ohe science fair 2009 v1.4
TRANSCRIPT
AgendaAgenda
Important datesParticipantsScientific methodExhibitsQuestions?
Important Dates - 2009Important Dates - 2009
Nov. 16 – Projects turned in / Class presentations Nov. 18 – Set up in cafeteria/gym Nov. 19 – Projects open to the public / Awards Nov. 20 – Projects are returned to students
Feb 26-27, 2010 – Top 20 entries - Austin Energy regional
science fair
ParticipantsParticipants
Participation is mandatory for all 4th grade students
4th and 5th grade students are required to do an experiment
2nd and 3rd grade can do an experiment, model/demonstration.
PreK-1st can also do a collection
What is an experiment?What is an experiment?
A way to answer questions by:
– Gathering evidence (measurements / observations) under controlled conditions and using this evidence to prove or disprove an idea.
Application of the scientific method
Scientific MethodScientific Method
1. Question / Problem statement
2. Hypothesis
3. Procedure
4. Analysis/Interpretation
5. Conclusion
+ Acknowledgements
1. Problem Statement1. Problem Statement
What question are you trying to answer? Good questions are specific with only a few
factors that can be well controlled.
– “How can I make plants grow faster?” (Too broad)– “Does the amount of light affect how fast tomato plants
grow?” (Better).
If a question is too broad, it will be hard to produce reliable results.
How to find a problem?How to find a problem?
Your imagination and experienceWhat interests you? Hobbies? Plants?
Animals? Baseball? Video games?Internet
2. Hypothesis2. Hypothesis
What do you think will happen? It’s OK to have an incorrect hypothesis. E.g.:
– “I think soda will shoot up more when a Mentos is added to it than when a sugar cube is added.”
– “I think the more water a tomato plant gets, the faster it will grow.”
– “I think red candles will burn faster than white candles.”
3. Procedure3. Procedure
The steps you took to answer your question. – What equipment/material you used– Steps needed to perform your experiment– The variables/factors that affect your experiment
Independent variable – (“I change” variable) Dependent variable – What changed as a result of you
changing the IV. This is what you measure to get your results.
– Should be at least 3 trials and a calculated average– Data
Observations / measurements Graphs and pictures
The Effect of Different Amounts of Sunlight on Plant Growth
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Full Sun Partial sun No sun
Ave
rag
e n
um
ber
of
live
pla
nts
aft
er 2
w
eeks
x 3 trials !
4. Analysis / Interpretation4. Analysis / Interpretation
Discuss the resultsWhat did you learn from them? Try to explain them.
5. Conclusion5. Conclusion
Describe specific results and how they supported/did not support your hypothesis.
Also: – Any new discoveries you made– What other factors/problems could have
affected your experiment. – Any ideas/new questions that might have come
up
6. Acknowledgements6. Acknowledgements
Science is incrementalIt’s important to recognize any help you
receive– Help setting up the experiment or using tools – Sources of pictures/information (references)
Sample LayoutSample Layout
On sale from PTA ($5 - at cost) – See Ily
General Rules for ExhibitsGeneral Rules for Exhibits
See science fair packet for complete list
No live plants/animals or parts there of No chemicals, food, combustible material No high powered lasers/weapons/high pressure or
voltage systems or radioactivity.
*But* - Do show pictures of experiments in progress!!!
Class PresentationClass Presentation
Present your experiment and results to your class
Most importantlyMost importantly
Have fun!
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
Clipart: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/categor
y/scie.html http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Web_Design/Cli
part/Science/index.htm http://classroomclipart.com
Content: Mrs. Osio
Questions?Questions?