DISD Science Fair - Grades K-4
Our school is having a Science Fair competition the week of February 17th. Students who wish to participate are asked to follow the attached schedule, scientific method guidelines and safety rules. Awards will be given to the top projects for each grade level as well as for each of the following categories: Physics, Chemistry, Earth/Space, Biology and Behavioral Science.
Science Fair Schedule
December 16th - turn in project title/permission slip to your teacher (see below)
February 17th – bring completed project to school
Week of February 17th present project to classmates and science fair judges
Science Project Scoring Guide
Winners will be based on the following criteria:
Proper use of the Scientific Method
Student knowledge of project
Complete Lab notebook
Complete and neat display board
Presentation skills (clear voice, proper volume, posture, etc.)
Please turn in the bottom part of this page by December 16th, 2013.______
The problem I am doing my project on is ______
______
______.
It is due Monday, February 17th.
______
Signature (student) Signature (parent)
IDEAS FOR SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS
Selecting a question for research can be the most difficult step in the project. Students should begin by looking at their own personal interests. If they have a love of football, looking at questions involved with handling the ball, the texture of the football, or physical properties of the gear may spark an interest. Student interested in dance might concentrate on how position of the body affects spin, factors affecting the wear and tear on the toes of shoes; the possibilities are endless.
If you need a bit more help, a trip to the library is a great place for ideas. Authors, such a Janice VanCleave, have created countless books loaded with science fair ideas. Even on-line sites can be used to help a student come up with a project idea but keep in mind that demonstrations such as exploding volcanoes, tornadoes in a bottle, and models of the solar system are not appropriate. Below are sample questions which have been used to develop successful science fair projects.
Project Ideas
What kind (shape) of sail will make a boat go the fastest? / Which way does the wind blow most frequently?Can the sun’s energy be used to clean water? / Do metals rust at different rates?
Does the color of the shell affect a hermit crab’s choice for a home? / Do the different colors in the spectrum have different temperatures?
What effect does loud noise have on growing plants? / How does magnetism affect an animals behavior?
How does magnetism affect plants growth? / How does gravity affect the direction a seed will grow?
How does caffeine affect plant growth? / For how long a distance can speech be transmitted through a tube?
How does the color of a material affect its absorption of heat? / Does the viscosity of a liquid affect its boiling point?
How does surrounding color affect an insect’s eating habits? / Do taller people run faster than shorter people?
What materials provide the best insulation? / How does the length of a vibrating object affect sound?
Who can balance better on the balls of their feet – boys or girls? / How does exercise affect heart rate?
What are the effects of chlorine on plant growth? / Do large apples have more seeds than small ones?
Does the surrounding color affect an insect’s eating habits? / Which metal conducts heat the best?
Does a baseball go farther with a wooden or metal bat? / Does an ice cube melt faster in water or in air?
What keeps things colder- plastic wrap or aluminum foil? / Does the time of day affect your body’s temperature?
What effect does loud noise have on growing plants? / Does weight change the falling rate of objects?
Do younger people have faster reactions that older people? / How does the amount of air in a basketball change how high it will bounce?
Scientific Method Guidelines
As a student follows the scientific method, he/she begins with a question about their chosen topic. The student then makes a hypothesis or guess about the possible outcome or answer to his/her question. Next the student must design a way to test the hypothesis. Finally, the student reports the results of the investigation. Projects for the fair must follow the scientific method and NOT simply display a scientific demonstration. Demonstrations such as exploding volcanoes, tornadoes in a bottle, and models of the solar system are not appropriate.
All projects should include the following parts on the display board:
1. Title: 5-6 words or less that summarize your project
2. Problem: What are you trying to learn? Ex. Will a plant grow better in darkness or light?
3. Hypothesis: What is your guess about what will happen in the experiment?
Ex. I think that plants will grow better in light because they need sunlight to make food.
4. Materials: List all the materials you used to do your experiment. Be precise (ex. 2 cups of water).
5. Procedure: List the steps of your experiment in order – like a recipe. Use statements that start with verbs. Ex. Place one plant in the windowsill. Experiments should be conducted multiple times (3+) or have large sample size to insure validity. Each repetition is considered a “trial”. When possible, include photos or drawings of you doing the experiment but DO NOT include any pictures which show anyone’s face.
6. Data: Include a data table and graph that shows the AVERAGE for all of your “trials”.
7. Analysis: Explain observations, data, and/or results
8. Conclusions: Tell what you learned including whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. Include a real-life connection or future application of your project.
All projects should include a lab notebook which contains:
1. Table of contents with page numbers
2. Data from each of your “trials”
3. Observations: What did you see during your experiment?
4. Photos or drawings of your results
6. Bibliography: List any resources (books, internet sites, etc.) you used to help you with the project.
Science Project - Safety Rules
Experiments with Vertebrates (Animals with backbones)
You must receive your teacher’s approval before you may conduct any experiment with an animal.
1. No animal may be deprived of food or water at any time for any reason.
2. Animals may not be exposed to any conditions which may be considered harmful.
3. Animals may not be sacrificed (killed) for the purpose of experimentation.
4. Animals must be provided with quality care after the experiment is finished.
5. No dissection or surgical procedures may be used.
Experimenting with Human Subjects
All rules concerning the use of vertebrates must be followed in working with human subjects. Teachers should approve copies of all surveys students may use. Extremely personal data and controversial topics should be avoided. No individual should be identified.
Working with Bacteria/Fungi
Any experiment involving the culture or growth of microorganisms or fungi (mold) must be carried out under adult supervision. Cultures must remain sealed at all times. No cultures, rotted food, or other contaminated substances may be displayed with the project. All contaminated substances should be disposed of in a sanitary manner at the conclusion of the experiment.
Working with Hazardous Substances
All chemical substances should be used under adult supervision. Hazardous substances should not be used. Controlled substances including prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco should not be used.
Science Project - Display Guidelines
Every effort will be made to provide general protection; however, all equipment and materials exhibited during the science fair are entered at the risk of the exhibitor. Neither the Science Fair Director nor the sponsors assume any responsibility for loss or damage to such equipment and materials.
1. No electrical outlets will be provided to elementary projects, but students may supply their own power via batteries.
2. No animal or animal parts may be displayed with the exception of hair, teeth, or nails.
3. No chemicals may be displayed. Water should not be displayed.
4. Any containers of commercial products should be empty. This includes food products, cleaning products, etc.
5. The student’s name should NOT be displayed anywhere on the FRONT of the project.
Project Dimensions
All exhibits must have a backdrop. Project boards can be made from cardboard or purchased at local craft stores (Michaels, Garden Ridge, Texas Art Supply), Teacher supply stores, and occasionally Wal-mart, Target and Walgreen’s. Below is a SAMPLE project.
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