1. Supporting your Student with STEM Fair
AT: 1 min.
Materials: Parent Module Packet copies printed in advance markers to decorate STEM Fair Logs
Say: “Welcome families to the Hillsborough County Public School’s STEM Fair Parent Module”

2. District Vision: District Mission: Preparing Students for life.
To provide an education and the supports which enable each student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen.
AT: 2 mins.
Materials: N/A
Say: “Our district vision is Preparing Students for life.
Our district Mission is To provide an education and the supports which enable each student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen.

3. What is STEM Fair? STEM stands for:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
STEM Fair projects are:
highly motivating tool for helping our students learn to use a scientific method
a way to explore the practice of science, the characteristics of science, and the role of theories, laws, hypotheses, and models.
AT: 2 mins.
Materials: N/A
Say: “STEM Fair used to be what most remember as Science Fair. Here is how it has changed…
STEM stands for:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
STEM Fair projects are:
highly motivating tool for helping our students learn to use a scientific method
a way to explore the practice of science, the characteristics of science, and the role of theories, laws, hypotheses, and models.”

4. Why are STEM Fair Projects so Important?
Learning styles
Real world application
Hands-on
Higher order thinking
Student interest
Student Centered
Curriculum connections
Basis of discovery, understanding, and problem solving skills.
STEM related professions are an increasing part of our workforce.
AT: 3 mins.
Materials: N/A
Say: “So… why are STEM Fair Projects so important to our young scientists?
Here are just a few:
Allows for a variety of learning styles, so all our students can participate and learn
It provides - Real world application
It’s a - Hands-on approach to learning
It - Encourages higher order thinking
It provides students an opportunity to investigate what they are interested which creates motivation to learn and discover
Students are responsible for their own learning
It creates Curriculum connections in all subject areas
Scientific thinking is the basis of discovery, understanding, and problem solving skills.
32 % of our workforce is in science, engineering, and related professions. (National Science Foundation , 2010)”

5. STEM Fair Components STEM Fair Log
Scientific Method - Scientists do not always follow these steps in this order or even go through all of them every time, but for STEM fair we will.
Ask a question and state a purpose
Research
Hypothesis
Procedures(materials, variables, step by step directions.)
Collect data
Create a graph
Draw a conclusion
STEM Fair Log
AT: 4 mins.
Materials: N/A
“Say: “Let’s now look at the components of a STEM Fair Project.
This version of the scientific method is like the alphabet to reading or playing notes on a piano to creating songs. Our students will learn these basic steps so that they can later go on to rearrange them and be creative with science.
We will go into more detail of each component as well as the most important component…(STEM Fair Log will appear at click) The STEM Fair Log”
Provide time for parents to skim the components. The components will be gone into more detail and a foldable will be created.

6. STEM Fair Log
Create a log using paper and label the front cover: My STEM Fair Log by…
AT: 5-7 mins.
Materials: Two blank pages in participant packet to fold and create a STEM Fair Log. Markers to label the front cover
Say:” We are now going to create a sample STEM Fair Log similar to what our students can use for their projects.
Take the two blank pieces of paper from your packet and fold them both in half.
On the front cover of the pages, use a marker and write “My STEM Fair Log by your name”
Open your log and in the top-left corner, put today’s date _____________ and write your entry for how you started your STEM Fair journey today”
Ask if any participants would like to share their first entry. Allow some time for sharing.

