*Adapted from multiples versions found in internet Somerset Academy M/H STEM Invention Convention 2017-2018 *Adapted from multiples versions found in internet ©YARD

STEM is… Science Technology Engineering Mathematics ©YARD

Why STEM? STEM is all around you! From your iPhone (Technology) to your allergy medicine (Science) that you take before going to school – Dolphin Stadium(Engineering) to your parents budgeting for groceries for dinner (Math), STEM is a part of everyday life! ©YARD

Student Goals Gather information independently Find connections between school and career Conduct research and present their findings Use the Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design Processes to guide their approach to problem solving ©YARD

Student Goals, Cont. Apply mathematical language and skills to solve real-world problems Communicate effectively in writing Self assess and reflect on learning Participate in a variety of competitions Develop a set of learning habits that will guide students to be successful, lifelong learners ©YARD

Teachers will: Assist students in meeting the project goals in every class ©YARD

Instruction in Core Content Areas Math - an emphasis on problem solving , critical thinking, data collection and analysis Science –outline of idea/project, provide back up idea, create hypothesis, identify variables, prototype paper design ©YARD

STEM in Core Content Areas History - study historical research, documents, and artifacts to learn about your project English - connect reading and writing to your project research and presentation ©YARD

What is a STEM project? A STEM project starts with a question or a problem to solve The question or problem can concern any topic area – buildings, energy, environment, animal health, coding, etc… You want to be sure to choose something YOU are interested in – it makes projects more fun! ©YARD

Traditional steps to complete your project Ask a Question Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Build a Prototype/Test with an Experiment Analyze Data Communicate Results ©YARD

PROJECT TIMELINE ©YARD

Data/Project Log - REQUIRED STEM Fair Student/Group Journal –The log starts on the date you start your investigation Each new entry must be dated This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed- in a composition notebook ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded Remember all measurements are metric (i.e. meters) One USB per group ©YARD

The Scientific and Engineering Process A successful scientist and engineering uses the scientific and engineering process in order to conduct investigations Both processes include forming a question to investigate and then a hypothesis, designing and implementing a procedure, collecting data, and forming a conclusion based on your data ©YARD

The Scientific Process ©YARD

Step 1 – Select a Topic Selected Topic A. Student What is my interest? B. Parent Will I be able to help? Selected Topic C. Teacher Is the project on level? ©YARD

Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Does my project meet the rule requirements? ©YARD

Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student There are many ways to choose a STEM Fair topic. You can start by: •observing the world around you •looking at books in your school library •searching the internet •looking at books in your public library You can also use the list below to determine a category of STEM inquiry that interests you. This might help you narrow down your ideas earth / environment, chemistry, physics, life / biology, engineering/mathematics, weather, rain, climate, erosion, wind, speeds, water filtration, recycling processes, composting, freezing, melting, burning, rusting, heat, speed, force, friction, gravity, magnets, electricity, elasticity, weight/mass, density, plant growth, bridge design, building design, machine design ©YARD

Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent Supports and encourages your child to investigate, research, and create in a positive atmosphere Does the selected project meet the rule requirements? Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow? Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on time? Ensure your child is meeting the deadlines of the teacher ©YARD

Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher I will review the project proposal and make sure that it meets the requirements I will also ask: Is the project at the student’s ability level? I will provide you with a timeline of due dates for particular pieces of the STEM fair project ©YARD

Teachers will be given a copy of this to be distributed to students on Wednesday after meeting on Tuesday ©YARD

Step 2: Identify the Problem (or the Question for you Investigation) This is a sentence or question about the problem Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer? Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda ©YARD

Step 3 Collect Background Information BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers RESEARCH about Project Media Center Minimum of 5 references INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic ©YARD

Research Notebook (will be used for Application) Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer Each student needs their own composition notebook Research your topic in books and online Make notes as you do the research Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words Research may be typed or handwritten You are to have a minimum of five sources Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format (on the materials list) ©YARD

