Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
LearningSolving Creating
MediaAngels.com
Felice Gerwitz
WINNING SCIENCE FAIR
PROJECTS SUCCESSFUL
STRATEGIES FOR
HOMESCHOOLERS
HOUSEKEEPING
• Slides – ultimateradioshow.com/fpea-handouts
• Sign up for our eZine: UltimateHomeschoolRadioNetwork.com
• Bonus Products and special offers
• – Booth 804 – Media Angels
SCIENCE? YOU’RE
JOKING…RIGHT?
Welcome to my world!
2
WHY IS TEACHING SCIENCE SO IMPORTANT?
• The study of the world around us...• Earth Science/ Astronomy• Biology• Chemistry• Physics
• Incorporates all of the other subjects
• It is “hands-on and multi-sensory”
• Adaptable to all types of learners!
• Builds self esteem and other character qualities
• Encourages critical thinking, reasoning and logical thinking skills
• It’s fun!
WHY DO A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT?
• Family project and is an excellent opportunity to learn from others
• Gain extensive knowledge in an area of study
• Gain experience in public speaking
• Can lead to real discovery of little known or even unknown facts!
WHAT IS A SCIENCE FAIR?
• Public exhibition of the student’s projects
• Opportunity to learn new scientific information and concepts from professionals and other students
• It provides recognition for the student’s work
• Upper level competitions: Discuss project with top scientists from research and industry.
3
SCHEDULE
�Home School Science Fair K-12�Held November beginning of January
�Regional Science 6-12�Jan-March
�State Science Fair 6-12�April
�International Science and Engineering Fair 9-12 - May
societyforscience.org
PRIZES!Home school: Regional or
State:
International• College Scholarships• Approx. 4 million in prizes
SCIENCE PROJECT RELIES ON:
A question, hypothesis…
• Research and Experimentation
• Using the Scientific Method
4
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• The Question• Research• Hypothesis • Materials• Procedure• Experiment• Observation/Organize Data
• Conclusion
You need a control group in order to do an experiment! A group must have five or more subjects to be statistically valid!
WHY IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD SO IMPORTANT?
• The scientific method is a procedure used to execute an experiment in an organized fashion.
• The scientific method is the basis to any well done science fair project. Without it there can be no logical progressive thought!
• The point of the scientific method is to study a problem or further investigate an observation.
A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT
• an activity, collection, or report without data or an experiment
• a study or investigation of a scientific problem in order to answer...• A question• Develop a better
technique• Develop a better final
product
is...
is not...
5
UPPER LEVEL COMPETITIONS?GRADES 6 AND ABOVE
• Before beginning ANY projectfor Regional competition
you need to …
• Get correct forms signed by a teacher and a qualified scientist (doctoral or professional degree in biomedical sciences or a masters degree in the area of your student’s research).
• Check ISEF rules!
• societyforscience.org
CATEGORIES?
• Topic Categories:• Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Space Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics
• Medicine and Health
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Zoology
Where SHOULDN’T you look for a science fair project idea?
•Have your child pick one area of science that interests THEM...
HOW DO YOU FIND A GREAT TOPIC?
• Do not begin online or at the library!
• Best choice:• An area of interest to your child• Think about experiences• Begin observing• Concern of the day
• Once you find a topic narrow it down!-Present it in a question form
6
SCIENCE FAIR TIPS
• Choose a topic you will be excited about
• Research – make
sure you understand what you are doing –
learn equations and concepts
• Keep detailed notes. Your lab notebook is
part of your project
• Do lots of experimenting.
• It’s okay to prove your hypothesis wrong.
• If something doesn’t turn out right, keep
digging and researching.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Understand your project.
WHEN SELECTING YOUR TOPIC
• Don’t make it so
open ended it will take too long
• Focus on one thing and narrow it down
• Become an expert –
the judges will ask questions.
• If it doesn’t really interest you – don’t
do it.
• Global issues
• Electronics
• Improving upon
• Solving a problem
• Simple may be best
• Know your stuff!
• Be sure to formulate
your hypothesis
before you begin.
WHAT ARE SOME GREAT IDEASFOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS?
• Contamination of playgrounds• What are major indoor pollutants? • How can the concentration of indoor pollutants be
lowered?• What is the “sick building” syndrome? – Chinese drywall• Can you tell time using the moon?• Effects violence on children – television, movies, games,
songs • Effect of pain…which gender handles it better?• Does music help when studying?• Does music help you remember facts?• Do strategy games help improve memory?
7
MORE GREAT IDEAS…
• Plants:• Does colored light have any effect on plants?• Does music have an effect on plants?• What do wavelengths of light have to do with plant growth?• Improve upon soil nutrients and plant growth • A new way to grow plants (different types of hydroponics)
• What is the effect of sleep on concentration and memory?• What is the effect of lack of sleep on weight (sleep apnea)
• Weather – Oceans – Buoyancy
• Does microwaving food ruin the nutrients?
• Why is some plastic dangerous? BPA
• What is an ant’s food?
• Can you make a better stain remover?
THE BEST IDEA…
• Is one that your child will get excited about!
SCIENCE FAIR RESOURCES
• The Complete Handbook of Science Fair Projects by Julianne Bochinski
• Janice Van Cleave’s books
• The Everything Kids' Science Experiments Book
• www.MediaAngels.com
8
STEPS TO DOING A SCIENCE PROJECT?
• Decide on a topic in the SUMMER!
• Check the amount of time you have.
• If you want to participate in upper level competition make sure you have the correct paperwork and forms are signed
• Make a plan • Organize your procedure • How will you test your hypothesis?
• Begin a journal or project notebook• List important information• Research and Resources
• Procedures and Experiments
DO AS MANY EXPERIMENTS AS POSSIBLE!!
Remember!
• Use the scientific method • Make sure you adhere to the guidelines! ISEF• Organize and record your observations and data.• Organize your backboard• Be prepared to present your project and answer
questions!• Have a project journal, notebook and write your
report• 250-word abstract (for older grades only!)
WRITING AN ABSTRACT
Projects purposeWrite an intro statement explaining the reason for the topic. This statement includes the problem and your hypothesis.
• Procedure: • Summary of key points and an overview of how you
executed this. Include only the work done and the materials used that influenced the procedure
• Data:• Contain key results that point to the conclusion you have
found. Be brief and specific.- Conclusion:
• Describe your results, tie into your purpose and hypothesis. Summarize your process. If words permit, include applications of your findings or possibilities for further investigation.
What is an abstract? 250 word summary of…
9
DISPLAY BOARD 101
Follow the scientific method in your headings or use topics that relate to your specific experiment.
Grades K-5 no specific order Grades 6-12 (Especially Regional/State/ISEF)Follow the general outline of the scientific method. Abstract
may have a specific place!! Often lower left-hand side
Board dimensions are… 76cm (30in) deep122 cm. (48 in) wide274 cm. (108 in) high (including table)
WHAT DO THE JUDGES LOOK FOR IN A HOMESCHOOL FAIR?
• Grades K-5
• Judging is optional
• No report necessary
• Should be ready to present
• Grades 6-12
• Judging is important
• Should do a report
• Must have an abstract
• Be ready to explain project
Points Major Categories
25 Scientific Method
10 Creative Effort
25 Level of Completion
15 Display
10 Technical Skill
15 Knowledge of the Subject
To go forward to Regional ISEF rules must be met!
WHAT DO REGIONAL, STATE, AND ISEF JUDGES LOOK FOR?
Points Judging categories
30 Creative Ability
30 Scientific Thought and Engineering goals
15 Thoroughness
15 Skill
10 Clarity
www.sciserv.org
10
JUDGING CRITERIA
• Keep point system similar to ISEF Recommendations
• Your homeschool fair must become an ISEF Affiliated Fair to participate in Regional and beyond…
• How?
• Contact local school board Science Fair Coordinator. You need a Homeschool Rep.
ISEF WINNERS
• Approximately 1,700 high school students from more 75 countries, regions, and territories are awarded the opportunity to showcase their independent research and compete for approximately $4 million in prizes.
• . Source: ISEF website
How About YOU Next Year?!
MEDIA ANGELS® INC. PRESENTS…Curriculum, Webinars, Podcasts for Authors and Homeschoolers Ultimate Homeschool Expo
11
