Science Fair Guidelines, Safety, Expectations, and Procedures



Lake Roosevelt Elementary 2017 Science FairEntry Form and Student HandbookParticipation is purely voluntary and open to all students grades K-8. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for kids to apply the scientific method to an area of personal interest. All participants will receive a certificate noting their achievement, and a couple motivated few will receive prizes.The science fair is conducted for many reasons: To focus attention on scientific experiences in school. To stimulate interest in scientific investigation beyond routine class work. To recognize and commend youthful scientific talent and hobby pursuits. To offer an opportunity for display of scientific talent through exhibit and demonstration. To stimulate public interest in the scientific abilities of students.There are many important things to remember when planning and conducting a project. This handbook will assist you with questions you may have and give you the information you need for completing the project correctly. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to carry out the project and have fun in the process. Please read the handbook carefully as you decide upon your topic and prepare your science fair project. The Science Fair will be held on March 23, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Further information about poster set up and science fair judging will sent to participants after science fair projects are approved.Questions? Please call Rebecca Hunt at 509-633-3571 or email at beccabean@; or email Cathy LaPlace at cathylaplace@. Visit the Coulee PTA facebook page (Grand Coulee PTA) to see examples of last year's science fair projects.Remember: demonstrations for judges are allowed, and highly encouraged.Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Science Fair Guidelines, Safety, Expectations, and Procedures PAGEREF _Toc472422848 \h 3Guidelines PAGEREF _Toc472422849 \h 3Science Fair Project Safety PAGEREF _Toc472422850 \h 4Grade Level Project Expectations PAGEREF _Toc472422851 \h 5Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades PAGEREF _Toc472422852 \h 53rd, 4th, and 5th Grades PAGEREF _Toc472422853 \h 56th - 8th Grade and High School Grades PAGEREF _Toc472422854 \h 6Procedures… Step by Step PAGEREF _Toc472422855 \h 7Science Fair Required Elements PAGEREF _Toc472422856 \h 8Typically each display provides the following information: PAGEREF _Toc472422857 \h 9Science Project Notebook PAGEREF _Toc472422858 \h 10Science Project Report PAGEREF _Toc472422859 \h 10Helpful Information PAGEREF _Toc472422860 \h 11Overview of the Scientific Method PAGEREF _Toc472422861 \h 11All About Variables PAGEREF _Toc472422862 \h 12Student Project Checklist PAGEREF _Toc472422863 \h 13Hints PAGEREF _Toc472422864 \h 14Advice For A Winning Project PAGEREF _Toc472422865 \h 14Helping Your Children With Their Science Fair Projects PAGEREF _Toc472422866 \h 15Rules For Judging PAGEREF _Toc472422867 \h 17Science Fair Websites PAGEREF _Toc472422868 \h 18 Science Fair Guidelines, Safety, Expectations, and ProceduresGuidelinesEach project must submit a completed and signed entry form to the Lake Roosevelt Elementary Office on or before Friday, January 20, 2017. A student may enter a project as an individual or a group (such as a group of 3 or a class project).Small group projects will compete with individual projects and will not be judged separately. Teachers and technically trained professionals may give information and advice to all students entering science fair projects, but may not do the research or work for students. Science Fair entries are required to include at least these 3 parts: An eye catching display, a research report, and a science notebook.The display for each project is limited to a tabletop area approximately 3’x3’. This includes any poster board display plus any objects or manipulative that are part of the display. Two separate folders/composition books are required with the project. One contains a short (age appropriate) report on research related to the project. The second is a science notebook.Displays should not require access to an electrical outlet. We recommend the typical 3-segment “poster board” display for presenting the project. (These can be found at craft stores, as well as many grocery stores and drugstores.) The student’s face may not appear in pictures on the display board, in the research report or in the notebook. A student’s name should not appear on the front of the project. Student information (name, address, phone number, parent’s name, grade, school, and teacher) should be placed in an envelope attached to the back of the display board. Participants will have the opportunity to stand by their project during the open viewing time to describe their experiences to those who walk through the exhibits and the science panel volunteers. In the absence of the participant, the documentation on the display should be self-contained and provide a complete overview of the project and its results.Parents and families are more than welcome to become involved with the student’s project. The Science Fair Committee is not responsible for items lost or damaged at the fair. Please make copies of all research done and your notebook. Since the exhibit areas cannot be completely secured, please copy anything that could not be replaced. Students could display photographs in place of actual objects.The decisions of the science fair judges and officials are final and are not subject to review. Protests will not be accepted.Science Fair Project SafetyFor safety reasons the Lake Roosevelt Science Fair DOES NOT ALLOW experimentation using dangerous equipment or substances that may be harmful to students or others. If you are uncertain about any safety rules, contact the Science Fair Committee (see contact information above). Determinations of safety are made by the Science Fair Committee. Students MUST: Obtain approval of the Science Fair Committee BEFORE beginning any project involving vertebrate animals, human subjects, or any potentially dangerous substance, material or equipment (excluding surveys). Have adult supervision when using equipment, sharp objects or chemicals (including household chemicals). Observe proper safety protocol at all times. Students MAY NOT conduct experiments that: Involve poisons, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices or the ingestion or application of any over-the-counter medications to animals or humans. Involve human parts, blood or other body fluids. (Exception: Experiments may include sterilized teeth that were naturally extracted by a dentist, primary teeth that were naturally removed, or hair clippings.) Cause or may cause harm or injury to animals or human subjects. Involve explosives including guns, ammunition and rocket propellants.Involve highly caustic or toxic substances. Experiments involving mildly caustic or toxic substances, including household chemicals, must be approved by Science Fair Committee.centerbottomGrade Level Project Expectations Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades Individual /small group projects are the student(s) responsibility to complete independently outside of class All projects that will be judged must present the project on a display board Must use project display board for any project that will be judged in the science fair Project categories: (types of descriptive investigation): Collection with Classification: Describe properties of objects using labeled categories o Exhibit: Describes how something works or describes a “system” or its parts Assessed on the rubric: TitleResearch Report Classification Scheme Conclusions References and Acknowledgements Examples: Fabric types by texturesObjects that sink or floatRocks by shape Buttons3rd, 4th, and 5th GradesIndividual /small group projects are the student(s) responsibility to complete independently outside of class All projects that will be judged in the campus fair must present the project on a display board Project category: (type of descriptive investigation): Exhibit: Describes how something works or describes a “system” or its parts Comparative InvestigationExperiment Project must have a testable (investigable) questionUse data to support a hypothesis Assessed on the rubric: Title Research Report Exhibit Explanation Conclusions ReferencesAcknowledgements Examples: The Brain The Life of Bees Hurricanes What are Gluten Free Foods? Orcas How Do Magnetic Trains Work? It’s a long Way to the Top! (food chains / webs) What is a Solar Eclipse?6th - 8th Grade and High School GradesIndividual /small group projects are the student(s) responsibility to complete independently outside of class All projects that will be judged in the science fair must present the project on a display board Project categories: Comparative InvestigationExperiment Project must have a testable (investigable) questionUse data to support a hypothesis Assessed on the rubric: Title of Experiment Problem / Question Definitions HypothesisBackground Information Experimental Materials Experimental Procedure Results (Data) Conclusion References and Acknowledgements Examples: Testable Questions: How does temperature affect the strength of magnets? How does freezing popcorn kernels affect the number of kernels that pop? WEAK Testable Question: Do frozen popcorn kernels pop? (does not indicate what is being tested) NOT a Testable Question: How do magnets work? (this gives information – so it is an exhibit) Comparative Questions: Which diaper brand holds the most liquid? Detergent War! (Which detergent gets the stains out best?) Procedures… Step by StepRemember to make notes in your Science Project Notebook each time you work on the project.Start as soon as possible to prevent a last minute project and give yourself plenty of time to investigate your question. A 4 to 8 week plan is best. Decide on a topic. Narrow down interest to a certain field of study. Decide on a question to investigate. Be sure the question is appropriate to the child’s ability level. Research information about what is already known about the topic and question. Remember to keep notes on resources used. Develop a hypothesis. (What outcome do you expect?) centerbottomIdentify the variables (see page 12 for information and examples of variable) Gather and list the project materials needed. Develop an investigation. Be sure to take notes on the steps taken. (procedure) Conduct the investigation. Make notes about observations, problems that arise, changes needed when repeated, and additional information discovered. Record the results. Consider using a table, graph, pictures or chart to display the results. Interpret the data and other observations. Draw appropriate conclusions. Write the report. (see page 10) Create a display board/exhibit. (see page 9) Science Fair Required ElementsDisplaysThe Lake Roosevelt Science Fair DOES NOT ALLOW the display of organic or potentially dangerous materials and the display of non-essential objects is discouraged. Anything that could be considered hazardous to the public is prohibited. Final determinations of allowable components