Welcome to the Science Fair Agenda: Introductions Important Dates Science Fair Overview Project Guidelines Science Fair Project Example Helpful Websites to get you started

Introductions and Contact Information Ms. Simone, Science Fair Coordinator, simonec@citrus.k12.fl.us or by phone, 795- 2211 Mrs. Bond, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Luce, Mr. Mitchell, and Mrs. Spikes Mrs. Bockiaro, Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Dixon, and Mrs. Lewis Mrs. Hackey

Important Dates To Remember Project Proposal to Teacher due by October 3, 2012 (the sooner you get it in to be approved, the sooner you can start) Science Fair Projects Due to School: November 26, 2012 School Science Fair Date: November 29, 2012 Regional Science and Engineering Fair Date: January 30, 2013 at Citrus County Auditorium RSEF Awards Ceremony Date: February 1, 2013 at Curtis Peterson Auditorium Remember not all students go to the RSEF on Jan. 30th- I take the top 10 projects to it

Elementary Science Fair Projects The Steps for a Successful Science Fair Project

The Scientific Process A successful scientist uses the scientific process in order to conduct investigations. Pieces of the scientific process include forming a question to investigate and then a hypothesis, designing and implementing a procedure, collecting data, and forming a conclusion based on your data.

Step 1 – Select a Topic Selected Topic A. Student What is my interest? B. Parent Will I be able to help? Selected Topic C. Teacher Is the project on level?

Teachers will be given a copy of this to be distributed to students on Wednesday after meeting on Tuesday

Step 1A: Select a Topic - Student What are my interests? What would I like to learn about? Do I have a question about something? Where to look for topics? Science Fair books Internet Teacher Does my project meet the rule requirements?

Step 1B: Select Topic - Parent Should I help with the selected topic? Does the selected project meet the rule requirements? Do we have the needed materials for the project or know where to purchase or borrow? Do we have a timeline for the experiment to be done on time? Is my child meeting the deadlines of the teacher? How should I help to put the research paper and display board together?

Step 1 C: Select Topic - Teacher Your child’s teacher will review the project proposal and make sure that it meets the requirements. Your child’s teacher will also ask: Is the project at the student’s ability level? Is there parent approval? Your child’s teacher will provide you with a timeline of due dates for particular pieces of the science fair project.

Data/Project Log - REQUIRED The log starts on the date you start your investigation Each new entry must be dated This log is HANDWRITTEN – not typed- in a notebook ALL observations and measurements are to be recorded Remember all measurements are metric

Step 2: Identify the Problem (or the Question for your Investigation) This is a sentence or question about the problem. Example: What type of container will keep my soda cooler longer? Or I would like to compare the temperature of a glass bottle of soda to a can of soda.

Step 3 Collect Background Information BOOKS: Encyclopedias Topic Books Magazines/Newspapers RESEARCH about Project Media Center Minimum of 5 references INTERNET: Websites Search by Topic CD ROM: Grolier Compton

Research Notebook (will be used for Application) Must be written in your own words. Do not just print the pages from the computer. Research your topic in books and online Make notes as you do the research Paraphrase what you read in your OWN words Research may be typed or handwritten You are to have a minimum of five sources Must list your sources in the bibliography in the correct format (on the materials list)

Step 4: Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement of what you believe will happen in the experiment. This statement is based on the research you have done. Do not start with “I think.” Examples: “The can will keep the soda cooler longer than the plastic or glass bottle.” OR “If soda is placed in can, then the soda will stay cooler longer than in plastic or glass.”

Step 5 : Design an Experiment Materials List: All materials needed to conduct the experiment: Paper Pencil Ruler Measuring cup Etc. Procedure: The procedure is a step by step set of directions on how to do the experiment. Remember to use are metrics. Step 1 – gather all materials Step 2 – explain how to set up experiment Etc.

Step 6 : During Experiment Observe: Watch Look Record: Notes Journal/Log Results During the Experiment Analyze Data: What have I learned from the results?

Step 7 : Repeat the Experiment The experiment is to be repeated at least 3 times. This is part of the rubric. This is done in order to prove the results as true.

Step 8: Drawing A Conclusion This is a sentence or sentences that state what did happen during the experiment. What did you learn from the experiment? You can also use the conclusion to compare and contrast your results with your hypothesis, and compare and contrast your different trials.

Step 9: Application What could the results be used for? How could I use the knowledge I have gained from the experiment? How will I use what I have learned? How could others use the information I have gained from the experiment? Use your research in this step!!!

Guidelines and Rubric for Elementary Projects

The Display Board Title/ Question Graphs Charts Pictures Data/ Results Conclusion Application Hypothesis Procedure *Abstract Optional Notebook Log Required

Helpful Websites: These will be put on the school’s website! 1)      Science Fair Center - www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_planning.tpl?cart=11249928173913392#1 2)      Science Fair Center for nonscientist parents – www.sciencefaircenter.com/science_fair_basics.tpl?cart=11249928173913392 3)      What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html 4)      Discovery School .com – http://.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/ 5)      Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6) - http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html 6)      Science Projects 13.01 - http://members.ozemail.com.au/%7Emacinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N42 7)      IPL – Science Fair Resource Guide - www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/ 8)      Successful Science Fair Projects - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html 9)  Science Fair Prep - www.cyberbee.com/science/prep.html 10)  Steps To Prepare A Science Fair Project(Cyber Fair) - www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html 11)  Science Fair Ideas – USGS – www.earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/sciencefair.html 12)  Yahoo – Ask Earl - http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/ask_earl/20020123.html 13)  Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects - http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm 14)  Lycos Search - http://search.lycos.com/?src=sf&loc=sem&query=science+fair+project+ideas&nlubid=1 15)  Science Fair Resource Center - http://www.hallbar.com/sciencecenter.html 16)  Science Fair Links - http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/sciencefair.htm 

You are able to be successful! Good Luck You are able to be successful!