Science Fair Training

Science Fair Present Scientific Method slides containing information on a display board Exhibit the experiment with the display board Parents are encouraged to assist children but are asked to maintain the role of assistant only. If parents type the display board information, they should have children dictate the information as it is being typed. Construction paper or colored paper should be used behind all display board items to give a neat, organized, and creative effect. Students are expected to use these Scientific Method slides in the given order for continuity on the display boards as it is helpful to judges. Students may change the theme of the slides to make their presentations more unique or creative. Remember that the Science Fair should be a fun method of learning and is intended to help in preparing students for the STAAR test.

Science Fair Project without your name for the display board Type/write your project title here. Put your assigned number without your name for the display board

QUESTION Type/write your question here. (This is the question that your experiment answers.)

Materials Type/write a detailed list of the items you need to complete your experiments. Be specific about the amounts used.

Procedure List all of the steps used in completing your experiment. Remember to number your steps. If possible, add photos of your experiments. Photos must NOT show the student. At least three trials must be completed.

Research Summarize your research here in five or more bullet points: Do not give more than ten points, however. State FABULOUSLY INTERESTING Facts that help the reader understand how your project works! You must use at least three sources of information. One source must be an encyclopedia. You must be able to explain in your own words any facts that you show. In other words, do not put in information that you do not understand. 1st bullet point 2nd bullet point 3rd bullet point 4th bullet point 5th bullet point

Hypothesis What do you think the result of your experiment will show? It is okay if you are incorrect.

Variables Controlled variables: These are the things that are kept the same throughout your experiments. Independent variable: The ONE variable that you purposely change and test. For example, a plant experiment would use the type of plant, size of container, amount of water, and amount of sunlight would serve as the control variables while the type of soil may be the independent variable that changes.

Data/Observations It is easier to understand the data (information) if it is put into a table or graph. Draw a table/graph or create one in a software package such as PowerPoint or Microsoft Excel. Make sure all data (information) is clearly labeled.

Conclusion Type/write a brief summary here of your discovery based on the results of the experiment. Indicate whether or not the data (information) supports the hypothesis and EXPLAIN WHY OR WHY NOT.

Bibliography Be sure to list books, magazines, encyclopedias, and Internet sources that you used. Put them in alphabetical order.

Presentation Students will be expected to stand beside their projects on Parent Night and during Science class period as visitors tour the exhibits. The students’ behavior while presenting their information will be included in the grade for the Science Fair. Students are expected to look visitors in the eye, shake their hands, and speak loudly and clearly in response to questions about the projects. The students’ grades will be determined by Mrs. Hagood and will not be influenced by judges decisions. Scoring will be based on how well students meet the criteria.

Unacceptable Projects Remember that the experiment must prove a hypothesis and cannot be a model of how something works or a report on another person’s research . For example, students cannot actually go into outer space to research how plants grow; therefore, a project of this type would be a research activity. Also a volcano could be created to show chemical reactions with research on that area but should not be presented as an experiment on how a volcano works. Vinegar and baking soda are not materials found in lava and cannot be utilized as an experiment on Earth processes where a variable is used to prove a volcanic theory hypothesis.

Science Fair Ideas http://school.discoveryeducation.com www.stevespanglerscience.com Sciencebob.com

Remember to Follow Safety Procedures Students should wear safety glasses. Do not taste anything unless it is approved by a responsible adult. Wear protective clothing if needed. Avoid using dangerous materials or fire/heat unless supervised by a responsible adult. Use good judgment and common sense at all times.

Judging Sheet Judges should score projects within a range of 1 to 5 Judging Sheet Judges should score projects within a range of 1 to 5. Consider a 1 to be very low, a 2 is close to meeting the expectation, 3 should reflect that the student did what was expected. A 4 will be above average with a 5 being a superior rating. If possible, it will be appreciated if scores are totaled. Title Page includes Number & Tchr.___________________ Question_________________ Materials _________________________________________ Procedure- detailed steps of experiment__________________ Research (Must have 5 facts)__________________________ Variables _________________________________________ Controlled variable- is the step/material that stays the same Independent variable- is the step/material that changes. Hypothesis –What student thinks will happen______________ Data/Observations – In graph or table form________________ Conclusion- What they discovered__ _____________________ Bibliography- Where information was found ________________ Neat -Board has slides displayed with construction paper backing and is neatly arranged__________________________________ Of Superior Quality (Bonus Points)_______________________ Creative display -(Bonus Points)____________________________ Total ____________ Project Number ___________________ Project Title ______________________ Judge Number ____________________

Student With Display Board and Experiment