1. Welcome to the
IHCSScience Fair
Parent Night
December 1, 2016

2. Important Dates Dec 12-16th - Proposal packets handed out
Feb 6, Mon - Projects turned in
Feb 8, Wed. - Projects judged
Feb 8, Wed. - 3:30-4:30 PM - Family viewing of projects
Feb 9, Thurs. - All projects except winners taken home*
Feb 16, Thurs. - District Science Fair at Clearwater

3. The Scientific Method Observe, and ask questions. Form a hypothesis.
Plan an investigation.
Conduct the investigation.
Draw conclusions,
and write a report.

4. A Science Fair Project is not a Demonstration Building a steam engine
Making a volcano
Causing a battery
to light a bulb

5. Section 1: Question/ Problem Statement
One sentence long in the form of a question
Be sure it is only testing one thing
Example: Which type of bread will grow mold the fastest?
Non-example: Which type of bread will grow mold the fastest and which type will grow mold the slowest?

6. Section 2: Prediction/Hypothesis
Needs to be a cause and effect statement
Use the word “IF … ” at the beginning and
“... , THEN ...” in the middle.
Might include labeled variables in the statement
IF Energizer, Duracell, and Eveready batteries are placed into a flashlight, THEN Energizer batteries will last the longest.
Should only predict one outcome
Example: IF a plant gets more light, THEN it will grow taller because plants need light to grow.

7. Section 3: Research (3 sources)
Web sites
Books
Author, title, publisher, where published, date published.
Johns, Mike. Water Experiments.
Children’s Press, NY

8. Section 4: Materials/Procedure
List the materials needed to conduct the experiment
Should include any measuring devices
Procedure
Step-by-step in order
Detailed enough so that anyone could gather the materials from the list and follow the procedure.
Could have a novice try and follow the steps once it’s been written out.
Safety Concerns
Must be listed

9. Section 5: Data/Pictures/Analysis
What actually happened during the experiment?
Three parts to include:
Chart or graph of data
Should be colorful and hand-made if possible
Pictures or drawings of the experiment as it happened
A few paragraphs that explain what happened during the experiment

10. Section 6: Conclusion Two parts:
Clearly accept or reject the hypothesis
Reject will not affect the results of judging. Good science is not always correct.
Include a reason why after the statement using data from the experiment to help explain.
A few paragraphs to explain:
What was learned.
How other people can learn from your experiment, how others can put your results to work in real situations.

11. The Part to be Turned in Science Fair board (tri-fold board)
Should be the final published summary of the project
Do not bring objects (Take pictures)
Science Journal
Should include data, notes, questions, research, etc.
Background research should be done here before beginning the project.
Should tell the entire story of the
project from start to finish in detail.

12. What should the board look like?
Let’s look at some example boards...

15. The Engineering and Design Process
A methodical series of steps that engineers use in creating functional products and processes

16. The Engineering Process
Define the Problem
Do Background Research
Specify Requirements
Brainstorm Solutions
Choose the Best Solution
Do Developmental Work
Build a Prototype
Test and Redesign

17. Define the Problem You Intend to Solve
Who needs What and Why
Describe your target user.
Children, adults, elderly
What products are they using now?
What would you propose instead?
How are existing products failing to meet the need?
Why would people use your product?
Why is it better?

18. Do Background Research
At least three sources
Research answers to questions.
About your target user
About existing products
Learn about the science behind the product

19. Specify Requirements
Be practical – use only needed design requirements.
A good design requirement is not a wish.
Be sure you have the time, money, materials, tools, and knowledge to make it happen.

20. Brainstorm Solutions
Think of all the possible ways to solve your problem
Ask others for ideas
Examine existing solutions
Record pros and cons

21. Choose the Best Solution
Which solution best met your design requirements.
Consider these universal design requirements
Appearance
Strength
Cost
Time and skill required
Safety

22. Do Developmental Work How are you going to make it work? Use Drawings
Models
More research

23. Build a Prototype An operating version of your solution
You may use other materials
Cheaper
Easier to work with
It allows you to test if your solution will work.

24. Test and Redesign Test your solution. Find problems and make changes.
Test your new solution.
You may have to go back to the drawing board several times.

25. What Should My Board Look Like?
Should showcase your work
Problem—Research—Materials
Solution—Developmental work
Show your prototype
Pictures or Item

26. Notebook Your notebook should show all of you work in detail.
Research and materials
Journal of steps taken
Thoughts and drawings
Testing and changes

27. Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook - Waterwheel

28. Parental Assistance
All projects must be the work of the student, however parents may assist students with certain aspects of the project. Parental assistance may include the following:
Parents may help establish the idea of the project.
Parents may help gather materials.
Parents may help by answering questions and guiding students through the scientific method.
Parents may assist with computer generated work for students in grades K-3 only. All graphs, charts, and word-processing must be student generated for projects in grades 4-8.

29. Questions?
Please contact your child’s teacher or one of us at any time you need assistance.
Mrs . Lippe
School phone (951)