1. Science Fair 2012 Family Night
Science Committee: Ms. Bell, Mr. Poblete, Mrs. White, and Ms. Pickens

2. Purpose Understand why Science is so important
Familiarize ourselves with Information Packet
Review the Scientific Method
Suggest ways to display captured data
Understand the difference between model/diagram and experiment
Gather ideas for a topic
GET A FREE TRI-FOLD BOARD!!!

3. Science is IMPORTANT! Science teaches children about life.
Scientist employees are needed.
Science builds communication skills.
Science develops patience and perseverance.
Science can spark curiosity in children’s minds.

4. Information Packet The Science Fair will be held on
Thursday, April 19, 2012.
All students in grades 3-7 are required to complete a Science Fair project.
Parents please offer assistance with the project.
Information will be sent home periodically to help your student(s) complete his/her project correctly.

5. Information Packet
Please keep all information in a safe place to use as a reference and a guideline as you work to complete the project.
If you have questions or concerns please contact a Science Committee member at (410)

6. Information Packet- Rules
The Science Fair Project has to be an experiment!
It cannot be a display, diagram, survey, model or a demonstration. For example, a demonstration of “A Volcano” and a model of “The Solar System” are NOT experiments. The project has to be an experiment where you can see and record a cause and effect relationship over a period time. X

7. Information Packet- Rules
Anything considered “hazardous materials” is prohibited.
This includes open flames, dangerous or combustible chemicals, illegal drugs, unshielded light bulbs, highly flammable materials, bacteria culture, poisonous animals, etc.

8. Information Packet- Rules
Projects cannot involve vertebrates or poisonous animals.
(i.e. mice, rats, hamsters, snakes, spiders, dogs etc.)
It is acceptable to use invertebrates.
(i.e. insects, worms, crustaceans)

9. The Scientific Method
Select a Topic and ask a question- What are you trying to figure out about this topic?
Do Background Research- gather information about your topic.
Construct a Hypothesis- Based on your Research, what do you think you are going to find out? Predict what you think will happen.

10. The Scientific Method
Materials- List the materials you will use to do your experiment.
Test with an Experiment and record Procedure- Make a detailed list of the steps you completed to do your experiment. (While you are completing each step of the experiment, you will also be recording your observations.)
Repeat Experiment at least twice!

11. The Scientific Method
Analyze Data- What did you observe when you performed each experiment?
(Data are the results of your experiment. They are written to show how you measured your results, either as a chart or graph. Keep a log of daily observations and/or changes that occurred during the experiment)

12. The Scientific Method
Communicate Results and Make a Conclusion-From what you observed, how would you answer your original question? Was your hypothesis correct? What is your opinion and observations about the results and the data you collected?

13. Displaying Data
The Results are the data that you collected.  The data must be objective and measurable.  The results are usually always numeric in nature.
After collecting all of the data, you should present it in a way that is easy to visualize.  Graphs are a great way to do this, and they can really help you draw a conclusion from your results.  Nice looking graphs and charts are a key element of your science fair display. 

14. Chart Compare objects over a period of time
Sample 1: Bread at 45 degrees Fahrenheit
Sample 2: Bread at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sample 3: Bread at 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Day 5
0% Mold
15% Molded
Day 10
5% Molded
50% Molded
Day 15
20% Molded
95% Molded
Question: At what temperature does bred mold the fastest?

15. a line graph demonstrates change over time.

16. Bar Graph
a bar/picture graph demonstrates a comparison between two or more things.

17. a circle/pie graph compares parts to the whole

18. What’s the Difference? Experiment Model/Diagram
How do I build a volcano?
How to make a replica of the Solar System?
What materials block radio waves most effectively?
Do detergents affect plant growth?
Can you categorize different rocks?

19. Display Board design examples
Write down any ideas that stand out to you while viewing each Science Fair display board

21. Do all colors fade at the same rate?

22. Does laundry water affect plant growth?

23. Do different conditions affect the speed at which bananas ripen?

24. Do sixth graders remember auditory or visual information?

25. How do mass and speed affect an object’s momentum?

26. Do nighttime activities affect your dreams?

27. Does the eye see color and shape at the same rate?

28. Can an eggshell dissolve in different liquids?

29. Does the type of bat affect how far a ball will go?

30. In which weather does static electricity work the best?

31. Does noise affect concentration?

32. Which gum taste lasts the longest?

33. Which brand of popcorn pops the most popcorn?

34. Does the amount of Ph. in a garden affect the growth of the plant?

35. Turn your topic in to your science teacher
Date
Activity
January 4, 2012
Turn your topic in to your science teacher
January 12– February 5, 2012
DATA PHASE
-State your hypothesis
-Gather your materials
-Begin & complete your first experiment
-Repeat the experiment
-Keep a record of the results from
each experiment

36. February 6 – March 2, 2012 March 5 – April 15, 2012
Date
Activity
February 6 – March 2, 2012
Writing Phase
-Begin the written report
Graph or chart your data
Complete the written report
March 5 – April 15, 2012
Display Board Phase
-Collect decorations for your display board
-Begin creating your display board
-Finish your display board
-Select items from experiment to display
-Practice your presentation

37. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Thursday, April 19, 2012
Date
Activity
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Publication Phase
Science Fair Project due at school
Thursday, April 19, 2012
School Science Fair p.m.

38. Helpful Science Fair Websites: 4.