WHAT is a Science Fair?

A Science Fair is… A science competition The students answer a question using the scientific method OR design a tool to fit a need Students display their projects on poster board & give a presentation Judges evaluate the projects & award prizes

WHY do a science project? Explore a subject you’re interested in Learn organization & critical thinking skills Boost presentation skills Build confidence Impress your friends & teachers Win awards FUN!!

WHAT is a science project? 1.INQUIRY (classic science project, K – 5th) 2.ENGINEERING DESIGN (for 3 rd – 5 th grade) 3.OBSERVATION (for kinder – 2 nd grade)

INQUIRY - classic science project Ask a question about a topic you’re interested in Research the question to see what is already known Form a hypothesis (educated guess at the answer) for your question Do an experiment (manipulate variables) to test your hypothesis Analyze the data & draw your conclusion Share results – was your hypothesis correct? Why not?

El Método Científico

I think model rockets are cool and I want to do a project with them. You need a TESTABLE QUESTION! →If I add fins to my model rocket, will it fly farther?

What is known about model rocket design? How do fins affect the flight of a model rocket? → Go to library, use reference books, use known internet sites and keep a list of your references

I think that my model rocket will fly furthest with 5 fins.

Design an experiment to test your hypothesis: Independent variable = number of fins – Dependent variable = length of flight Controlled variables = length of rocket, how hard you launch the rocket, weight of rocket, etc…

Use graphs, tables, charts, etc… to convey your data What happened?

Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not? What other experiments could be done ….?

ENGINEERING DESIGN (3 rd – 5 th grade) Determine a need Develop a tool to fulfill the need Build, test, & refine the prototype based on results Evaluate usefulness, cost effectiveness & performance Present your design & results

OBSERVATION ( kinder – 2 nd grade only) Find a subject that interests you Do basic background research Make & record personal observations on the subject Share your findings e.g.: How does a seed sprout? Parts of a pine cone. How do birds feed at a bird feeder?

Students should observe, not copy from a book..

Where can I get inspired? “Prefab project” - make it your own! Science Buddies Salt Lake Valley Science & Engineering Fair website slvsef.org/ slvsef.org/ Science Stuff.org sciencefairproject.virtualave. net/observation.htm sciencefairproject.virtualave. net/observation.htm Science Fair Projects World

Projects NOT to do Projects that are not unique, are a simple preference, or difficult to measure: – Effect of music, talking, different liquids, etc… on plants – “Which is best?”, e.g. which popcorn pops better, which paper towel is most absorbent, which soda tastes better, etc… – Maze running, reaction times, male vs. female comparisons Projects that are not experiments: – Baking soda & vinegar volcano – Diet coke & mentos – Optical illusions – The solar system

What does a good project board look like? Free-standing! Tell project story in a clear, concise, logical way using KEY POINTS Emphasize your exciting conclusion & end result Neat & readable - use tables, graphs & charts to present data

How do you present your project? Know your project and show your enthusiasm! Look the judge in the eye, speak clearly Use props to demonstrate your experiment, if possible Practice your presentation on your parents and siblings!

HOW does the Science Fair work? All students must register! – Online preferred Illuminating software Register for TSES Science and Engineering Fair Register for TSES Science and Engineering Fair Students may work alone or as a team of 2 or 3 students, all from the same grade – ALL students need to do the work!