Agenda Participation & Benefits Scientific Method Demonstration vs. Experiment How and When to start Help & Resources

Participation Requirements K-3 rd Grade Students Students are encouraged to do a project, but participation is voluntary Demonstration or Experimental projects are OK 4 th & 5 th Grade Students All 4 th & 5 th grade students must do an Experimental project Not all projects are entered into the science fair Every classroom will do a Science Fair project.

Benefits of Science Fair Project Encourages students to explore areas of special interest Helps teach students managements skills: Organizing activities, Preparation of materials, Adherence to timeline, etc. Inspires students towards science oriented careers Opportunity to demonstrate work to peers, parents, and teachers

Agenda Participation & Benefits Scientific Method Demonstration vs. Experiment How and When to start Help & Resources

Scientific Method 1.State the problem 2.Research the Question 3.Form a Hypothesis 4.Define Experiment Procedure 5.Perform Experiment 6.Organize & Interpret data 7.Conclusion 8.Abstract

 The scientific method is a way of working on a problem using a series of related steps: 1.State the Problem as a question Ex: Which liquid has the highest density: water, oil, or corn syrup? 2.Research the Question Internet, encyclopedias, expert interviews, prior knowledge etc. Scientific Method

3.Form a Hypothesis - a statement expressing your opinion about the question. Ex: I believe that the experiment will demonstrate that oil has the highest density when comparing water, oil, and corn syrup. 4.Experimental Procedure 1.Describe how you will do the experiment (procedure) 2.What you will need to do this experiment (materials) 3.Identify control (standard) and the variables Scientific Method

5.Procedure - Do your experiment Be sure to collect data, take notes on your observations, keep a journal, and try to conduct no less than 3 trials. 6.Organize and Interpret Data Turn your data into charts, or graphs to explain your results. Scientific Method

7.Conclusion Tell whether your experiment proved or disproved your hypothesis. 8.Abstract Short summary of what you did and found out. Scientific Method

Agenda Participation & Benefits Scientific Method Demonstration vs. Experiment How and When to start Help & Resources

A demonstration shows how something works or happens, it is not a test! Examples: Volcano Colored Celery Floating eggs with salt K-3 demonstrations will be judged at the school. They do no go to district. An experiment poses a question that is being tested. It can prove a hypothesis true or false. Examples: Can radish plants grow in the dark? Does the amount of air in a basketball affect how high it will bounce? Does music affect blood pressure? Demonstration vs. Experiment

Agenda Participation & Benefits Scientific Method Demonstration vs. Experiment How and When to start Help & Resources

Choosing a topic: Pick a topic that interests your child. If he/she likes what he/she is working on, the project will progress more smoothly. If you cannot decide on a topic, your child can find books on science fair projects. In addition, there are many helpful online websites. How to Start

Now! – Fourth and fifth grade students should be starting their projects today! January 22 st – Project due to classroom teacher (see classroom teacher for exact date) January 22 rd – All Science Fair projects are due for judging February 4 th – Megan Cope Science Fair When to start

Agenda Participation & Benefits Scientific Method Demonstration vs. Experiment How and When to start Help & Resources

1.Classroom teacher 2.Science Fair Coordinator: Mrs. Gallagher & Miss Lee 3.Science Board Workshop* (MPR): November 19, 2015: 5:30-7:00 PM – To help you plan and start your projects! Science Boards will be available for purchase - $3 the front office, Room 704 and 705). 4.After School Help* (Room 704 & 705): November 30 th -December 3 rd, 2015: 3:30-4:30 PM – Conduct research and find information for your topic. Work on your board and layout. *Student transportation must be provided by parents. Help & Resources