Is participating in a Science Fair worth all of the trouble? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Purpose of the HMS Science Fair For Students: Satisfies a natural scientific curiosity. Practice using appropriate tools to gather and analyze data. Gain organizational and planning skills. Gain self-confidence and satisfaction in becoming an expert in a field of scientific investigation. Possible recognition, money, scholarship, and preparation for scientific careers.

Purpose of the HMS Science Fair For Teachers: Meets NC Curriculum Standards. Integrates reading, writing, math and computer skills. Incorporates life-long learning skills; skills necessary for employment. Pride in students success and accomplishments.

Science Fair CentralEXCELLENT Science Fair Buddies Project Guide--EXCELLENT projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=Tab Science Fair Project Center Science Stuff Do Science Great Websites!

Great Websites! (Continued) Science Fair Projects Scifair.org Research: Internet Public LibraryScience Fair Resource Guide Graphing: Kids Zone (Learning with NCES) ult.aspx Bibliography Citations: Citation Machine

What should be on my display board? On the LEFT SIDE: List of Materials Procedure Data (Tables & Graphs)

What should be on my display board? In the CENTER: Title Problem (Written as a question.) Purpose Hypothesis (MUST be in an If _____, then_____. Statement) Variables (Independent, Dependent, Constant & Control)

What should be on my display board? On the RIGHT SIDE: Analysis Draw Conclusions Background Research Bibliography

Project Display Goals: Include ALL parts of the Scientific Method. Describe your research to the judge. Clear and concise information. Capture the judges attention while communicating your experiment.

Project Display DOs: 1.Include ALL parts of the Scientific Method (as defined earlier). 2.Place each part of the Scientific Method in the CORRECT location on the display board. 3.Keep your titles clear and easy to read. 4.Be specific in EVERY part. 5.Include PHOTOGRAPHS of your child conducting the experiment. (Be sure to include a caption.) 6.Include reference materials & your data log (opened up in front of the project for judges easy access).

Project Display DONTs: 1.Have your name showing. (You will be disqualified.) 2.Bring your project props. (THESE NEED TO STAY AT HOME.) 3.Have spelling errors. 4.Assume the reader knows what you are talking about (BE SPECIFIC!).

Tips for Students When you believe you are finished, ask yourself: Does it include every required part of the Scientific Method? Did I label all of my charts, graphs & photographs? How does the overall display lookare there empty spaces? Can you read my titles from 3 feet away? Do I have any spelling or grammatical errors? Do I have a last minute repair kit in case something needs fixing at the last minute?

Tips for Parents Give encouragement, support and guidance on completing the project. This includes: Reinforcing the main goal of the project (strengthening higher level thinking skills). Helping your child plan a mutually agreed upon timeline that prevents last-minute frustrations. Helping your child locate supplies for experiment and presentation. Providing transportation for after school help and/or to the public library. Taking photographs of your child conducting the experiment.

When Will We Do Research at School? Sept. 26 – 30 Oct Science Fair Ideas Researched in HMS Media Center – 3 idea Form turned in by Friday with First Choice Circled (2 days per class) Research in HMS Media Center (1 day per class)

When Can I Begin My Science Fair Experiment? When the teacher has approved your experiment

DATES TO KNOW: Oct. 3Project Topic Decided Oct. 3 - Dec. 4ExperimentationData Collection Dec Data Analysis & Drawing Conclusions Dec. 12 – 16Backboards Due for Peer Editing Dec. 19 – 20 Drafts of Research Checked Winter Break Editing Project Mistakes Jan. 2 – 6 Research Papers Presented Jan. 9 Board Turned in with Research Jan. 10 – 13 Class Presentations of Projects Science Fair Open House will be: Tuesday, Jan. 17 (6-7pm)

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