Science Fair Parent Info 5th grade team and Mrs. Parnell

Science Fair Basic Information Your child will be completing a science project over the next several weeks. This project challenges a student to answer a question using the scientific method. It is a great way to excite children about science, teach them to think like scientists, develop their organizational skills, and enhance their writing and oral presentation skills. Fifth graders will be working in class on developing an understanding of the scientific method and will explain the process of completing a science project. The majority of the students’ work will be completed at home. Please give your child support and encouragement and monitor his/her progress in the coming weeks. Students are aware that this project is their responsibility.

Science Fair Details Students in grade 5 will each complete an individual, partner, or no more than a group of 3 project. Groups may not be larger than 3. Research Plan will be approved by homeroom teachers. K-4 students may also participate (optional) using the same guidelines as grade 5 above. Research Plan will be approved by Mrs. Parnell. All students will display their project on either poster board or a 3-sided display board. 3-sided display boards can be purchased from the school office for $3.00 per board starting in January.

Steps to the Scientific Method (Students will need to follow this method.) Make an observation Identify the variables Research your topic to learn more about it Develop a hypothesis, or a possible answer to your question Design an experiment that will help you answer your research question Draw conclusions There is a paper that outlines this more specifically.

Research Plan Students will be expected to complete a research plan and have it approved before starting the project.

Judges Criteria Worksheet *Located on Bethel’s Science Fair Webpage* Judging Criteria Worksheet   Student Name __________________________________________________________________ Project Title __________________________________________Grade level ________________ Creativity Possible Points Awarded In depth analysis of data 5 In depth, correct interpretation of data 10 Correct Use of Equipment Research and experiments help to discover an answer to the question in an original way SUBTOTAL 30 Scientific Thought Problem is stated clearly 2 Did the problem identify an important problem that was capable of a solution? Procedure stated in a replicable way Procedure led to a solution Variables defined Controls used correctly and defined Adequate data 3 Data supports the conclusion Conclusion suggests a solution Solution has been tested to make sure it is an answer that will work. Recognition of limitations of data Connections of research, experiment and conclusion Suggestion of further research Sources are cited correctly Thoroughness Purpose of experiment carried out to completion Conclusions based on more than one experiment Can the student discuss other ideas or theories that may work in addition to their own solution? 15 Skill Uses the correct lab procedures Uses the correct computation Was the project done by the student (i.e. Parents can help, but not DO the project) Clarity in Presentation  Clearly explains the purpose. procedure, and conclusion (NOT memorized answers) Presentation is setup in an orderly manner TOTAL POSSIBLE 100 Judges Criteria Worksheet *Located on Bethel’s Science Fair Webpage*

Science Fair Timeline Due Dates Things To Do January 4 •  Submit your research plan for approval  Jan. 8 – Feb. 2 •  Experiment, collect data & make observations  Feb. 5-9 •  Write and print abstract  •  Make the project display  •  Turn in display board and project notebook on Feb. 28 March 16 •  Science Fair at 9:30 a.m. - Parents welcome

Trifold Back (example of how to design your trifold)

A little extra information Items 1–4 below are prohibited: 1. Human participants research  2. Vertebrate animal research 3. Potentially hazardous biological agents research 4. Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices See Bethel’s Science Fair homepage for additional information or speak with Mrs. Bradley, 5th grade teacher, for more specifics

Additional Information Go to Bethel’s homepage, hover over Resources, click on Science Fair Information

Surprising to some, a science fair project is one of the best learning experiences a student can undertake. Sciencebuddies.org Any questions? Thank you for coming tonight!