Science Fair Training

Science Fair

1. Present Scientific Method slides containing information on a display board Exhibit the experiment with the display board

2. Parents are encouraged to assist children but are asked to maintain the role of assistant only.

3. If parents type the display board information, they should have children dictate the information as it is being typed.

4. Construction paper or colored paper should be used behind all display board items to give a neat, organized, and creative effect.

5. Students are expected to use these Scientific Method slides in the given order for continuity on the display boards as it is helpful to judges. Students may change the theme of the slides to make their presentations more unique or creative.

Remember that the Science Fair should be a fun method of learning and is intended to help in preparing students for the STAAR test.

Science Fair Project

Type/write your project title here.

Put your assigned number

without your name for the display board

QUESTION

Type/write your question here.(This is the question that your experimentexperiment answers.)

Materials

• Type/write a detailed list of the items you need to complete your experiments.

• Be specific about the amounts used.

Procedure

• List all of the steps used in completing your experiment.

• Remember to number your steps.

• If possible, add photos of your experiments.

Research Summarize your research here in five or more bullet points:

Do not give more than ten points, however.

• 1st bullet point

• 2nd bullet point

• 3rd bullet point

• 4th bullet point

• 5th bullet point

Hypothesis

What do you think the result of your experiment will show?

It is okay if you are incorrect.

Variables• Controlled variables: These are the things

that are kept the same throughout your experiments.

• Independent variable: The ONE variable that you purposely change and test.

• For example, a plant experiment would use the type of plant as the control variable while the type of soil may be the independent variable that changes.

Data/Observations

• It is easier to understand the data (information) if it is put into a table or graph.

• Draw a graph or make one in a software package such as PowerPoint or Microsoft Excel.

• Make sure all data (information) is clearly labeled.

Conclusion

Type/write a brief summary here of your discovery based on the results of the experiment. Indicate whether or not the data (information) supports the hypothesis and explain why or why not.

Works Cited

• Be sure to list books, magazines, encyclopedias, and Internet sources that you used.

• Put them in alphabetical order.

Presentation• Students will be expected to stand beside their projects on Parent Night and

during Science class period as visitors tour the exhibits.

• The students’ behavior while presenting their information will be included in the grade for the Science Fair.

• Each topic will be judged separately.• Topics Include: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science

• The students’ grades will be determined by Mrs. Hagood and will not be influenced by judges decisions.

• Scoring will be based on how well students meet the criteria.

Unacceptable Projects

• Remember that the experiment must prove a hypothesis and cannot be a model of how something works or a report on another person’s research .

For example, students cannot actually go into outer space to research how plants grow; therefore, a project of this type would be research.

Also a volcano could be created to show chemical reactions with research on that area but should not be presented as an experiment on how a volcano works as vinegar and baking soda are not materials found in lava and cannot be utilized as an experiment on Earth processes where a variable is used to prove a hypothesis.

Tips on Placing in the Fair

• Select an experiment that few others have chosen.

• The more technical the experiment, the better.

• Colorful and creative displays are a plus.

• Multiple charts and graphs are beneficial.

• Research that goes beyond the basic requirement of five points but does not exceed ten points .

Science Fair Ideas

http://school.discoveryeducation.comwww.stevespanglerscience.comSciencebob.com

Remember to Follow Safety Procedures

• Students should wear safety glasses,

• Do not taste anything unless it is approved by a responsible adult,

• Wear protective clothing if needed,

• Avoid using dangerous materials or fire/heat unless supervised by a responsible adult,

• If animals are used, take precautions that prevent students from being bitten or harmed in any way,

• Use good judgment and common sense at all times.

Judging SheetJudges should score projects within a range of 1 to 5. Consider a 1 to be very low, a 2 is close to meeting the expectation, 3 should reflect that the student did what was expected. A 4 will be above average with a

5 being a superior rating. If possible, it will be appreciated if scores are totaled.

1. Title Page includes Number & Tchr.___________________2. Question_________________3. Materials _________________________________________4. Procedure- detailed steps of experiment__________________5. Research (Must have 5 facts)__________________________6. Variables _________________________________________

1. Controlled variable- is the step/material that stays the same2. Independent variable- is the step/material that changes.

7. Hypothesis –What student thinks will happen______________8. Data/Observations – In graph or table form________________9. Conclusion- What they discovered__ _____________________10. Works Cited- Where information was found ________________11. Neat -Board has slides displayed with construction paper backing

and is neatly arranged__________________________________12. Technical (Bonus Points)_______________________________13. Creative-(Bonus Points)_________________________________

Total ____________

Project Number ___________________

Project Title ______________________

Judge Number ____________________

Student With Display Board and Experiment