Step 4: Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done Do not start with “I think” Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle” OR “If soda is placed in a can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass” ©YARD

Step 5 : Design an Experiment Procedure: The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metric units Step 1 – gather all materials Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment Materials List: All materials needed to conduct the experiment: Paper Pencil Ruler Measuring cup Etc. ©YARD

Step 6 : During Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results During the Experiment Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results? ©YARD

Step 7 : Repeat the Experiment The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times. This is part of the rubric This is done in order to prove the results are true ©YARD

Make Charts and Graphs Display data using charts, tables, and graphs Use the Graph Club or Inspiration program Choose the correct graphs for your data Bar-comparison Pie-percentage Line-change/time ©YARD

Step 8: Drawing A Conclusion This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? You can also use the conclusion to compare and contrast your results with your hypothesis, and compare and contrast your different trials ©YARD

Step 9: Application What could the results be used for? How could I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment? How will I use what I have learned? How could others use the information I have gained from the experiment? Use your research in this step!!! ©YARD

Guidelines and Rubrics A rubric for each one of the STEM Project stages will be provided ©YARD

Guidelines and Rubrics ©YARD

Notebook Log and Prototype Required The Display Board Resources Notebook Log and Prototype Required ©YARD

Creating Outstanding Display Boards Be Neat – Avoid frayed or ripped edges of paper, glue globs, lots of cross outs or white outs etc. Use Colors to Attract Attention – Use no more than three colors on your project board. Too many colors can be distracting Frame or Matte Your Work – Use construction paper, or other materials, to provide a background for your written work and labels Choose a Good Title – Titles should be short, catchy and related to your topic ©YARD

Creating Outstanding Display Boards Writing Should Be Neat – Everything on your board should be typed, making sure that you use the same fonts and font sizes throughout. Do not go overboard with fonts, font colors or font sizes. Try to keep everything looking uniform. Spelling Counts – Have an adult check all of your spelling before printing. Practice the Layout – Before you glue anything to your board, lay it all out to make sure it fits. If items are too small make them larger, if items are to large make them smaller. You do not want things to overlap and you do not want too much white space. Do Not Glue Any Materials From Your Project* – Only paper and photographs are allowed on your board. If you want to put materials on your board, take a picture of them and glue that on your board. ©YARD

Creating Outstanding Display Boards Do Add Photos and Drawings – This is the best way to clearly shows what you did during your investigation. Research Papers, Journal, and Prototype Should be Placed on the Table in Front of Your Board – DO NOT attach the research paper to your backboard. Select the Right Size* – Choose a board that is no larger than 100cm wide and 95 cm high. ©YARD

The Display Board ©YARD

Examples of Displays ©YARD

Examples of Displays ©YARD

Examples of Displays ©YARD

Examples of Displays ©YARD

Presenting Your Project Introduce yourself Give the title of your project Explain your purpose Summarize any background information Discuss briefly how you developed an interest in the topic Explain how you proceeded Use your display to support your explanations ©YARD

Presenting your Project Emphasize results and conclusions Point to your exhibit to support your logic. This will help as you present your project logically and sequentially Tell about applications or suggestions for further study or suggestions to improve your project Invite questions from the judges ©YARD

Additional Tips Practice makes perfect!!!!! Practice in front of friends, teachers, parents Do not antagonize the judges! Do not chew gum, wear extravagant clothing, etc People are impressed with good manners! ©YARD

Additional Tips Do not stand between the exhibit and the judges, but on the side Point to lab apparatus, charts, and photographs on display. This will allow you to describe your project in an appropriate sequence Do not read directly from your project You should know what you are talking about! This is your project! ©YARD

Presentation Oral Rubric ©YARD

Amazing Inventions by kids How to be an inventor?! Amazing Inventions by kids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO8X40p2LMA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWOYlMO3wyE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yBltrVG0oU ©YARD

Create, Experiment... ©YARD