STEM Fair Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fair For Baltimore County Elementary School Students

Context Maintaining U.S. scientific and technological leadership is essential to the future of our country. However, the United States is facing a critical talent gap in science, technology, engineering and math, and is not keeping pace with foreign competition.

Quiet Crisis Employment in science and engineering will increase about 70% faster than the rate for all occupations (BLS, 2006). Less that 10% of US students go on to college majors in Science, Technology, or Engineering. It is predicted that by 2010, more than 90% of all scientists and engineers will live in Asia (Rice Univ., 2003).

The Disenfranchised Girls regard for science declines in middle school. Minorities are underrepresented in STEM careers. Schools need to interest everyone in science, technology, engineering, and math.

STEM Fair To the Rescue Participation is hands-on, minds-on, engaging and fun! Inquiry is the emphasis. Students direct the focus and approach for their project. Projects are used to screen students for the middle school gifted and talented science program. It provides a valuable learning experience.

STEM Fair Projects Include: Topic Question Research Hypothesis Materials Procedure Variables Results Conclusion Display

Topic In an effort to increase the amount of inquiry learning and higher order thinking that is done by students, it is preferable for students to select and develop a STEM fair idea based on their own interest rather than simply choosing a topic from a list.

Question The question should be one that can lead to an experiment, which will yield either quantitative or qualitative data.

Research After choosing a topic, students should be guided to read a variety of books and articles about the topic. Students should use a minimum of 3 sources to write the report. The information will help the student make an informed hypothesis.

Hypothesis The hypothesis attempts to predict the outcome of the experiment and suggests a possible reason(s) for this outcome. A hypothesis is neither right or wrong, but provides guidance to the development of the investigation.

Experimental vs. Observational Projects

Materials Materials used in the experiment need to be listed in specific amounts and sizes.

Procedure In determining the procedure that will be used in the investigation, the factors that will affect the outcome of the experiment, called variables, must be identified and controlled. Independent variable (manipulated variable) Dependent variable (responding variable) Variables that are controlled

Understanding Variables Variable – any factor in an experiment that can affect what happens in the experiment.

Variables Independent variable (manipulated variable) – the factor that will be intentionally changed during the experimental procedure in order to find out what effect it has on something else. Dependent variable (responding variable) – the factor that is observed and measured to see if it is affected by the change in the independent variable. Variables that are controlled – the factors in the experiment that must be kept exactly the same to make sure that they are not having any effect on the dependent variable.

Results The results of the experiment include the measurements taken and observations made as well as a written explanation of the outcome. When quantitative data are available, the results will include a graph.

Conclusion A conclusion has four parts: It should reflect back on the original hypothesis and state whether it was supported or not. It should answer the original question that started the investigation and include results used as the basis for that conclusion. It should include inferences that can be made from the results of the experiment. It should include any additional questions that could be investigated or information that could be researched in the future. In addition, any problems that were experienced during the experiment can be discussed.

Display Board

Display The display includes: –Backboard –Research Report –Logbook Do not send in the actual investigation materials

Summary and Approval Form Teacher feedback and approval of project idea Students and Parents read and understand BCPS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fair Rules and Regulations.

Role of the Parent Parents are encouraged to: –Be supportive –Approve the topic chosen –Acquire a logbook (marble notebook) –Supply necessary materials –Supervise to ensure safety –Provide transportation –Proofread the research report –Monitor progress and schedule Leave the rest to the student

Website Optional tool to make the process easier Can be used by students, teachers, and/or parents Can be used as a whole or just a piece or two

Organization

Features Explorations are tutorials for each stage of the STEM fair process Resources include Internet links, documents, glossary, etc. as aides

Explorations are slideshows

Parts Whiteboard Comments Breadcrumbs Button bar Launch pad Parts of an Exploration Page Contestant

Detours

Exploration Highlights Each one covers one of the 10 stages. Each one has a handout to complete. Use the sound icon to hear the narrations read aloud. Some slides detour off to related websites. The show concludes with advice and a sample logbook entry. Take the orientation tour to learn more.

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