esteem expo information packet

Oh My! . . . . It’s Back!
Thursday, May 28 @ 6:00PM - MPR
WHAT
IS THAT?
It is an opportunity for all students and families at
Emblem to create something really cool and share their
ideas with the community! The goal is to support
students’ interest in Ethics, Science, Technology,
Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics and
provide an opportunity where the Emblem community can
come together for a unique learning experience. SOUNDS
LIKE FUN!
WHEN
IS IT?
The Expo will be held Thursday, May 28 @ 6:00PM in the
MPR.
WHERE
CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Check out the information packet on Emblem’s website. Just click
on the “ESTEEM Expo” link.
Emblem Academy Thursday, May 28 @ 6:00PM - MPR
WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?
Ethics, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Math
surrounds us in almost every aspect of our daily lives, but we are often
too busy to notice! Preparing an ESTEEM project will give you an
opportunity to learn more about the world around us and let you become
the expert on a topic that interests you. Besides that, ESTEEM projects
are a lot of fun! WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
First, sit down with your parents and read through the following pages.
This will give you details about the ESTEEM Expo. DO I CREATE A PROJECT ON MY OWN?
You may choose to work on your ESTEEM project alone, with a friend, with
your own family, or you can even do a multiple family project! The intent is
to encourage students and families to participate.
W
ILL MY PROJECT BE JUDGED?
No. Projects will not be judged. If you submit a project, we consider you a
winner already!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Just complete the enclosed ESTEEM Expo registration form and return it to
your teacher by Friday May 1, 2015. Emblem Academy Thursday, May 28 @ 6:00PM - MPR
“Scientists investigate that which already is: Engineers create that which has never been.” –Albert Einstein THE ESTEEM EXPO
Part of the job of a scientist, engineer or someone in the technology field
is to tell people about the work that they have done. The ESTEEM Expo
will be a time when you can share your expertise with Emblem students,
families and community members. THE TIMELINE:
v  On Wednesday, May 27 bring your display to the school. There will
be two different times you can bring your display. •  7:30-7:50AM
•  1:35-2:15PM
v  If your display has any valuable or breakable items, remove it from
your display until the evening of the Expo so you can be there to
supervise. v  The ESTEEM Expo will begin at 6:00PM-7:30PM on Thursday, May
28th. Please be prepared to answer questions or explain your project
to your friends, teachers, and community members during the time
your section is open for presentations. v  On Friday, classes will be given the opportunity to tour the ESTEEM
Expo and purchase products from the 6th grade Marketplace.
v  You must remove your project and take it home at the conclusion of
the day on Friday.
Emblem Academy Thursday, May 28 @ 6:00PM MPR
THE GUIDELINES
All projects must
be no larger than
the area contained
within a 36”X48”
Tri-fold Display
Board. If you
need to request
more space please
indicate that on
your registration
form.
4. Respect all life
forms. Animals are not
allowed to be
used in experiments. 5. Do not perform an
experiment that will
harm a person.
6. All experiments are
to be be supervised by
an adult. 7. Always wash your
hands after doing an
experiment, especially
if you use chemicals.
SCIENCE FAIR RULES
1. Always think safety
first... Never eat or
drink during an
experiment.
2. Wear protective
goggles when doing
any experiment that
could lead to eye
injury.
3. Do not touch, taste,
or inhale chemicals or
chemical solutions.
8. Any project that
involves animals, drugs,
firearms, or explosives
are NOT permitted.
9.Any project that
breaks district policy,
and/or local, state, or
federal laws are NOT
permitted.
10.Use safety on the
Internet! Be sure to
let an adult know
about what websites
you will be visiting.
ETHICS
Key Info
Ethics is an important part of everyday life. Making ethical decisions can be
difficult and confusing at times when dilemmas arise. Sometimes it is not easy
to determine the right choice from the wrong one. For example, if your best
friend forgets their lunch and you happen to find $2 on the ground. You ask
yourself if you should spend the money on your friend’s lunch or turn the
money in to the office.
This kind of situation is a part of our Social Studies curriculum. We look at
how we make ethical choices through our Character Counts program.
Additionally, ethical dilemmas can be found in literature. Every well-written
character faces difficult choices; that is what creates the plot for a story.
