Social Studies and Science Fair Meeting

1. Social Studies and Science Fair Meeting

2. Social Studies Fair

3. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Avoid topics that are limited. • A student should not write a report on a topic that can be explained in a few words or a sentence. Bad topic: What crops are grown in our county? Better topic: What is the economic impact of peanut production in our county?

4. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Avoid topics that are too broad. • Topics which are too big make it impossible to find all the information that is needed to cover the topic adequately. Bad topic: What happened during the Civil War? Better Topic: The Role of Columbus, GA in the Civil War

5. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Some topics do not have enough available information. • We often do not know exactly why people did what they did in the past. Bad topic: Why did Henry Hudson get into trouble with the crew of his ship?

6. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Avoid topics that are confusing because it cannot be determined what specificinformation is being explored. Bad topic: What do people of Japan like? Better topic: A Comparison of Japanese sports and American sports.

7. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Avoid topics on which people throughout the world cannot agree. • The topic should be supported with facts. The facts are used to arrive at a conclusion. Bad topic: What is the most powerful country in the world? Better topic: Why might Japan be considered one of the strongest economic powers in the world?

8. CHOOSING A TOPIC • Research the topic from a social studies viewpoint rather than investigating it as a natural science topic. Example: Nuclear power as a political issue rather than "how it works"

9. Research Summary Paper Format • The paper should be… • typed. • bound in a folder with a cover page. • placed in front of the triboard.

10. Research Summary Paper Format • The cover should… • add to the overall aesthetic appearance of the project display. • clearly show the name of the project, student name(s), school name, grade level, and the name of teacher.

11. Research Summary Paper Format • The body of the paper should… • have 3-5 double-spaced typed pages. • include the Statement of the question being explored. • have Methodology to explain the steps in the research process. • include Research findings. • end with a Conclusion presenting a summary of the key idea.

12. Research Summary Paper Format • The paper should… • have a bibliography located at the back and include where research was obtained.

13. TRIBOARD • Should include • Question or Problem Statement • Methodology • Conclusion • Graphs, Pictures, etc…

15. Science Fair Information

16. THINGS TO KNOW • 4-6 Weeks • Project topics governed by the ISEF • Topics should be… • interesting to the student. • approved by teacher. • be on grade-level. • testable.

17. HELPFUL HINTS & TIPS • www.secondaryinstruction.com • Projects contain 3 basic parts: • Logbook or Project Data Book • Research Paper • Triboard (if selected as a school winner)

18. Logbook or Project Data Book • www.secondaryinstruction.com • Detailed, step-by-step account of the project from start to finish • Written in ink -no erasing or pages torn out • Most important part of project

19. Research Paper • www.secondaryinstruction.com • Narrative version of the logbook • Includes background research, results, conclusions, etc.

20. Triboard or Visual Display • Will only be required for students if their project wins at the school fair

21. Judging Criteria • Creative Ability 30 pts. • Scientific Thought/Engineering Goals 30 pts. • Thoroughness 15 pts. • Skill 15 pts. • Clarity 15 pts.

22. Due Dates • Complete project timeline will be given out to students in class. • Other Dates • Early Due Date - December 19 • Final Due Date - January 10 • School Science Fair - January 11 • CRSEF - February 7