Megan Cope ElementaryScience Fair 2015-2016

February 4, 20166:00-7:00 PM

MPR

Agenda• Participation & Benefits• Scientific Method• Demonstration vs. Experiment• How and When to start• Help & Resources

Participation Requirements• K-3rd Grade Students• Students are encouraged to do a project, but

participation is voluntary• Demonstration or Experimental projects are OK

• 4th & 5th Grade Students• All 4th & 5th grade students must do an Experimental

project• Not all projects are entered into the science fair

• Every classroom will do a Science Fair project.

Benefits of Science Fair Project• Encourages students to explore areas of special

interest

• Helps teach students managements skills:• Organizing activities, Preparation of materials, Adherence

to timeline, etc.

• Inspires students towards science oriented careers

• Opportunity to demonstrate work to peers, parents, and teachers

Agenda• Participation & Benefits

• Scientific Method• Demonstration vs. Experiment• How and When to start• Help & Resources

Scientific Method1. State the problem

2. Research the Question

3. Form a Hypothesis

4. Define Experiment Procedure

5. Perform Experiment

6. Organize & Interpret data

7. Conclusion

8. Abstract

The scientific method is a way of working on a problem using a series of related steps:

1. State the Problem as a question Ex: Which liquid has the highest density: water, oil, or corn syrup?

2. Research the QuestionInternet, encyclopedias, expert interviews, prior knowledge etc.

Scientific Method

3. Form a Hypothesis - a statement expressing your opinion about the question.Ex: I believe that the experiment will demonstrate that oil has the highest density when comparing water, oil, and corn syrup.

4. Experimental Procedure1. Describe how you will do the experiment (procedure)2. What you will need to do this experiment (materials)3. Identify control (standard) and the variables

Scientific Method

5. Procedure - Do your experimentBe sure to collect data, take notes on your observations, keep a journal, and try to conduct no less than 3 trials.

6. Organize and Interpret DataTurn your data into charts, or graphs to explain your results.

Scientific Method

7. Conclusion Tell whether your experiment proved or disproved your hypothesis.

8. AbstractShort summary of what you did and found out.

Scientific Method

Agenda• Participation & Benefits• Scientific Method

• Demonstration vs. Experiment• How and When to start• Help & Resources

A demonstration shows how something works or happens, it is not a test!

•Examples:• Volcano• Colored Celery • Floating eggs with salt

•K-3 demonstrations will be judged at the school. They do no go to district.

An experiment poses a question that is being tested. It can prove a hypothesis true or false.

•Examples:• Can radish plants grow in

the dark?• Does the amount of air in a

basketball affect how high it will bounce?

• Does music affect blood pressure?

Demonstration vs. Experiment

Agenda• Participation & Benefits• Scientific Method• Demonstration vs. Experiment

• How and When to start• Help & Resources

• Choosing a topic:• Pick a topic that interests your child. If he/she

likes what he/she is working on, the project will progress more smoothly.

• If you cannot decide on a topic, your child can find books on science fair projects. In addition, there are many helpful online websites.

How to Start

• Now! – Fourth and fifth grade students should be starting their projects today!

• January 22st – Project due to classroom teacher (see classroom teacher for exact date)

• January 22rd – All Science Fair projects are due for judging

• February 4th – Megan Cope Science Fair

When to start

Agenda• Participation & Benefits• Scientific Method• Demonstration vs. Experiment• How and When to start

• Help & Resources

1. Classroom teacher2. Science Fair Coordinator: Mrs. Gallagher & Miss Lee3. Science Board Workshop* (MPR):

November 19, 2015: 5:30-7:00 PM – To help you plan and start your projects! Science Boards

will be available for purchase - $3 (sold @: the front office, Room 704 and 705).

4. After School Help* (Room 704 & 705):November 30th-December 3rd , 2015: 3:30-4:30 PM – Conduct research and find information for your topic. Work

on your board and layout. *Student transportation must be provided by parents.

Help & Resources