Science Fair Projects

Science Fair Projects Young Scientists Search the Unknown…

Oh No! What do I Do? • What is a Science Project? • What do I do First? • How do I choose a topic? • What’s a experiment? • What do I do with all the information?

Importance of Science Projects? • Allows for a variety of learning styles • Real world application • Hand-on approach to learning • Encourages higher order thinking • Allows students to investigate what they are interested in • Students are responsible for their own learning • Cross- curricular

Think of a Science Projectas an extended assignment, with three distinct phases.

#1 – The Planning Phase • Most detailed part… includes: • Journal….journal….journal • deciding what to do • Doing some research • Forming a hypothesis • Writing the experiment plan • KEY: Keep It Simple!

#2 - The Experimentation Phase • The fun part…includes: • Actually conducting the experiment • Collecting and recording the data • Seeing if the hypothesis was correct

#3 – The Artistic Phase • The creative part…includes: • Putting the information on a showboard • Having an organized plan • Being artistic in creating an attractive & interesting presentation

My Title Purpose Graph Hypothesis Data Procedure: Materials Variables Results Conclusion Step-by-Step Directions Research Paper Logbook

…In Search of a Topic http://paintcartoon.blogspot.com/2008_03_16_archive.html

Questions to Ponder….. • What is the temperature on Venus? • How does a tree grow? • How many raisins are in the most popular brands of cereals? • When can I find the most worms in my backyard? 5. How do airplanes fly?

Questions to Ponder….. • What is the fastest animal in the world? • What plants grow best in the shade? • Does air exert pressure? • How much can a caterpillar eat in one day? • 10. How big is the moon?

Purpose • Tells why the investigation is being done. • It is written as a statement from the topic question. • Example: The purpose of this project is to find out…

Hypothesis • Now we will research the topic and find out some of the secrets under investigation! • Once this has been conquered then and only then can the Sizzling Scientist reveal what are his/her possible answers to the question being investigated. • Don’t forget to give your reasons why the results of the experiments will turn out the way you have stated!

Procedure(The Plan) • Materials - What materials will you need for your secret experiment? - Be sure to list all materials, the type, and amount (in metric ).

Variables • Manipulated (Independent ) What is being changed in the experiment on purpose. (What you are testing) • Responding (Dependent) The measurable result of what is being changed in the experiment. (What you are measuring) • Held Constant All the things that are kept the same or controlled during the experiment.

Step by Step Directions(The recipe) • Write them clearly so someone else can follow them. • Be specific and not too lengthy. • Remember to indicate how many trials are necessary : Example “Repeat steps 3-6 four more times with each item being tested for a total of five trials”.

DataThe Dirt-The evidence!

The Data is kept in a chart or a table. • All the trials of the experiment must be indicated. (5 or more trials) • The data must be measured in Metric units for grades 3-5 ; (K in non-standard, 1st-2nd in Standard units) • All data must be collected according to the math skills of each grade level

Graphs( a picture of the results) • It is an organized way to display the data collected during the investigation. • There are two main types of graphs.

1. Bar Graphs- (most common type of graph) Displays data that does not occur in a continuous manner Ex. (Number of burgers eaten)

2. Line Graphs- Displays data that occurs in a continuous manner Ex. (Growth of a plant over a controlled period of time) Plant Growth Plant Height (cm) Growth Period

Results • Write paragraph or a short list of the results from your experiments. • You are not analyzing just yet-just listing!

Conclusion(Summary) • The analysis of the data as it relates to the original hypothesis. It should include: - Whether or not your data supports your hypothesis. - A description of any problems. - What would you do differently next time?

Showboard • Advertise your project using a Showboard! • Make it colorful • Use a creative title-It doesn’t have to be a question. • Make sure the components are placed in order-they should flow (check out the layout)

Requirements • All projects must have a Data Log - The log should be in the form of a notebook or tablet showing evidence of student work throughout investigation period. - All entries in the log should have dates for each part of the project. - Logs may be hand-written or typed. Example: 11/3/09 Today I chose my topic. My topic is…The purpose of my project is… 11/8/09 I researched my topic and wrote my hypothesis. My hypothesis is…

Extra! Extra! ‘Research’ All About It! • A Research Paper may be included and placed in a separate Research Folder. • Extra data, photos, and information may be included in the Research Folder.

…Science is Everywhere! http://www.pickinsplinters.com/2009/10/08/open-thread-thursday-october-8th-2009/#comment-7264

For More Information Contact: • Ashli McDowell • Ashli.mcdowell@sdhc.k12.fl.us Original presentation Created By: Yvonne Rotolo 2009 Adapted for use by Elementary Science Department, Fall 2010

Science Fair Projects