1. Science Fair Overview Judges Training Saturday, February 21, 2009

2. Today’s Agenda Receive assignment Judges Training Split into grade level groups-meet with lead Judge your projects Confer with lead and other grade level members to select a first, second, and third place project as well as an honorable mention. Sign off on the winners sheet. Then 5/6 will combine and 7/8 combine to select 1 project as the innovator for the combined grade levels.

3. Goal of Science Fair Building good scientific inquiry, experimentation and data analysis to grow scientific minds on the K-12 continuum. Implication: The process of science is heavily emphasized and overtly valued in the 5-8 projects.

4. Scientific Thought/Experimental Design Is this a relevant question formed from observations? Is the question testable through an experiment? Predictions presented are based on observed cause and effect relationships. Is there evidence that students have observed this phenomenon before or done research on the topic? Is there evidence that students have observed this phenomenon before or done research on the topic? Did the students have to complete an experiment to find the answer?Did the students have to complete an experiment to find the answer? Did the students provide evidence that they have observed/researched the phenomenon and used this to make predictions?Did the students provide evidence that they have observed/researched the phenomenon and used this to make predictions?

5. Scientific Thought/Experimental Design Is prior knowledge and research evident in student development of investigation? Procedures clearly outline a controlled experiment that can be easily replicated and will prove/disprove hypothesis. Did the students research each of the variables? Did they look for prior research on the question? Are there clear independent/depend ent variables that are being tested? Do the IV/DV provide data to answer their question?

6. Scientific Thought/Experimental Design Measurements are designed using appropriate tools and units of measure. Metric measurements should be given. Students should use scientific tools when appropriate (Graduates, triple beam balances, meter sticks).

7. Data Collection and Analysis Results are communicated accurately through appropriate charts, graphs or tables Data log/notebook use? Students use the correct graphical form for their data. (Change over time – Line graph; Percentages – bar or pie; Correlation-scatter plots) Student should have one and it should be complete. Not just a few pages filled out.

8. Data Collection and Analysis Multiple Trials have been used. Data is analyzed to accept or reject the hypothesis Data is analyzed to identify trends and support conclusions Data is analyzed to determine whether it is consistent with the prediction. Students should discuss whether the data supports the hypothesis or rejects it and why.

9. Data Collection and Analysis Hypothesis is refined based on the data analysis. Other data sources from previous investigations or research are analyzed and compared to current results. Students should discuss results and make improvements to the project based on what they observed. Students should indicate if the information makes sense based on other data sources or research.

10. Data Collection and Analysis Validity and reliability of the results is determined and communicated. Reasonableness of the results are evaluated. New questions are formulated based on the investigation. Statistics are used to help students analyze whether the results were what was expected and what should be expected.

11. Communication Progression through the board Labels and descriptions are neat, grammatically correct and sufficiently explained. Required elements are present. Appropriate data communication.

12. Scientific Innovation Creative use of materials and resources? Novel approach to the topic? Critical and analytical thinking? New approach to common items and materials? Did they put a new spin on content ideas? Or is this something that is likely to be found on the internet science fair question data base? Did the students display active thinking and processing during this project?

13. Questions?