7. Sample STEM Fair Log Entry
Specific Dates
Sample STEM Fair Log Entry
9/4/2015 My teacher said it is time for STEM fair. I think it would be cool if I could come up with a topic. I kind of have 3 in mind.
9/5/2015 I shared my ideas with my teacher. She loved my idea about experimenting with worms.
9/6/2015 My teacher said I had to have a question that I want to try to answer about worms without harming the worms. I wonder if worms like the dark more than sunny places? I always see worms after it rains. I wonder if worms don’t like being wet? I wonder where I can get worms?
10/8/2015 I have noticed that the slugs are more present after rain in my backyard. I am going to collect data on how many slugs are present after rain instead of worms.
10/12/15 It rained today! I was able to count 5 slugs on my back patio.
Keep Everything
AT: 4 mins
Materials: N/A
Say: “Each entry should be dated. Avoid generic dates such as, “Day 1, Day 2, etc.”
Click next arrow once for specific date example on slide. Click again to bring in text reading: Specific Dates
Say: “Students should begin their logs as soon as they are introduced to STEM Fair. That is the first day of their journey.
A STEM Fair Log may be a notebook, loose-leaf paper in a notebook, paper stapled together, or any other type of log. Logs can be hand-written, typed, or a combination of both.
It is a record of everything they think and do as they work on their STEM Fair project.
The log is like a diary or journal of students progress in their investigation.
Students should keep everything they write in their log even if they change their mind or start over.”
Click next to arrow Keep Everything example on slide. Click again to bring in text reading: Keep Everything
Say: “Research notes, measurements, observations, and test results should be included.”
Click next to arrow specific Include data & observations example on slide. Click again to bring in text reading: Include data & observations
Include data & observations

8. Create STEM Fair Foldable
AT: 4 mins.
Materials: STEM Fair Helpful Tips foldable (page 1 in packet English, page 2 in packet Spanish)
Say: “Let’s create a quick reference page to assist us with the components of a great STEM Fair project!
The first two pages in your module packet is the 2015 STEM Fair Helpful Tips page.
Fold each edge inward and create a tri-fold brochure.”
Participants will create the tri-fold STEM Fair Helpful Tips page in their participant packet. The page is in English and Spanish.
The inside when folded, looks very similar to the tri-fold show board.

9. How to identify a good Question & Purpose
A good STEM Fair question:
Cannot be answered with one word
Measurable
Investigable
Supported with evidence, not an opinion
The Purpose:
Tells why the investigation is being done.
It is written as a statement from the topic question.
Example: The purpose of this project is to find out…
AT: 4 mins.
Materials: 2016 STEM Fair Helpful Tips foldable (page 1 in packet English, page 2 in packet Spanish)
Say: “We want students to pick a project based on something they are interested in, but it needs to be a question that can be investigated.
A good science investigation question:
Can’t be answered in one word such as yes, no or purple.
Clearly states what is being measured and how to measure it.
Is something students can do on their own and is appropriate for their level.
Is answered with facts, not opinions.
Questions and Projects that involve humans or animals: Must have Human/Animal Research form filled out and reviewed by the School's Review Committee* BEFORE starting research.
The purpose is a clear, concise statement as to what the experiment is about or what you hope to find out.”
Tells why the investigation is being done.
It is written as a statement from the topic question.
Example: The purpose of this project is to find out…”
Example: Question: Will a cable-stayed bridge or a beam bridge support the most weight?
Purpose: The purpose of my project is to find out if a cable-stayed bridge or a beam bridge will support the most weight.”

10. Research & Hypothesis
Before students begin their project, they need to learn more about the topic.
Students will use this information to make their hypothesis.
The hypothesis is what students predict will happen when they perform the experiment based on their research.
Based on my research, I think… will happen because ...
AT: 4 mins.
Materials: N/A
Say: “Before students begin their project, they need to learn more about the topic. Students can go on-line or use an encyclopedia, book, magazine, or other text or talk to an expert and learn something about the topic. Students should read informational text related to their topic and jot notes in their logs. (This is like think notes in reading). They should try to find the answer to their questions, or information that leads them to an answer. They will conduct an investigation to prove or disprove what they have read or heard.
This information will be used to help them form their hypothesis.”
The hypothesis is what students predict will happen when they perform the experiment based on their research.
It doesn’t matter whether their hypothesis is right or wrong; in their conclusion, they will tell if their hypothesis was supported or not.
It is what students think the results of their experiment will be and WHY they think that.
Example… Based on my research, I think … will happen because…”

