Parent’s Survival Guide to Science Fair

1. Parent’s Survival Guide to Science Fair

2. Purpose of Science Fair • To demonstrate and deepen the students understanding of the scientific method • To learn how to gather data • Review and understand their findings • To learn that there can be differing solutions to the same problems. • To learn how to communicate scientific data

3. Dates to Remember • November 26, 2013 • Power Point Presentation due • December 18, 2013 • Washington Jr High & Academy Science Fair. • January 25, 2013 • District 86 Science Fair • February 14, 2014 • Research papers are due

4. Experimental Topics & Requirements • All Washington Students are required to do a science fair project. • Partners are will not be allowed • Must include 3 trials & 3 variations of IV • All science fair projects must be presented to the student’s science class as a Power Point Slide Presentation.

5. Experimental Topics & Requirements • Projects may NOT include • animals of any kind (this include humans!) • Explosives and/or hazardous materials • Questions must show a Cause & Effect relationship • Must be objectively measureable with clearly defined endpoints. • Have only one Independent Variable and one Dependent variable.

6. Project Timeline • Students were required to turn in project ideas by Sept 13, 2013. • Testable Questions will be due Sept 23, 2013 • Will be approved/Denied by Sept 30, 2013 • Rubric & Reference Guide will be reviewed with Students on Monday, Sept 30 • Extra copies of the reference guide will NOT be available.

7. District Grading Rubric • All students will be graded according to the Joliet 86 Junior High Scoring Sheet • Students can print an extra copy from my website • mskehoe.weebly.com • Students will be chosen by science teacher to attend the Washington Science Fair

8. Question/Problem Statement • How does_________affect ____________? • First blank= Independent variable • Aka: Manipulated variable • Second blank = Dependent variable • Aka: Responding variable

9. Variables • Independent Variable (IV) • The variable the scientists changes • Dependent Variable (DV) • The variable that changes because of the IV. What the scientist is observing/measuring

10. Hypothesis • If_________then_______because_____. • Question: How will changing the mass of a projectile affect the distance it flies when catapulted? • Hypothesis: IF three different masses are catapulted, THEN all of the projectiles will go the same distance BECAUSE the same force is being applied to each of them.

11. Materials • Should be listed • Be specific • Include sizes and Quantity used

12. Procedure 1. Must be written in steps 2. Must use numerical bullets 3. Must be written as commands 4. Must be specific 5. Must include 3 trials Example How will changing the mass of a projectile affect the distance it flies when catapulted? Mass 1 is repeated 3 times Mass 2 is repeated 3 times Mass 3 is repeated 3 times

13. Data Table • Should include all raw data & the mean • Units of measure should be noted • Metric System only. • Conversion calculators can be found online • Should include three trials.

14. Graph • X-axis = Independent Variable • Y-axis = Dependent Variable • Must include a Title: ex: Mass of Projectile vs. Distance Travelled • Units of measure should be clearly stated -All units should be in Metrics • Legend/Key should be present to explain any symbols. • Only the analyzed data should be present -Mean of all three trials.

15. Results • Using words, discuss the data in the data table. • Discuss any trends or patterns in the data • “The higher the ramp the farther the ball appears to roll.” • Include Error analysis • Explain any inconsistencies in the data or problems with the experiment. • 8th graders this means using statistics • Standard deviation • Summarize the data using statistics (mean). • Overall, the data showed….

16. Conclusion • State whether or not hypothesis was supported or not supported by the data. • Use data to explain why the hypothesis was supported or not supported. • Include information from research to support findings. • Discuss any further experiments that might better answer your question.

17. Bibliography • Should include at least 3 sources • Needs to be in MLA format • Easybib.com

18. Science Reference Guide • Must be completed in its entirety • Include parent initials as components are completed. • Must Include a diagram • Drawings or photographs are acceptable • Students will only receive one copy: extras are not available!

19. Research Paper • Should not be started until January • Needs to be 3-5 pages • Typed • Double spaced/ 12 Font Times New Roman • Must be in students own words • Include a bibliography • 5 sources: at least 2 must be from books. The rest can be reliable internet sources.

20. Parental Involvement • Let your kids be in charge. • Ask if they need help and respect their wishes if they say no. • Give them suggestions and understand if they don’t take them. • Allow students to write things in their words • Allow them to present their PowerPoint to you while you go through the rubric. Let them Shine!