Kern County Regional Science Fair 2014 Coaches Workshop Eldred Marshall (661) 636-4640

1. Kern County Regional Science Fair 2014 Coaches Workshop Eldred Marshall (661) 636-4640 elmarshall@kern.org Office of Christine Lizardi Frazier Kern County Superintendent of Schools 1 1

2. What makes a good project? • An investigation • Begins with student interest in a subject • Needs a clear hypothesis – based on research, reading, and/or observation • Procedure which tests the hypothesis • Appropriate apparatus • Execution of the experiment Kern County Superintendent of Schools 2 2

3. What makes a good project? • Identify the independent variable (What I change) • Identify the dependent variable (What I observe) • Identify the controlled variables (What I keep the same) Kern County Superintendent of Schools 3 3

4. What makes a good project?Examples of Controls Kern County Superintendent of Schools 4 4

5. What makes a good project? • Repeat sufficient number of times to get reliable results • Record all results • Analyze data • Display the data using a table, chart, diagram, graph, flowchart, and/or formula • Develop conclusions • Communicate all of the above clearly • Suggest further hypotheses and experiments Kern County Superintendent of Schools 5 5

6. Getting ideas for projects • Lots of resources are available– some examples follow: • CSSF website – www.usc.edu/cssf “Getting Started” and “Fair Resources by Subject” • Some example sites: • Super Science Fair Projects www.super-science-fair-projects.com Kern County Superintendent of Schools 6 6

7. Getting ideas for projects • Links to project ideas http://www.All-Science-Fair-Projects.com • The Ultimate Science Fair Resource http://www.scifair.org/ • Science Buddies http://www.sciencebuddies.org • TheScienceClub http://scienceclub.org//kidproj1.html • Science FairProjects World www.sciencefair-projects.org • Science News for Kids www.sciencenewsforkids.org Kern County Superintendent of Schools 7 7

8. Abstracts • Used to place projects in categories • Projects occasionally misplaced because abstracts were unclear and/or incomplete • Projects are unlikely to be moved if they are not in the correct category • Judges read them to get preview of project • Can be critically important for entries in CSSF Kern County Superintendent of Schools 8 8

9. What is a Restricted Project? Any project which may require additional adult supervision due to potentially harmful materials, handling of non-human vertebrates, or topics sensitive to either the student or subject(s). Kern County Superintendent of Schools 9 9

10. Types of Restricted Projects • Hazardous/controlled substances ~ “Keep Out Of Reach Of Children” • Firearms • Non-human vertebrates • Human subjects, including surveys • Bacteria Kern County Superintendent of Schools 10 10

11. …and the forms that go with them • Designated Supervisor • Qualified Scientist ~ may NOT be the student’s parent • Human Subjects Form • Informed Consent Form ~ use of a roster MAY be allowable; see sample • Humane Treatment of Live Animals Form • Human, Animal Tissue, Microorganisms Form Kern County Superintendent of Schools 11 11

12. For Clarification • In general terms, the Designated Supervisor is the person who promises to provide additional supervision in the course of a project. That can include anything necessary to insure a student’s safety. Examples might be overseeing a student who is using bleach, lighting a match, or climbing a ladder. If a student is surveying strangers, the Designated Supervisor would remain nearby in order to guarantee that the student is in a safe environment.

13. For Clarification • A project which requires a Qualified Scientist is one which needs a higher level of scientific oversight. Examples might include supervision for a student handling chemicals or medications. Projects using animals would need a scientist willing to oversee the humane treatment of those animals. • The County’s Scientific Review Committee will evaluate the risks associated with each project and determine if there is a need for either a Designated Supervisor or a Qualified Scientist. The decisions of the Committee are final.

14. Speaking of Forms • Science Fair application pages for all grades are now available in a Spanish translation. • All forms will be posted on the website as PDF’s with fillable fields. They must be typed, then printed out and signed. Delivery may be via mail (1300 17th St. – City Centre, 93301), fax (661-636-4135) or in person, 1300 17th St. 5th floor. 14

15. Website Info http://ci.kern.org/sciencefoundation Choose Science Fair link Teachers, Students, Parents, Judges all have access to the Rules and Entry Forms books Judging Handbook Parents handbook Videos about a winning science fair team and project *Forms will be posted in a separate link so they are easy to find Kern County Superintendent of Schools 15 15

16. Judging Process – What are judges looking for? • Clear display – shows intent and results of a real investigation; clear communication • Clear presentation and answers to questions • Understanding of project and its scientific basis • Good explanation of origin of project • Significant participation by all team (grades 6-12 only) members Kern County Superintendent of Schools 16 16

17. Important Dates • School registration • Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2014 • Student registration • Restricted projects deadline: Friday, January 24, 2014 • Science Fair entry deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2014 Kern County Superintendent of Schools 17 17

18. NEW THIS YEARNEW REGULATIONS REGARDING ELECTRONIC DEVICESREAD CAREFULLY Although electronic devices such as student cell phones are permitted at the Kern County Science Fair, the following guidelines will be enforced: All devices (phones, games etc.) should be set to silent or vibrate mode No talking on the phone Disengage from all portable devices as judges approach your project – first impressions are important! Be respectful of your neighbors as they are being judged We appreciate your support of these guidelines which will promote a quiet and respectful environment for both judges and participants. Students are not allowed to photograph, video, or record any other science fair participant or official. Failure to adhere to the above policies may result in devices being removed by the floor coordinators. Kern County Superintendent of Schools 18 18 18

19. At The Science Fair DO bring: • Chairs for students • Snacks (for breaks only; not allowed on floor) • Water bottles • Lunch or lunch money • Something to keep students busy during judging intervals • Log book and 5 copies of abstract • Extension cord if electricity has been requested (6-12 only) Kern County Superintendent of Schools 19 19

20. Do NOT bring: Glass Liquids Live plants; dirt Display photos depicting anyone other than student Anything the student cannot afford to lose Kern County Superintendent of Schools 20 20

21. More Important Dates • Kern County Regional Science Fair • Project setup: Monday, March 17, 2014 2:00-7:00 ONLY • Judging and awards: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Doors open 8:00 a.m. Speaker 9:00 a.m. Judging begins 10:00 a.m. Awards 3:30 and 4:30 Kern County Superintendent of Schools 21 21

22. California State Science Fair • An award at the Kern County Science Fair does not automatically determine an invitation to the California State Science Fair • Advisors will be notified of eligibility following the Kern County Science Fair • CSSF: April 28-29, 2014 • Prep Night at KCSOS on April 1, 2014 • CSSF applications deadline TBA 22

23. Questions, Clarifications, Concerns, Comments • Call or email! Eldred Marshall 661-636-4640 elmarshall@kern.org 23