11. Procedure(The Plan) Materials Variables Step by Step Directions
Manipulated (Independent ) What is being changed in the experiment on purpose. (What you are testing)
Responding (Dependent)The measurable result of what is being changed in the experiment. (What you are measuring)
Held Constant (Control) All the things that are kept the same or controlled during the experiment.
Step by Step Directions
Direction Activity: How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
AT: 5 mins.
Materials: STEM Fair Log made earlier for 2nd dated entry “Step-by-Step Directions”
Say: “The Procedure is the Plan for how to carry out the investigation and how others can replicate it.
A detailed list of materials is part of the Procedure.
List all materials… type and amount… be specific!
Include How, When, and Where you will get your materials.
Students should use measurements that are appropriate at their grade and ability level.
Remember, they need to record it in their LOG!”
The Variables are part of the Procedure. It describes exactly what is being measured and how it will be measured.
Students do not need to know the vocabulary independent/manipulated, dependent/responding, held constant/control.
Projects have to be labeled with some type of terminology, it can be “What I kept the same, changed on purpose, and what changed because of what I did.” Students should understand that investigations should contain these 3 parts.”
Directions should be written Step by Step. Like a recipe that others can follow and replicate our experiment.
Write them clearly so someone else can follow them.
Be specific
Direction steps need to be numbered.
The experiment needs to be done 5 or more times in order to have sufficient data to make an accurate conclusion.
Step number one is always, “Gather materials.”
Remember to indicate how many trials are necessary. Example Repeat steps 3-6 four more times with each item being tested for a total of five trials”
“We will now make an entry in our STEM Fair Logs. Don’t forget to date your entry. We will be adding an example of Step-by-Step Directions on how to make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich”
Click for Direction activity to appear
Say: “In your STEM Fair Notebook, create an entry and write step-by-step directions explaining how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (Allow 3 minutes for participants to write)
After participants have written their directions, ask someone to share. Ask them very specific questions about their directions, such as:
If someone forgets to take out the knife when spreading the peanut butter or jelly, ask them what they are using.
If someone forgets to open the bread or the peanut butter or jelly. Ask them how did you get that material out to use.
Look for areas in the directions that are not specific.
Say “This demonstrates the importance of being very specific with directions with STEM FAIR, we want other scientists to be able to repeat our experiments.”

12. Data & Graphs Data Chart or a Table 5 or more trials Graphs
Graphs are an organized way to display the data collected during the experiment
BRAND NAME
Trial 1
(ml)
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
(m)
Trial 5
Bounty 2 3 4
Super 1
All Natural
Clean Sweep
AT: 3 mins.
Materials: N/A
Say: “Data will be the most time consuming and sometimes messy part of STEM fair.
Data should be kept in a chart or table.
All the trials of the experiment must be recorded and should be 5 or more trials.
In grades 3-5 students will spend several science periods collecting data.
K-2 will have one class project and will collect their data together with their class.
In grades 3-5 the data collection portion may be done at home IF parents are willing and able to help. Students should record data and bring data along with log entries about the data collection, then create the data chart and graph at school.
We no longer average or find the mean in elementary school.
After data has been collected, a graph will be created based on the data.
It is an organized way to display the data collected during the experiment.
There are two main types of graphs.
Bar Graph
Line Graph
Graphs should be grade level appropriate and understood by the student.“

13. Conclusion
The analysis of the data as it relates to the original hypothesis. It should:
Reference their Hypothesis
Be Data Focused
Be Comparative
Be Reflective
Have Implications
AT: 3 mins
Materials:
Say: “The Conclusion is the analysis of the data as it relates to the original hypothesis. It should include:
Whether or not the students data supports their hypothesis.
Describe your data in detail. What does your data mean?
Compare the results with you background information.
A description of any problems that occurred and What students would do differently next time?
Students should make real world connections and explain why their experiment is important.”

