The purpose of a science and art fair is for students to have an authentic learning experience while showcasing their talents to the school and community.

Picking a project topic… - -AN EXPERIMENT “Which Paper Towel is more Absorbent? “ “How does the color of a material affect the absorption of heat?” - Keep in mind this is not a model, display, or collection. ” Tornado in a Bottle” “The Solar System” “Type of Rocks” - -Each project should take you through the steps in the SCIENTIFIC METHOD.

- a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

**Write about what you learned and how it applies to the real world.**  -Find a problem and ask a question  -Research the problem  -Make a Hypothesis (Predict what may happen based on what you know)  -Experiment to see if you were right  -Compile proof by recording data from doing your experiment several times, NOT ONCE.  -Organize data in graphs and tables  -Form a conclusion and check to see if hypothesis was supported or not supported

This step is where you become an EXPERT at your topic  -Read magazine articles, encyclopedias, books from the library, and articles on the internet.  -Keep track of all books and articles you read.  -Discuss it with your parents and then write your hypothesis.  EX. Problem: Which Paper Towel is more absorbent?  EX. Hypothesis: I think Brand X will be more absorbent because it’s a more popular brand, it is thicker, and the people I interviewed said that the more expensive brands would work better.

 Keep a science journal  Have the right tools  Tables, charts, and diagrams  Be neat  Use the right graph for your experiment. Ex. Pie graph, bar graph, line graph( There is nothing worse than a bad graph)

- After experimenting and collecting data, tell us what happened. Was your hypothesis right, wrong, or neither? Were you successful? Did it turn out okay? Would you change anything next time? TELL WHAT YOU LEARNED DOING THIS. -Write about how this experiment can be used in a real life situation. Why was it important to know about?

-Use a computer to type out information if you can. -Use only one or two types of fonts. -Use spray adhesive or glue stick to paste. -Mount white paper, pictures, graphs, and tables on colored paper to form a border.

1. One science entry per student. Students can choose to do one science and one art project. 2. Adults can help and be involved to gather materials, supervise experiment, and help build the display; however, the project should be the students’ work. 3. Experiments are recommended over models. 4. Do not do the experiment live. It should be done several times during the scientific method and results recorded. 5. Displays must be on display boards or can be made with cardboard. Dimensions: 100 cm in height, 180 cm in length and 75 cm deep. They must stand alone. 6. Be respectful of all participants work and the adults involved in the fair…especially the judges. 7. Each student that participates will receive a ribbon and additional ribbons will be given out to 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd place in each category.

 Clearly stated title, purpose, and hypothesis  In depth report on science topic  Procedures and materials stated thoroughly  Clearly stated variables and controls  Measurable data (3 or more trials tested)  Effective analysis of data (graphs, charts, and tables)  Well elaborated conclusion  Real life connections shown  Display followed guidelines

 Internet Public Library  Science Fair Idea Exchange  Cyber-Fair  Try Science  Science Fair Project Guidebook  If you would like to write down any of these websites, feel free to do so after the meeting.

- Painting (may use tempera paints, watercolors, acrylic paints, etc) -Drawing (may use crayons, pastels, markers, colored pencils) -Sculpture (pottery and ceramics will be included in this category) -Photography

 All artwork must be created in  Must be original (No store bought kits)  Must be appropriate for public viewing (No political or commercial statements)  Paper or canvas used cannot be larger than  11” x 17”  Photographs may not exceed 8x10.

* Needs to be one page in length*  Artwork must be accompanied by the artist’s statement (typed or handwritten) which explains the following:  Purpose for doing the project  How the project developed  How you planned for the project  The process of doing the project

Clearly label artwork using a 3x5 index card. Print the following: -Name of the piece -Artist’s name -Grade -Homeroom -Category -Media used (crayons, markers, paint, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, etc). -For photography, just list what type of camera you used

 Make your artwork neat! Presentation is the key. Artwork doesn’t have to be framed, but it would make your project look nice and finished. Also, an inexpensive art easel would help you easily display your project!  Be creative- your artwork should be unique, original, and display your personal style!  – hundreds of art lessons and examples are listed and updated daily

 The Science and Art Fair will be April 24 th, and projects need to be completed and at the school by 7:30 A.M. on that day.  Parental support is important in this fair, but make sure the project reflects the work of the student.  Fill out a registration card for your child before leaving tonight.  Projects will be available for viewing by the parents after school at a time specified later on the 24 th. Parents are not allowed in the gym during judging.