6TH GRADE GIFTED SCIENCE FAIR

OBJECTIVE• To have students approach a problem scientifically

1. Asking questions and forming hypotheses

2. Creating experiments to test those hypotheses

3. Organizing data and drawing conclusions

4. Writing about scientific research

Projects must be experimental in nature as opposed to research oriented and be original- not something we’ve already experimented on in class nor a topic from last year. Last year’s topics can be found on the class wiki.

STEM STANDARDS• National Science Standards (NSA)

– Science as inquiry (Standard A)

• National Technology Standards (ITEA)

– Students will develop the abilities to use and maintain technological products and systems. (Standard 12)

• National Engineering Standards (ABET)

• National Math Standards (NCTM)– 1. Numbers and operations

– 4. Measurement

– 5. Data Analysis

– 6. Problem Solving

– 7. Reasoning and Proof

– 8. Communication

GRADED TASKS1. 5 Credible Sources (summaries and

reference page)

2. Background Research Paper

3. Experiment (follows the scientific method)

4. Final Paper

5. Tri-Fold Display

6. Digital Presentation

DUE DATES• Due dates are located on the back of your

handout and on the wiki page.

• Dates are subject to change pending future conflicts. An up-to-date calendar will be available on the wiki, and email notification will be sent if dates change.

• It is very important to be mindful of due dates because getting behind at any point not only hurts your grade but jeopardizes the success of the entire project.

CHOOSING A TOPIC• Choosing the right topic for you and your

student is of the utmost importance

• The Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard recommends topics based on your interests

• Please take time to complete this interest inventory with your child so you can help him or her choose an appropriate topic.

MATERIALS• I highly recommend a binder or folder

dedicated to Science Fair Materials for organization

• Tri-fold board (March)

• Various materials for individual projects- be sure to choose a project with materials you can afford/acquire

• Computer and Internet access or arrange to stay after school sometimes

WIKI• The class wiki is the most useful website for my

classes

• All Science Fair documents will be turned in on the wiki

• Each student has his or her own folder in which to store documents and turn in assignments

• All Science Fair documents will be posted for you to access

www.pgmtag.pbworks.com