Welcome! Parent Workshop for Media School Science Exhibit 1

Due Dates Proposals due by Feb. 16 Projects in class by March 14 Science Fair in school on Thursday, March 17 from 2:15 to 3:00 – right after the Celebration of Music in the gym. In Class presentations to classmates from Monday to Wednesday, March

Purpose Opportunity for students to experience science both as a way of wondering and as an exercise in disciplined thought Practice using the scientific method 3

Goals To conduct an independent experiment at home using a controlled and experimental variable To present an experiment project at the annual school science exhibit Use the scientific method and scientific investigation 4

Scientific Method The scientific method is the "tool" that scientists use to find the answers to questions. It is the process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and testing each possibility to find the best solution. 5

Steps in the Scientific Method 6 The scientific method involves the following steps: 1. doing research, 2. identifying the problem, 3. stating a hypothesis, 4. conducting project experimentation 5. reaching a conclusion.* *See scientific method handout for more information

Variables Controlled Variable – the one that stays the same – test the experiment with the control in place. Experimental Variable – the one that will be changed in the experiment. Ex: amount of light for a plant to grow. Control = same plants; Experimental = plant in the dark; plant under artificial light for 4 hours/day, etc. 7

Ideas for Projects Find a problem at home that needs solving Encourage children to find out about something they are interested or are already involved in "I wonder how that works?" or "I wonder what would happen if..." then turn that into a project 8

Ideas 9 Try putting different words in these blanks… 1. What is the effect of ____ on _____? water …………. germination of seeds temperature ……………. the volume of air

10 How / to what extent does the ______ affect the _____? humidity ………….growth of fungi color of a material………its absorption of heat fertilizer……..the growth of plants

11 Which / what ______ (verb) _____? detergent …….(makes)……..the most bubbles battery……(lasts)…..the longest

How can you help at home? Post the “Due Dates” Sheet on your frig or some other safe, prominent place at home. Help keep your child on track and have he or she check off as they complete each task. Gently remind your child that they have this project to work on. Keep the packet in a safe place for students to refer to throughout the project. Let your child’s teacher know if there are problems, but please do not wait until the last minute. Ask your child to REHEARSE their presentation by practicing with you at home. 12

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Resources Janice VanCleave ’ s Books Public and School Library Internet Public Library Science Fair Central 17

Questions Any questions? Thank you for coming tonight! Did you sign in? Good luck and enjoy this project – it is SUPPOSED to be FUN!! 18