1. Science fair overview –8th grade
Eq:

2. Givens
All students enrolled in 8th grade Gifted or Advanced Science are required to complete a science fair project
Science Fair projects will be graded and entered as a project grade. (10% of your grade)
If you do not want to participate, you will need to make a schedule change today!
Failure to complete a science fair project will result in a lower grade in science, and could possibly result in the dismissal from the Gifted/Advanced Science program.
Failure to complete a project will be taken into consideration when making your HS Course recommendation
All students will present their projects to their class as part of their class science fair
The projects judged to be the best examples of scientific study will then be sent the Douglas County Schools Science Fair in January 2019, from which winners will move on to the Regional Science Fair.
Regional front-runners are then invited to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Georgia in Athens (Spring 2019).

3. Procedures
This year will be different. We will not be conducting a mock science fair project as a class.
My reasoning is two-fold:
we need to conserve time so as to complete the 8th grade curriculum before GMAS testing in the spring
last year, the 7th graders were very successful in completing their science fair projects and do not need an intensive review.
with the assistance from several sources, each student will be selecting a topic to explore by August 24
Most of the work will be completed in class, with the exception of the actual experimentation and the creation of a trifold board to display the findings. (September-December)
Most students will complete their experimentation at home, while others may need to use an outside resource such as a ball field or a specialized lab. (September –December)

4. Timeline
Science fair Fridays --- every other Friday -- tomorrow through November 30
Individually complete each phase of the science fair process in class under my guidance, with the exception of experimentation and trifold board creation
See timeline for details
Topics due by Friday, August 24
Friday, November 9 – Science fair end-game ---- Plan to be here!
MOnday, December Science Fair projects are due
Monday, December 17 and Tuesday, December 18 – Project presentations
Same format as last year!

5. Frequently asked questions
Q: How will I select a topic to be explored?
A: 8th graders will be given the freedom to explore a topic of their choice
Possible inspiration sites: Pinterest, Science Buddies --- BE CAREFUL!!!
These sites are for inspiration only! Plagiarism will be dealt with seriously
Q: What are the limitations when choosing a topic?
A: Nothing dangerous, illegal or unethical. This includes any topic that uses most vertebrate animals in any way. I will review topics to avoid tomorrow

6. Frequently asked questions
Q: Where will my project be completed?
A: With the exception of data collection (experimentation) and display board design*, work will be completed in class. I have designated every other Friday in the 1st semester as “Science Fair Friday”.
On those days, you will be allowed to work on the different sections of their project, with me present as a guide. Wise use of time will result in little out of class work on the project.
*I cannot offer data collection (experimentation) time in class as each students’ project will be unique.
All data collection must be done outside of class time.
I cannot offer class time for display board creation due to lack of space.
Therefore, students will create their display board at home.

7. Frequently asked questions
Q: What will I need to turn in as part of my final project?
A: You will be required to submit the following: a log book that shows the progress you made as you researched, experimented, analyzed and then formed a conclusion, as well as a trifold display board that summarizes your project.
Q: What materials will I need to purchase?
A: Everyone will need to purchase a black-and-white composition book, a black ink pen, a trifold display board and any materials necessary to carry out their research.
If you need help procuring any of these materials, please contact me as soon as possible! I will help you obtain any necessary materials so that your child can maximize their success.

8. Frequently asked questions
Q: When is my project due?
A: The final product is due on Monday, DECEMBER 10, 2018.
Q: May i do the same project I did in a previous year?
A: No. If you would like to do an extension of a previous years’ project, you must: (1) notify their sponsor (me), (2) fill out paperwork explaining how he/she plans to extend, vs. replicate earlier research, (3) test NEW variables (not just increase sample size) and (4) do NEW research on NEW variables

9. Frequently asked questions
Q: To what extent should my parents be involved in my project?
A: Parent involvement may be necessary to some degree. You may need assistance with transportation to a library, lab, or store to purchase materials. however, parents are discouraged from supplying assistance with experimentation.
Q: What if I was not enrolled in gifted/Advanced Science in 7th grade at FMS?
A: You will be ok! I will review the basics for each section as they are completed in class. I will also be on-hand to assist you if you have further questions

10. Next steps
Take this sheet home, share it with your parent(s), get it signed, return tomorrow (Project grade category task)
Bring in a black and white composition notebook to use tomorrow in class (project grade category task)
Tomorrow --- 1st science fair Friday
Science fair topics to avoid
Topic approval sheets sent home (due back by Friday, august 24)
Return log books from 7th grade
Set up log books