ILearn Elementary Science Session 1 Virtual Science Fair What Makes a Strong Virtual Science Fair?
WHAT is a Science Fair?. A Science Fair is… A science competition The students answer a question...
-
Upload
jody-randall -
Category
Documents
-
view
218 -
download
0
Transcript of WHAT is a Science Fair?. A Science Fair is… A science competition The students answer a question...
WHAT is a Science Fair?
A Science Fair is…
• A science competition• The students answer a
question using the scientific method OR design a tool to fit a need
• Students display their projects on poster board & give a presentation
• Judges evaluate the projects & award prizes
WHY do a science project?
• Explore a subject you’re interested in
• Learn organization & critical thinking skills
• Boost presentation skills• Build confidence• Impress your friends &
teachers • Win awards• FUN!!
WHAT is a science project?
1. INQUIRY (classic science project, K – 5th)
2. ENGINEERING DESIGN (for 3rd – 5th grade)
3. OBSERVATION (for kinder – 2nd grade)
INQUIRY - classic science project
• Ask a question about a topic you’re interested in
• Research the question to see what is already known
• Form a hypothesis (educated guess at the answer) for your question
• Do an experiment (manipulate variables) to test your hypothesis
• Analyze the data & draw your conclusion
• Share results – was your hypothesis correct? Why not?
El M
étod
o Ci
entífi
co
• I think model rockets are cool and I want to do a project with them.
You need a TESTABLE QUESTION! →If I add fins to my model rocket, will it fly farther?
• What is known about model rocket design?
• How do fins affect the flight of a model rocket?
→ Go to library, use reference books, use known internet sites and keep a list of your references
• I think that my model rocket will fly furthest with 5 fins.
• Design an experiment to test your hypothesis:
Independent variable = number of fins– Dependent variable =
length of flightControlled variables = length of rocket, how hard you launch the rocket, weight of rocket, etc…
• Use graphs, tables, charts, etc… to convey your data
• What happened?
• Was your hypothesis correct?
• Why or why not?
• What other experiments could be done ….?
ENGINEERING DESIGN (3rd – 5th grade)
• Determine a need• Develop a tool to fulfill the
need• Build, test, & refine the
prototype based on results• Evaluate usefulness, cost
effectiveness & performance
• Present your design & results
OBSERVATION (kinder – 2nd grade only)
• Find a subject that interests you
• Do basic background research
• Make & record personal observations on the subject
• Share your findings• e.g.: How does a seed
sprout? Parts of a pine cone. How do birds feed at a bird feeder?
Students should observe, not copy from a book.
.
Where can I get inspired?
“Prefab project” - make it your own!Science Buddies
www.sciencebuddies.org/
Salt Lake Valley Science & Engineering Fair website slvsef.org/
Science Stuff.org sciencefairproject.virtualave. net/observation.htm
Science Fair Projects World www.sciencefair-projects.org/
Projects NOT to do
• Projects that are not unique, are a simple preference, or difficult to measure:– Effect of music, talking, different
liquids, etc… on plants– “Which is best?”, e.g. which
popcorn pops better, which paper towel is most absorbent, which soda tastes better, etc…
– Maze running, reaction times, male vs. female comparisons
• Projects that are not experiments:– Baking soda & vinegar volcano– Diet coke & mentos– Optical illusions– The solar system
What does a good project board look like?
• Free-standing!
• Tell project story in a clear, concise, logical way using KEY POINTSEmphasize your exciting conclusion & end result
• Neat & readable - use tables, graphs & charts to present data
How do you present your project?
• Know your project and show your
enthusiasm!
• Look the judge in the eye, speak clearly
• Use props to demonstrate your experiment, if possible
• Practice your presentation on your parents and siblings!
HOW does the Science Fair work?
• All students must register!– Online preferred Illuminating
softwareRegister for TSES Science and Engineering Fair
• Students may work alone or as a team of 2 or 3 students, all from the same grade – ALL students need to do the work!