In science, ethics can be seen when we find a natural resource that can assist
our society but at the same time it means we must destroy a part of nature.
These types of situations are found throughout our grade-level curriculum and
go across disciplines. Sometimes it can help to think about an ethical dilemma
from multiple perspectives. How would a historian view a situation vs. a
scientist?
There are many grade-level appropriate ethical issues that are directly
connected to what you have been studying in Character Counts, in literature,
and in science. If you would like to explore an ethical dilemma from one of
these areas of the curriculum then the Ethics portion of the ESTEEM Expo will
be perfect for you!
ETHICS PROJECT
What does an Ethics poster look like?
1. Identify the ethical dilemma you are focusing on.
2. Explain the options most people face in this dilemma. You can elaborate on
the choice you would make. Be persuasive and give your reasoning as to
why this is your choice.
3. Create a poster no larger than 18x24 inches. We will display these on the
walls during the Expo.
4. Present a verbal description of the project and the results.
Be creative! You might want your poster to be interactive. Perhaps, you
would like to offer people various ethical options and then have them use
Popsicle sticks to vote for their favorite. Another idea would be to pose an
ethical dilemma and provide sticky notes for people to write their solution.
Have fun!!!
SCIENCE/SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Key Info
The scientific method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by
making observations and doing experiments.
The steps of the scientific method are to:
1. Ask a Question
2. Do Background Research
3. Construct a Hypothesis “If __[I do this]______ then _________will
happen.”
4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
6. Communicate Your Results
It is important for your experiment to be a fair test. A "fair test" occurs
when you change only one factor (variable) and keep all other conditions the
same.
SCIENCE PROJECTS
Question
Materials
Procedures
TITLE
Hypothesis
Results Vocabulary
Conclusion
I wonder What does a science investigation display board look like?
1. Make observations about your daily life and routines. These observations can lead to questions.
For example, I noticed some of my plants seem healthier than other plants in my home. This led
me to generate the question: How does the amount of water affect the growth of a plant? This
could be a great science project question. Great investigable questions are ones that are
written in the following format: “How does x affect y?” and “ How can a compare to b?”
2. Research the topic. Determine the materials needed to investigate and answer the question.
3. Create a procedure that will be followed. Make sure the procedure changes only one variable.
4. Develop a Hypothesis, what do you think will happen? After you have made your prediction
then follow your procedure steps to conduct the investigation. This is the important part! Make
sure your investigation is done in a controlled environment, focusing on testing ONE variable. For
example in the question, How does the amount of water affect the growth of a plant? You
would want to make sure you are using the same seeds in all plants you are using, same amount
of soil, in the same type of containers, kept in the same location of your home; changing only
the amount of water given to the each of the plants.
5. Create a table or graph to record data to show results.
6. Analyze the results to make a conclusion. Write your conclusion in a few sentences, stating
what you have learned.
7. List any new interesting vocabulary you discovered along the way. Include the definition of
the new word.
8. Scientists are always asking new questions. After conducting your investigation, add
I wonder . . . questions that you still have.
TECHNOLOGY
Key Info
Technology is a wide-spanning field that involves the use of tools, crafts and
techniques to discover new things about the world and the way it works.
Technological advances in the past century include the creation of computers,
a better understanding of how energy affects us, and the creation of many
different and important devices. Using technology in your ESTEEM entry is an
effective way to keep up-to-date with current findings and to improve your
understanding of how the world continues to develop.
Below is a list of the Technology Categories:
• Robotics
• Green Energy
• Simple Machines
• Animated Graphic Design
• Digital Photography
• Digital Video Production
• Game Design
• Scratch Programming
• Mobile Apps
Emblem Academy TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS
Ask &
Explore
Imagine
& Plan
TITLE
Create
Test . . . Try it Out Vocabulary
Improve
I wonder What does a Technology display board look like?
1. The first step in the technology design process is to Ask & Explore. In
other words, identify the problem.
2. The next step is Imagine & Plan. In this step you think of ideas or
imagine ways to solve your problem. Then create the plan. Draw it out on
paper and label it, including labels and a list of materials that might work in
the design for solving the problem.
3. Use the plan to Create your design. You could include pictures of your
design on your display board under the Create heading.