on displays are made by the Science Fair Committee. Display Requirements: The display board must be self-supporting, single-sided and must NOT exceed the size requirements: 30 inches deep, 32 inches wide, and 108 inches high. (from floor to top of exhibit) Personal information including names, addresses, or phone numbers (student, teacher, parents, test or survey subjects), information identifying the student/school/district), and acknowledgements may NOT be included on the display or in reports/journals. When possible photographs/drawings should be used instead of actual objects or apparatus. Electronic exhibits are prohibited. The site does not accommodate the use of electricity for project displays. Project displays may NOT include the following items: Live animals (vertebrate or invertebrate) or animal tissues including eggs or egg shellsPreserved animals or their parts including teeth and hairSoil (sand, clay, rock, etc.) or waste productsLaboratory / household chemicals (including detergents)Dry ice or other sublimating solidsSyringes, needles, pipettes or similar devicesFlames, open or concealed, or flammable display materials (including candles)LasersPhotographs showing the face of the student or subjectsPhotographs showing dissections, animal parts, trauma or injuriesTypically each display provides the following information: Left Panel: Problem: background information that gives context to the project. Hypothesis: statement of the specific issue or question that is being tested. Methods and materials: description of the experiment design and data analysis to be performed. Center Panel: Title ResearchExperimentsVariables: charts, graphs, diagrams, photos, etc. Right Panel: Results: description of what the data show. Refer to charts, etc Conclusion: does the data prove the hypothesis? Summary: evaluate overall project or experiment. Make suggestions for future analysis. centerbottomScience Project NotebookAll the data gathered during your investigation should be carefully recorded in a science project notebook. This includes the data gathered as a result of the investigation itself, but it can also includes much more. BE SURE TO DATE EACH ENTRY IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.Your Notebook should include: Project title A list of all the materials used Notes on all the preparations you made prior to starting your experiment, including brainstorming sessions. Information about the resources you use (books, people, libraries, museums, etc.). Detailed day-by-day notes on the progress of the project from your first brainstorming session through to your last work session: * What you are actually doing *Problems you encounter with the investigation * Things you would change if you were doing this investigation again.Any drawings that might help explain your work. Data that was gathered during the course of the investigation (notes, charts, tables, graphs). Any required forms. Science Project ReportYour report should include: Project title Your question Your hypothesis, along with your reasoning for why you arrived at that hypothesis Your research List of variables Materials Procedure A summary of your observations and results from the investigation Statement of support or non-support of the original hypothesis based on the data gathered in your investigation Description of any problems or unusual events that occurred during the investigation that might have affected your results Changes you would recommend for next time, and what further investigations might need to be done to fully answer the question Anything you learned in addition to what you expected to discover Acknowledgments. You should always credit those who assisted you including individuals, businesses, and institutions. References Helpful InformationOverview of the Scientific MethodThe steps involved in a science fair project are referred to as the Scientific Method. For elementary level students, the scientific method can be summed up in 4 easy steps. These steps, along with some examples of their application, are given below. Step 1: Asking Questions Pick a topic of interest Do some preliminary researchBegin to ask some questions Pick one interesting question and turn it into a hypothesis. Example: I like plants and gardening. I read in a book that some plants grow better when music is played around them. I wonder if this is true? Hypothesis: Plants grow better when music is played around them. Step 2: Gathering DataThing about what data or information would be required to test the hypothesis; decide ahead of time how you will analyze the data. Design an experiment and/or define a set of observations that could be used to generate or collect relevant data. Try to design the experiment to control for other factors that could impact the hypothesis being tested. Conduct the experiment.Record the data in a log book. Example: I will take 20 bean sprouts and separate them in 2 groups of 10. I will put 10 in 1 room in my home and put 10 in another room. They will be put on a table near a window. The room will be on the same side of the house so that both groups will receive the same amount of sunlight. I will water both groups the same amount each day. In 1 room I will keep a radio on during the day. Each day I will measure the length of each plant to the nearest cm and count the number of leaves and record these observations in my log book. At the end of 2 weeks, I will calculate the average growth rate for each group of plants. If my hypothesis was correct, I would expect the group that has the music to show more growth. Step 3: Making Sense of the DataPerform the analysis of the data Determine whether or not the data support the hypothesis Perform additional research to put the conclusion within some scientific context. Example: I will add up the total growth for all 10 plants in each group and divide that number by the total number of plants to get the average growth estimate. I will do the same thing for the leaves. I will compare the number from both sets to see if the data support my hypothesis. In either case, I will perform additional research to try to find out why or why not. Also, if the data does not support my hypothesis, I might want to review my experiment and suggest variations of it that could be used for future study. Step 4: Communicating the ResultsProvide context for the project State the hypothesis Summarize the experiment design and methods used to collect and analyze the data. Show the data and results of the analysis Summarize the results State if the results support the hypothesis Discuss the conclusion in light of what you’ve learned in your research of the subject Example: I will prepare a display that will describe my activity. I will follow suggestions provided in procedures in setting up my display board. All About VariablesDEFINITIONS of Variables and Control(s) Manipulated Variable - What you change on purpose in the course of your procedure. Responding Variable - What you do not change directly, but rather changes by itself in response to changes in the manipulated variable during the course of your procedure. Controls - The factors you keep constant or hold fixed. A control is held fixed so that it doesn’t affect the outcome of the experiment. Students must only change one variable at a time, conduct repeated trials, and note their results. If they change more than one variable at a time, they will not know what affects their results. Examples Of Variables Let’s say that the following hypothesis had been selected: The cheaper the paper towel, the less water it will absorb. Manipulated Variable: price (brand) of paper towel Responding Variable: amount of water that is absorbed Control(s): size of paper towel amount of water poured on each towel temperature of the water used container in which towels are placed method of pouring Student Project Checklist NAME: _____________________________________________________________________ This project is not a model, a demonstration, or a product comparison. Can your question be answered through an experimentation process? Do you have a materials list? Can you identify the Variable? __________________ Control? __________________ Factors being held constant? __________________ Could someone else set up and carry out your experiment from your step-by-step directions? Can your investigation be measured in specific metric units? Are you keeping an investigation log/journal? Have you collected data and displayed it on a graph? Is your conclusion a reflection of the data? Is your abstract in the bottom left hand corner? Did you include a bibliography on your abstract? Is your project sturdy and free-standing? HintsA GOOD TITLE: Your title is an extremely important attention-grabber. A good title should simply present your research and should make the casual observer want to know more. TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS: Many projects involve elements that may not be safely or practically exhibited at the fair but are an important part of the project. Photographs of these phases of experimentation can be used in the display. You may NOT use photographs depicting animal dissections or other surgical techniques. You must receive permission to photograph or videotape human test subjects. BE ORGANIZED: Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read. EYE-CATCHING: Make your display stand out. Use neat, colorful headings, charts and graphs. CORRECTLY PRESENTED AND WELL-CONSTRUCTED: Be sure to adhere to the size limitations and safety rules when constructing your display. Display all required forms in your project notebook. Advice For A Winning ProjectCAREFULLY PREPARE YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT NOTEBOOK AND REPORT A science project notebook is your most valuable piece of work. It is a day-to-day record of the experiment. Accurate and detailed notes make for a logical and winning project. Good notes show consistency and thoroughness to the judges, and help when writing a paper. A well written report that includes all needed information is essential to a good project. Check your sentence structure, flow of ideas, and spelling and make certain the report is a summary of all of your work. centerbottomVISUAL DISPLAY You want to attract and inform. Construct a clear and concise display. Make headings stand out and label everything clearly and correctly. Helping Your Children With Their Science Fair ProjectsThings a parent may do: Give encouragement, support, and guidance. (Be positive!) Make sure your child feels it is his or her project. Make sure the project is primarily the work of the child. Realize that the main purpose of a science fair project is to help your child use and strengthen the basic skills he or she has learned and to develop higher-level skills. Realize your child will need help in understanding, acquiring, and using the major science process skills (researching, organizing, measuring, calculating, reporting, demonstrating, experimenting, collecting, constructing, presenting). Realize that your child may be using reading, writing, arithmetic, and social skills in a creative way to solve a problem. Help your child design a safe project that is not hazardous in any way. Provide transportation to places such as libraries, nature centers, universities, etc. that can help find project information. Several sources will take time to help your child find ideas and give suggestions for successful project. Help your child develop the necessary technical skills and/or help the child do the technical work such as building the exhibit and doing the photography. Help your child understand that science is not just a subject, but a “way of looking at the world around us”. Be sure that your child states in the paper and/or exhibit the help he or she has received from you or others. This will help judges to make a fair evaluation of the project. Look over the project to check for grammar, neatness, spelling and accuracy. Make suggestions on how it can be corrected. Buy or help find the necessary materials to complete the project. Realize that a good project doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Many times a simple project that is well displayed and explained is the best. Help your child understand that a weekend chore, or one or two posters, is not a project. Help your child keep a record (science project notebook) of all he or she does and a list of references used. Find an area in the house where your child can work on the project and not have to worry about pets or brothers and sisters. Explain to your child that he or she should consult with you or the teacher when problems arise. Set aside time for help sessions. Make them short and constructive. Be an interested and enthusiastic listener. Have your child present his or her science project to you before he or she takes it to school. Help transport your child and the science fair project to and from the school/district/ regional science fairs. Be positive and supportive if your child doesn’t win a prize at the science fair. The skills the child has gained are worth all the effort. Help your child to begin a plan for next year. Things parents may not do:Choose a science fair project for your child, even if he seems to be having trouble deciding upon one.Find books, print articles or otherwise do the research for her. She needs to learn how to do it on her own and face the rewards or consequences of a job well or poorly done.Tell your child what part of the project he needs to complete and when. He may needs some help figuring out what needs to be accomplished and help budgeting his time, but in the end it’s his responsibility to figure out what’s manageable for him.Write the hypothesis and create an experiment. The key here is to be a guide, not an active participant.Allow your child to conduct an experiment using dangerous chemicals or which proposes to do anything unsafe, no matter how excited he is about the idea.Do the experiment or give your child step-by-step instructions.Yell, scream or belittle your child’s efforts.? Making mistakes is all part of the process and provide opportunities to learn.Create the graph or spreadsheet for your child or announce the conclusion before she has discovered it herself.Write the presentation for him or create his visual aids, no matter what you see before you. It’s okay to provide constructive criticism if you think something isn’t working, just make sure to provide suggestions for alternatives as well.Tips For Kindergarten ProjectsHelp your child choose a topic, which is interesting and age-appropriate for him or her. Encourage your child to draw pictures or write as much as possible on the backboard. Inventive spelling is acceptable. You as the parent can write for him or her, but let the child tell you what to write and record his or her words faithfully. Have your child tell another adult about the project. This will help prepare for the judge’s possible interview. Start the project early so you both have time to work a little each day. Trying to complete the project during long sessions will cause much distress for you both. More important than the project is your child’s attitude toward science investigations. Help make the project fun and motivating. A simple log book with words or drawings is appropriate for Kindergarten projects. Model for your child your interest in science and science capabilities. Don’t let your lack of comfort or interest in science stand in the way of your child’s natural curiosity and eagerness to explore and discover something new.Rules For JudgingJudges look for well thought-out research. They look at how significant your project is in its field as well as how thorough you were. Judges are not interested in memorized speeches. They simply want to talk to you about your project and see if you understand it from start to finish. Two independent judges will judge each project. Scores from the two judges will be added together to arrive at the total score.Before starting your project, read the Science Fair Project Judging Form carefully. Make sure you understand each of the categories because your project will be judged on these categories. If you have questions, please discuss them with your teacher or Science Fair coordinator. -666753209925Science Fair Project Judging FormScience Fair WebsitesListed below are several popular science websites. These are just suggestions. Many will help you get started on your project by suggesting topics to study and specific science fair ideas. There are many, many websites devoted to science. Feel free to search the web and have fun!! all-science-fair- kidporj1.html school.sciencefaircentral ................
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