Science Fair Parent Workshop Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center Lower Academy (Grades 3-5)

Purpose  The Science Fair Project 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. The scientific method includes: Problem Hypothesis Test (Experiment) Results Conclusions

Rules and Guidelines 1. Only individual projects are allowed. 2. No mold growth or bacteria projects are allowed. 3. No use of vertebrae animals is allowed. 4. No use of prescription drugs, harmful or illegal substances are allowed. 5. Projects must be approved by the classroom teacher.

Project Assignments  A timeline outlines the due dates for each project assignment.  Students will receive a grade for each project assignment, as well as a grade for the completed project and oral presentation.  Project assignments will be graded using a 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.  The problem statement is written in the form of a question, e.g. Do all brands of paper towel absorb water at the same rate?  A good topic can be investigated (tested) and contains variables.  A poor topic is merely a demonstration (model) or is too general.  The problem statement must be approved by the teacher before beginning the project.

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 a paragraph that summarizes the information that was found.  Students cannot turn in copies of 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 bibliographic format that is in the Science Fair Handbook.  Students should have a minimum of 3 different references.

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”, “then” statement. Example: If Brawny, Viva, and Bounty paper towels are tested for their absorbency, then Bounty will absorb the most water.

Materials  List (in column form) all of the materials used to conduct the investigation  The size and quantity must be included.  Measurements must be written in metric units.

Procedures  List the steps taken to conduct the experiment.  Each step must begin with an action verb.  Do not use words such as “I” or “me”.  Include quantities or amounts  Must be written in the form of instructions (numbered) as though someone were going to follow them, like a recipe.

Variables  These are all the factors that affect the investigation.  There are three types of variables:  Independent/Manipulated Variable (Test Variable): changed on purpose;  Dependent/Responding Variable: reacts or changes by itself in response to the test;  Constant Variable: stays the same.

Data  Students will gather information during the investigation.  Data needs to be quantifiable (measurable), using metric units.  Students must keep a Data Log of their information that includes specific details of the progress of the project (include dates, measurements, etc…).  The data must be displayed in a graph.  Take pictures during the experiment (no faces in photos).

Results  Students will write what happened at the end of their investigation.  Results must be quantifiable, using metric units.

Conclusion  Students will write about the results of the investigation  Elementary School Science Fair Conclusion  Ask yourself these questions before writing your conclusion 1.Did I get the results I expected to get? If not – how were the results different? 2.Were there any unexpected problems or occurrences that may have affected the results of my investigation? 3.Did I collect sufficient data? Were there enough trials? Samples?

Title  Pick a title that tells what the project is about.  Should catch the viewer’s attention.  The title is not the same as the problem statement.

Abstract  Summary of the entire project.  Students do not include any new information. The abstract consists of the different components that have already been completed in the previous sections.

Abstract  The Abstract consists of three paragraphs:  Paragraph 1: Purpose and Hypothesis  Paragraph 2: Procedures  Paragraph 3: Results and Conclusion  No more than 150 words

Oral Presentation  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.

Helpful Science Websites    /plkids_7.htm /plkids_7.htm 

Thank you for supporting your child to ensure their success in our annual Science Fair!