Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Science Fair
ProjectsYoung Scientists Search
the Unknown…
Oh No! What do I Do?
• What is a Science Project?
• What do I do First?
• How do I choose a topic?
• What’s a experiment?
• What do I do with all the information?
Communication Tools
• Parent Resources:• Science Fair Brochure – Updated 2011• Parent Resource Guide• Science Fair Parent Power point
Importance of Science Projects?
• Allows for a variety of learning styles• Real world application• Hand-on approach to learning• Encourages higher order thinking• Allows students to investigate what they
are interested in• Students are responsible for their own
learning• Cross- curricular
Think of a Science Project
as an extended assignment,
with three distinct phases.
#1 – The Planning PhaseMost detailed part… includes: Journal….journal….journal
• deciding what to do• Doing some research• Forming a hypothesis• Writing the experiment plan
KEY: Keep It Simple!
#2 - The Experimentation Phase
The fun part…includes:• Actually conducting the
experiment• Collecting and recording
the data• Seeing if the hypothesis
was correct
#3 – The Artistic PhaseThe creative part…includes:
• Putting the information on a showboard
• Having an organized plan• Being artistic in creating an
attractive & interesting presentation
Data
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
East
West
North
Materials
Research Paper Optional
Data Logbook
My TitlePurpose
Hypothesis
Procedure:
Variables
Step-by-Step Directions
Graph
Conclusion
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
East
West
North
Results
…In Search of a Topic
http://paintcartoon.blogspot.com/2008_03_16_archive.html
1. What is the temperature on Venus?
2. How does a tree grow?
3. How many raisins are in the most popular brands of cereals?
4. When can I find the most worms in my backyard?
5. How do airplanes fly?
Questions to Ponder…..
6. What is the fastest animal in the world?
7. What plants grow best in the shade?
8. Does air exert pressure?9. How much can a caterpillar
eat in one day?10. How big is the moon?
Questions to Ponder…..
Purpose
Tells why the investigation is being done.
It is written as a statement from the topic question.
Example:
The purpose of this project is to find out…
Hypothesis• Now we will research the topic and find out
some of the secrets under investigation!
• Once this has been conquered then and only then can the Sizzling Scientist reveal what are his/her possible answers to the question being investigated.
• Don’t forget to give your reasons why the results of the experiments will turn out the way you have stated!
Procedure(The Plan)
• Materials
- What materials will you need for your
secret experiment?
- Be sure to list all materials, the
type, and amount (in metric ).
Variables• Manipulated (Independent ) What is being changed in the experiment on purpose. (What you are testing)
• Responding (Dependent) The measurable result of what is being changed
in the experiment. (What you are measuring)
• Held Constant All the things that are kept the same or controlled during the experiment.
Step by Step Directions(The recipe)
• Write them clearly so someone else can follow them.
• Be specific and not too lengthy.• Remember to indicate how many trials are
necessary : Example “Repeat steps 3-6 four more times with each item being tested for a
total of five trials”.
DataThe Dirt-The evidence!
• The Data is kept in a chart or a table.
• All the trials of the experiment must be indicated. (5 or more trials)
• We encourage data collection in Metric units for grades 3-5 ; (K in non-standard, 1st-2nd in Standard units)
• All data must be collected according to the math skills of each grade level
Graphs( a picture of the results)
• It is an organized way to display the data collected during the investigation.
• There are two main types of graphs.
1. Bar Graphs- (most common type of graph)
Displays data that does not occur
in a continuous manner
Ex. (Number of burgers eaten)
2. Line Graphs- Displays data that occurs in a
continuous manner
Ex. (Growth of a plant over a controlled period of time)
05
101520253035404550
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
Plant A
Plant B
Plant C
Results
• Write paragraph or a short list of the results from your experiments.
• You are not analyzing just yet-just listing!
Conclusion(Summary)
• The analysis of the data as it relates to the original hypothesis. It should include:
- Whether or not your data supports your hypothesis.
- A description of any problems.
- What would you do differently next time?
Showboard • Advertise your project
using a Showboard!• Make it colorful• Use a creative title-
It
doesn’t have to be
a question.• Make sure the
components are placed in order-they should flow (check out the layout)
Requirements
• All projects must have a Data Log
- The log should be in the form of a notebook or tablet showing evidence of student work throughout investigation period. - All entries in the log should have dates for each part of the project. - Logs may be hand-written or typed.
Example: 11/3/10 Today I chose my topic. My topic is…The purpose of my project is…
11/8/10 I researched my topic and wrote my hypothesis. My hypothesis is…
Extra! Extra!
‘Research’ All About It!• A Research Paper may be
included and placed in a separate Research Folder.
• Extra data, photos, and information may be included in the Research Folder.
…Science is Everywhere!
http://www.pickinsplinters.com/2009/10/08/open-thread-thursday-october-8th-2009/#comment-7264
School Entries
Class ProjectsClass Projects
ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL
K - 2: 1 per grade
Individual ProjectsIndividual Projects
ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL
3 - 5: 2 per grade
Small Group ProjectsSmall Group Projects
ENTRIES ALLOWEDPER SCHOOL
3 - 5: 4 per school and 1 additional project*
from an exceptional education group may
be included per school
Original presentation Created By: Yvonne Rotolo 2009 Adapted for use by Elementary Science Department, Fall 2010
For More Information Contact:
•Shana Tirado•Elementary Science Supervisor•[email protected]
•Barb Brightman•Elementary Science DRT•[email protected]
•Jonathan Gerlach•Elementary Science DRT for Title I Schools•[email protected]
