Bartlett Elementary School Science Fair 2016

Transcription

1 Bartlett Elementary School Science Fair 2016 Important Dates: May 10--Completed Projects Due May 11--Judging of BES projects May 12--Winning projects moved to Bartlett Academy May 13--.Judging of Bartlett City Schools projects May 13--Project pick up at Bartlett Academy May 26--Showcase of district winners at Bartlett City Hall

2 Required Elements for Science Fair Presentation: ***Display Backdrop The display unit (also known as the backboard) is critical to the presentation. It is what people see first and establishes the work of the students efforts. As a kind of advertisement for the project, it must be well constructed and designed for maximum visual effect. Usually, it stands on the table behind the other exhibit materials. Please be sure to attach the School Registration Form (included in this packet) to the back of your display board. Display boards should not exceed 3 feet x 4 feet (36" x 48"). Any laptop computers, ipads, electronics, or the like are NOT allowed as part of the set up but can be used to conduct initial experiments. Tables will be provided for set up. ***Exhibit Materials The materials, items, devices and samples shown in front of the backdrop unit can be an exciting part of any science project. These materials should reflect the items used throughout the student s investigation. They should provide a firsthand look at the scope of the project. Any lap top computers, Ipads, electronics, or the like are NOT allowed as part of the set up but can be used to conduct initial experiments. ***Written Report The written report is a compilation of everything the student did to investigate the selected topic. It contains all the information the student collected or learned during the weeks leading up to the actual fair. Whether the student decides to do an experiment, assemble a collection of objects, demonstrate a scientific principle, conduct some research into a specific area of science, or show a particularly interesting piece of scientific apparatus, it will be necessary to record observations and information in written form. The written report provides observers with vital data on the scope of a project as well as the student s understanding of the topic. Any written report for a science fair project should include the following: Title Page Table of Contents Statement of Purpose Hypothesis (for the scientific investigation) Research Materials Procedure Observations and Results Conclusion Bibliography Acknowledgements

3 Options for Science Fair Projects: Scientific Methods vs. Design Process What is the difference between the scientific method & the design process? While scientists study how nature works, engineers create new things, such as products, websites, environments, and experiences. Because engineers and scientists have different objectives, they follow different processes in their work. Scientists perform experiments using the scientific method; whereas, engineers follow the creativity&based engineering design process. Why are there two processes? Both scientists and engineers contribute to the world of human knowledge, but in different ways. Scientists use the scientific method to make testable explanations and predictions about the world. A scientist asks a question and develops an experiment, or set of experiments, to answer that question. Engineers use the engineering design process to create solutions to problems. An engineer identifies a specific need: Who need(s) what because why? And then, he or she creates a solution that meets the need. Which process should I follow for my project? In real life, the distinction between science and engineering is not always clear. Scientists often do some engineering work, and engineers frequently apply scientific principles, including the scientific method. Much of what we often call "computer science" is actually engineering programmers creating new products. Your project may fall in the gray area between science and engineering, and that's OK. Many projects, even if related to engineering, can and should use the scientific method. However, if the objective of your project is to invent a new product, computer program, experience, or environment, then it makes sense to follow the engineering design process. Source: compare<scientific<method.shtml Project Ideas & Resources Science Fair Ideas and Details Science Fair Ideas Discovery Ed Engineering Design Process - Engineering is Elementary Science Fair Projects Adventures of a Science Fair Super Science Fair Resources Science Fair For Kids STEM Project Ideas

4 Option 1- Experiment: These projects are to be true experiments, which means that the answer is not found in a book but by conducting scientific investigation. The following should be written and displayed on the exhibit: Question Hypothesis Materials Variables Procedure Results (data display in table and/ or graph form Conclusion Data should be written in a log as you work and should be available at your display in the original form. Scientists do not recopy to make their work neat, they work neatly during the investigation. If there is a mistake, draw one line through it and proceed. Do not white out or scribble out the data. Equipment used in the investigations may be included in the display. Option 2- Engineer Design Process The engineering design process is a series of steps that are implemented by engineers to lead them as they solve problems and develop new products and/ or systems. Through the Engineering Design Process, engineers dive into the development of a design that may include sketching, and making analytical decisions, on which forms of resources and technology to utilize within the experiment. Engineers create and test many prototypes, making improvements until the product design is good enough to meet their needs. The following should be written and displayed on the exhibit: Problem: Explain the problem you are trying to solve. This can be written as a question. Research: Information about the problem, possible solutions, choose the best solution based upon your research. Procedures: Plan the list supplies, steps, and label diagram of idea. Create: Follow your plan to create your solution. Test and Improve: Were there any mistakes? Did you change anything to your design? Why? Summary: Write a summary to explain your design process and communicate your solution. Data should be written in a log as you work and should be available at your display in the original form. Scientists do not recopy to make their work neat, they work neatly during the design process. Do not white out or scribble out mistakes, draw one line through and proceed. Your prototype of solution should be included with your display.

5 Judging Criteria PROJECT # Bartlett City Schools Science Fair Judging Criteria CREATIVE THOUGHT Original idea, question, thought and creativity Unique approach Ingenious use of materials, equipment Excellent Good Fair SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT Question clearly stated and defined Hypothesis clearly stated Comprehensive background on topic clearly presented Procedures for experiment clearly and comprehensively discussed, including all variables Analysis of results with sound conclusion presented Practical implications of results discussed Recommendations (new questions) for future research included Excellent Good Fair THOROUGHNESS AND ACCURACY Repeated trials conducted to ensure results are not due to chance Observational, math and/or design skills are accurate and detailed Overall, all aspects of study are exceptionally thorough Excellent Good... Fair DISPLAY Project title and sub&titles clear and descriptive Well&organized w/correct grammar; logical flow of presentation Charts and graphs correctly and clearly labeled Excellent Good... Fair TOTAL POINTS

6 School Registration Form PROJECT # School Name Science Fair Contact or Lead Teacher Grade Level Represented Student or Class Name Title of Project Teacher Name and Please complete registration form and to Kristy Ford at Central Office. Make a copy and attach to back of project in an envelope. This will assist with recognition of GRAND DIVISION winners for the District Recognition at the Board Meeting.