Science Fair Information Night

What is the Purpose of a Science Fair?

Problem Solving

Students use the scientific method to make predictions, then experiment to collect and record qualitative and quantitative data observations.

Critical Thinking

Students compare, contrast and analyze their data citing the evidence that justifies their claims, explanations and conclusions.

Science Fair Categories Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions

Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth and the study of the environment.

Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms

Engineering- Combines mathematics, science and technology in order to produce creative solutions to real world problems.

Behavioral & Social Science - Systematic analysis and investigations of human and other animal behavior.

What am I going to do? What is a good idea for my science project?

This is the first thing you start thinking about when you hear “Science Fair.”

Before you get started, you need to know the difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

Science Experiments vs. Demonstrations

Experiment

An experiment tests at least 2 different materials

Example:

In which type of soil will a bean plant grow best?

Demonstration

A demonstration does not test different materials

Examples :

Making a volcano

Creating an electrical circuit

What Does an Experiment Have?

Variable The material that you change, or are testing, is your variable

It is the ONLY thing that “varies” or changes

Constant(s) Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant”

This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions

You can turn a demonstration in to an experiment!

A demonstration…

If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you could change it into an experiment by…

turned into an experiment

Testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you could test different types of batteries.

Trials

All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 times in order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximize the validity of the test.

Each trial should be performed in exactly the same manner and compare the same independent variable.

Experimental Design Approval Forms

All projects must be approved by the classroom teacher

Experimental Design Approval forms will help keep the student on pace.

Abstract

Abstracts must be completed by all 4th and 5th grade students

An abstract is a brief, written discussion of your project in 250 words or less.

Each abstract consists of a brief statement of the essential, or most important thoughts about the project. Abstracts summarize the main points of an experiment in a clear and simple manner.

Abstract

An example has been included in the Science Fair Information Packet

Please use your Experimental Design Approval forms to assist in completing your abstract.

Science Board Examples

How to Set Up Your Science Board?

Introduction

Procedure

Materials

Project Title

Problem

Hypothesis

Data (Graph or Chart Photos

etc.)

Results

Conclusion

Science Fair Topics

Science Fair topics and websites can be found on pg. 6 of the Science Fair Information Packet

Science Buddies

Page 7 of Science Fair Information Packet

Science Fair Rules

The use of live animals is discouraged but may be approved by the classroom teacher. An experiment may not cause harm or result in the death of an animal.

Your display board must be free standing and fit on the table.

There must be no identifying information on the front of the display board, such as your name, teacher’s name, or school name. Please include the following ON THE BACK OF YOUR BOARD: Student name, teacher’s name, school, grade level and category.

Science Fair Rules

Only the student conducting the experiment may be shown in any photographs. All others must have a signed photo release form.

All photos or graphics must be cited or give credit to the photographer. (ex: Photo was taken by… or Graphic/picture was found on www.iconicdisplays.com)

Science Fair Rules

All graphs or charts must be cited (ex. Graph was created by…using [program] Excel)

All experimentation is done at home. Demonstrations cannot be conducted during judging.

Students are allowed to bring models or items used during the experiment to display, with the exception of the following on pg. 7 of the Science Fair Information Packet.

What Are Judges Looking For?

Page 8 of Science Fair Information Packet

Important Dates

Projects due:

Campus Science Fair:

District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance)

November 5, 2016

Mission Ridge Elementary School

Campus Science Fair Coordinator’s Contact Information

Irma Perez

937-7007