Welcome to Jacksonville Heights Science Fair Parent Night 2017

Take a deep breath, Parents!

Why do our students need this experience? It allows students to go through the inquiry process. Seeing each other’s projects will stimulate their interests in other areas. Everyone who participates is recognized for their participation. It is part of the curriculum.

What a science project is not.. It is not a model of a volcano. It is not a model of the solar system.

It is not something that has to be expensive. It is not meant to punish parents. It is not something your child needs to rush through.

Science Projects do not need to cost a lot of $$$$ When selecting a topic think of what materials you might need. Many projects can be done with household items found at home.

How Do We Get Started? The first step is to research an idea your child is interested in. Are they interested in magnetism? Plants? Animals? Electricity?

Is the question I selected something that can be answered by research or is it something that is testable? What is the life cycle of a mealworm? Will pill bugs prefer light or dark areas? Which bounces higher, new or old tennis balls?

Develop a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a prediction based on prior knowledge or research. It is what you think will be the results of your experiment. A hypothesis is usually written in the form of an “If……, then….. because…..” statement.

Examples Problem: What brand of battery lasts the longest? Hypothesis: If five different types of D cell batteries are tested in flashlights, then the most expensive brand will last the longest because it contains more energy.

Examples Problem: How does different styles of music affect student learning of multiplication facts? Hypothesis: If a fourth grade class is listening to music while taking a timed multiplication fact test, then the classical music will produce higher scores because it promotes the release of calming chemicals in the brain.

To control or not to control… V ariables To control or not to control…

I Ndependent variable What Changed in my experiment

C Ontrolled variable What I didn’t hange in my experiment. What stayed the same or Constant.…

D ependent variable What ata will I observe and collect?

Students may not…. Conduct an experiment using animals. Students are not to conduct an experiment that grows mold or bacteria. Use chemicals without prior approval from their teacher. Students must have adult supervision and have all safety materials necessary.

What is an Abstract An abstract is similar to a summary of the project An abstract is a summary of your project. It should include the following things. The purpose of the experiment The hypothesis Procedures followed Observations Results and conclusions (what you learned) Bibliography An abstract is similar to a summary of the project

Data Data is very important! Students should include student made or computer generated graphs. Pictures are also helpful. Pictures should not be of the student. We want to see the science.

What is the difference between the results and the conclusion? The results tells what the data showed. The conclusion states what the student learned. Was the hypothesis correct or incorrect? What might the student do the next time?

The Application What can we learn from this experiment? Is it information that can help people? For example: My research is important because when consumers buy batteries they can help them last longer by placing them in the refrigerator. This will keep them from having to buy batteries more often.

Science Fair Planning Forms A science fair project has two parts, a back board, and completed Planning Forms. The following items are required to be enclosed in the project notebook in the order shown: 1. A copy of the abstract as the title page (including the bibliography which lists where the student found their information about their topic). 2. Rough drafts of any charts, graphs, and observations created while collecting data throughout the project.

The Backboard TITLE Problem Statement Materials PROCEDURES DATA CHARTS/GRAPHS PICTURES Hypothesis Variables Abstract Results/ Conclusion

Guidelines for Backboards No more than TWO accent colors. Standard size boards. Neatness counts.

Soon you’ll see the good, but first… The bad and the Ugly

How to make this a relaxing experience…. Pick something that interest your child. Start early and keep up with due dates. Remember research counts Encourage your child.