Science Lead Teachers’ Meeting October 26, 2011

Rain Barrels What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from a roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Components of a rain barrel Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep debris and insects out, and other off-the-shelf items,

Why rain barrels? Store water away for an un-rainy day. Up to 40% of summer water use is irrigation. Reduce your household water needs by saving rain. Recycling water reduces your personal energy consumption by using less treated water. Reduce erosion and increase water quality. Water gardens naturally with untreated, air-temperature, non-chlorinated water. A rain barrel is an easy way to have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, FREE.

Creating Rain barrel Art

Rain barrel art

Decorating the Rain Barrels Each elementary school will receive 1 rain barrel. Decorate the barrels by March for city contest. Decorated barrels will be displayed by the city for Earth Day. Some will be displayed for the Science Fair. Schools can receive their barrels back to use in their gardens. Some barrels will be given to elderly people.

Science Fair Projects

Scientific Method The scientific method is the process of collecting data through observation and experimentation, then formulating and testing a hypotheses.

The six steps of the scientific method are: •Problem / Title •Hypothesis •Materials •Procedures •Results •Conclusion

Independent Variable Something that is changed by the scientist What is tested What is manipulated

Dependent Variable Something that might be affected by the change in the independent variable What is observed What is measured The data collected during the investigation

Constants A variable that is not changed Also called constants Allow for a “fair test”

For Example:

Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.

Identify the Variables in this Investigation . Identify the Variables in this Investigation

What is the independent Variable Ages of the students Different ages were tested by the scientist

What is the dependent variable? The time it to put the puzzle together The time was observed and measured by the scientist

Same puzzle All of the participants were tested with the same puzzle. It would not have been a fair test if some had an easy 30 piece puzzle and some had a harder 500 piece puzzle.

Another Example

An investigation was done with an electromagnetic system made from a battery and wire wrapped around a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number of Paper clips the electromagnet could pick up was measured

Independent Variable Sizes of nails Dependent Variable - Number of paper clips picked up Constants - Battery, wire, type of nail

One More

The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil.

Independent variable – temperature of water Dependent variable – time to cook an egg Controlled variable – type of egg