meeting, TBA. • SC.5.N.1.1 Science Fair project creation begins

August/September Teachers introduce components of a project and complete a sample

project investigation with the class”

• Topic • Purpose • Hypothesis • Procedure (include dependent and independent variables for grades 3-5) -materials -variables -step-by-step directions • Data • Graphs • Conclusions

Keeping a Science Log of the investigation

**Science Fair Project instruction/creation is embedded in Nature of Science Instructional PowerPoints and centers**

October 5th, 2018

School Intent to Participate Form DUE OCT. 5th

October

Continue to check data log, give encouragement to students, and discuss student graphs and conclusions. Begin to prepare and organize school-based science fairs.

November/December

Completion of student science fair boards/projects Finalize school-based fairs and plan to have time for viewing by students, parents, and teachers. Make sure all students receive recognition for participation. Select student representatives for the 6th Annual Science Fair and complete the Science Fair Project Registration Form.

December 12th

Science Fair Project Registration Form DUE December 12th

15

December 14th and 17th, 2018

Have a wrap-up session with school representatives make necessary adjustments to projects as needed. Early Project drop-off dates December 14th and 17th , from 8am – 4pm at the SRC 2924 Knights Ln E, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Building 1

January 7, 2019

Project check-in and set-up: 7:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. PM Project Judging: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

January 8, 2019 AM Project Judging: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

January 9, 2019 6th Annual Elementary Science Fair: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Schools may

arrive and depart at different times). Schedule TBD.

6th Annual Elementary Science Fair Awards Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.-6:30pm.