1. Science Fair Success A Five Step Guide To Making
Science Fair An Enjoyable Experience
For Teachers, Students, and Families
The following Power Point was presented at the Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair Coordinators Meeting, August 13, 2010 Science Symposium, at Lake Worth High School.

2. Purpose of Science Fair
Problem Solving
Student will use the scientific method - make predictions, observe, experiment, and collect data to and finds answers to their own questions about the world around them.
Critical Thinking
Student compare, contrast, analyze and graph data to understand basic patterns, sequences, and cycles that occur in nature or their physical world.
Purpose of Science Fair
The purpose of science fair is to involve students in problem solving and critical thinking using the science process skills. Science fair is not just another project or assignment in science class; it is a special event. Like all events in school, science fair is exciting, challenging, and should also be rewarding for the students who participate. The goal is to produce a high quality display board showing the science process skills the student uses to solve a science inquiry. All of the process skills involved in science fair are Strand H Benchmarks or Big Ideas on The Nature of Science found in Florida Sunshine State Standards. All are annually assessed in the Nature of Science Cluster of the Grade 5 Science FCAT. (See yellow 2004 D.O.E. Science Scores Reports.) To help teachers, students, and families be more successful in the science fair the School District of Palm Beach County has developed the 2010 Elementary School Mathematics and Science Fair Handbook.

3. SCIENCE FAIR GRADE 5 BENCHMARKS
SC.H.1.2.1
SC.H.1.2.2
SC.H.1.2.4
SC.H.1.2.6
SC.H.2.2.1
SC.H.3.2.1
Science Fair Benchmarks
These are the Intermediate Strand H: Nature of Science Benchmarks a student learns when he or she does a science fair project. The student …
SC.H – keeps accurate records and descriptions to provide clues on causes of discrepancies in repeated experiments.
SC.H – knows a successful model to explore the natural world is to observe, record, analyze, and communicate results.
SC.H – knows to compare and contrast observations is an essential skill in science.
SC.H PBC – knows that acceptable safety procedures should be followed when manipulating laboratory equipment and materials.
SC.H – knows that natural events are often predictable and logical.
SC.H – knows people invent tools to solve problems and do work that affects aspects of life outside of science.
SC.H – knows that data are collected and interpreted in order to explain an event or concept.
SC.H – knows that through the use of scientific processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and form new ideas.
There are many other benchmarks and big ideas that are potential topics for science fair projects.
SC.H.3.2.2
SC.H.3.2.4

4. Five Steps to Science Fair Success

5. 1. Model The Process
Presents the scientific method of inquiry as the process of science fair investigation.
Focuses on the steps involved in completing a science fair project board.
Gives students and families a sample of what a complete science fair project should look like.
Unifies all participants in the same situation with the same expectations.
Step 1. Modeling The Process

6. Sink or Float School Model
Model Science Fair Project - Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

7. Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

8. Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

9. 3-5 Surf and Sand TE
Model 3-5 Math Fair Project - Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

10. 3-5 Surf and Sand PE
Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

11. 3-5 Surf and Sand
Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

12. 3-5 Surf and Sand TE
Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

13. K-2 Surf and Sand
Model K-2 Math/Science Project - Available on the District Elementary Science Webpage.

14. 2. Parent Involvement
Explain the purpose, expectations, and student’s responsibilities in the school fair.
Give families a calendar with assignments, due dates, and a schedule of fair events.
Outline the limits of family involvement.
Provide families with instruction and guidelines to help their children.
Give families the project board criteria and explain how students qualify for the District fair.
Step 2. Keep Families In The Loop
Proper communication is important for a successful school fair experience. Because the majority of individual projects will be completed by the student at home, families need to be informed how to assist their children with science fair. The school’s Math and Science Fair Committee is responsible for selecting and approving what, when, where, and how this communication takes place. The 2011Elementary School Mathematics and Science Fair Handbook will help the committee make key communication decisions. Like informing students and parents of …
The District Fair Calendar of Events, p. 2
Support and Guidance, p. 9
Family Assistance, p. 10
Helpful Hints for Students, p. 11
Competition Rules, p
Safety and Security Rules, p.14
and Sample Project Ideas
Keeping parents “in-the-loop” of communication can range from print material sent home from school to holding a parent meeting that explains the components of a science fair project and outlines limits of parental involvement. Again these school-based decisions are the responsibility of your school’s Math and Science Fair Committee.

