Science Fair Informational Meeting for Parents

What am I going to do? What is a good idea for my science project?

This is usually the first thing that you start thinking about when you hear “Science Fair.”

Before you get too excited about an idea, you have to know the difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

Science Experiment … Not a Demonstration

Experiment Not a Demonstration

An experiment tests at least 2 different materials.

Example:In which type of

soil will a bean plant grow more?

A demonstration doesn’t test different materials.

Examples of demonstrations:

Making a “volcano.”

Creating an electrical circuit.

Upper grade students **5th grade

“Variable” “Constant”

The material that you change, or are testing, is your “variable.”

It is the only thing that “varies” or changes.

Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant.”

This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions.

You can turn a demonstration idea into an experiment.

A demonstration ……turned into an experiment

If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you can change it into an experiment by…

… testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you can test different types of batteries. But you can only change one part of the circuit.

Other Places for Ideas: Science Fair Project Information & Ideas: Please go to: Cibolo Green’s website, tab – “Students”, “Science Fair” http://tw.neisd.net/webpages/dlashe/science.cfm?subpage=317382 We have lots of information on the website to help you.   Also, try these websites to look for project ideas. Remember, not all the project ideas will be actual experiments. Some

ideas might be demonstrations. Make sure that you are testing one variable, taking measurements, and are able to graph the results.

Science Buddies website – Pick a science topic. Don’t let the science vocabulary scare you. Several easy projects are listed under very scientific names. This site has lots of great ideas and details! http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science_project_ideas.php

Science Bob – Nice list of project ideas and other info. http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php

Science Fair Adventure – Choose a science topic and check out the ideas. Be careful that you choose an experiment and not a demonstration. http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/

Education.com Website. Choose “Elementary School” and then a grade level. This site also has lots of project ideas. http://www.education.com/science-fair/all/

Internet Public Library – This has some great information about the scientific method, steps, and ideas. Some of the links are old, but may be very useful to many of you. http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/

GuidelinesAll projects must be approved by your classroom

teacher. Complete a PROJECT PROPOSAL form with a parent signature, and turn

it in to your teacher by Tuesday, January 29. All projects are done by individual students; Group projects will

not be approved. Please do not include your name on your project. Your project will be given a number when it is presented.

Projects must be experimental investigations that meet grade-level expectations (see Science Fair link under “Students” on our school website for examples of project ideas for each grade level)

Your project display should be able to stand up on a standard student desktop (the top of a desk is 17 x 23 ½ “-any height is fine). Your display needs to include a clear presentation of all of the steps listed in (4) above. Again, remember not to write your name on your project. Your teacher will assign your project a number. Low-voltage batteries are permitted, but electrical outlets will not be available for project displays. Do not include liquids as part of your display. No live animals or animal parts may be displayed.

Projects must be brought to school on Thursday, February 28

by 7:30 a.m.. Student presentations & preliminary judging will begin on that day.

More guidelines – Scientific MethodProjects will include the steps of the scientific

method:a question or problem (What are you wondering?)a hypothesis (What do you think you might find if

you investigate this?)materials list (How many? What kind? How much?

What size?)an explanation of the procedure (What steps will

you follow in completing the experiment or investigation?)

presentation of data (How can you show what happened after you investigated this? examples: charts, graphs, photographs, written work)

a conclusion (What did your data show? What did you learn?)

Scientific Method Step 1 – ProblemProblem: This is what you want to

discover. It must be a written question. Make sure that you have chosen an actual experiment.

Example: “Which brand of paper towels hold the most weight when they are wet?”

If you are not comparing something, then it is a demonstration and not an experiment. You have to be able to measure or graph the results.

Due Tuesday, January 29th.

Scientific Method Step 2 – HypothesisHypothesis (Prediction): This is what you

think the answer will be to your question. It is a statement of your educated guess. Try not to use “I,” “me,” or “my.”Non-example: “I think Bounty will hold

more weight than Sparkle.” Example: “Bounty will hold more weight than Sparkle.”

Due Tuesday, January 29th.

Scientific Method Step 3 – MaterialsMaterials: List everything needed for the

experiment.Your list should tell how much, how many, what

kind, or what size for every item listed. If possible, use metric measurements. Include any instruments used to measure the

results.

Final project due: Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 a.m.

Scientific Method Step 4 – ProcedureProcedure: This is a list of numbered

steps followed during the experiment. Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my.” Be sure to tell how to set up the

materials and what to do. Tell how to measure the results.

Scientific Method Step 5 – DataData/ Observations: This includes a

data table and/or a graph of recorded results.

The experiment needs at least 3 trials or samples and should include all measurements and observations.

You can also include pictures or photographs, but your face should not be in any photo.

Scientific Method Step 6 – ConclusionConclusion: This is a summary stating

your findings.Was your hypothesis accepted or

rejected? How can this information be useful in

the real world?What did you learn?

Timeline

Tuesday, Jan. 29th – Last day to turn in your project idea to your teacher.

Friday, Feb. 1st – Teacher Approval of projects Thursday, Feb. 28th – Students bring

completed Science Projects to school by 7:30 a.m. Students will present their science fair project to the class.

Monday, Mar. 5th – Final Science Project judging will take place

Tuesday, Mar. 6th & 7th – Winners Announced on Announcements

Friday, Mar. 8th – All Science Fair Projects go home.

Judging Criteria

1) Project requirements are met/ includes an accurate conclusion

2) Steps in the procedure are clear,3) Data gathered is clearly presented, 4) Display is neat and attractive, & 5) Evidence of time/effort & originality

Samples & QuestionsSample Science Boards are displayed around

the room. Some have excellent ideas. Some show a great way to display the steps

for the science project. Some incorporate the data tables & graphs in

an amazing way.Some have fantastic conclusions. They may not be perfect in every aspect, but

they will provide you with ideas.We will be happy to answer any questions

that you have.

Enjoy guiding your child in learning through science inquiry!