1. 11-14-17 Science Fair Purpose

2. Do Now: Answer the following in your science notebook
What is an independent variable?
A characteristic of an experiment that determines the value of the other variable. (in other words, a factor in an experiment that causes something to occur in another factor.)

3. Nature of Science Unit Retake Reminder
On a separate piece of paper, for each question you got wrong, write down why the other choices on the test are incorrect.
Ex: For Question 1, “start a new experiment” is incorrect because this is not a part of the steps of scientific inquiry. “Change their experiment” is incorrect because this would not make sense since the hypothesis was supported.
This must be completed and approved by Thursday, 11/16. If not, you will not be able to retake the test.
You will retake the test on Friday, 11/17.

4. Science Fair Project Assignment #1: Purpose
A science fair project begins with a good testable question. For many students, the hardest part of a science fair project is selecting a good question. Select a question that is interesting to you. The question should lead to an experiment where something is changed and the result is measured.

5. A good question:
Must lead to an experiment not a report, demonstration or model.
The question must ask about the effect of one thing on another.
Is one from which you can collect measurable data or direct observations rather than opinions.
Should be very narrow and specific, not broad.
Is one in which the materials needed to experiment are easy to find.

6. Science Fair Project Assignment #1: Purpose
To come up with a testable question, begin by thinking about something you’ve observed.
For example, have you ever played with a parachute? Think about what variables may affect the speed at which the parachute falls
(size, shape, weight, material, length of strings, number of strings, etc.).
Select one variable to test and formulate your testable question. Example: How does the type of material of the parachute’s canopy affect the rate at which it falls?

7. Questions How does temperature affect the bounce of a ball?
Examples of good questions:
Examples of poor questions:
How does temperature affect the bounce of a ball?
Does the shape of a container affect how fast water evaporates?
Does the drop height of an object affect the size crater it will make?
How do volcanoes erupt?
This question is poor because it is a model not an experiment, is too vague/broad, and will not involve data collection.
Why are there craters on the moon?
The question is not an experiment and would require only research, not experimentation to answer.
How do bean plants grow?
This question is too broad and would require research rather than experimentation and collecting data.

8. Criteria for a Good Science Fair Question (write this down in your notebook)
Testable question
The question should lead to an experiment where something is changed and the result is measured.
References a cause and effect relationship
Example: Temperature of a ball may affect how fast the ball rolls.
Has a measurable outcome
Anything in which you can determine a quantity
Examples: Height of plant, amount of questions correctly answered, height of an explosion, speed of a ball
There is only 1 independent variable present

9. Homework Review: Brainstorm of Possible Science Fair Questions
Create the following table on the back of your homework assignment
Trade your homework assignment with a neighboring student.
Criteria
Possible Question #1
Possible Question #2
Possible Question #3
Testable question
Cause & effect
Measurable outcome
Only 1 Independent Variable
Materials easy to obtain

10. Homework Review: Brainstorm of Possible Science Fair Questions
Trade your homework with a neighbor who completed the homework.
Review your neighbor’s research questions and mark whether or not the criterion is present using the table they made on the back.
Criteria
Possible Question #1
Possible Question #2
Possible Question #3
Testable question
Cause & effect
Measurable outcome
Only 1 Independent Variable
Materials easy to obtain

11. Science Fair Project Assignment #1: Purpose
Have your Science Fair Question approved by Mr. Santos
At home, discuss your research question with your parents/guardians. If they approve of the project, have them sign Page 7 of your Science Fair Packet and bring it to class by Thursday, 11/16.

12. Earth Science Writing Assignment
"You have just returned from an adventurous journey to the center of the Earth. Take a few minutes to write a description of your journey. Describe what the temperatures were (hot, cold, moderate) and what materials (liquids, gases, solids) you passed through“
Try to include an explanation of why you think the interior of the Earth is the way you describe it
Alternatively, if you do not have prior knowledge, explain that your answer is solely creative and not based on prior knowledge. 

13. Earth Science Why Earth Science?

14. Homework: Brainstorm a Science Fair research question
Come to class with 3 possible questions written down.
Meet the requirements as stated in the rubric:
Project Elements 5
Excellent 3
Fair
Incomplete/ Incorrect
Purpose
Testable question references a cause and effect relationship. There is a measurable outcome. There is only one independent variable present in the question.
Testable question that does not have a measurable outcome or has multiple variables that may affect the outcome.
Question not testable.
Total Score
/5 = %