Surviving the ESM Science Fair A Parent’s Guide

Overview A. Why Science Fair? B. Who’s responsible C. What is included in a good project? D. How are the projects judged? E. How do you help your child? F. Logistics G. Resources

Why Science Fair? Promotes inquiry and curiosity emphasis on using the science and engineering processes investigation by experimentation (inquiry- based learning) development of critical thinking skills opportunity for a positive learning experience extension of formal science education

An ESM Science Fair Project is not… The following projects are not appropriate for science fairs. Library research/informational Explanation model Demonstrations Kit building

An ESM Science Fair Project is… A question that can be answered by conducting an experiment. Takes the student through the scientific process.

Overview of 6 Science Fair Project Steps 1.Ask a question. 2.Do background research. 3.Construct a hypothesis. 4.Test the hypothesis by doing an experiment. 5.Analyze the data and draw a conclusion. 6.Communicate the results.

Other Elements of a Good Project Keeping a log of the process; crude raw notes and data. Sketches Plan on taking photographs of their project steps as a visual explanation of their effort. Be sure to properly credit/acknowledge all sources of graphics, photographs and research.

How will my child be judged? Please see the draft copy of the scoring rubric for grades 5-8. Details what should be included in each component. If not sure, check with teacher, me, Mrs. Hays or Mr. Cappaert

Partnership Students Work Responsibility Parents Encourage Answer questions Supervise safety Come to the fair! Teachers Step-by-step assignments Checkpoints graded along the way Science Fair Success

How can I help my child? Encourage Participation Monitor Due Dates Help Secure Materials Brainstorm with your child Supervise experiments Support Research Efforts –Visits to the library – Internet research – Interviews Support use of rubric

Child Centered Learning Tempting to take control This is not about winning, but a learning experience for your child. Your job is generally to supervise. If your child asks for help, appears to be struggling, then you may wish to offer assistance.

Things Not To Do Don’t do the work for your child Don’t focus on winning Don’t copy a project

The Final Product

Examples

Example

Presentation Boards An order form will be going home next week to order either a project board kit (Board, header, wording/letters for titles) or a plain individual board. Other places to shop for a board: Wal- Mart, Staples, Office Depot, Target If there is an extenuating circumstance, please let us know.

Logistics Teacher should be providing deadlines for specific parts of the project. ESM Science Fair Expo- April th, 2013 ◦ Homeroom competition first ◦ Top 3 go on to school-wide competition District Wide STEM Expo- May 22 nd, 2013 ◦ Only one student from each of the following groupings move on to the district wide competition.  Prek-2  3-5 th grade  6-8 grade

Resources The staff at ESM is here to help! ◦ Mrs. Devlin- Theme coach ◦ Mrs. Hays- Resident Scientist ◦ Mr. Cappaert- Resident Scientist ◦ Mrs. Kaplan- Librarian ◦ Your child’s teacher

Resources    al/ al/  home.html   al/Parent-Resources.html al/Parent-Resources.html  template&hl=en&client=safari&source=lnms&tbm=isc h&sa=X&ei=z1UnUbCSB6WS2QXC4oGQBg&ved=0 CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=504#i=23 template&hl=en&client=safari&source=lnms&tbm=isc h&sa=X&ei=z1UnUbCSB6WS2QXC4oGQBg&ved=0 CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=504#i=23