SCIENCE FAIR – STUDENT/PARENT AGREEMENT

I have read the Science Fair Information Packet and have noted the timeline of events for each section of the process. I am aware additional information can be found on my teacher’s webpage on the school’s website. I will make sure that each stage of this process is completed and turned in on time. I am also aware that my child’s participation in the science fair is required and the project will be worth a total of 350 points.

____________________________ __________________Parent Signature Date

____________________________ __________________Student Signature Date

Please return this page to school by Tuesday, September 20 th , 2011.

Sincerely,Cami Sheaffer6th Grade Science/Social StudiesRed Oak Elementary(405) 735-4440camisheaffer@mooreschools.com

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COVER LETTERSeptember 15th, 2011

Dear Parents,

It is Science Fair time at Red Oak! Please review the information in this packet and keep it for future reference. If you lose this packet or any form in the packet, please just email or call me and I would be happy to get you a new one. Additional information can be found on my school website. (http://www.mooreschools.com/page/8278) Please be aware that your child’s participation in the science fair is required and will be worth a total of 350 points.

Our Science Fair will be held on Tuesday, November 29tht, 2011 in the cafeteria. During the next several weeks your child is required to complete a science project, which uses the Scientific Process to solve a problem. Science projects are primarily independent study assignments involving experimentation on a topic of individual interest. The educational benefits to the student who completes a project, which are numerous, include developing skills in writing, oral presentation, creative thinking and problem solving.

Each student will be given instructions and handouts during the class for the various steps of his/her project. We have studied the Scientific Process in class, and your child should have a good understanding of how to complete a Science Fair project. Most of the work will be completed at home, and a timeline of due dates for each part of the project is in the attached information packet.

As your child begins the actual process of conducting the experiment, your continued interest and encouragement will be helpful. Discuss the progress he/she is making and any problems that are encountered. Remind your student that scientists often experience failure along the way, but that they should remain persistent and keep trying and thinking. Hopefully, this close supervision will help your child develop good time-management skills and will ultimately result in a quality project.

Please take the time to read all of the information included in this Science Fair Information Packet, sign the Parent/Student Agreement, and return it to school by Tuesday, September 20th. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 735-4440 or camisheaffer@mooreschools.com.

Sincerely,Cami Sheaffer6th Grade Science/Social Studies

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Science Fair Agreement………………………………………….Page 1Cover Letter to Parents……………………………..……….….. Page 2Table of Contents……………………………………….……..…. Page 3Timeline…………………………………………………………….. Page 4Rules and Requirements………………………………………... Page 5Starting Point/Scientific Method/Categories…....…………… Page 6Logbook and Backboard Information….……..………..……... Page 7Backboard Example..………………………………..…..…….… Page 8Worksheet #1………………………………..………………….…. Page 9Worksheet #2…………………………………………………..….. Page 10Worksheet #3………………………………………………….…... Page 11-12Worksheet #4 …………………..…………………………………. Page 13-14Worksheet #5……………………………………………………… Page 15-16Worksheet #6………………………………………………...……. Page 17-18

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2011 SCIENCE FAIR TIMELINEPlease be aware that your child’s participation in science fair is required and will be worth a total of 350 points. Projects that are turned in late will be subject to point deductions. This timeline is subject to change(s). All sections (rough drafts and final drafts) can be typed.

September 15 Introduction of science fair project and discussion of timeline.Thursday Explanation into the development of scientific topics and research: Start

Brainstorming. Think of ideas for the topic of your experiment.

September 20 Student/Parent Agreement is due. Tuesday

September 23 Topic is due in the form of a question. (Please turn in student Friday worksheet #1, signed for 25 points.)

September 26 Notification of topic approval by teacher. When topic is approved, then Monday begin research.

September 30 Research due. (Please turn in student worksheet #2, signedFriday and attach research for 25 points.)

October 7 Plan of Action due. (Please turn in worksheet #3, signed for 25 points).Friday

October 14 Hypothesis, Variables, Control and Constants due. (Please turn in Friday student worksheet #4, signed for 25 points.)