4. After your design is created, Test the design to see how it works and record
strengths and weaknesses of your design. An important part is to decide how
you will know your design is successful.
5. Finally, Improve your design. Focus on changing the weaknesses from the
test and try to make those better. You could include a new improved plan or
list what was changed to make it better.
6. Last, does this lead you to any I wonder . . . statements?
7. Don’t forget to add any new Vocabulary you discovered along the way.
ENGINEERING PROCESS
Key Info
The engineering design process is the set of steps that a designer takes to go
from first identifying a problem or need to, at the end, creating and developing
a solution that solves the problem or meets the need.
•
•
Engineering Design Process Steps
1. Understand the need - What is the problem? What do I want to do?
What are the project requirements? What are the limitations? Who is
the customer? What is the goal? Gather information and research.
2. Brainstorm and design - Imagine and brainstorm ideas. Be creative.
Investigate existing technologies and methods to use. Explore, compare
and analyze many possible solutions. Select the most promising idea.
3. Plan - Draw a diagram of your idea. How will it work? What materials
and tools are needed? How will you test it to make sure it works?
4. Create - Build a prototype. Does it work? Talk about what works, what
doesn’t and what could work better.
5. Improve - Talk about how you could improve your end product. Make
revisions. Draw new designs. Make your end product the best it can be.
During the engineering design process, designers frequently jump back and
forth between steps. Going back to earlier steps is common. This way of
working is called iteration, and it is likely that your process will do the same!
ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Ask &
Explore
Imagine
& Plan
TITLE
Create
Test . . . Try it Out Vocabulary
Improve
I wonder What does an Engineering display board look like?
1. The first step in the engineering design process is to Ask & Explore, or in other words
identify the problem. For example, I noticed some spinning tops I have at home do not
spin so well and wondered “How can a spinning top be designed and created to spin for at
least 30 seconds?” In my example, I might explore a variety of materials that could
potentially work for a spinning top.
2. The next step is Imagine & Plan. In this step you think of ideas or imagine ways to
solve your problem. Then create the plan. Draw it out on paper and label it, including
labels and a list of materials that might work in the design for solving the problem.
3. Use the plan to Create your design. You could include pictures of your design on your
display board under the Create heading.
4. After your design is created, Test the design to see how it works and record strengths
and weaknesses of your design. An important part is to decide how you will know your
design is successful.
5. Finally, Improve your design. Focus on changing the weaknesses from the test and try to
make those better. You could include a new improved plan or list what was changed to
make it better.
6. Last, does this lead you to any I wonder . . . statements?
7. Don’t forget to add any new Vocabulary you discovered along the way.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Key Info
Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the American economy. Product
development, small businesses and creation of jobs all contribute to a healthy
and strong economy.
Here is your opportunity to become an entrepreneur! Ever think of something
that would make life a bit better for others but there were no products like
it? You find yourself saying, “I have a great idea!” Well . . . here is your
chance. Have fun designing a new product and sharing it with your friends
during the Expo. They may be amazed with your idea and what it can do.
Maybe even some day you will be on Shark Tank looking to partner with one of
the investors like Lori Greiner of QVC or Mark Cuban, Owner of the Dallas
Mavericks!
Take the risk and . . . Just Do It!
*Note: Emblem 6th grade students are working in teams to develop products for
their 6th grade project. They will be showcasing their products during the Expo
and then selling their products to students during the “Marketplace” on June 6.
Only 6th grade students will be able to sell their products.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROJECTS
Ask &
Explore
Imagine
& Plan
TITLE
Create
Test . . . Try it Out Marketing
Plan
Improve
What does an Entrepreneurship display board look like?
1. The first step in developing your product is to Ask & Explore. Identify a
“need” and able to explain what it is and why it is needed.
2. The next step is Imagine & Plan. In this step you think of ideas or
imagine ways to solve your problem. Think of a product or service that
will benefit consumers. Will it make something more convenient? Will it
allow people to express themselves by wearing something? Will it affect
someone’s happiness? Will it save people time?
3. Create a detailed plan and build a prototype of your product. You could
include pictures of your plan and the steps of building your prototype on
your display board under the Create heading.
