1. No category

Seguin ISD
K- 8
th
SCIENCE
FAIR
BOOKLET
2014 -2015
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 1
Date: _____________________________
Dear Parents,
Our school will be hosting a science fair for grades K-8. The purpose of the science fair
is to inspire and develop our young scientists through a hands-on project of their choice.
And, to have fun doing it! Science fair provides a great opportunity for our kids to
explore science in a fun and educational way and to share their findings with the entire
school. In kinder, first and second grades the students will be conducting a class
experiment. For students in grades 3-8, they will be asked to conduct the project at
home. Although in grades 3-8, students receive some help at school from the teacher,
parent support and assistance are essential to your child’s success. All information will
be sent home with your child to guide them through the process. Judging will be done
by cool scientists and educators in our community. We hope that with your
encouragement your student will participate in the fair by preparing a project. This will
be an exciting experience for your child!
All participating students will receive a certificate of recognition. First through third
place ribbons will be awarded to the winners of the science fair in grades 3-8. Students
receiving a 1st - 3rd place ribbon will then advance to the district science fair in May. If
you have any questions, please notify your child’s teacher.
Please note: in the interest of safety, we prohibit experiments brought to school with fire
or open flame, live animals, latex materials or peanut products.
We look forward to working with you to make this a valuable learning experience for
your child. We appreciate your support with this important project. As acknowledgement
and part of your child’s homework, please sign, date, and return the bottom portion of
this letter by ___________, 2014.
Sincerely,
Seguin ISD Science Teachers
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Homework Assignment DUE _______________, 2014
I have reviewed the science fair information and calendar with my child,
____________________, (printed name of child) and we understand the requirements
for a successful science fair project.
_________________________
Parent Signature
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
____________________________
Student Signature
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 2
How to Prepare a Science Experiment
A. Choose a Subject
1. Deciding what to do may be the most difficult part. Start by listing subjects
you are interested in (football, music, chemistry, etc.).
2. From each general subject area, list questions that you think you might be
interested in exploring. For example: “How does air temperature affect
pressure in a football?” “How constant is the chlorine content of our drinking
water?” Try to make your question as specific as possible.
3. Finally, choose a question that you think you can answer by doing an
experiment. Before selecting a research topic, do some preliminary research
and consider these three questions:
a. Will it be interesting and safe?
b. Can I get the necessary equipment or materials to do it?
c. Will I have enough time to complete the project?
B. Project Proposal
Once you have chosen your problem, research it, plan it
and write out your experiment (follow Sample A flow chart for guidance).
(Submit your proposal to your teacher for approval, before you begin).
C. The Experiment- Once your proposal is approved follow the timeline below.
Elementary Science Fair Timeline
Aligned to Flow Chart (Sample A)
TASK
Teacher’s Due Date
Decide on the question/problem to investigate and submit for teacher
approval (See Sample C for suggestions).
Develop a hypothesis (your best guess) based on your research.
Make a list and gather your materials.
Decide on the procedures that you will use.
Conduct your experiment. Perform 3-5 trials for accuracy.
Create graphs, charts and take pictures before, during and after.
Write your conclusion based on your results.
Assemble your science fair project display board and turn in to teacher.
(See Sample B, for guidance).
November 21, 2014
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Teacher’s
initials
Parent’s
initials
December 5, 2014
December 18, 2014
December 18, 2014
Dec. 20-Jan. 16
January 23, 2015
January 30, 2015
February 4, 2015
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 3
Middle School Science Fair Timeline
Aligned to Flow Chart (Sample A)
Assignment
Assignment Description
Topic Selection
Research and select topic of interest. Topic ideas and additional
websites are in the appendices (See Sample C for suggestions).
Nov. 5, 2014
The specific question the student will be investigating in the
science fair project. Then research your topic to learn more about
it.
Nov. 5, 2014
Hypothesis
Predict what is expected to happen in the experiment before
performing the actual experiment.
Nov. 12, 2014
Materials
A detailed list of the materials that will be used to perform the
experiment.
Nov. 19, 2014
Procedures
List the steps that will be followed while conducting the
experiment.
Dec. 11, 2014
The students should conduct the experiment for a minimum of two
weeks to allow the students to do multiple trials of their
experiments. Minimum Trials: 3 trials of experiment. If
students are working with plants, they should allow plenty of time
to measure growth.
Dec. 19, 2014Jan. 15, 2015
Data Analysis
and Graphs
Record data depending on your experiment, it may be daily,
weekly or biweekly.
