McAuliffe STEAM Fair Friday, May 20, 2016

STEAM FAIR DETAILS Open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders May enter a: Science Fair Project Demonstration including the science behind it Experimental Design Science Hobby

You may work alone or with a partner All work is to be done outside of class By entering, you will receive an all you- can-eat pizza and ice cream party and a certificate of participation. 10 Extra Credit points for participating.

How To Put Together A Science Fair Project Your project should include: Materials Procedure Topic Variables Question Results Research Conclusion Hypothesis Display

TOPIC Base your project on your interest rather than choosing from a list. What interests you the most? What would you like to know more about? What have you always wondered about?

QUESTION The question should be one that can lead to an experiment, which will provide either quantitative or qualitative data.

RESEARCH After choosing a topic Read a variety of books/articles about the topic. Use a minimum of 3 sources to write the report. This information should help you make an informed hypothesis.

Hypothesis The hypothesis attempts to predict the outcome of the experiment and suggests a possible reason(s) for this outcome. A hypothesis is neither right or wrong, but provides guidance to the development of the investigation.

Materials Materials used in the experiment need to be listed in specific amounts and sizes.

Procedure In determining the procedure you need to identify the factors that will affect the outcome of the experiment. These are called variables. Independent Variable (Manipulated Variable) Dependent Variable (Responding Variable) Controlled Variables

Understanding Variables Variable: any factor in an experiment that can affect what happens in the experiment.

Variables Independent Variable (manipulated variable): the factor that will be intentionally changed during the experimental procedure in order to find out what effect it has on something else. Dependent Variable (responding variable): the factor that is observed and measured to see if it is affected by the change in the independent variable. Variables that are Controlled: the factors in the experiment that must be kept exactly the same to make sure that they are not having any effect on the dependent variable.

Results The results of the experiment include the measurements taken and observations made as well as a written explanation of the outcome. When quantitative data are available, the results will include a graph.

Conclusion A conclusion has four parts: It should reflect back on the original hypothesis and state whether it was supported or not. It should answer the original question that started the investigation and include results used as a basis for that conclusion. It should include inferences that can be made from the results of the experiment. It should include any additional questions that could be investigated or information that could be researched in the future. In addition, any problems that were experienced during the experiment can be discussed.

Display The display includes: Backboard Research Report Logbook

Role of the Parent Parents are encouraged to: Be supportive Approve the topic chosen Acquire a logbook Supply necessary materials Supervise to ensure safety Provide transportation Proofread the research report Monitor progress and schedule Leave the rest to the student!

Websites http://www.mastersindatascience.org/blog/the-ultimate- stem-guide-for-kids-239-cool-sites-about-science- technology-engineering-and-math/ (There are 239 cool sites to look through) http://www.education.com/science-fair/ http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair- projects/science_project_ideas.php https://www.scienceproject.com/projects/index/intermed. asp