jds science fair parent/student information...science fair. all communication will be with science...
TRANSCRIPT
September 30, 2020
Mrs. O’Hara & Mrs. Rodriguez
JDS Science Fair
Parent/Student Information
Do YOU want to be a part of a
historical 12 year winning team?
Every year for the past 12 years, JOHN DRUGAN school has
won ELEMENTARY SWEEPSTAKES in science fair!
The majority of our students place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
in their respective category.
The majority of our students also get SWEEPSTAKES in their
category!
NO PRESSURE, we know you can do it!
All SISD Campus and District Science Fairs will be held virtually
this school year.
The Science Fair is optional. Teachers will NOT be responsible for
Science Fair.
All communication will be with SCIENCE FAIR COODINATORS.
This project will count as extra credit towards their Science
weekly grades.
Students will use a PowerPoint template to present their projects
(including a 5 min. embedded presentation)
What is the Purpose of a
Science Fair?
Problem Solving
Students use the scientific method to make predictions,
then experiment to collect and record
qualitative and quantitative data
observations.
Critical Thinking
Students compare, contrast and
analyze their data citing the evidence
that justifies their claims,
explanations and conclusions.
Science Fair Categories
Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions
Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth and the study of the environment
Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms
Engineering- combines mathematics, science and technology in order to produce creative solutions to real world problems
Behavioral & Social Science - analysis and investigations of human and other animal behavior
Mathematics (5th Grade Only) – The study of numbers, measurement, geometry, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets.
What is a good idea for my
science project?
This is the first thing you start thinking about when
you hear “Science Fair.”
Before you get started, you need to know the
difference between an experiment and a
demonstration.
Science Experiments
-vs-
Demonstrations
Experiment
An experiment tests at least 2 different materials
Example:
In which type of soil will a bean plant grow best?
Demonstration
A demonstration does not test different materials
Examples:
Making a volcano
Creating an electrical circuit
What Does an
Experiment Have?
The material that you change, or are testing, is your variable
It is the ONLY thing that “varies” or changes
Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant”
This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions
Variable Constant(s)
You can turn a demonstration
into an experiment!
A
demonstration…
If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you could
change it into an experiment by…
turned into an
experiment
Testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you could test different
types of batteries.
Trials
All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 times
in order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximize
the validity of the test.
Each trial should be performed in exactly the same manner
and compare the same independent variable.
Experimental Design
Approval Form
All projects must be approved by Mrs. Rodriguez & Mrs. O’Hara
The Experimental Design Approval form will help the student stay
on pace but will NOT be part of the power point presentation.
Science Presentation on
Power Point
Parts of a Project
Introduction/Identify the Problem: Include something that
motivated you to explore a question or invent a better way
of doing something.
Question: The question should lead to an investigation
where something is modified, and a change or result can be recorded.
Hypothesis (prediction): A hypothesis is a tentative answer
to the question that is investigated.
Materials: List all the materials and quantities used to
conduct the investigation.
Cont. Parts of a Project
Variables
Control(s): the substances, objects, or groups in an investigation
that are not changed
Variable(s): the condition of an investigation that is changed in
order to find out the effect of that change
Cont. Parts of a Project
Procedure: The procedure includes all the steps that were followed to
organize and collect data.
Data: Graphs, tables, pictures and or drawings must be used to explain
the results of the investigation
Conclusion: This is a written explanation of the results and the data that
was observed in the investigation.
Science Fair Rules
The use of live animals is discouraged but may be approved. An experiment may not cause harm or result in the death of an
animal.
Only the student conducting the experiment
may be shown in any photographs. All others
must have a signed photo release form.
All graphs or charts must be cited (ex. Graph was
created by…using [program] Excel)
Science Fair TopicsHere are some resources you can use when
choosing your science fair topic and project:
https://www.education.com/science-fair/
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/science-fair-projects-for-elementary
http://www.sciencebuddies.org
Because these ideas are available to everyone, it is important that you personalize it by
changing a reasonable variable or the use of it. Always determine and defend (through
evidence) how it affects or is applicable to real life situations.
What Are Judges Looking For?
Project that is original Problem that is creative Sufficient data collected Evidence of a changed
variable Conducted 3 or more trials Graphs, charts, diagrams that
show results and are cited Put time and effort
Important Dates
Final Projects due to Ms. Rod and Ms. O'Hara: October 26, 2020
Campus Science Fair
November 2-6, 2020
District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance)
January 11th - 16th
All competitions will be done virtually.
*An information packet will be shared with campus winners
Campus Science Fair Coordinator’s
Contact Information
Any Questions Please Contact
Melissa Rodriguez Liliana O’Hara
[email protected] [email protected]
915.937.6915 915.937.6909
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