4. After your design is created, Test the design to see how it works and
record strengths and weaknesses of your design. Show pictures of your
product being tested and display your findings during the testing period.
5. Develop a Marketing Plan.
• Give your product a name.
• Write a “Pitch.” Be able to explain how your product or service
works, why people should buy it, and how much it costs.
• Create an engaging advertisement with a catchy slogan
• Display the estimated price
6. Finally, Improve your design. Focus on changing the weaknesses from the
test and try to make those better. You could include a new improved plan
or list what was changed to make it better.
MATHEMATICS
Key Info
Mathematics is an important part of everyday life. If you find yourself
constantly thinking about numbers, percentages, patterns, shapes, etc., then
you might consider doing a mathematics project!
Those that love thinking like mathematicians know that the beauty of math is
that everything can be checked and answers can be proven. Mathematicians
must question and then build their argument to prove the solution to their
problem. However, it is the process that is most exciting rather than just
getting a final numerical answer.
Your project should identify the mathematical problem. Then you will need to
explain the process you used to solve it. You should elaborate on how you
solved the problem and prove with evidence why your solution works through
writing/pictures/charts, etc. This can be as simple as defining these three
areas.
Be creative! You might want your project to be interactive. Perhaps, you
would like to create a math game or game board. If you choose to do this, be
sure to attach the objective for the game, rules for the game, and some
sample questions, etc.
If your project is focused on solving a mathematical problem, then we ask that
you use the process on the next page to solve your problem. You are also
expected to use math vocabulary to write about your problem by explaining
your thought processes and the strategies you used while solving the problem.
During the process of solving your problem, you will be engaged in 5 of the 8
standards for mathematical practices.
• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively
• Model with mathematics
• Use appropriate tools strategically
• Attend to precision
MATHEMATICS
Problem Solving Process
1. Understand the Problem
• Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
• What are you asked to find or show?
• Can you restate the problem in your own words using an answer
statement?
• Can you think of a picture or diagram that might help you understand
the problem?
• Is there enough information to enable you to find a solution?
• List ALL of the important information about the problem.
2. Devise a Plan
The skill at choosing an appropriate strategy is best learned by solving many
problems. Here are a some strategies that you might use to solve a
mathematical problem:
• Make an orderly list
• Use direct reasoning
• Solve an equation
• Look for a pattern
• Draw a picture
• Use a model
• Work backwards
• Use a formula
• Act it out
3. Carry out the plan
Persist with the plan that you have chosen. If it continues not to work discard
it and choose another. Don’t be misled; this is how mathematics is done, even
by professionals.
4. Look Back
Much can be gained by taking the time to reflect and look back at
what you have done, what worked, and what didn’t. Doing this will enable you
to predict what strategy to use to solve future problems.
MATHEMATICS PROJECTS
Understand
the Problem
Question
Devise a
Plan
TITLE
State the Problem
Problem Write-Up
Carry Out a
Plan (Show
Work)
Look Back
Solution
Model of
Problem
What does a Mathematics display board look like?
1. State the Problem: (center of Board) in your own words. Be sure to indicate
what you are trying to find or show.
2. Understand the Problem: (Side of the Board)
• List all the important information – What does each number represent.
• What question is the problem asking you to solve? What are you looking for?
3. Devise a Plan: (Side of the Board)
• What strategies did you use and did they work?
• Did you have to revise your plan?
• Record your trial and errors here to help you keep track of your process.
• When you display this part, include pictures, charts, graphs, etc.
4. Carry Out the Plan: (Side of the Board),
• Show all of your work. What mathematical operations did you use (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division)?
5. Look Back: (Side of the Board)
• When looking back, ask yourself, “Did I answer the question?”
• Were all of the conditions met?
• Is the solution reasonable?
• After asking these question display the results. You may want to include a
model (picture) of your solution.
6. Problem Write-Up: (Center of Board)
• Write about your processes and strategies.
• Use as much mathematical vocabulary as possible.
REGISTRATION FORM
Please check:
Individual Student Project
Group Project
Family Project
Multiple Family Project
Names of Student Participants: (please print)
First
Last
Project Category:
Ethics
Science
Technology
Engineering
Entrepreneurship
Mathematics
Brief Overview of Project:
Special Requests:
Parent Signature:
Date
Room #