Jan. 15, 2015
Conclusion
An explanation of the results of the experiment. Did your
hypothesis prove to be correct?
Jan. 29, 2015
Display Board
Complete display board (See Sample B for guidance).
Feb. 17, 2015
Display Board
Due
The final project board due to teacher.
School Science
Fair
The judging of the science fair boards at AJB & Barnes Middle
School.
Question &
Research Plan
Conducting the
Experiment
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Teacher’s
Initials
Due Date
Science Fair 2014-2015
Feb. 17, 2015
Feb. 18-19, 2015
Page 4
Science Fair Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
1. Get your question approved by your science teacher BEFORE you start working
on the science fair project (See Sample C for suggestions).
2. Adults can help gather materials, supervise the experiment and help to build the
science fair display board.
3. Begin research and project at home (if you need assistance please ask your
teacher).
4. Follow the Scientific Method flow chart (See Sample A).
5. Remember this must be an experiment, not a model or demonstration.
6. Take pictures and record data throughout the experiment.
7.
Create graphs, charts or tables to show the results.
8. Bring your science fair display board to school February ____, 2015
Don’ts
1. No glass or live animals permitted.
2. Any project involving chemicals, explosives, and pharmaceuticals are prohibited.
3. No food can be displayed on board (that includes moldy bread).
4. No electricity will be provided for display boards.
5. Avoid pictures of student’s face on the display board.
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 5
Sample A:
The Scientific Method Flow Chart
Problem/Question
What do we want to find out?
Hypothesis
What do we think we will find
out?
Materials
List of supplies we will need.
Procedures
How will we perform our
experiment?
Data
What actually happened?
Use graphs, pictures, etc.
Conclusion
What did we learn?
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 6
Sample B:
The Display Board
Each student must prepare a display board, which illustrates the science fair project. All
displays must be on a self-standing backboard. Sample display boards below:
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 7
Sample C:
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Science Fair Topic Suggestions:
Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts?
Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels?
Do the same types of mold grow on all types of bread?
Does light effect the rates at which foods spoil?
Does the power of a microwave affect how well it makes popcorn?
Do all dishwashing detergents produce the same amount of bubbles? Clean the same
number of dishes?
Do all brands of bubble gum make the same size bubble?
What type of plastic wrap best prevents evaporation?
What plastic wrap best prevents oxidation?
Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth?
How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape?
If you shake up different kinds or brands of soft drinks (e.g., carbonated), will they all spew
the same amount?
Do all brands of diapers absorb the same amount of liquid?
Can you tell/taste the difference between ground beef, chuck, and round after they have
been cooked?
Do different brands of batteries (same size, new) last equally long? If a brand lasts longer
than others, does this change if you change the product (e.g., running a light as opposed to
running a digital camera)?
Is laundry detergent as effective if you use less than the recommended amount? More?
Do all hairsprays hold equally well? Equally long? Does type of hair affect the results?
How do crystals grown from uniodized salt compare with those grown from iodized salt?
Additional web-sites Available:
Discovery.com: Science Fair Central
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/
"Creative investigations into the real world." This site provides a complete guide to science fair projects.
Science Fair Idea Exchange
http://www.halcyon.com/sciclub/cgi-pvt/scifair/guestbook.html
This site has lists of science fair project ideas and a chance to share your ideas with others on the web.
Cyber-Fair
http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/welcome.html
This site has one-sentence explanations of each part of a science fair.
Try Science
http://tryscience.com
Science resource for home that gives you labs to try and 400 helpful links all related to science.
Experimental Science Projects: An Introductory
Level Guide
http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjIntro.html
An excellent resource for students doing an experiment-based science fair project.
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 8
Grading Rubric
Scientific Method
Step
Title
Question
Hypothesis
Materials
Procedures
Data
Conclusion
Display board
Description
Clear title that relates to project
Is the question clear? Does it
ask what you want to find out in
your experiment?
Can be tested,
“If ……… then…. because”
Complete list including details
such as size, amounts, brand if
applicable
Specific step by step directions.
Data is related to hypothesis
Photos or drawings
Display in chart or graph
(3 trials minimum)
States if hypothesis was proven
or disproven using the data from
the experiment.
Neat and organized. Attention
given to spelling, grammar and
punctuation.
Grade
Points
possible
Points
Awarded
10
10
15
5
10
20
15
15
Total Points
_____/100
All projects are expected to be turned in on February _____, 2015 for grading and
judging. Late projects will be graded but will not be eligible to enter in the school science
fair.
X_____________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature
Compiled by District Science Coordinator
Science Fair 2014-2015
Page 9