1. Parent’s Survival Guideto
Science Fair

2. Purpose of Science Fair
To assess student understanding of the scientific method
This is a summative assessment and is graded like a test.
To demonstrate communication skills.
To learn that there can be differing solutions to the same problems.

3. Dates to Remember November 23, 2015 December 16, 2015 January 23, 2016
Power Point Presentation due
December 16, 2015
Washington Jr High & Academy Science Fair.
January 23, 2016
District 86 Science Fair
January 19, 2016
Research papers are due

4. Experimental Topics & Requirements
All Washington Students are required to do a science fair project.
Partners are will not be allowed
Must include 3 trials & 3 variations of IV
All science fair projects must be presented to the student’s science class as a Power Point Slide Presentation.
Power points will be converted to a tri-fold display by student if chosen to participate in the district science fair.

5. Experimental Topics & Requirements
Projects may NOT include
animals of any kind (this include humans!)
Explosives and/or hazardous materials
Questions must show a Cause & Effect relationship
Must be objectively measureable with clearly defined endpoints.
Have only one Independent Variable and one Dependent variable.

6. Engineering Projects
Students in 7th & 8th grade may chose to do an Engineering Design Project
Students must have passed the variables test on the first try to use this option.
Separate grading rubric
Found on my website: mskehoe.weebly.com.
Students will be required to build and test an actual prototype to meet design criteria.

7. Science Reference Guide
Must be completed in its entirety
Include parent initials as components are completed.
Must Include a diagram
Drawings or photographs are acceptable
Students will only receive one copy: extras are not available!

8. Project Timeline
Science fair components will be checked for completion using the following timeline.
Component
Due Date
Question
Oct 16
Research Note Cards
Oct 26
Hypothesis
Materials & Procedure
Data Table & Graph
Nov 9
Results & Conclusion
Nov. 16

9. District Grading Rubric
All students will be graded according to the Joliet 86 Junior High Scoring Sheet
Students can print a copy from my website
mskehoe.weebly.com
Students will be chosen by science teacher to attend the Washington Science Fair
Only 7th & 8th grade students will be
eligible to move onto the Illinois
Regional Science Fair.

10. Research Paper Should not be started until January
Needs to be 3-5 pages
Typed
Double spaced/ 12 Font Times New Roman
Must be in students own words
Include a bibliography
5 sources: at least 2 must be from books. The rest can be reliable internet sources.

11. Parental Involvement Let them Shine! Let your kids be in charge.
Ask if they need help and respect their wishes if they say no.
Give them suggestions and understand if they don’t take them.
Allow students to write things in their words
Allow them to present their PowerPoint to you while you go through the rubric.
Let them Shine!