October 28 Materials and Procedures due. (Please turn in student Friday worksheet #5, signed for 25 points). Experimentation may now begin. BE SURE TO

KEEP A LOG BOOK OF OBSERVATIONS.

November 11 Observations, data and conclusions due. (Please turn in student worksheetFriday #6, signed for 25 points.)

November 18 Science Fair Project due. Bring your completed project to schoolFriday to be graded. (This includes your backboard AND log book for 200 points.)

Classroom presentations will take place Mon, Nov. 21 and Tues, Nov. 22.

November 29 Red Oak Science Fair. Projects will be on display from 6:30-7:30 Tuesday p.m. 20 extra credit points will be given to the students that stand next to their project.

Please take home projects by 7:30 p.m. that evening. In the event your child’s project is chosen to compete in the district science fair, please do not discard projects.

PLEASE NOTE: Your child’s grades on each assignment portion of the Science Fair will only be given if the worksheet is SIGNED BY YOU. This will ensure that Parents and guardians are involved in and aware of the project that their child is doing.

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SCIENCE FAIR REQUIREMENTS AND RULESIn addition to this information packet additional information can be found on my Red Oak webpage. http://www.mooreschools.com/page/8278

REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR SCIENCE FAIR EXPERIMENTS1. Provide a Log Book and Backboard with the following information.2. TITLE: Optional; it should be catchy and informative.3. TABLE OF CONTENTS (LOG BOOK ONLY): This will help the judges locate information in the

logbook.4. PROBLEM: This is the purpose of your experiment and must be in the form of a question. This is the

big question the student will be answering. Must investigate/test a question -- No projects that are used as a demonstration.

5. RESEARCH (LOG BOOK ONLY): Research the topic of investigation. Research Paper should be typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font. Document names of resources.

6. HYPOTHESIS/VARIABLES/CONTROL: State a hypothesis and identify variables, control and constants. The hypothesis tells what the student thinks will happen. Use an “if…then…because” statement. Identify the independent and dependent variables, control group and constants.

7. MATERIALS: List materials - This lists the materials used in the experiment. Use a listing method (1,2,3). Include quantities, colors, etc. BE SPECIFIC!

8. PROCEDURES: List Procedures - This describes the process of conducting the experiment. Using listing method (1,2,3). Describe the procedures STEP BY STEP. Be very specific and detailed. Include pictures if possible.

9. OBSERVATIONS (LOGBOOK ONLY): Record observations - This tells what the student observed during the experiment. The student needs to have qualitative and quantitative observations. The qualitative observations need to be detailed and thorough in the logbook. The quantitative observations need to be illustrated in a data table or graph. (See Data).

10.DATA/GRAPH: Show the results by reporting observations in a Data Table, Line Graph or Bar Graph on your backboard and logbook.

11.CONCLUSION: State your conclusions - This tells what the experiment proved, or the results of the experiment. It needs to indicate whether the hypothesis was or was not supported and the reasoning.

Answer the problem question. Interpret data by explaining what happened during the experiment and why. Are the results valid? What would you do differently?

12.VISUAL AIDS: Pictures, Equipment, Samples from Experiment. All samples need to be in a spill proof container. No liquids.

RESTRICTIONS AND RULES ON SCIENCE FAIR EXPERIMENTSAs a district policy, 6th graders are not permitted to do experiments that involve humans, animals, or animal tissue (blood, teeth, etc.), bacteria, mold/mildew, fire, or hazardous materials. Nothing dangerous like dangerous chemicals, acid, fire, open flames, etc.

a. No models or volcanoesb. No experiments involving weapons of any kind.c. Any electrical devices must be battery powered; Electricity from the school will not be provided.d. Only one project per student and no team projectse. Must fit in a 3ft. by 2ft. space

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STARTING POINTTHE ESSENTIAL STARTING POINT FOR THE PROJECT IS STATING OR FORMING YOUR QUESTION.

“Science” is asking a question of nature and making sense out of the answer. A good question is clear and direct, which helps the students focus on what experiment to do in order to answer the question. The best questions will also naturally lead into other questions by which one can extend what he or she is able to learn, perhaps through some related experiments. Each student is required to have a title for their project which must be stated in the form of a question.

