Upper Academy Science Fair Parent Workshop Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center October 2, 2014 Mrs. Inguanzo-Perez & Mrs. Leon

Purpose The Science Fair gives students the opportunity to apply the scientific method learned in school to explore Science beyond the classroom. The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to answer a question: Problem Hypothesis Test (Experiment) Results Conclusion

Assignments A schedule of assignments outlines the due dates for every assignment. Students will receive a grade for each assignment as well as a grade at the end for the completed project, report, and presentation. Assignments will be graded using a District-based Rubric. We encourage parents to guide and assist their children with the project, but allow them to do most of the work on their own!

Problem Statement Select a topic from an accredited website and then it must be approved by the science teacher before proceeding with the project. The problem statement is written in the form of a question. A good topic can be investigated (tested) and contains variables. A poor topic is merely a demonstration or is too general.

Background Information Research information on the topic by reading: Books, Magazine articles, Internet articles, Interviewing someone knowledgeable about the topic, After researching the information, write 3 paragraphs that summarize the information that was found. Students CANNOT turn in copies of the articles. They must summarize the information in their own words.

Bibliography Make a list of all the references used for the Background Information. Students MUST use the correct format: Located in Science Fair handbook Students should have at least 3 different resources (i.e. interview, website, magazine).

Title Middle School Science Fair Title Title must be in the following format: The effect of (the test variable) on (the outcome variable). Example: The effect of the brand of paper towel on the amount of water that is absorbed.

Hypothesis The student will predict what is going to be the results of the investigation. The hypothesis should not be changed if it is incorrect. The hypothesis is just an educated guess. Must be stated using “if” and “then” statement. Example: “If Brawny, Viva, and Bounty paper towels are tested for their absorbency, then Bounty will absorb the most water.

Materials List all of the materials used to conduct the investigation. The size and quantity MUST be included. Measurements MUST be written using metric units (i.e. cm, mL, g).

Procedures List the steps taken to conduct the investigation. Each step must begin with an action verb. Do not use words such as “I” or “me”. Must be written in the form of instructions as though someone were going to follow them.

Variables These are all the factors that affect the investigation. There are three types of variables: Test Variable: what changes, Outcome Variable: what happens by itself, Variables Held Constant: what stays the same. The variables MUST be placed on the display board.

Data Students will gather information during the investigation. Data MUST be quantifiable (numerical data). Students may keep a log of their information that includes specific details of the progress of the project (include dates, measurements, etc…). The information MUST be displayed in a graph.

Results Students will write what happened at the end of their investigation. Results must be quantifiable.

Conclusion Middle School Science Fair Conclusion Ask yourself these questions before writing your conclusion: What was investigated? Was the hypothesis supported or not supported by the data? What were the major findings? How did your findings compare with other researchers? What possible explanations can you offer for your findings? What recommendations do you have for further study and for improving the experiment? What are some possible applications of the experiment? *This information will be written in a paragraph form.

Abstract Summary of the entire project. Students do not include any new information. They just put together the different components that have already been completed in the previous sections. The abstract MUST be on the display board in the lower left hand corner (District Science fair Guidelines).

Middle School Abstract The abstract consists of three paragraphs: Purpose of the Experiment An introductory statement of the reason for investigating the topic of the project. A statement of the problem or hypothesis being studied. Procedures Used A summarization of the key points and an overview of how the investigation was conducted. An abstract does not give details about the materials used unless it greatly influenced the procedure or had to be developed to do the investigation. An abstract should only include procedures done by the student. Work done by a mentor (such as surgical procedures) or work done prior to student involvement must not be included. Observation/Data/Results This section should provide key results that lead directly to the conclusions you have drawn. It should not give too many details about the results nor include tables or graphs. Conclusions Conclusions from the investigation should be described briefly. The summary paragraph should reflect on the process and possibly state some applications and extensions of the investigation. No more than 250 words.

Display Board

Oral Presentation During the week of November 24, 2014, that the Display Tri-fold Board is due, students will be required to present their projects orally to the class. It is important that students follow the guidelines in the handbook to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this assignment. Students MUST NOT read the information from the board. They need to address their classmates and maintain eye contact to demonstrate their knowledge of their project.

Exhibit for Parents Parents are invited to view the Science Fair projects in their child’s homeroom on Wednesday, December 3rd from 2:20pm – 3:15pm.

District Deadline for Secondary Projects The top three Middle School Projects chosen to be part of the District Science Fair must turn in their project to Miami-Dade College North by December 8, 2014. Teachers will give these students more information as we come closer to the due date.

*HOT OFF THE PRESS* Science Fair Rules and Guidelines (p. 5 in the District Science Fair Handbook)   Only individual projects are allowed. Only two types of projects may be entered into the District Fair. They are a scientific investigation or an invention. Projects must fit in one of the 11 science fair project category criteria listed in the Science Fair handbook. No mold growth or bacteria projects are allowed. No use of vertebrate animals is allowed except for human observational projects. No use of prescription drugs, harmful, or illegal substances are allowed.  Grocery items (i.e., baking soda, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, etc.) are appropriate. Project display boards must follow safety guidelines listed in this handbook. Projects must be approved by the classroom teacher or a science fair committee.

Questions / Comments The Science Fair Student Handbook is available on our website: http://ebt.dadeschools.net Thank you for supporting your child to ensure their success in our Science Fair!