Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
PROJECT NUMBER _______________
Entry Form for AB Combs Science & Engineering Fair
Form Due: January 16, 2015
SAVE PAPER-SAVE TIME! APPLY ONLINE: http://
combses.wcpss.net/
Student Name: ______________________________________________________________
Grade: ____________________
Teacher: _____________________________
Project Type (Check your category-see packet for explanations)
[ ] Biological Sciences
[ ] Environmental Sciences / Ecology
The A.B. Combs Science &
[ ] Physical Sciences
[ ] Earth Sciences
Engineering Fair will be held on
[ ] Behavioral / Social / Health Sciences
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Project Title:
___________________________________________________________
Brief Description:
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Name of your school partner (K – 2 only): _______________________________
Parent Statement:
I have reviewed the plans for my child’s Science / Engineering Fair project. I agree to offer
support in the form of encouragement, guidance, and help with potentially hazardous items or
construction work rather than through actual work on the project or display. I also agree to
keep the cost of the materials and equipment at a maximum of $20.
Parent Signature: __________________________________________________
Please return to Ms. Boughton by January 16, 2015
All changes to Title or Project Type must be submitted by January 23, 2015 Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 2 of 7
2015 Science / Engineering Fair – Key Dates
• December 8, 2014 (Monday): Information packets and entry forms sent home / online for
students.
• December 8, 2014 – January 23, 2015: Project display boards available for $4.00 from Ms.
Boughton
• December 8, 2014 – February 2, 2015: Students work on their projects at home with parental
guidance.
• December 16, 2014 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM: Parent Information Night. Display boards available.
• January 5 – 23, 2015: Student should consult with teachers about their project to ensure they
are entered in the correct category and have covered all parts of the engineering design
process / scientific method.
• January 16, 2015 (Friday): All Science Fair entry forms due online or to Ms. Boughton.
• January 23, 2015 (Friday): Project Type or Title Changes should be submitted to Ms.
Boughton.
• February 2, 2015 (Monday) 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Pre-registration for ALL students - Media Center
Lobby.
• February 3, 2015 (Tuesday): AB Combs Science Fair
o 7:15 - 8:45 AM: Students check-in projects not checked-in Monday evening.
Grades K – 2 in the Cafeteria;
Grades 3 – 5 in the lobby outside the Media Center
o 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Classes view projects with their teachers at scheduled times.
o 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Judges interview top projects in media center
o 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Parents, students, and guests view projects.
o 7:00 PM: Parents may take projects with them at the end of the viewing period.
• February 4 & 5, 2015 (Wednesday & Thursday): The top 6 projects are presented to students
on the morning announcements (3 on Wed AM and 3 on Thurs AM).
• February 5, 2015 (Thursday) 9:00 AM: Student Awards ceremony at school assembly 3rd, 4th &
5th in gym. Ceremony will be telecast for K – 2 and in the Media Center. Invitations will be sent to
all parents of students with top projects.
• February 10, 2015 (Tuesday): Make-up day for Combs Science Fair - only if needed.
• February 14, 2015: NC Central Regional Science Fair, Hillside High School (registration deadline
extended to February 5, 2015)
• March 27 & 28, 2015: North Carolina State Science & Engineering Fair, Meredith College, Raleigh
• March 28, 2015: Central Regional Math Fair, North Asheboro Middle School, Asheboro
(registration deadline March 7, 2015)
• May 8, 2015: NC State Math Fair, North Carolina School of Science and Math, Durham
Important Reminder
Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 3 of 7
4th and 5th grade students are required to enter a science project. Each student
should work independently. (No partners). 4th and 5th graders are also required to do
a written report about their project to be turned into and graded by their classroom
teacher. Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 4 of 7
Why have a Science Fair?
The process of choosing a problem, planning a project, gathering and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions is an
incredible learning experience for anyone, but especially for children. Some of the Covey Leadership
Principles correlate to aspects of the scientific process. Children are ‘Beginning with the End in Mind’ when
they formulate a hypothesis to predict a result. They are ‘Being Proactive’ by planning the project ahead of time so
that they are finished before the due date. When your child works on his or her science project each day before
playing with friends, they are ‘Putting First Things First’.
The skills learned through this experience will reinforce your child's understanding of both the scientific method and
the Combs' Leadership Model and values. We know you will enjoy the experience of watching and coaching your child
through this process.
What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a problem-solving approach that
can be used as an approach in many areas in life, not just
science. Usually applied in a series of steps, the
scientific method includes:
1. Ask a Question or identify a Problem
2. Observe what is happening and do background
Research
3. Construct a Hypothesis that explains what is
happening or Predicts a result
4. Test your Hypothesis by doing an Experiment and
recording the data
5. Analyze your data and draw a Conclusion
6. Communicate your Results on a project board
using descriptions, graphs and tables
What is the Engineering Design Process?
The engineering design process is the set of steps that a
designer takes to go from identifying a problem or need
to creating and developing a solution that solves the
problem or meets the need. 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.
1. Ask: What's the problem? What have others
done? What are the constraints?
2. Imagine: What are some solutions? Brainstorm
ideas. Choose the best one.
3. Plan: Draw a diagram. Make a list of materials
you'll need.
4. Create: Follow your plan and create it. Test it
out!
5. Improve: Make your design even better. Test it
out!
Who Enters Projects?
K – 3rd grade students may enter a project alone or with another student.
4th and 5th grade students are required to enter a project. Each student should work independently (No partners). 4th
and 5th graders are also required to do a written report along with their project. This written report will be graded as
a writing assignment for 4th and 5th graders and should be turned into their teacher, not submitted with the project
board.
Entry Forms
Signed and completed entry forms are due online or to Ms. Boughton by Friday, January 16, 2015.
Project Categories:
Biological Sciences: Includes projects that involve living things or once living things. Examples include: Animal
Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology Techniques, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Genetics & Genomics, Human
Biology & Health, Mammalian Biology, Medical Biotechnology, Medicine & Health Science, Microbiology, Plant
Biology, Plant Sciences, Zoology
Environmental Sciences/Ecology: Includes projects that involve the environment and the relationships of living
things to each other and/or to the environment. Examples include studies of organisms in their habitat,
relationships between various organisms, and studies on how people’s actions affect the environment
Physical Sciences: includes projects involving non-living things, math, computer, and engineering. Aerodynamics,
Hydrodynamics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Crystal Growth, Cooking, Evaporation, Music, Photography, Digital
Photography & Video, Physics, Sports Science, Civil Engineering, Electricity & Electrical Circuits, Energy & Power,
Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Solar Power, Computer Science, Probability
and Computer Games.
Earth Sciences: Includes projects involving the earth and physical phenomena. Examples include Geology,
Astronomy, Ocean Sciences, Weather & Atmosphere
Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 5 of 7
Behavioral/Social/Health Sciences: Includes projects related to health, psychology, or consumer/product testing.
Examples include perception studies, aptitude and attitude surveys, product comparisons, and various exercise
studies.
Note: Students should not do projects with dangerous substances or that may harm animals or people. Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 6 of 7
Note: Those projects which best utilize the scientific method or engineering design process have the greatest chance
for advancement to regional competition in the science fair. Projects which use math applied through the context of
science have the greatest chance of advancement to regional competition in the math fair.
Changes to Type & Title of Project
Many students find that their original project evolves over the course of a month. To accommodate this we ask that
changes in Title or Project type be submitted online via the school website or to Ms. Boughton no later than 3 PM on
Friday, January 23, 2015.
Schedule of Events
The Science Fair will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015.
ALL students MAY bring in and register their project EARLY on Monday February 2, 2015 between 6:00 & 7:00 PM to
decrease traffic on Tuesday morning. Early Check in will be in the Media Center Lobby.
Day of registration is 7:15 - 8:30 AM Tuesday, February 3, 2015.
Students in grades K – 2 should check in their projects in the Cafeteria.
Students in grades 3 – 5 should check in their projects in the lobby outside the Media Center.
Note: Students should NOT put their name on their poster. Students will be given (3) stick-on labels at check in. The
label with their name, project title, etc. should be affixed to the BACK of their poster in the TOP, RIGHT HAND corner.