The first step in the actual process will be finding an idea for a project. Your child will be encouraged to find a project that meets the rules established for the science fair. The rules will be strictly enforced. The topic that is chosen by your child must be approved by your Science teacher.

Your interest and encouragement at this stage will help make this a fun learning experience for your child. Materials are available at the school to help your child select an idea for a project. The sooner your child gets started, the better. Early planning and participation will make the science fair fun and enjoyable.

The science fair project must involve some kind of Experiment. Building a model is not an experiment because no experimentation is involved. In order for the project to be categorized as an experiment, the student must be able to conduct all scientific method steps and observe what is changing.

STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1. Problem - Identify the problem and develop an appropriate question2. Research - Refer to authoritative sources3. Hypothesis - Develop a hypothesis or prediction4. Experiment – Establish procedures and conduct experiment 5. Observations- Keep detailed records of results 6. Data Analysis- Report the experiment in a table or graph; Study or analyze the results7. Conclusion - Develop a conclusion and report whether or not your hypothesis was supported

SCIENCE FAIR CATEGORIESYour student will pick an experiment topic that should fall in one of the following categories. A = Animal SciencesB = Behavioral and Social SciencesC = BiochemistryD = Cellular/Molecular Biology and MicrobiologyE = ChemistryF = Computer ScienceG = Earth and Planetary ScienceH = Engineering: Electrical/Mechanical and Materials/Bioengineering I = Energy and TransportationJ = Environmental Management and Environmental ScienceK= Mathematical ScienceL= Medicine and Health ScienceM= Physics, Physical Science, and AstronomyN= Plant Science

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LOGBOOK AND BACKBOARD TIPSLogbook:Each student is required to have a complete “log book” as part of this project. The log book is a research notebook in which the student writes down and records every step of the scientific process. It will include the data that he/she observed and what was done to produce the recorded data, so be sure that your child writes them down each day as the experiment is done, not later . The log book, if used correctly, will have all the details of what the student did, what was observed, calculations that were made, and what the results mean to the student.

You need to use a separate sheet of paper in the log book for each of these. The log books will be graded on completeness as well as neatness. Students may hand write, or type, their log books. The log book itself may be a pronged folder, 3 ring binder or spiral notebook; whichever the student prefers.

General Instructions: Number all pages except for the cover page or title page. You need to include a cover page or title page. You also need to include a table of contents. Avoid the use of personal pronouns. You will be evaluated on the items above based on completion and quality.

Backboard:Your student will be shown an example backboard in class. I have included an example on my website as a guideline for creating your backboard. MAKE SURE YOUR BACKBOARD HAS ALL OF THE REQUIRED DETAILS!

1. Make your backboard neat.2. The display board should be SELF-SUPPORTING and approximately 36” X 48” in measurement. 3. Your backboard may be constructed out of pegboard, cardboard, foam board, etc.4. Use butcher paper, wrapping paper, construction paper or contact paper, etc. to make your

backboard more attractive.5. Use press on letters, stencils, or computer printouts to make headings for each section of the

project.6. Incorporate visuals (photos, graphics, etc.)7. All projects must be self-standing, without using a wall as support.8. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE FRONT OF THE DISPLAY. PUT YOUR NAME AND GRADE

ON THE BACK RIGHT TOP CORNER OF THE DISPLAY ONLY.9. Increase font size of sections included on board.

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Worksheet #1 (Worth 25 points) Name __________________________ # _____

Scientific Problem

Due Date: ______________

The scientific problem should be written as a question. This will be the question that the student will answer during their experiment. The student needs to already be thinking about their prediction and how they will conduct the experiment.

You may use the models below to help you in writing your problem. Choose one model that best fits your topic.

Model 1 – “How does _______ affect _______?” (Example: “How does water temperature affect plant growth?”)

Model 2 – “What is the effect of _______ on _______?”(Example: “What is the effect of liquid fertilizer on house plants?”)

