Science Fair Informational Meeting

What am I going to do? What is a good idea for my science project? This is usually the first thing that you start thinking about when you hear “Science Fair.” Before you get too excited about an idea, you have to know the difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

Science Experiment … Not a Demonstration Experiment Not a Demonstration An experiment tests at least 2 different materials. Example: In which type of soil will a bean plant grow more? A demonstration doesn’t test different materials. Examples of demonstrations: Making a “volcano.” Creating an electrical circuit.

Variables and Constants “Variable”“Constant” The material that you change, or are testing, is your “variable.” It is the only thing that “varies” or changes. Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant.” This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions.

You can turn a demonstration idea into an experiment. A demonstration ……turned into an experiment If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you can change it into an experiment by… … testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you can test different types of batteries. But you can only change one part of the circuit.

Other Places for Ideas: Science Fair Project Information & Ideas: Science Buddies website – Pick a science topic. Don’t let the science vocabulary scare you. Several easy projects are listed under very scientific names. This site has lots of great ideas and details! projects/science_project_ideas.phphttp:// projects/science_project_ideas.php Science Bob – Nice list of project ideas and other info. Science Fair Adventure Education.com Internet Public Library – This has some great information about the scientific method, steps, and ideas. Some of the links are old, but may be very useful to many of you.

Guidelines All projects must be approved by your resource teacher/Mrs. Bryant Complete a PROJECT PROPOSAL form with a parent signature, and turn it in to your teacher by Tuesday, November 25th. All projects are done by individual students; Group projects will not be approved. Please do not include your name on your project. Projects must be experimental investigations Your project display should be able to stand up on a standard student desktop (the top of a desk is 17 x 23 ½ “-any height is fine). Your display needs to include a clear presentation of all of the steps listed in (4) above. Again, remember not to write your name on your project. Your teacher will assign your project a number. Low-voltage batteries are permitted, but electrical outlets will not be available for project displays. Do not include liquids as part of your display. Valley Oaks Tehachapi will have a science fair display on Wednesday, January 21st. Valley Oaks Bakersfield will host the main event on January 22 nd, 2015.

More guidelines – Scientific Method Projects will include the steps of the scientific method: a question or problem (What are you wondering?) a hypothesis (What do you think you might find if you investigate this?) materials list (How many? What kind? How much? What size?) an explanation of the procedure (What steps will you follow in completing the experiment or investigation?) presentation of data (How can you show what happened after you investigated this? examples: charts, graphs, photographs, written work) a conclusion (What did your data show? What did you learn?)

Scientific Method Step 1 – Problem Problem: This is what you want to discover. It must be a written question. Make sure that you have chosen an actual experiment. Example: “Which brand of paper towels hold the most weight when they are wet?” If you are not comparing something, then it is a demonstration and not an experiment. You have to be able to measure or graph the results. Due Tuesday, November 25 th !

Scientific Method Step 2 – Hypothesis Hypothesis (Prediction): This is what you think the answer will be to your question. It is a statement of your educated guess. Try not to use “I,” “me,” or “my.” Non-example: “I think Bounty will hold more weight than Sparkle.” Example: “Bounty will hold more weight than Sparkle.” Due Tuesday, November 25 th !

Scientific Method Step 3 – Materials Materials: List everything needed for the experiment. Your list should tell how much, how many, what kind, or what size for every item listed. If possible, use metric measurements. Include any instruments used to measure the results. Final project due: Thursday, January 22 nd at 8:30 a.m.

Scientific Method Step 4 – Procedure Procedure: This is a list of numbered steps followed during the experiment. Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my.” Be sure to tell how to set up the materials and what to do. Tell how to measure the results.

Scientific Method Step 5 – Data Data/ Observations: This includes a data table and/or a graph of recorded results. The experiment needs at least 3 trials or samples and should include all measurements and observations. You can also include pictures or photographs.

Scientific Method Step 6 – Conclusion Conclusion: This is a summary stating your findings. Was your hypothesis accepted or rejected? How can this information be useful in the real world? What did you learn?

Judging Criteria 1) Project requirements are met/ includes an accurate conclusion 2) Steps in the procedure are clear, 3) Data gathered is clearly presented, 4) Display is neat and attractive, & 5) Evidence of time/effort & originality

Samples & Questions Sample Science Boards are displayed around the room. Some have excellent ideas. Some show a great way to display the steps for the science project. Some incorporate the data tables & graphs in an amazing way. Some have fantastic conclusions. They may not be perfect in every aspect, but they will provide you with ideas. We will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Enjoy guiding your child in learning through science inquiry!