Gwen Fichtner, Bachelor of Engineering Former Western Star Engineer Former Okanagan University College Mechanical Engineering Technology Lecturer Mom to 4 girls, - Jenai (Gr. 3F), - Samara (Gr. 1F), - Laurien (4 yrs) - Danica (2 yrs). Science Fair Organizer

An excellent opportunity for you to explore the natural world around us A chance to test and practice your use of the scientific method A chance to ignite a passion for the study of science

Have you ever noticed that…. Plants grow faster on one side of your living room than the other? Why? Wood bugs gather in one spot in your garden only? Why? One type of shampoo works better on your hair than another? Why? These observations are the starting point to a great science fair project!

Why should you do Science Fair? Can be part of your portfolio Scholarship and award money –$500,000 of scholarship money Travel opportunities –SD23 Science Fair (K-6) –Central Okanagan Science Fair (Gr. 6+) –Canada-Wide Science Fair (Gr. 7+) –International Science Fairs (Gr. 7+) BECAUSE IT IS FUN!

Glenmore fair  February 28 School District #23 Fair  March 7 Central Okanagan Regional Fair  ~April 10 Canada Wide Science Fair  May International Fair »Taiwan- »Australia »Japan

Choosing A Topic Use project suggestions booklet Choose a project that really interests them…maybe a future career field Ask Mr. Gillett for library books to brainstorm new experiment ideas Make sure that the experiment is realistic with the materials that you can find and use

Types of projects Experiment –Perform experiment & collect data Study –Data collect - survey or case study analysis –Reveal evidence of fact or pattern Innovation/Invention –Development of inventions or computer programs

Parts of a Project Project report Scientific methodology Display board Charts, graphs, diagrams creativity Oral presentation Questions from judges

Display Board Purpose Hypothesis Materials Title…BE CREATIVE Procedure Results Graphs and Charts Conclusion Future Directions Acknowledgements Project report…log book…experiment set-up or model

Project Report This report is to put in front of the display board. The report is much more detailed than the information on the board. Should be 5 pages + title page Theory and application focus Summarize the experiment Include a bibliography

Display Board Bright, colourful, 3-D, FUN!!!!! Should have all the necessary sections Charts, graphs, tables!!!! A catchy title What should it be made out of????? –Cardboard –Size quoted is maximum dimensions.

Oral Presentation You should have about a 10 minute explanation prepared and then be ready for any questions –You will be surprised how easy it is to talk about your project…especially if it is something you are passionate about! You will present your information several times to different judges Questions about scientific method Repeated trials Controls variables

Safety Rules for District Fair No chemicals at project station (only water) The best way to show experiment is to have pictures of the process No bacteria, animals, or plant materials Show pictures If you are using people in your study you must have signed consent forms from each participant prior to starting your study

Remember… Science is FUN! Explore something that you are passionate about!

Pick up your booklet and get started now!!