Science Fair Information Night

What is the Purpose of a Science Fair? Problem Solving Critical Thinking Students use the scientific method to make predictions, then experiment to collect and record qualitative and quantitative data observations. Students compare, contrast and analyze their data citing the evidence that justifies their claims, explanations and conclusions.

Science Fair Categories Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions Earth Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth or its parts Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms Engineering- The engineering aspects of a specific project, such as development of a product or solution to a problem. Behavioral & Social Science- a science that is concerned with the ways in which people or animals behave

What am I going to do? What is a good idea for my science project? This is the first thing you start thinking about when you hear “Science Fair.” Before you get started, you need to know the difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

Science Experiments vs. Demonstrations An experiment tests at least 2 different materials Example: In which type of soil will a bean plant grow best? A demonstration does not test different materials Examples : Making a volcano Creating an electrical circuit

What Does an Experiment Have? Variable The material that you change, or are testing, is your variable It is the ONLY thing that “varies” or changes Constant(s) Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant” This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions

You can turn a demonstration in to an experiment! turned into an experiment If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you could change it into an experiment by… Testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you could test different types of batteries.

Trials All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 times in order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximize the validity of the test. Each trial should be performed in exactly the same manner and compare the same independent variable.

Experimental Design Approval Forms All projects must be approved by the classroom teacher Experimental Design Approval forms will help keep the student on pace.

Abstract Abstracts must be completed by all 4th and 5th grade students only if they move forward to district level. An abstract is a brief, written discussion of your project. Each abstract consists of a brief statement of the essential, or most important thoughts about the project. Abstracts summarize the main points of an experiment in a clear and simple manner.

Abstract The abstract must be 250 words or less. Abstracts must be displayed with a project. Designated display areas are stated below: Taped on the table in front of project Displayed in a frame (without glass) Mounted as part of it’s own section of the science board. Cannot be attached and covering a section of the board’s information.

Abstract An example has been included in the Science Fair Information Packet Please use your Experimental Design Approval forms to assist in completing your abstract. Points will be deducted if an abstract is not present while being judged.

Science Board Examples

How to Set Up Your Science Board? Introduction Procedure Materials Project Title Problem Hypothesis Data (Graph or Chart Photos etc.) Results Conclusion

Page 8 of Science Fair Information Packet

Science Fair Rules The use of live animals is discouraged but may be approved by the classroom teacher. An experiment may not cause harm or result in the death of an animal.   Your display board must be free standing and fit on the table. There must be no identifying information on the front of the display board, such as your name, teacher’s name, or school name. Please include the following ON THE BACK OF YOUR BOARD: Student name, teacher’s name, school, grade level and category.

Science Fair Rules Only the student conducting the experiment may be shown in any photographs. All others must have a signed photo release form. All photos or graphics must be cited or give credit to the photographer. (ex: Photo was taken by… or Graphic/picture was found on www.iconicdisplays.com)

Science Fair Rules   All graphs or charts must be cited (ex. Graph was created by…using [program] Excel) All experimentation is done at home. Students are allowed to bring any models or items used during the experiment to display in front of their board. Demonstrations cannot be conducted during judging. NO GLASS, MAGNETS, LIQUIDS, BATTERIES, FOOD AND LIVING ORGANISMS ARE ALLOWED TO BE DISPLAYED WITH BOARDS!

What Are Judges Looking For? Page 9 of Science Fair Information Packet

Science Fair Topics Science Fair topics and websites can be found on pgs. 6 and 7 of the Science Fair Information Packet Books on Science Fair topics may also be found at your school or local public library

Important Dates Projects due: September 15, 2017 (1st place classroom winners will advance to campus science fair) Campus Science Fair: September 26 & 28 District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance) November 4, 2017 Location to be determined

Campus Science Fair Coordinator’s Contact Information Mrs. Estrada ajaque03@sisd.net Mrs. Giron sgiron01@sisd.net 937-4100 8:00-8:45 am M-F