Science Fair 101 Kyrene de la Esperanza

Weird Science! Do you love science? Are you curious? Does that make you weird? Who cares?!

Scientists Wanted! What? Esperanza’s 2 nd Annual Science Fair When? Evening of Feb. 19, 2015 Where? Esperanza’s Multi-Purpose Room What Do I Do? So glad you asked!

How to Do a Science Fair Project Step 1: Pick a Question What would you like to know more about? Do you like plants or animals? Do you have an interest in chemistry? How about magnets or electricity? It’s up to you! Not sure? Go online for ideas, or ask a parent, teacher, or friend for help. Remember: Your question must be testable.

Are these “testable” questions? 1.Are aliens real? 2.Which paper towel is strongest? 3.How do volcanoes erupt? 4.Does adding fertilizer to soil make plants grow faster? 5.Do boys or girls have a better sense of smell? 6.Which type of fingerprint is most common: loop, swirl, or arch? (Yes: 2, 4, 5, 6)

Choose a Topic Still Need Help to Choose a Topic? Optional: drop by the Science Lab (room 26) after school on Monday, November 17 th between 2:40 and 3:40 for help. You must have a signed permission slip/ Science Fair entry form or be accompanied by a parent to attend any afterschool help sessions.

Step 2: Enter the Science Fair Complete the entry form and have a parent or guardian sign it. Turn it in to your teacher by Friday, Nov. 21 st. If you are working with a partner, both partners must submit separate entry forms by the deadline. Please: no more than 2 partners may submit a single project unless approved by Science Fair Committee in advance.

Step 3: Do the Project Follow the steps of the Scientific Method to investigate and find the answer to your question. The project is completed outside of school. Start right away! Keep a log of the activities you do.

SOS! What if I Need Help? See the handout: Science Fair Instructions and Helpful Hints Go Online (see links in handout) Ask a parent, teacher, friend Drop in at an optional Monday afterschool help session (with parent or signed permission) :  Dec. 1 st OR Jan. 12 th : How to Do a Science Fair Project—see sample projects & review the Scientific Method  Feb. 9 th : Putting it All Together— Get help to print finished projects or answers to questions about assembling the final project

Step 4: Show Up! Turn in your final project with activity log. Attend the Science Fair. Present your Project: stand by your board and be prepared to answer questions from the judges and spectators. MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER: HAVE FUN!