1. Science Fair Information Night

2. What is the Purpose of a Science Fair?
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Students use the scientific method to make predictions, then experiment to collect and record qualitative and quantitative data observations.
Students compare, contrast and analyze their data citing the evidence that justifies their claims, explanations and conclusions.

3. Science Fair Categories
Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions
Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth and the study of the environment.
Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms
Engineering- Combines mathematics, science and technology in order to produce creative solutions to real world problems.
Behavioral & Social Science - Systematic analysis and investigations of human and other animal behavior.

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

5. Science Experiments vs. Demonstrations
An experiment tests at least 2 different materials
Example:
In which type of soil will a bean plant grow best?
A demonstration does not test different materials
Examples :
Making a volcano
Creating an electrical circuit

6. What Does an Experiment Have?
Variable
The material that you change, or are testing, is your variable
It is the ONLY thing that “varies” or changes
Constant(s)
Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant”
This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions

7. You can turn a demonstration in to an experiment!
turned into an experiment
If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you could change it into an experiment by…
Testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you could test different types of batteries.

8. Trials
All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 times in order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximize the validity of the test.
Each trial should be performed in exactly the same manner and compare the same independent variable.

9. Experimental Design Approval Forms
All projects must be approved by the classroom teacher
Experimental Design Approval forms will help keep the student on pace.

10. Abstract Abstracts must be completed by all 4th and 5th grade students
An abstract is a brief, written discussion of your project in 250 words or less.
Each abstract consists of a brief statement of the essential, or most important thoughts about the project. Abstracts summarize the main points of an experiment in a clear and simple manner.

11. Abstract
An example has been included in the Science Fair Information Packet
Please use your Experimental Design Approval forms to assist in completing your abstract.

12. Science Board Examples

13. How to Set Up Your Science Board?
Introduction
Procedure
Materials
Project Title
Problem
Hypothesis
Data (Graph or Chart Photos etc.)
Results
Conclusion

14. Science Fair Topics
Science Fair topics and websites can be found on pg. 6 of the Science Fair Information Packet
Science Buddies

15. Page 7 of Science Fair Information Packet

16. Science Fair Rules
The use of live animals is discouraged but may be approved by the classroom teacher. An experiment may not cause harm or result in the death of an animal.
Your display board must be free standing and fit on the table.
Please include the following ON THE BACK OF YOUR BOARD: Student name, teacher’s name, school, grade level and category.

17. Science Fair Rules
Only the student conducting the experiment may be shown in any photographs. All others must have a signed photo release form.
All photos or graphics must be cited or give credit to the photographer. (ex: Photo was taken by… or Graphic/picture was found on

18. Science Fair Rules
All graphs or charts must be cited (ex. Graph was created by…using [program] Excel)
Students WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to bring any models or items used during their experiment to display in front of their boards
The items on. pg. 7 of the Science Fair Information Packet MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED ON THE BOARD.

19. What Are Judges Looking For?
Page 8 of Science Fair Information Packet

20. Important Dates Projects due: Campus Science Fair:
District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance)
November 4, 2016
Mission Ridge Elementary School

21. Campus Science Fair Coordinator’s Contact Information