OHE Science Fair 2009OHE Science Fair 2009

Wayne Branagh (PTA)

(wbranagh@gmail.com)

AgendaAgenda

Important datesParticipantsScientific methodExhibitsQuestions?

Important Dates - 2009Important Dates - 2009

Nov. 16 – Projects turned in / Class presentations Nov. 18 – Set up in cafeteria/gym Nov. 19 – Projects open to the public / Awards Nov. 20 – Projects are returned to students

Feb 26-27, 2010 – Top 20 entries - Austin Energy regional

science fair

ParticipantsParticipants

Participation is mandatory for all 4th grade students

4th and 5th grade students are required to do an experiment

2nd and 3rd grade can do an experiment, model/demonstration.

PreK-1st can also do a collection

What is an experiment?What is an experiment?

A way to answer questions by:

– Gathering evidence (measurements / observations) under controlled conditions and using this evidence to prove or disprove an idea.

Application of the scientific method

Scientific MethodScientific Method

1. Question / Problem statement

2. Hypothesis

3. Procedure

4. Analysis/Interpretation

5. Conclusion

+ Acknowledgements

1. Problem Statement1. Problem Statement

What question are you trying to answer? Good questions are specific with only a few

factors that can be well controlled.

– “How can I make plants grow faster?” (Too broad)– “Does the amount of light affect how fast tomato plants

grow?” (Better).

If a question is too broad, it will be hard to produce reliable results.

How to find a problem?How to find a problem?

Your imagination and experienceWhat interests you? Hobbies? Plants?

Animals? Baseball? Video games?Internet

2. Hypothesis2. Hypothesis

What do you think will happen? It’s OK to have an incorrect hypothesis. E.g.:

– “I think soda will shoot up more when a Mentos is added to it than when a sugar cube is added.”

– “I think the more water a tomato plant gets, the faster it will grow.”

– “I think red candles will burn faster than white candles.”

3. Procedure3. Procedure

The steps you took to answer your question. – What equipment/material you used– Steps needed to perform your experiment– The variables/factors that affect your experiment

Independent variable – (“I change” variable) Dependent variable – What changed as a result of you

changing the IV. This is what you measure to get your results.

– Should be at least 3 trials and a calculated average– Data

Observations / measurements Graphs and pictures

The Effect of Different Amounts of Sunlight on Plant Growth

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Full Sun Partial sun No sun

Ave

rag

e n

um

ber

of

live

pla

nts

aft

er 2

w

eeks

x 3 trials !

4. Analysis / Interpretation4. Analysis / Interpretation

Discuss the resultsWhat did you learn from them? Try to explain them.

5. Conclusion5. Conclusion

Describe specific results and how they supported/did not support your hypothesis.

Also: – Any new discoveries you made– What other factors/problems could have

affected your experiment. – Any ideas/new questions that might have come

up

6. Acknowledgements6. Acknowledgements

Science is incrementalIt’s important to recognize any help you

receive– Help setting up the experiment or using tools – Sources of pictures/information (references)

Sample LayoutSample Layout

On sale from PTA ($5 - at cost) – See Ily

General Rules for ExhibitsGeneral Rules for Exhibits

See science fair packet for complete list

No live plants/animals or parts there of No chemicals, food, combustible material No high powered lasers/weapons/high pressure or

voltage systems or radioactivity.

*But* - Do show pictures of experiments in progress!!!

Class PresentationClass Presentation

Present your experiment and results to your class

Most importantlyMost importantly

Have fun!

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Clipart: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/categor

y/scie.html http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Web_Design/Cli

part/Science/index.htm http://classroomclipart.com

Content: Mrs. Osio

Questions?Questions?