15. 3. Help Your Students
Take time to complete Inquiry Think Sheets after every class investigation.
Help the students select a “testable” project ideas and discuss project topics.
Have students write a draft of their procedure.
Check project procedures for safety.
Teach students the process and critical thinking skills they need to complete their projects.
Provide instructional and material support to students as needed and monitor their progress.
Step 3. Assisting Students
The school’s Science Fair Coordinating Teacher and/or Science Fair Committee should provide some of the pages form the 2010 Handbook to all participating grade-level teachers. Teachers should review some with their student’s and send others home to their parents or guardians. Some pages to consider are …
Choosing a Project, pp. 7-8
Helpful Student Hints, p. 11
Competition Rules, pp
Safety and Security Rules, p14
Topics for Math Fair Projects, p.23
Topics for Science Fair Projects, pp 24-25
Sample Mathematics Project, p.32
Sample Science Project, p.34
Judging Criteria, p. 27

16. Use Words Properly
Effect (noun) – describes a result, as in “the cause and the effect in an investigation or experiment.
Affect (verb) – describes an influence on or action, such as “How greenhouse gases affects global warming.”
Investigation - a procedure carried out to gather data about and object or event.
Experiment – a procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis.
variable – a factor that has more than one condition, like size -large or small, or temperature, hot or cold
control – a factor that remains constant throughout the experimental trials.
Understanding Terms
One important way teachers should assist students is by checking their use of science terms in the descriptions they write on their project display boards (and/or research papers). Teachers should know that many of the judges at both school and district science fairs are retired educators, college professors, and community professionals. It is therefore important to make sure that spelling, grammar, and words are used correctly. Student projects should be edited by the teacher for correct punctuation, spelling, grammar, and use of words before being submitted for judging. It is not appropriate to submit projects that are unedited, incorrect, or incomplete. Likewise it is not appropriate to submit projects that violate the rules and regulations in the District Fair Handbook.

17. 4. Keep It Safe, Simple
Predict what you think will happen (hypothesis).
Identify the experimental variables and controls.
Get your procedure approved before starting.
Use science tools, take measurements, make careful qualitative and quantitative observations.
Use your notebook to record all data.
Repeat your entire experiment 3 times.
Graph any data to compare and contrast results.
Use claims and evidence to write your conclusions.
Write your project up on a presentation board.
Step 4. Keep It Simple and Steady
It is important to remember the purpose of science fair is “to engage students independently in the scientific processes.” By posting Step 4. Keep It Safe and Simple, teachers can help students “stay focused” reminding them “it’s the science process that is important.”
More explanations for each step
Students should write down their hypothesis (prediction) before experimenting.
2. Students should identify all the variables in their experiment. A variable is any factor that can change, or have more than one outcome in an experiment. In every experiment the student should control all the variable factors that can change except the ones they are testing in their hypothesis. A control is any variable that “stays the same” or “does not change” in an experiment. Independent variables should be controlled, dependant variables should be “free to change” based on what the experiment is testing.
3. Teachers should review all student experimental procedures for safety before the students start experimenting.
4. Teachers should help students learn how to use measuring tools properly to make accurate observations.
5. Students should write their observations and data in a their notebook or a log. Recording qualitative an quantitative data.
6. Students should repeat their entire experiment three (3) times to confirm their results.
7. Students should graph their results. Placing the independent variable data on the horizontal axis and dependant variable data on the vertical axis of a graph.
8. Students should re visit their hypothesis and explain what claims can be made and show the evidence that supports their claims.
9. Students then should organize, write and display the steps of their project – the hypothesis, experiment, data, and conclusions on a display board.

