Encouraging Students to Learn & Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Like Scientists….Think Like Scientists….

The Positive Science FairThe Positive Science FairExperienceExperience

PresenterPresenter

David W. Helm, Science SpecialistDavid W. Helm, Science Specialistdavid.helm@fayette.kyschools.usdavid.helm@fayette.kyschools.us

859-699-1437859-699-1437

Project SelectionProject Selection

Work with your child to select a topic Work with your child to select a topic interesting to them (e.g., paper airplanes)interesting to them (e.g., paper airplanes)

Ask, “What does the topic do?”Ask, “What does the topic do?”Q: “What do paper airplanes do?”Q: “What do paper airplanes do?”

A: “They fly!!!”A: “They fly!!!”

Project SelectionProject Selection

Q: “How do I change what paper airplanes Q: “How do I change what paper airplanes do?”do?”

A: “Perhaps I can change the mass of the A: “Perhaps I can change the mass of the plane?”plane?”

So now you have your experimental question!So now you have your experimental question!

““Does changing the mass of a paper airplane Does changing the mass of a paper airplane effect how far it flies?”effect how far it flies?”

Variable IdentificationVariable Identification

Independent Variable : The variable Independent Variable : The variable changed by the experimenter.changed by the experimenter.

Mass of the paper airplaneMass of the paper airplane

Dependent Variable: The variable Dependent Variable: The variable that changes as a result of IV change that changes as a result of IV change (the change which is measured)(the change which is measured)

The distance the plane fliesThe distance the plane flies

Variable IdentificationVariable Identification

Controlled Variables – things that Controlled Variables – things that might change but shouldn’t because might change but shouldn’t because they might effect the results; they might effect the results; sometimes referred to as constants.sometimes referred to as constants.

Type of paperType of paper Airplane shapeAirplane shapeLaunch styleLaunch styleWinds aloftWinds aloftOthers?Others?

                                                      

HypothesisHypothesis

An Educated PredictionAn Educated Prediction If ……. then………If ……. then………

If (independent variable changes this If (independent variable changes this way), then (the dependent variable way), then (the dependent variable changes this way)changes this way)If the mass of the paper airplane is If the mass of the paper airplane is

increased, then the distance the plane flies increased, then the distance the plane flies will decreasewill decrease

Materials and ProcedureMaterials and Procedure

Use things you have alreadyUse things you have alreadyBe creative with existing materialsBe creative with existing materials

Procedures should be clear and Procedures should be clear and conciseconcise

Perform multiple trialsPerform multiple trialsRepeatable by othersRepeatable by others

Data Collection / ResultsData Collection / Results

Multiple Trials PerformedMultiple Trials PerformedAverages determined where appropriateAverages determined where appropriate

Record in an organized fashionRecord in an organized fashionTables, charts, spreadsheets, etc.Tables, charts, spreadsheets, etc.

Graph – line, bar, histogram, etc.Graph – line, bar, histogram, etc.

ConclusionConclusion

Summarize resultsSummarize results

Conclusions reached are justified, Conclusions reached are justified, based on the experimental databased on the experimental data

Identify new questions for Identify new questions for investigationinvestigation

Possible application of the workPossible application of the work

Display BoardsDisplay Boards

TitleTitlePurposePurposeHypothesisHypothesis ProceduresProcedures DataDataGraph(s)Graph(s)ConclusionConclusion

                                 

- Science Fair Projects -Science Fair Projects -A Successful Science Fair Project:A Successful Science Fair Project:

Represents student workRepresents student workShows careful planningShows careful planning Includes a complete record – i.e., Includes a complete record – i.e.,

journaljournal Includes photos, charts, pictures, etc.Includes photos, charts, pictures, etc.Has accurate, valid, and correct Has accurate, valid, and correct

observationsobservations Is attractive and organizedIs attractive and organized

- Science Fair Projects -- Science Fair Projects -A Successful Science Fair Project:A Successful Science Fair Project:

Does NOT have to cost much $$$$$Does NOT have to cost much $$$$$Gives credit to those who helpedGives credit to those who helped

Is an experiment!Is an experiment!

Science Fair Projects are not…….Science Fair Projects are not…….

Just a reportJust a reportA plastic model made from a kitA plastic model made from a kitA weekend choreA weekend choreA posterA posterSomething done only by Mom or DadSomething done only by Mom or Dad

(or that loving sibling)(or that loving sibling)

Helping Your ChildHelping Your Child

Give support, encouragement, and Give support, encouragement, and guidance – always be POSITIVE!guidance – always be POSITIVE!

Help your child plan mutuallyHelp your child plan mutuallyHelp your child to develop Help your child to develop

appropriate process skillsappropriate process skillsAssist with good record keepingAssist with good record keepingHelp your child develop a safe Help your child develop a safe

project!project!

Helping Your ChildHelping Your Child

Feel a sense of pride and satisfaction Feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when the project and science fair are when the project and science fair are finishedfinished

ENJOY AND HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!!ENJOY AND HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!!

Questions???Questions???

Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Like Scientists….Like Scientists….

The Positive Science FairThe Positive Science FairExperienceExperience

PresenterPresenterDavid W. Helm, Science SpecialistDavid W. Helm, Science Specialistdavid.helm@fayette.kyschools.us

859-699-1437859-699-1437