1. The Scientific Inquiry
A way to solve a problem
Inquiry
Discovery
Use of Journals

2. Science
Science: A way of learning about
the natural world
- Includes all of the knowledge
gained by exploring the
natural world.
- This knowledge is always
growing and changing as
scientists ask new questions
and explore new ideas.

3. Scientific Inquiry Scientific: Of or relating to the practice
of science
Inquiry: A close examination of a matter
in a search for information or truth
Scientific Inquiry: The ways in which
scientists explore the natural world

4. Scientific Inquiry: Procedure Data Collection / Data Graphics
Materials
What materials will you need to perform this investigation?
Prediction
What do you predict will happen?
Question
Ask a question that can be tested.
Conclusion
What patterns do you see? How do your results compare to your prediction?
Data Collection / Data Graphics
Construct tables or other forms needed to organize data.
Illustrate your results with a graph, map, model, diagram, etc.
Procedure
Design this investigation. Identify the variable to be tested and
how the other variables will be controlled.

5. Brainstorm Ideas and a pick a topic
Identify the type of category:
*Life – Biology, Zoology, Ecology
Microbiology
*Physical – Chemistry, Physics
*Earth – Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, and
Paleontology

6. Research a topic Learn more about your subject
by including at least 5 sources:
Encyclopedia
Nonfiction Books from the library
Magazines/Periodicals
Interviews from professionals; scientists
Internet

7. Now select your idea and come up
with a problem you want to solve.

8. Developing and Forming a Hypothesis
Hypothesis: A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question
A hypothesis must be something that can be tested
Worded as an if… Then statement
Hypotheses can either be supported or disproved

9. Plan out and design an experiment to test your hypothesis
Test experiment at least 3 times.
Find out if you are correct.

10. Experiment Variables Variable: Factors that can change in an
Manipulated (Independent) Variable:
The variable that is changed during the
Responding (Dependent) Variable:
The factor that changes because of the
manipulated variable

11. Controlled Experiment
Controlled Experiment: An experiment in which
all of the variables except for one remain
the same.
Scientific experiments MUST be controlled!

12. Record and analyze your data
Different types of charts and graphs (include 3 kinds)
*line graph
*pie graph (percents)
*bar graph
*chart/data table
*Venn diagram

13. Interpreting Data
After the data is collected, it
must be organized and interpreted
How can data be organized so that it
is easy to understand?

14. Drawing Conclusions
After you have organized and interpreted your data, you must draw a conclusion.
You need to decide if the data supports your original hypothesis.

15. Garza Science Fair
2nd-5th Grades
Important Dates:
Classroom Judging of Projects:
Week of November 26-30, 2018
Campus Science Fair:
Thursday, December 6, 2018
District Science Fair:
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Sam Houston Elementary

16. All projects are due on Friday, November 16, 2018.
However, if a student wishes to continue working on the project over the Thanksgiving break, that will be allowed. We are not encouraging working over the holiday.
All projects must be completed and in the classroom by Monday, November 26, 2018 before noon (extension for emergencies)
Any project brought in after that time will NOT eligible for competition.

18. Scientific Investigations
2nd – 5th Grades
Scientific Investigations

19. Scientific Investigations
2nd – 5th Grades
Scientific Investigations

20. Scientific Investigations
2nd – 5th Grades
Scientific Investigations

21. Scientific Investigations
2nd – 5th Grades
Scientific Investigations

23. 2nd - 5th Grade
Inventions

26. Thank you for joining us tonight.
Remember, Science can be fun. Completing a Science Fair project is just one way to introduce students to the wonders of science.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your child’s teachers or any of the Science Fair Committee members here tonight.
Thank you for joining us tonight.