The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

 Ms. McGlauflin: 5th Grade Science Teacher  5 th Grade Website: Check here AND your child’s planner OFTEN for updates to Science Fair requirements and due dates (they may change as we move along. 5thgradeortega.weebly.com

 Helps to extend a student’s understanding of science.  Science is hands-on by nature, and Science Fair helps to facilitate the learning process.  Emphasizes the scientific method, students are using the same steps that professional scientists use.  Encourages development of critical thinking skills.  Science projects make science more fun and relevant to the student.  Great way to spark a student’s interest in science or to help a student develop a broader interest in research.

 Topic Approval Form due by Friday, October 9 (the sooner you get it in to be approved, the sooner you can start your research)  See Assignments & Due Dates sheet for all project due dates.  FINAL Science Fair Project BOARDS Due to School: Tuesday, DECEMBER 1 st.  Viewing Projects Date (Exhibit Night): Thursday, December 10, 2015  District Science Fair: January 27-28, 2016 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center (6 projects)

 Assignments and Due Dates Sheet  Science Fair Guidelines  Do’s and Don’ts  Some Resources (There are LOTS more out there) Be Careful That You DO NOT Copy Someone’s Project!  Display Board Guidelines, Hints & Rubric DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THIS UNTIL EXPERIMENT IS COMPLETE! More info will come to the students as we move through the process!!!

 A successful scientist uses the Scientific Method in order to conduct investigations.  This includes: - forming a question to investigate - researching the topic - forming a hypothesis - designing an experiment - conducting experiment - forming a conclusion based on your data - sharing your results (display board)

Selected Topic A. Student What is my interest? B. Parent Will I be able to help? C. Teacher Is the project on level?

 What are my interests?  What would I like to learn about?  Do I have a question about something?  Where to look for topics? BRAINSTORM & ? PROCESS Science Fair books Internet Teacher  Does my project meet the rule requirements?

 Should I help with the selected topic?  Does the selected project meet the rule requirements?  Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow?  Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on time?  Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher?  How should I help with research, project assignments and display board?

 Your child’s teacher will review the topic proposal and make sure that it meets the requirements.  Your child’s teacher will also ask:  Is the project at the student’s ability level?  Is there parent approval? Page MUST be signed.  Your child’s teacher will provide you with a timeline of due dates for particular pieces of the science fair project (in packet).  DUE DATE FOR TOPIC APPROVAL: OCT 8 th (or sooner).

 This also goes on your TOPIC APPROVAL FORM  This is a sentence or question about the problem you are interested in investigating.  You must be able to plan a testable experiment (a cause and effect relationship).  Identify your independent and dependent variables.  A parent must sign this form before approval. See “Choosing a Topic” & “Topics to Avoid” Handout.

 The journal starts when your project is approved.  ALL assignments are kept in the journal.  Do not decorate the cover until the end.  Each new entry must be dated.  This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed-the Display Board is typed.  ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded.  Remember all measurements are metric.

RESEARCH about Project BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic

 Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. ◦ Research your topic in books and online. ◦ Make notes as you do the research. ◦ Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words. ◦ Research notes are handwritten in journal. ◦ You are to have a minimum of 2 research questions and 2 sources for each question. ◦ You must list your sources on the Research Form and in the correct format.

 A hypothesis is a statement of what you predict will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done.  Do not start with “I think.”  Written as “If _______ then________ because, ________________. Example: "If a plant receives fertilizer, then it will grow to be bigger than a plant that does not receive fertilizer, because fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil.”

Materials List: ALL materials and amounts needed in order to conduct the experiment. Be Specific: Procedure: Step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use metric system. Data Tables: Prepare Data Tables needed for data collection. Identify ALL Variables and if there is a Control Group

During the Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results Analyze Data: What do my results show & what have I learned from the results?

 The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times or set up at least 3 trials.  This is done in order to prove the results as true.

 This is a paragraph that states what did happen during the experiment, BASED ON YOUR DATA.  You also use the conclusion to state whether your hypothesis was supported or not supported, and compare and contrast your different trials.  What did you learn from the experiment?

 What could the results be used for?  What could be tested next?  How could I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment?  How will I use what I have learned?  How could others use the information I have gained from the experiment?

Start by choosing a topic! (This can be is the hardest part) Use the Choosing a Topic handout to help guide you through the process. Once your topic is approved, RESEARCH next….and then follow the steps & due dates given by your teacher along the way.

Remember: This is a STUDENT project!

 =lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMItuyY7eqbyAI VS14eCh3oSANG&biw=1708&bih=821&dpr=0.8 =lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMItuyY7eqbyAI VS14eCh3oSANG&biw=1708&bih=821&dpr=0.8 Use the internet for IDEAS….but BE CREATIVE and MAKE IT YOUR OWN. DO NOT COPY!!! Follow display board guidelines in your packet! Google 5 th grade science fair and go to images: