Science Fair

Why Have a Science Fair?

Why Have a Science Fair? Students learn to: investigate and research the answers to their questions make predictions supported by reason recognize variables create an experiment use data to reach conclusions organize information write a report expand communication skills develop critical thinking skills make educated decisions about what they read and hear

Types of Science Fairs Non-Competitive Competitive

Non-Competitive Benefits Students complete a project and share their knowledge in a non-threatening environment. Helps promote collaboration among the participants. Increased confidence without concern of winning or losing. More inclusive of all students no matter their skill level. Easier to organize (no need for judges or awards). Kids who are intimidated by competition will be more willing to try.

Competitive Benefits Students learn to evaluate their work and think about how to improve. Rewards effort. Students are introduced to fair format used in advanced competitions. Provides a forum for academically inclined students to shine. Drives students to create new methods, ideas, and products. Enables students to experience winning and losing so they learn how to deal with adversity. Helps students learn to perform under pressure.

How To Start A Fair In Your School Get principal support in your school. Gain support of teachers. Create a committee to advertise and get parents involved. Plan a date for the fair and work backwards to figure out a timeline. Choose competitive, non-competitive, or a combo. Promote to students. Host a demonstration experiment program to show kids how to do a project. Recruit volunteers and judges.

Paperwork Links to documents to help you out: Thompsons School District Web Page / Academics/ Extracurricular Enrichment / Science Fair http://www.thompsonschools.org/Page/7308

Science Fair Parent Letter Send to parents to introduce them to the concept of the fair and inform them of the requirements.  Poster announcing the event. Info for parents – a do and don’t guide. Read this carefully. Lots of ideas of things to include, but you probably won’t use all of them. Sample board diagram. Science fair criteria – what kids should know at different grade levels. Sample timeline. Includes a parent permission form.

Science Fair Participant Packet Send to kids who elect to participate in the fair and have returned their permission form. Provides in-depth information on Scientific Method. Lists items acceptable for display at a fair. Reminder section for important dates/times.

Research Plan If you have students submit this, you can check their thinking and make sure they are following the scientific method BEFORE they do their project. Helps students walk through the process, step by step. This forms is also used for the District Science Fair.

Science Fair Student Knowledge Guide Outlines basic requirements and what students should know at the different elementary grade levels. (Same as in parent letter.) Includes topic outline – steps for the scientific method.

Emcee Information Things to remember to announce on the day of the fair. What to say to students, parents, and guests before the fair. What to say to judges before the fair. What to say at the closing or awards ceremony.

The Scientific Method Students should always use the scientific method for science fair projects.

Why is the Scientific Method Important to Science Fair? 5 people attend an event and each have different accounts of what occurred. Our beliefs and biases affect our perceptions. The scientific method provides a consistent, objective, and logical way to solve problems and to evaluate the work of others.

What is the Scientific Method? The scientific method consists of seven steps.

What is the Scientific Method? 1) Ask a question. 2) Do research. 3) State a hypothesis. 4) Conduct an experiment. 5) Analyze the results. 6) Make a conclusion. 7) Communicate results.

Judging Grade levels and categories Judges per grade Training Rubric