Welcome to the IHCSScience Fair Parent Night December 1, 2016

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

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

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

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?

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.

Section 3: Research (3 sources) Web sites http://wikipedia.com/wiki/salt.html Books Author, title, publisher, where published, date published. Johns, Mike. Water Experiments. Children’s Press, NY. 2007.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebook - Waterwheel

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.

Questions? Please contact your child’s teacher or one of us at any time you need assistance. Mrs . Lippe clippe@perris.k12.ca.us School phone (951) 657-0723