14. My Title Purpose Graph Hypothesis Data Procedure: Materials Variables
Results
Conclusion
Step-by-Step
Directions
AT: 3 mins.
Materials:
Say: “How students do their STEM fair display for their school site based STEM fair is up to the school site. Schools may choose to use construction paper mini boards, typed up copies of what might be displayed on a show board, hand written list of possible show board information, or whatever works for their school. The large cardboard display boards are only needed for the students who advance to the district STEM fair.
The information needs to flow, but parts do not necessarily need to be in these positions. (It’s okay if the directions go in the center and the pictures are in various places, etc…)
Parents, art teachers, etc… may assist with the boards. Boards are not judged, the students are judged on what he/she has learned and can explain and what has written and drawn in the log.”
Research Paper
Optional
Data Logbook

15. School Entries Class Projects K - 2: 1 per grade Individual Projects
ENTRIES ALLOWED
PER SCHOOL
K - 2: 1 per grade
Individual Projects
3 - 5: 2 per grade
Small Group Projects
and 1 additional project* from an exceptional education group may be included per school
AT: 2 mins.
Materials:
Say: “This is a list of the school entries that are allowed for the District STEM fair competition.”

16. Judging Criteria
Is the scientific method / engineering design process evident?
Does the STEM Fair Log include a chronology and anecdotal notes of the project?
Is data communicated correctly and clearly?
Did the student effectively communicate
his/her project findings to the judges?
AT: 2 mins.
Materials: Sample Judges Questions in packet pages
Say: “This is how projects are judged at the District Competition. As you can see, the log and directions are very important”

17. How Can You Help? Let your students do the project.
Assist them in gathering the materials they need.
Assist them in experimentation and/or data collection.
Ask them about their project nightly.
Be supportive and encourage them to do their best.
AT: 5 mins
Materials:
Say: “It is extremely important that we allow our students to grow and learn during this experience. We can do this by stepping back and allowing the children to make a scientific discovery on their own.
The biggest way we can help is by providing them the materials they need to conduct their experiment.
Assisting them in the experiment or during data collection is OK, but remember they are the scientists so allow them to do as much as possible on their own.
Ask them about their project. Probe them with questions such as… What part are you currently working on? What have you discovered so far? Do you notice anything in the data you’ve collected? What do you predict will happen next? Etc.
Model a “can do” attitude toward science, encouraging and expecting your child to do his/her best.
One of the most important things a parent can do is encourage their child and build upon the student’s natural curiosity.”

18. STEM Fair Dates for
3rd – 5th Mondays Sept. 14th – Dec. 7th & the entire week of Nov. 16th.
KG-2nd Two weeks from Nov. 30th – Dec. 11th.
Our school judging will be __________
District Early Bird Check-In: February 8, 2016
District STEM Fair Judging: February 9, 2016
District STEM Fair Awards Ceremony: February 10, 2016
AT: 3 mins
Materials: STEM Fair log from Early
Say: “Please take out your STEM fair log and write down the important dates as they pertain to you child.
STEM Fair is part of KG-5th grade’s curriculum.
3rd-5th Graders will begin their STEM Fair Projects at school on Sept. 14th 2015 through Dec. 7th 2015.
KG-2nd has two weeks from Nov. 30th to Dec. 11th to work on their class projects.
*Fill in your school’s date for STEM Fair Judging in bullet #3.*
Our school STEM Fair will be on _________________
The district STEM Fair begins with Early Bird Check-In on Feb. 8th 2016.
Project judging is Feb. 9th 2016
And the awards ceremony will take place the evening of Feb. 10th 2016”

19. Science Support
For additional help, ideas, and information please contact your student’s teacher. For information regarding Hillsborough County Public Schools Elementary Science events and policies, please contact Shana Tirado, Elementary Science Supervisor Thank you for your continued support of science!
AT: 1 min
Materials: NA
Say: “Once again, thank you for spending time with us today. For additional help, ideas, and information, please contact your student’s teacher. For information regarding Hillsborough County Public Schools Elementary Science events and policies, please contact Shana Tirado, Elementary Science Supervisor. You can her at “
Say: “Thank you for your continued support of science!”