1. RES Science Fair 2016

2. The purpose of the annual science fair is for every child to experience the joy and learning that comes from a scientific discovery.

3. Who may participate? All students (K-5 th ) may participate in the Science Fair. All 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade students are required to do a project. Only 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade students projects are eligible for judging and advancing to the Austin Regional Science Fair.

4. Dates Projects are due on Tuesday, January 19 Projects are invited to be judged: – Tuesday or Wednesday (January 19-20) – Judging acceptance forms are due back by 7:45 a.m. Thursday, January 21 Projects will be displayed/judged on Thursday, January 21 Open House on Thursday, January 21 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Austin Regional Science Fair is on February 20, 2016

5. Kindergarten-2 nd Grade – projects may be on any topic – may be completed individually or as a team or group – Following the “rules” are encouraged as practice for when they reach 3 rd grade 3 rd -5 th Grades – All projects should be experiments – all projects are to follow the rules of the fair including size/space and use of approved items

6. – 1 st think about what you enjoy: Sports, music, books, games, etc. – 2 nd come up with a question: Which ball is best, what causes the different sounds, could that have really happened?, what’s the chances of me winning every time, etc. – 3 rd think about what you could do to answer that question and you have your project idea! Choosing a Project

7. Judging All projects 3 rd -5 th will be eligible to be judged. Each teacher will choose the 5 best/qualified projects from their class These students will receive an invitational packet to participate in the judging portion of the fair with the possibility of advancing to the Regional Fair. Their packet must be completed and returned prior to the judging in order to advance.

8. Basics for every project: Your name is not anywhere on the front of the board or on any display items. (put your name and your teacher’s name on the back of your project) Photos are encouraged but should not have full face views of you. Profile, bent head, distance, etc. are ok. Use a full-size tri-fold board. The project, and accompanying items, should not be in excess of 15” deep, 48” wide, and 72” high.

9. Required steps to your project: Title Problem—ask a testable question or state a problem. Definitions—include even if you think everyone knows them (example: dog—a domesticated 4-legged mammal) Hypothesis—your prediction of what you think will happen and/or the goal of your experiment. Background information—written research information (an abbreviated section should be on your board and a spiral or folder of more extensive information should be laid in front of your project)

10. Continued: Materials—list all the items used in the experiment Procedure—describe the steps of the experiment Results—what happened/how it turned out. Include tables and graphs. Conclusion—answer the problem/question and was your hypothesis correct? References and Acknowledgments: – References: credit all sources of your research (must include some besides the internet!) – Acknowledgements: thank everyone that assisted. (Examples: Thanks to mom for typing and helping me with organization. Thanks to Sue for helping me measure.)

11. Parents are encouraged to be involved: Help the child think through what they enjoy and how an experiment could come from their interests. Provide materials Assist with organization, typing (exactly what the student has hand written!) Encouragement and enthusiasm

12. Bring a Display item Check what’s allowed and it must fit within the size limits. Make it neat and pretty! Make it well organized and attractive so that it grabs the attention of who’s looking at it and is easily understood.

13. Do not bring or attach any of these items: No organisms; living, dead or preserved (plants or animals) No human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine, hair) No human or animal food No liquids – laboratory/household chemicals including water No poisons, drugs, controlled or hazardous substances No sharp items (for example: syringes, needles, pipettes, knives, tacks, nails) No glass or glass objects unless encased or an integral and necessary part of a commercial product (for example, a computer screen) No pressurized tanks or containers No batteries with open top cells (so that battery acid can be seen) No dirt, soil, gravel, rocks, sand, waste products, etc.

14. Do not do a project that involves any of these: No project, device, activity or substance that may be deemed hazardous to student health or safety No photographs or pictures of animals or people in surgical techniques, dissections or necropsies. No project involving Bacteria or mold No project causing pain or suffering to an animal. No weapons of any type

16. Examples