Lewis Thomas, prize winning author, biologist, physician, and educator is quoted as saying, “The worst thing that has happened to science is that the great fun has gone out of it....very few students see science as the high adventure it really is.”

This year, NISD students in grades kindergarten through seventh grade will participate in Northwest ISD’s annual Science Inquiry Showcase.

How is Science Inquiry Showcase different from Science Fair? Great Question!!! Completed by vs. Completed in groups individuals or in partners Work in isolation vs.Work in cooperative groups Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

Fear of failure vs. Students work in collaborating groups so fear is diminished. Content driven vs. Science process driven Usually all or partial vs. All work will be completed at home completed in class under a teacher’s guidance Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

Student usually vs. Student groups choose chooses from a pre- topic based on NISD determined list of current curriculum what to do Dread of science fair vs. Students look forward to doing science Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

How is Science Inquiry Showcase like the Science Fair? Another Great Question!!! Both use the scientific method to carry out the investigation. Both can be completed on a science board or folders. Both can be judged at your school for the final choice of 10 projects per middle school to be submitted for the district showcase.

The district Science Inquiry Showcase will be a bit different than the Science Fair because: It will be held in May. It will not be judged. Participants/teachers will set up projects for the community to view. No awards will be handed out except for certificates and ribbons of participation.

What can you do to prepare yourself for this adventure? Think back to all the labs you’ve done this year. Think about extension questions you may have about the lab. Write these questions on an index card. Put the cards in the center of the table. Your team will choose from these questions which one your group is most interested in doing.

Some Examples!