Page ?, 11/12/08, Science Topic Objective: SWBAT brainstorm for their science fair project Catalyst: Staple in returned works

What is a science fair?

 A science fair is a showcase of scientific experiments.

 Steps to complete your science fair project: 1. Pick a topic 2. Come up with a experimental question 3. Write a research paper

4. Design an experiment to answer your question 5. Perform your experiment and take careful data / observations 6. Write a lab report 7. Create a poster

 Botany (plants)  Microorganism  Light & Optics

 Try to figure out what you may be interested in for your science fair project  Pick a topic

Page ?, 12/13/10, Independent and Dependent Variable Objective: SWBAT identify the requirements of an experimental question including independent and dependent variable. Catalyst: What does experimental mean?

 Cut the strips.  Put them in the correct order.  Label the steps of the scientific method.  Glue the strips onto the poster/colored paper.

 Requirements of an experimental question: 1) must be testable 2) can’t be answered by just looking up on the internet, read from a book, or ask someone.

 Why is this question not an experimental question? 1) How do plants grow? You can just look up the answer.

 Why is this question not an experimental question? 1) Why is the sky blue? You can also find the answer to this question. Also you can’t test this.

 To make sure your experimental question is testable, the question must ask for a cause and effect on your topic.

 Cause = independent variable (you have control over this)  Effect = dependent variable (what you will measure; it’s the result of your experiment)

 I = independent  C = cause  E = effect  D = dependent

 Identify the independent and dependent variable: You want to find out how much water you should drink so you can run the fastest possible. Independent Variable: amount of water Dependent Variable: running speed

 Figure out the dependent and independent variable

Left Objective: SWBAT outline and work on their science fair research paper. Catalyst: What is an outline? Why do we need an outline for our research paper?

 An outline is a way to organize a paper.  We need an outline to help us write our research paper. Once you have an outline, you will KNOW exactly what information to look for and what to write.

 Outline your paper  Outline is DUE TOMORROW

 Open your notebook or take out the worksheet “Steps to Write a Research Paper”

Left Objective: SWBAT continue with their research and write their science fair paper. Catalyst: Sit quietly and wait for instruction.

Page Date Title ? 11/14/07 Science Fair

 3rd person point of view so you CANNOT use I, you, we, my, your, our, etc.  #3 in the introduction MUST be the EXACT question from your brainstorm sheet  Today at the library from 3:15/3:30 to 5

 Use your outline to continue writing your paper  Some books are available but you CAN’T take them with you

 What is due NEXT Monday 11/19/07? Research Paper

 Those with their outline can use the laptop to work on their research paper  You NEED to finish up your outline before the end of class

 15 minutes of silent reading for enjoyment  Make posters with theme for Anti-Smoking (Contest)