Model 3 – “Which _____ (consumer product) is _______ (strongest, lasts longest, etc.)?”(Example: “Which brand of white glue is the strongest?”)

Model 4 – “What is the relationship between _______ and _____?”(Example: “What is the relationship between the amount of fertilizer and the number of flowers on a rose bush?”)

____________________________________________________________________________IMPORTANT things to remember as you are planning…

As a district, 6th graders are not permitted to do experiments that involve humans, animals, or animal tissue (blood, teeth, etc.), bacteria/mold, or hazardous products (which includes the burning of anything).

All 6th grade students are required to do an individual project. No team projects. Your Science Fair Project must involve some kind of EXPERIMENT. Something must be tested.

(Not a collection or model).____________________________________________________________________________

Please write your PROBLEM on the lines below.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

I understand that the project will need to be completed at home. I am aware that my project is required and will count for 350 points of my science grade. I am aware of the rules of the Science Fair.

____________________________ ________________ Student Signature Date

____________________________ ________________ Parent Signature Date

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Worksheet #2 (Worth 25 points total) Name __________________________ # _____

Research

Due Date: ______________

Conducting research will help you formulate your hypothesis, determine materials needed and assist in developing procedure steps.

You can research information in a variety of ways: Internet, books, encyclopedias, magazines, personal interviews, etc. (These are known as resources)

You are required to have at least one page of research (typed or hand written). You are required to have 3 resources and you need to document the name each resource in your

bibliography.

Resource Documentation for Encyclopedias Resource Documentation for Books

Resource Documentation for an Internet Webpage Name of WebsiteWeb AddressName of Company or WebmasterAuthor – if foundDate of Article – if foundDate Retrieved from Internet

I acknowledge that the research section of the Science Fair project will be worth a total of 25 points. I have attached a copy of my research with documentation of 2 resources with Bibliography. I also understand that this information will be included in the logbook and not on the backboard.

___________________ ____________Student Signature Date

___________________ ____________Parent Signature Date

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Author(s)Title of BookPublisherLocation of PublisherCopyright Date

Author(s)Title of ArticleEncyclopediaPublisherDateVolumePage #s

Worksheet #4 (Worth 25 points) Name ______________________ # _____11

Hypothesis, Variables, Control and Constants

Due Date: __________________

Hypothesis: This tells what the student predicts or thinks will happen. Use an “if…then…because” statement. The independent variable should be mentioned after the word “if.” The dependent variable should be mentioned after the word “then.” The reason why the student is making this prediction should be written after the word “because” and should include scientific reasoning.

Example: If Molly gives 3 different types of plant food to 3 plants, then plant B will grow the most, because it is receiving the most expensive plant food.

Keep these important points in mind: You need to conduct your research before creating a hypothesis. Conducting research will help you

formulate your hypothesis. The results of an experiment cannot prove that a hypothesis is correct. Rather, the results either

support or do not support the hypothesis. You can gain valuable information even when your results do not support your hypothesis. In science, a hypothesis is supported only after many scientists have conducted many experiments

and produced consistent results.

Variables and Control: There are 2 different variables in your experiment – the independent variable and the dependent variable.

Independent Variable: This is what the student will manipulate or change in the experiment to test. In the example above, the plant food is what the student changes or tests.

Dependent Variable: This is what the student measures in the experiment to get results. In the example above, the plant growth is what the student will be measuring. The student needs to know how they will measure the experiment. In this example, you could measure the stem height with a ruler to find the results.

Control Group: A great experiment will have a control group. This is a group that will not have any changes made to it, but will still be measured. In the example above, a plant that doesn’t receive any plant food would be the control group.

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My hypothesis is:

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If ___________________________________________________________________________________, (Independent Variable)

then ________________________________________________________________________________,(Dependent Variable)

because _____________________________________________________________________________.(Reason)

My independent variable is ______________________________________________________________.

My dependent variable is ________________________________________________________________.

My control group is ____________________________________________________________________.

All of the other factors involved with your experiment are the things that you do not want to change. Variables change and constants stay the same. Constants are all the factors that must be identical across all groups you are comparing. If you have a Control, please list that also. REMEMBER: The only things that are allowed to change are the 2 variables listed above.

