Science Fair Ready, Set, Go!

Timeline and Dates Jefferson County Schools has formed a partnership with the Appalachian Electric Cooperative for the Science Fair. February 11-14  Local Elementary School Science Fairs February 19 Jefferson County 5th Grade County-Wide Science Fair

Projects will be judged between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. SCHEDULE FOR COUNTY-WIDE ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR DATE: FEBRUARY 19 LOCATION: DANDRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Projects must be in place at Dandridge Elementary School Library by 12:00 NOON on the 19. Each school may send one representative for each fifth grade classroom. Students may come from any of the classrooms. Projects will be judged between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. Students will be present at their project by 4:00 to talk to the judges about their project. Awards ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. Students participating in the county-wide fair will be treated to a “Pizza Party” before the ceremony sponsored by Appalachian Electric Cooperative. All projects MUST be removed from the library immediately following the

Encourage Students and Parents to Utilize the Web Page

Role of the Teacher You are an advisor. Recognize the need for active student involvement. Respect student ideas and help steer them in the correct direction. Praise and encourage students. Advise students of resources available.

Tips for the Students A Science Fair project is an investigation – not a demonstration. There is a question that must be answered. If they have a demonstration in mind, help them to alter the thought process to asking a question: What is in _______? Why does this happen? Can I do this a better way? How does temperature change the behavior?

Components of a Project Question or Problem Hypothesis – If – then format Methods Materials Results – drawings, pictures, graphs, tables Conclusion DO NOT use I, we, you!

Variables The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. In an experiment there is only one independent variable. The dependent variable changes in response to the change the scientist. Experiments also have controlled variables. There should be a Control. No experimental treatment is applied. Constants are conditions that remain the same for all parts of the experiment, such as measuring the water, always by a window, same position in the room, etc.

Top to bottom and left to right. Display Board Arrange information so that it is easy to read and flows in a logical order. Top to bottom and left to right.

No living or dead organisms in the display (plants or animals). Examples No living or dead organisms in the display (plants or animals).

Sample Materials List ( From Science Buddies) CD player & a CD (low drain device) Three identical flashlights (medium drain device) Camera flash (high drain device) AA size Duracell and Energizer batteries AA size of a "heavy-duty" (non-alkaline) battery (I used Panasonic) Voltmeter & a AA battery holder Kitchen timer

Sample Procedure ( From Science Buddies) Number each battery so you can tell them apart. Measure each battery's voltage by using the voltmeter. Put the same battery into one of the devices and turn it on. Let the device run for thirty minutes before measuring its voltage again. (Record the voltage in a table every time it is measured.) Repeat #4 until the battery is at 0.9 volts or until the device stops. Do steps 1–5 again, three trials for each brand of battery in each experimental group. For the camera flash push the flash button every 30 seconds and measure the voltage every 5 minutes. For the flashlights rotate each battery brand so each one has a turn in each flashlight. For the CD player repeat the same song at the same volume throughout the tests.

Fifth Grade Science Fair Judging Rubric Jefferson County Schools Project Title: Total Points: IMPRESSIVE ADEQUATE MINIMAL Part I: SCIENTIFIC PROCEDURE Clear and Specific Questions 5 4 3 2 1 Clear and Specific Hypothesis Complete & Thorough Method (step by step) Complete & Thorough Data (logs, graphs, tables, photos, etc.) Conclusion Supported by Data Conclusion Relevant to Hypothesis Part II: ORIGINALITY Original Topic or Approach Part III: SIMPLICITY Appropriate Materials and Construction Overall Clarity of Project Comments & Suggestions:

Board Titles INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND PROBLEM HYPOTHESIS PROCEDURE DATA Print on Card Stock Select the color needed Use Rubber Cement Use a paper cutter INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND PROBLEM HYPOTHESIS PROCEDURE DATA RESULTS MATERIALS CONCLUSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS