Science Fair Workshop I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."... Thomas Edison

What is Science Fair? The scientific method is followed to answer a question or solve a problem through experimentation. This project is shared with other students and the community at a middle school science fair.

Science Fair Can I work in groups? No, all projects are done independently. How will I be graded? All students at Orefield and Springhouse will receive the same evaluation rubrics. These rubrics are located in the Science Fair Guide which is online. Due to the marking period schedule changes, the weight of the science fair grade will be one half of the fourth marking period grade. What are the available choices? There are two options to present your project- an oral presentation and a display board. Can I participate in an outside competition? Any student in a G/HP class may choose to participate in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition. Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Fair

Choosing A Topic You should choose something that you personally care about. Try to avoid “canned” science fair activities on the internet. Use the library. Use the internet as an idea generator and information resource. Topic idea web sites and science fair information can be found at: parklandsciencefair.org.

What is not allowed? Students may not work with bacteria or fungus growth unless they are working in a supervised laboratory facility. Projects where safety is a concern. Projects which work with only one animal, such as a pet dog. Projects using prescription medications. No blood or bodily fluids.

Science Fair Guide This year, the Science Fair Guide will be located on parklandsciencefair.org If you do not have internet access, please notify your teacher and a hard copy of the guide will be given to your student. The guide gives all directions to complete a successful project. It also includes the rubrics that will be used for judging.

The Choices! Display Board Oral Presentation

Choices-Display Board Display Board Follow the scientific method to create a visual display board. Keep a log book Respond to interview questions Display boards are the responsibility of the student. The Science Fair Guide will provide guidelines.

Where Do I Get the Display Board? The OMS & SMS school stores may be selling display boards and headings. The headings are in red, blue and black. The boards come in colors as well as white. Have your child check with the store in advance. They are also available at A.C. Moore, Staples, area stores.

Oral Presentation Students use a PowerPoint program to create a 10 minute presentation A log book is required. Students present to a pair of teachers. PowerPoint MUST be saved on the share drive at school. You will be presenting digitally this year. No need for transparencies.

Optional Science Fair Competition PJAS- Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Registration, forms and application with essay, NO late entries. Grade requirement, A or B in all core subjects until competition. Prepare a 10 minute oral PowerPoint presentation. You will present digitally at Easton. (Some students may need transparencies at the state level.) Transparencies will need to be provided by parents. Parents are responsible for transportation to Easton High School on February 28 th.

PJAS- Penn State Competition Any student winning first place at the regional competition at Easton H.S. and has completed an application, essay and maintained grades in core subject areas is eligible to compete at Penn Sate, main campus. Three day event, May 17th, 18th,19th, Transportation is provided from PHS Students stay in dorms. No college students on campus at this time. Students are supervised –One adult/5 students. There is a fee for participation. ($170.) Parkland School District offers scholarships to those in need. Contact your school PJAS coordinator, Dianne Haberstroh at

Lehigh Science and Engineering Fair Outside competition evening on March 13 th and morning on March 14 th Very prestigious, one winner in each category. Can advance to Delaware Valley Science Fair- a competition between PA, Delaware and NJ Special Awards and Cash prizes At the high school level, national competitions.

Science Fair Work/Practice Sessions  Please listen for announcements for times in which History Day research time is available after school. Science Fair participants are also welcome to join. Mrs. Holdridge is usually there to provide assistance. Located in the library.  We will offer “Work/Practice Sessions” after school to prepare for science fair and PJAS. These sessions will be held in Jan.-Feb. Specific dates will be announced in early January.  Work sessions are for any science fair related work.

How Will I Know When Everything is Due? Am I a Mind Reader? You will receive a timeline of due dates. Keep in mind that Orefield and Springhouse will conduct their School Science Fair on Feb. 18 th, 19 th and 20th, with Parent Night on Feb. 19 th from 7:00-8:30. PJAS is Feb. 28th at Easton High School. The PJAS State Competition will be on May 17 th, 18 th, 19 th Lehigh Science and Engineering Fair is March 14 th, set up March 13 th.

How Much Should Parents Help? Help with things like: Due dates Materials needed Safety issues Logbook reminders Time management Spelling and grammar checks

What Happens Now? Parents need to sign the Science Fair Parent form. Visit the website, parklandsciencefair.org You may begin your topic selection and begin research. By the end of October students will be required to decide on whether they wish to participate in the PJAS competition. By Nov. – Research plan, forms are due and paperwork if participating in outside competitions. Please see your timeline for due dates.

Contact Information Ms. Dianne Haberstroh, OMS ext