Please list the CONSTANTS involved in your experiment on the lines below. 1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________________

4. _______________________________________________________________________

5. _______________________________________________________________________

6. _______________________________________________________________________

7. _______________________________________________________________________

8. _______________________________________________________________________

9. _______________________________________________________________________

10._______________________________________________________________________

____________________________ ________________ Student Signature Date

____________________________ ________________ Parent Signature Date

Worksheet #5 (Worth 25 points) Name ______________________ # _____13

Materials and Procedures

Due Date: ______________

Materials: The materials list for your project should include all of the equipment and all of the supplies you used to perform your experiment. It is very important that you include amounts and sizes in your list. Be as specific as possible! If someone wants to perform your experiment, your materials list will tell them everything they need to get together in order to do it. For example, if you use cups, list how many cups and what size they are. Also list what type of cups – plastic, etc. The more details you can provide the more likely someone will be able to duplicate your experiment. You may be need to go back and add materials to the list after you have conducted your experiment if you left any materials off this list.

Please lists all the materials needed in the experiment on the lines below. It is not limited to 16. Include quantities, colors, brands, etc.

1. _____________________ 9. ____________________2. _____________________ 10.____________________3. _____________________ 11.____________________4. _____________________ 12.____________________5. _____________________ 13.____________________6. _____________________ 14.____________________7. _____________________ 15.____________________8. _____________________ 16.____________________

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Procedures: The procedures list on this page is simply your plan for how you are going to perform your experiment. It describes the process of conducting the experiment. You may need to go back and

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change some things after you carry out the experiment – telling what you did exactly. Writing detailed experimental procedures is very important in science. Another scientist should be able to conduct the experiment after reading your procedure. Scientists must be able to reproduce the results reported by other scientists in order for research to be taken seriously. Be sure you include specific information about the methods you use, such as amounts, sizes, types of materials, temperatures, and data collection techniques.

Here is a list of guidelines to follow in writing your procedure:

Be sure to break your procedure into short, easy-to-follow steps. (STEP BY STEP). Start each step with a verb, or action word. Write your procedure so it is clear enough for someone else to use as instructions for repeating your

experiment. Be very specific and detailed.____________________________________________________________________________Please write your PROCEDURE on the lines below. Use as many steps as you need to. (You are not limited to 17.)

1. ______________________________________________________2. ______________________________________________________3. ______________________________________________________4. ______________________________________________________5. ______________________________________________________6. ______________________________________________________7. ______________________________________________________8. ______________________________________________________9. ______________________________________________________10. __________________________________________________11. __________________________________________________12. __________________________________________________13. __________________________________________________14. __________________________________________________15. __________________________________________________16. __________________________________________________17. __________________________________________________

____________________________ ________________ Student Signature Date

____________________________ ________________ Parent Signature Date

Worksheet #6 (Worth 25 points) Name ______________________ # _____

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Observations, Data and Conclusion

Due Date: ___________________

Observations: This tells what the student observed during the experiment by describing what was seen during the experiment. The student needs to have both qualitative and quantitative observations. Pictures are a great visual aid and help show what the student observed.

Qualitative Observations: Qualitative observations are observations using the student’s senses. Quantitative Observations: Quantitative observations include some type of measurement and should include numbers.

Observations should be documented in the log book. You can document by the second, minute, or day. Example:Day 1 October 25th

1. Added ½ cup of water to Plant A.2. Added ¼ cup of water to Plant B.3. Did not add water to Plant C.4. Plant A, B and C did not grow.

Day 2 October 26th

1. Added ½ cup of water to Plant A.2. Added ¼ cup of water to Plant B.3. Did not add water to Plant C.4. Plant A grew 1 cm and is greener than Plants B and C.5. Plant B grew 0.5 cm and is greener than Plant C.6. Plant C did not grow and is a light green, yellow color.

