Elementary Science Fair Projects The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

Introductions and Contact Information Ms. Fish: 5th Grade Science Teacher fishs@duvalschools.org 5th Grade Website: Check here AND your child’s planner OFTEN for updates to Science Fair requirements and due dates (they may change as we move along. 5thgradeortega.weebly.com

Why Science Fair? Helps to extend a student’s understanding of science. Science is hands-on by nature, and Science Fair helps to facilitate the learning process. Emphasizes the scientific method, students are using the same steps that professional scientists use. Encourages development of critical thinking skills. Science projects make science more fun and relevant to the student. Great way to spark a student’s interest in science or to help a student develop a broader interest in research.

Important Dates To Remember Topic Approval Form due by Friday, October 7 (the sooner you get it in to be approved, the sooner you can start your research) See Assignments & Due Dates sheet for all project due dates. FINAL Science Fair Project BOARDS Due to School: Wednesday November 30th. District Science Fair: January 31-February 2, 2017 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center (6 projects) Remember not all students go to the RSEF on Jan. 30th- I take the top 10 projects to it

What’s in the Information Packet? Assignments and Due Dates Sheet Science Fair Guidelines Do’s and Don’ts Some Resources (There are LOTS more out there) Be Careful That You DO NOT Copy Someone’s Project! Display Board Guidelines, Hints & Rubric DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THIS UNTIL EXPERIMENT IS COMPLETE! More info will come to the students as we move through the process!!!

The Scientific Process A successful scientist uses the Scientific Method in order to conduct investigations. This includes: - forming a question to investigate - researching the topic - forming a hypothesis - designing an experiment - conducting experiment - forming a conclusion based on your data - sharing your results (display board)

Step 1 – Select a Topic Selected Topic A. Student What is my interest? B. Parent Will I be able to help? Selected Topic C. Teacher Is the project on level?

Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Where to look for topics? BRAINSTORM & ? PROCESS Science Fair books Internet Teacher Does my project meet the rule requirements?

Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent Should I help with the selected topic? Does the selected project meet the rule requirements? Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow? Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on time? Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher? How should I help with research, project assignments and display board?

Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher Your child’s teacher will review the topic proposal and make sure that it meets the requirements. Your child’s teacher will also ask: Is the project at the student’s ability level? Is there parent approval? Page MUST be signed. Your child’s teacher will provide you with a timeline of due dates for particular pieces of the science fair project (in packet).

Science Fair Journal (white book) – REQUIRED (100 points) The journal starts when your project is approved. ALL assignments are kept in the journal. Do not decorate the cover until the end. Each new entry must be dated. This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed-the Display Board is typed. ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded. Remember all measurements are metric.

Step 2: Problem Statement and Testable Question The Problem Statement: a sentence or two about the reason you chose this topic; and a sentence or two about what you want to find out. You must be able to plan a testable question with a cause and effect relationship (How does ____ affect ______.) This is on pg. 2 of your white book—write neatly!!

Step 3 Collect Background Information: RESEARCH BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers RESEARCH about Project INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic

Research Goes in Science Fair Journal Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. Research your topic in books and online. Make notes as you do the research. Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words. Research notes are handwritten in journal. You are to have a minimum of 2 research questions and 2 sources. Write your questions on pg 3; and site your sources and take notes on pg 4-7 (some of those can be left blank).

Step 4: Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement of what you predict will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done. Do not start with “I think.” Written as “If ___ then___ because, ______. This is written on pg 8 or the white book. Example: "If a plant receives fertilizer, then it will grow to be bigger than a plant that does not receive fertilizer, because fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil.”

Step 5 : Design an Experiment Identify ALL Variables and if there is a Control Group (pg 9) Procedure: Step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use metric system. (pg 11-12) Materials List: ALL materials and amounts needed in order to conduct the experiment. Be Specific: (pg 10) Data Tables: Prepare Data Tables needed for data collection.(pg 13-14)

Step 6 : During Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results During the Experiment Analyze Data: What do my results show & what have I learned from the results?

Step 7 : Repeat the Experiment The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times or set up at least 3 trials. This is done in order to prove the results as true, and is reflected in the data collection tables and graphs. (pg 16) You may want to take pictures (no faces, no names, no “Ortega” reference.)

Step 8: Drawing A Conclusion This is a paragraph that states what did happen during the experiment, BASED ON YOUR DATA. You also use the conclusion to state whether your hypothesis was supported or not supported. Explain what you learned and what your results could mean for the “real world”.

Step 9: Abstract This is a summary of the entire project. 1st paragraph: Purpose of the experiment. 2nd paragraph: Procedures 3rd paragraph: results and how you could have improved your project.

Remember: This is a STUDENT project! Don’t Let This Be You! Remember: This is a STUDENT project!

Display Board Ideas? Use the internet for IDEAS….but BE CREATIVE and MAKE IT YOUR OWN. DO NOT COPY!!! Follow display board guidelines in your packet! Google 5th grade science fair and go to images: https://www.google.com/search?q=science+fair+5th+grade&source =lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMItuyY7eqbyAI VS14eCh3oSANG&biw=1708&bih=821&dpr=0.8

Last year’s Ortega Winner: