1. Preparing for the Science Fair
RISD Elementary Science Department

2. Why participate in the science fair?
My child and I have nothing better to do.
My family likes staying up late and losing sleep.
It will help focus develop good scientific thinking.
There is a large monetary reward for the winner.
It’s required by my child’s teacher.
Correct answer – C (and maybe E). The purpose of science fair is to give students an opportunity to “think like a scientist” and to put together all of those scientific process skills they’ve been working on in the classroom. It is required at grades 4-6 and is part of their curriculum.

3. Science Fact
Of the 10 fastest growing occupations, nine are science, math, or technology related.

4. Science Fact
80% of jobs in the next decade will require some form of math and science.

5. Science Fact
Preparing our children for the 21st century means giving them opportunities to manage their time on task, work collaboratively with others, communicate their ideas and information, and use appropriate technology.

6. Why Science Fair?
Science fair helps children see themselves as scientists.
Science fair helps children understand that science is a process
Science fair helps children use reasoning skills and scientific thinking to shape their knowledge.

7. How can parents help? Help your child find a topic.
Allow your child to take over the living floor to work on their project.
Pay someone else to do the project.
Open your wallet and buy whatever they want.
Correct answer – A (and maybe B). The biggest help a parent can give, other than helping your child to stay focused, is to help them find a topic. Tonight we’ll be talking a little about what makes a good science fair topic and things to stay away from.

8. The key is to start with a good question.

9. Things for students to think about…
Can my question be tested?
Can I design an investigation within my abilities?
Can I get the necessary materials I need?

10. Here’s the big question…
Can I do most of the project by myself with just a little bit of parent help?
Parents can certainly help supervise, help with the typing, help with putting the display board together, but the majority of the actual investigation should be done by the child.

11. How does a black widow spider spin a web?
Is this testable?
How does a black widow spider spin a web?
No – you can look up the answer in an Expert Source

12. Yes, you can design an Investigation
Is this testable?
Will a boat float better in salt water or fresh water?
Yes, you can design an Investigation

13. Yes, you can design an Investigation
Is this testable?
What kind of environment do ladybugs prefer- dry or wet?
Yes, you can design an Investigation

14. No – you can look up the answer in an Expert Source
Is this testable?
Why do volcanoes erupt?
No – you can look up the answer in an Expert Source

15. What makes a good topic? something really exciting and different
something that your child is interested in
something that doesn’t require a lot of expensive or unusual materials
something that can be tested
All of the above
Correct answer – E – your student will have a better chance of sticking with the project if it is something they are already interested in. Projects do not need to include a lot of expensive materials to be effective – it just has to start with a good testable question and have a good experimental design including collecting good data and during a conclusion that answers the question being asked originally.

16. What makes a good topic? Testable questions
- What would happen if I did this?
- Compare two items -
- Which absorbs better – cloth diapers or disposable diapers?
- Do earthworms prefer lettuce or cabbage?
Control the variables – everything remains the same except one thing

17. Two Types of Projects Investigation of a Problem:
Does the type of pot effect the growth of daisies?
What is the most electricity you can make using a magnet and coil?
Which paint protects wood the best – spray paint or brush on paint?
Demonstration of a Scientific Principle:
Measuring lung capacity
An electrical smoke trap
Faraday’s famous ice pail experiment
Stay away from a demonstration.

18. Stay Away From: Surveys Comparing human traits
Things that can be researched to find the answer
Topics which are too easy for the level of your child
Topics which are too hard for the level of your child
These types of projects have too many variables – surveys are just opinions of those asked; humans come with too many differences in what they can and cannot do so comparing human traits is difficult to measure.
Stay away from topics which have been done over and over again. Will a plant grow best in a dark place or in sunlight? Most students already know the answer to this question, so designing an entire investigation is just a waste of their time.

19. Parents can also…
Discuss with your child the difficulty of the project
Does it requires a technical knowledge or equipment that he/she can’t acquire?
Will it be too expensive or the necessary equipment and materials are not available?
Help your child keep up with their journal – record and date questions, preparation, the investigation and findings
Help with time management – break the project into pieces. Have due dates all along the way.

20. Basic Things to Know
All 4th, 5th and 6th grade students are expected to present a project which follows standard science fair expectations following the district and regional guidelines.
K-3 are encouraged to participate
Projects may not be repeated or reused; however, EXPANDING a project or topic from a previous year is allowable.
Students may participate individually or in groups of no more than 3 students.

21. How will the project be judged?
Creative Ability……………………………. 30 points
Scientific Thought………………………… 30 points
Thoroughness……………………………… 15 points
Skill………………………………………… 15 points
Clarity……………………………………… 10 points

22. Follow the handout given to your child- it has more information
SAFETY 101
Follow the handout given to your child- it has more information
Students MAY NOT conduct experiments that:
involve poisons, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices or the ingestion or application of any over-the-counter medications to animals or humans.
involve microbial cultures, mold, or fungi (disease causing), including rotting or spoiled foods, or any other possibly pathogenic substances. (Exception: Experiment with baker’s yeast so long as rDNA studies are NOT involved.)
involve microbial presence/growth including animal material such as manure. (Exception: Experiments with composting to test variables.)
involve human parts, blood or other body fluids. (Exception: Experiments may include teeth that were naturally extracted by a dentist, primary teeth that were naturally removed, or hair clippings.)
cause or may cause harm or injury to animals or human subjects.

23. Follow the handout given to your child – It has more information
Display 101
Follow the handout given to your child – It has more information
ANYTHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS AS A PUBLIC DISPLAY IS PROHIBITED
No food, liquids, animals, needles, human parts…
No living plants, soil, waste materials…
No mold, bacterial cultures, open flames…
Use pictures but cover up faces
No personal information displayed – even on the back of the board or in the journal
No electronics – there are no outlets at the Garland Special Event Center
Parents/students should have received a packet from their teacher that has specific rules for the experiments and rules for setting up their display boards. Parents can help make sure these are followed.
On the display – there can be no food products or food wrappers – take pictures.
No mold includes moldy bread and rotting food.

24. All projects must be able to stand up themselves – unsupported
Boards do not have to look like this, but must be able to stand up by themselves. Think about the “wow” factor. You don’t want a board that is too busy or too colorful, but you don’t want one that is sloppy and looks thrown together the night before its due.
Remember, creating a science fair project should not only be educational, but it should also be fun for your student.
All projects must be able to stand up themselves – unsupported

25. Questions?
Thanks for Coming!