In addition to recording observation in a log book, please include the results in a data table. Example:

Plant A Plant B Plant CDay 1 0 cm 0 cm 0 cmDay 2 1 cm 0.5 cm 0 cm

Data:The data from your experiment can also be considered the results. This is where you share with us what exactly happened when you carried out your procedure. For this part you will be required to make at least one data table or one graph (either a bar graph or a line graph). Instructions on how to make a data table and graph are on my website. Your student learned how to make data tables and graphs in my class as well as on the computer using Microsoft Excel. The bar graph and the line graph are different ways of representing the data in your table. Some directions on how to make each of the graphs are in the appendixes. You will need to choose which type of graph you would like to use to best represent your data. If you have a hard time deciding, you could make one of each.You can make a data table or graph in Microsoft Excel. You are also welcome to use the following website to create a graph: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/And finally, your student can also request an empty data table, line or bar graph worksheet from their teacher. Continue on backConclusion:

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After collecting, organizing, and presenting the data from a scientific investigation, it is necessary to determine what the results mean. The goal of any experiment is to generate data to either accept or reject your hypothesis. Nothing is proved by an experiment, but you can interpret the data and draw some conclusions from them. Any conclusions you make must be support by your results. This tells what the experiment proved, or the results of the experiment. It needs to indicate whether the hypothesis was or was not supported and the reasoning.

Here are some tips to help you develop your conclusions: First, write your results, and then compare your results to your hypothesis. Include information explaining if your hypothesis should be accepted or rejected. Answer the problem question. Explain the data/results. How can you explain what happened? Why did your experiment turn out the way it did? Be careful not to make inferences about factors that you did not test. Make sure you have enough data before attempting to draw conclusions about your experiment. If

your data sample is too small, your conclusions may be faulty. If you did this experiment again, what would you do differently?

____________________________________________________________________________

Please write your conclusion on the lines provided. Please begin with:

My hypothesis was or was not supported because __________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

I am aware that I need to be observing and recording the observations at home. I am aware that I need to record the observations in a log book and illustrate the results in a data table, bar or line graph.

____________________________ ________________ Student Signature Date

____________________________ ________________ Parent Signature Date

SCIENCE FAIR EXPERIMENT IDEAS17

Have your student choose a topic that best fits his/her interest. Check my website for links to more topic ideas. Also, refer back to the rules in the science fair packet when choosing a topic. Remember, more creative experiments will receive more points. I will not approve duplicate topics so topics will be approved on a first come, first serve basis.

1. What brand of paper towel absorbs the most water?2. How does a person make a fire extinguisher?3. What is the effect of different stimuli on paramecia?4. How is a fabric’s strength affected by moisture?5. How do braces straiten teeth?6. Which brand of tape is the strongest?7. How does a refracting telescope differ from a refracting telescope?8. What type of fabric maintains its color longer?9. Which liquid is less dense?10.What fruit contains the most citric acid?11.Why do refrigerators not keep bananas from spoiling?12.Can water move?13.Can you send a penny into Orbit?14.Can you make a can roll back to you?15.Can you guess which way the air will go?16.Can you huff and puff and blow two balloons apart?17.Can you make a ball float in the air?18.Can water crush an empty plastic milk jug?19.Can you prick a balloon without popping it?20.What is the effect of fertilizer on plants?21.How much of an apple is water?22.Which gets warmer – sand or dirt?23.How does heat affect the bounce of a basketball?24.How does water affect the bounce of a basketball?25.What foods do worms prefer?26.Which paper towel is the best?27.How do bean plants grow?28.What is the best brand of raisin bran cereal?29.What cereal contains the most iron?30.Which brand of battery last the longest?31.What is the best brand of golf ball?32.Do showers use less water than baths?33.What material will decompose the fastest?34.Will aspirin make cut flowers last longer?35.From which direction does the wind blow most frequently?36.What is the best kind of soap?37.Will frozen seeds sprout?38.How long does it take a worm to travel 5 centimeters?39.Will depth of the planted bulbs affect their growth?40.Do some plants wind themselves clockwise while others wind counterclockwise?41.Can you make magnetic materials become a magnet?42.How many times do you need to drop a magnet for it to loose its magnetism?43.Why does washing your hands dry out your skin?44.Do stars shine?

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