1. SCIENCETECHNOLOGYENGINEERINGMATH

2. All completed projects will be due on February 7, 2013 in order to be presented and graded in class.

3. General Project Information  Grades PreK-2 –completion of class project  Grades 3-6 complete individual projects each component worth a homework grade final project worth an assessment/project grade Project Journals can be downloaded from online this year. No hardcopies will be distributed. all project due dates should be adhered to in order to receive full credit  Grades 4-6 must complete a brief research paper as part of their project

4. Project Must Haves  Display board with all parts of the scientific method represented  Research Paper (4-5 grades ONLY)

5. All the details to complete a Grade A Investigation

6. STEP #1: Choosing a TOPIC/QUESTION Your topic/question should be:  Of Interest  Related to science, technology, engineering, or math  One that can only be answered through an investigation in which numerical data is collected Example: Which soil type will grass grow best in? DUE: 11-30

7. Where do I get ideas for a topic?  Student Project Journal Online (already approved topics/questions in Appendix C)  Science textbook  School library  Public library  Internet  Observing the world around us

8. Guidelines for choosing a topic  Only THIRD graders can do consumer projectsconsumer projects  No Projects involving VERTEBRATESVERTEBRATES  No ModelsModels  No Bacteria Projects  Mold projects must be pre-approved for safety reasons

9. CONSUMER SCIENCE IS FOR THIRD GRADE ONLY  What paper towel soaks up the most water?  What diaper absorbs the most liquid?  Which ketchup is thicker? Consumer science is testing a product or comparing it to another brand of the same product.

10. STEP #2: Making a HYPOTHESIS (Prediction) The hypothesis is…  A response to the question to be investigated  Should follow this format: I believe ______________ because ______________. Example: I believe that clay soil will grow grass best because it sticks together and can hold water for a long time DUE: 12- 6

11. STEP #3: Gather & List Project MATERIALS List all materials to be used in the investigation AND include:  quantities  sizes/amounts (in metric units) Example:3 6 oz. plastic cups, 30 grams of each soil type (clay, loam, sand), 9 Kentucky bluegrass seeds, 40 milliliters of water (daily) DUE: 12/13

12. STEP #4: Write down the step-by- step PROCEDURES of the investigation  Procedures should be listed in step format: 1. 2. 3. Example:1. Label each cup with the different soil type. 2. Place 20 ml of each soil type in a separate cup. 3. Put 3 grass seeds in each cup of soil, pressing them about 5 cm below the soil. DUE: 12/13

13. STEP #5: Identify Investigation VARIABLES  Independent Variable The one thing that’s changed on purpose  Dependent Variable The one thing that should change based on the independent variable  Controlled Variables The things that remain the same (or constant) throughout the investigation Example: Soil type Example: Rate of grass growth Example: cup size, amount of soil, type of grass seed, amount of water DUE: 12/20

14. STEP #6: Perform the INVESTIGATION

15. STEP #7: Document RESULTS of investigation Results need to include: - At least 1 data table - At least 1 graph - A written explanation DUE: 1/24

16. STEP #8: Write CONCLUSIONS  Investigation conclusions should be written in paragraph format and include: ○ A statement about proving or disproving the hypothesis ○ A statement of what was learned by completing the investigation ○ A statement about anything that could have or might have been done differently to make the investigation better ○ A statement of how the investigation connects to real- world concerns and applications DUE: 1/24

17. Research Paper  Title Page  Acknowledgements  Project Question  Background research Write down questions that you want to know about your topic that can be answered by looking in a book.  Sources/Bibliography At least 3 An example of a research paper is included in the Student Project Journal Online. DUE: 1/17

18. Display of the STEM Fair Project Title Hypothesis Variables Materials Data Table * Graph * Conclusion Written Explanation * Procedures * All parts of the Results. Question

19. Project Display Board Tips  Don’t be afraid to use color– no more than 2-3 different colors  Type or write neatly – NO scratch-outs or sloppiness  Make sure the font size isn’t too small (no smaller than 14 pt)  Make sure to include a title  The display should be neat and attractive

20. Additional items to keep in mind:  All project components are to be turned in for teacher review on the due dates provided  Pictures should be taken throughout the investigation and placed on the final display board  Any pictures used should include captions  NO ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (actual investigation materials) should be brought to school

21. Contact Information Mrs. Burke, Science Department Coordinator Karen.Burke@pgcps.org Also Contact Your Child’s Teacher For Further Information Teacher’s name@pgcps.org

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23. Thank you for all of your support! HAPPY INVESTIGATING !!