The 2 labels with ONLY their project number (No Name), should be affixed to the FRONT of their poster, in the TOP,
RIGHT HAND corner and to the top of the judging sheet to ensure fair judging.
Viewing and Pick-Up
Projects may be viewed from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM and from 3:30 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2015. Anyone
wishing to view the projects during the day should check in at the office first.
Awards will be presented during an assembly Thursday, February 5, 2015 in the morning.
All projects (except those chosen as Best of Show) should be picked up after the viewing (7 PM) on the evening of
Tuesday,
February 3, 2015 or before school the next morning. Best of Show winners (those with a large RED ribbon on the
project) will be presented on the morning news and should remain at school for the awards ceremony.
Awards
A variety of awards are presented for the science fair projects. Every student receives a participation ribbon and
certificate. 3rd through 5th grade projects are evaluated and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards are presented in each
category for each grade. So there will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for 3rd grade Biological Sciences; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place awards for 4th grade Biological Sciences; etc. Honorable mentions are also considered in each category for each
grade. Up to 25 (3rd – 5th grade) projects are interviewed and considered for the top five “Best of Show alternates” and
one “Best of Show Award”. The Best of Show project and alternates are selected to continue on to the Regional
Science Fair.
Special awards were presented during previous years from outside organizations such as BASF, Progress Energy, Wake
County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the local chapter of the American Nuclear Society. We hope to have
similar awards, perhaps from these organizations and others, this year as well. Please contact the Science Fair Chairs
if you have contacts that may be interested in donating new awards.
Note that K – 2 and 3 – 5 are also eligible for the Regional Math Fair. Those projects that include a significant math
component beyond the standard course of study may be eligible to enter the Regional Math Fair.
Questions and More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call or leave a message for:
• Chelsea Boughton at [email protected]
• John Rankin at [email protected]
Internet Resources
See the AB Combs Website for science fair internet resources. Science Fair Packet AB Combs Elementary 2015
Page 7 of 7
Parents’ Role
Encourage your child to do a project. Parents can offer suggestions, discuss the scientific method with their children,
help cut out project parts, and provide materials. Help your child set up a schedule and offer reminders. Attend
parent night information sessions to gather more information. Do not buy kits to be put together. Ideas and work
should be the child’s own. Keep it simple.
http://www.ncsciencefair.org/index.php/students-a-parents/rules
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Do’s for the Science Fair
DO READ the entire Science Fair Packet
DO encourage your child throughout the process of doing a project
DO supply any needed materials
DO remind your child to turn in their entry form by January 16, 2015.
DO provide opportunities for your child to visit a library for research
DO purchase a display board from Ms. Boughton ($4.00)
DO attend the Parent Information night on December 16, 2014 at 6pm.
DO suggest that your child start early.
DO remind your 4th and 5th graders to turn in a written report to their teacher.
DO make sure the project is primarily the work of your child.
DO show enthusiasm for your child’s project and for the Science Fair.
DO notify Ms. Boughton by
January 23, 2015 of any
Project Title or Category
Change.
DO consider early check-in
6:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday,
February 2, 2015
DO volunteer to help
Judge or check-in on
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
DO attend the Science Fair
on Tuesday, February 3,
2015 between 11:30 AM –
6:30 PM.
Parent Don’ts for the Science
Fair
**Please note: Research papers should be
• DON’T allow your child to wait until the last minute.
• DON’T let your child turn the entry form in late after January 16,
2015.
• DON’T let your 3rd – 5th grader put his or her name or photo of their face on the front of the display board.
• DON’T bring in any objects with the project, Take Pictures.
• DON’T allow your child to use fire, sharp objects, or dangerous chemicals as part of the project
• DON’T spend more than about $20 on supplies.
• DON’T buy a kit for your child to put together.
• DON’T forget to turn in your child’s project by 8:30 AM on February 3, 2015.
• DON’T forget to attend the Science Fair on Tuesday,
February 3, 2015.
Remember
The great value of undertaking a project is the excitement and fascination
of a child thinking of an idea and seeing it develop his/her way.
Most importantly, Have FUN!