18. 5. Celebrate Your Success!
Hold a school fair.
Invite judges from the community.
Use the handbook judging form.
Reward the best projects with ribbons.
Acknowledge all participants with certificates.
Register school winners in the District Fair.
Plan a field trip to the District Science Fair.
Sponsor an Activity Table at the Fair.
Step 5. Celebrate Success!
The information in the 2011 Handbook will help the school’s Math and Science Fair Committee plan a successful School Fair.
Information about “ Competition Rules, Judging, Security and Safety.” Information about “Judges, Scoring Forms”
and “How To Set Up a School Fair.”
Supporting students can range from loaning measuring tools for collecting data at home to offering after-school assistance through science clubs, tutorials programs and other support groups that provide additional assistance and supervision to students in need. The type of additional support your school provides is at the discretion of your school’s science fair committee.

19. DON’T FORGET!
Plan ahead and schedule your School’s Science Fair three (3) weeks before the District Fair so your winning students & school can participate.
Read the District Fair Rules and Regulations carefully and use the same criteria for your School Fair.
Complete your “Intent to Participate” online survey to register your school, host an “Activity Table”, or “Plan a Student Field Trip” to the District Mathematics and Science Fair.
In the online 2011 Handbook you will find important dates and copies of all the forms you will need to participate in the District Fair. A District Fair Calendar of Events (important dates) and the Intent to Participate Online Survey Link.

20. The Palm Beach County School District’s Elementary Mathematics and Science Fair

21. Talk About The Fair
HISTORY
The first Elementary Math Fair in Palm Beach County began in November, 1988 at the Old Wellington Commons Mall. 7 Elementary schools participated from the western area schools. Every year the number of participating schools increased.
In 1997, the Fair out grew the Wellington Mall and moved to the South Florida Fairgrounds and became the District Mathematics Fair.
In 2001, both the math and the science curriculum program planners united to include science in the District Elementary Fair Competition.

22. Special Awards
Aviation Award sponsored by Flight Safety International, WPB, offering a first, second and third pace award ribbon for the best project about flight or flight safety. The first place winner receives instruction in a flight simulator at Flight Safety, International.
Green Earth Award, sponsored by the Palm Beach County Science Educators’ Association, WPB, offering a first, second and third place award ribbon for projects about reducing, reusing or recycling materials. All winners will also receive an Environmental Children’s Literature books.
Physical Science Award, sponsored by Up-N-Running Machinery, Performance Industries, Inc. Offering a first, second and third place award ribbon for project about simple machines, electrical or mechanical engineering. All winners also receive a cash award.

23. Bibliography
Science Fair Handbook by Anthony D. Fredericks and Isaac Asimov. Old Year Books, Glenview, IL. ISBN X
Science Fair Handbook by Stephen C. Blume. Merrill Publishing, Columbus, OH. ISBN X
Science Fair Workshop by Marcia J. Daab. Fearon Teachers Aids, Simon & Schuster Supplemental Education Group. ISBN
Science Fairs Plus an NSTA Press Journals Collection. NSTA Press, Arlington, VAISBN
Researched and Complied by Tom Medcalf, K-5 Science Resource Teacher Curriculum Development and School Improvement, of the Palm Beach County School District. West Palm Beach, FL.

24. SC.H.1.2.1
The student knows that it is important to keep accurate records and descriptions to provide information and clues on causes of discrepancies in repeated experimentations. (AA: MC)

25. SC.H.1.2.2
The student knows that a successful method to explore the natural world is to observe and record and then analyze and communicate the results. (AA: MC)

26. SC.H.1.2.4
The student knows that to compare and contrast observations and results is an essential skill in science. (AA: MC)

27. SC.H P.B.C.
The student knows that proper safety precautions should be followed during scientific investigations. (Essential whenever students are engaged in investigating or experimenting.)

28. SC.H.2.2.1
The student knows that natural events are often predictable and logical. (CS:MC)

29. SC.H.3.2.1
The student understands that people, alone or in groups, invent new tools to solve problems and do work that affects aspects of life outside of science. (AA: MC)

30. SC.H.3.2.2
The student knows that data is collected and interpreted in order to explain an event or concept. (AA: MC)

31. SC.H.3.2.4
The student knows that through the use of the science processes and knowledge, people can solve problems, make decisions, and from new ideas. (AA: MC)