science fair information - sisd.net
TRANSCRIPT
2021-2022
Science Fair
Information
The 2021 SISD District Elementary Science Fair
will be held virtually this school year.
Students will use a PowerPoint template and
embedded presentation/recording.
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
experimentTesting 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 the classroom teacher
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
Presentation Guidelines
• There is no limit to the number of slides
• You can change the design of the Power Point
• Font must be12 font size minimum
• Do not include any animations on the slides
• There are highlighted directions on each slide that can be
deleted when you add your information.
• Your oral presentation will be recorded and embedded in the
Power Point (maximum of 5 minutes)
• All pictures should be appropriate and properly cited
• Pictures should only show face of experimenter (student).
Science Fair Rules
The use of live animals is discouraged but may be
approved by the classroom teacher. 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 Topics
Here are some resources you can use when
choosing your science fair topic and project:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org
https://www.education.com/science-fair/
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/science-fair-projects-for-elementary
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
Projects due: October 22, 2021
Campus Science Fair: October 25-27, 2021
District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance)
November 13th – 18th (virtually through TEAMS)
*An information packet will be shared with campus winners
