STEM Fair

January 21st, 2016

STUDENT PARENTGUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter to Parents / 3
STEM Fair Odds and Ends / 4
Getting Started / 5
Project Ideas / 6
Getting Started – Technology Ideas / 8
Helpful STEM Links / 9
Getting Help / 10
Student Planning Guide: 6 Week Plan / 11
Which process do I use?
The Scientific Method/Engineering Design / 12
Registration Form / 13

Dear CHVE Parents and Students,

CHVE is preparing to host its SECOND ANNUAL STEM Fair on Thursday, January 21st, 2016. All CHVE students and their families are invited to attend and participate. We encourage parents and students to review the enclosed information together.

Why a STEM Fair?

To many, STEM is a foreign term and a STEMFair is even more daunting. But really, a STEMFair opens the door for kids who like more than just the traditional science topics. In today’s world we need to be raising children who are not just thinking within the box; but rather children who can critically think about the world around them.

The goal of CHVE’s STEMFair is for students to have fun with science, technology, engineering and math. Students need opportunities to experience science, technology, engineering and math for themselves by asking questions and discovering answers. Performing an experiment or designing an invention is the best hands-on way of enjoying and learning. A student’s interest is greatest during elementary years, so take advantage of this time with your children, let them roll up their sleeves and dive into things they always wonder about and are excited to learn and know!

What is required to participate?

1. Registration: Please register by submitting the registration form located on the last page of this handbook no later than 12/02/15. The registration form can also be downloaded from Individual projects are encouraged; however two students can work on one project together.

2. Choose a topic: If your child/children are interested in doing a project, help them choose an appropriate topic. Simple, well-researched questions with a nice, organized display are key to a good project. Parental help is needed for direction and encouragement only. Learning will be enhanced if parental involvement is minimal and children are allowed to do their own work.

3. Display the project: Projects should be presented on a tri-fold display board, with relevant information displayed in an organized manner. We encourage all student participants to follow and include the elements of the scientific method or engineering design process. These processes are clearly outlined in the STEM Fair Journals. There are two Journals. One is targeted towards Science/Math projects. The other is targeted to Engineering/Technology projects. You can download and print the applicable Journal from

STEMFair Odds and Ends

  1. The STEM Fair is replacing the Science Fair.
  2. Each student may enter only one project. Individual projects are encouraged; however, students are allowed to work with a partner on a project. Both students should register separately with the exact same project title. Please mention the name of your partner on your registration form.
  3. The format of this STEMFair is non-competitive. Projects will not be judged this year. There will still be members of the community coming through to view all projects and ask students questions on their projects. Therefore students should still practice giving an oral presentation and be prepared to answer questions.
  4. The STEMFair is voluntary. Although participation is strongly encouraged, it is not mandatory for any grade level.
  5. Please turn in the STEMRegistration Form to your classroom teacher. The form is located at the end of this Handbook and online at
  6. Parents and other responsible adults may advise the students in doing the project; however parents should allow students to do the actual work. The best projects are the simple ones where students can demonstrate command of the subject matter in the experiment/design.
  7. Electrical switches and cords needed for exhibits must be provided by the participant and be in good working condition. All electrical and/or technology requirements must be disclosed on the Registration form under SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.
  8. The school and teachers assume no liability for loss or damage to exhibits. All students must agree to be careful and respectful to the work of other student scientists and engineers when viewing the STEMFair exhibits.
  9. No harmful animal or human experiments are allowed. Parents must carefully monitor any experiment that is performed.
  10. A space of about 3’ wide will be provided for the display of the tri-fold board, experiment, model and any record book.

We would like to thank the CHVE administration, staff and PTCO for their support with CHVE’s new STEMFair!

Getting Started

There are many ways to choose a STEMFair topic. You can start by:

  • observing the world around you
  • looking at books in your school/public library
  • searching the internet
  • talking to a scientist/engineer/mathematician/inventor/…….

You can also use the list below to determine a category of STEMinquirythat interests you.This might help you narrow down your ideas.

Earth/
Environment / Chemistry / Physics / Life / Biology / Engineering / Mathematics
•weather
•rain
•climate
•erosion
•windspeeds
•waterfiltration
•recyclingprocesses
•composting / •freezing
•melting
•burning
•rusting
•heat / •speed
•force
•friction
•gravity
•magnets
•electricity
•elasticity
•weight
•density / •plant growth(based on:water,temperature,sunlight, soiltype)
•invertebrates / •bridgedesign
•buildingdesign
•machinedesign / •probability
•numberrelationships
•frequencyanalyses

As you develop your project idea, consider the following questions with your family:

  • Do we have time for this project or should we choose something that is shorter?
  • Do we have the space (inside or outside) for this project?
  • Can we purchase all of the items for this project or are some too expensive or too hard tofind?
  • Will we need to build anything and, if so, can we do it?

As you narrow down your interests to one of the categories above, you can consider some of the project ideas listed on the next few pages to help get you started.

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Getting Started - Technology

Mr. Krulish has put together a preliminary list of potential Technology Projects. These are suggestions and ideas to get you started. The possibilities are limitless!

  1. Build a 3-Dimensional Structure (free):
    Download:
    How To’s:
    Here is an example on how to build a dog house:
    (Part 1):
    (Part 2): Painting the dog house
  1. Design your own video game (free):
    Login to:
    How To’s:
    Maze game:
    Target game part 1:
    Target game part 2:
    Target game part 3:
  2. Stop Motion Animation; requires iPad and the apps:
    iMovie (free with new iPads), iMotion (free)
    Example of a stop-motion animation project:
    Tutorial:
  3. Makey Makey kits:
    What can you do with these? Check out:
  4. Learn to write Java Script (free):
    Try programming logic here:
  5. Lego Robotics ($130-$200):Requires the kit:
    Working the robotics can be done using Scratch for free or you can purchase the lego software here:

Create your own orchestra using GarageBand (only runs on a Mac). You can use instruments already created for you in GB or you can play your own real instrument and add your instrument to a mix of music in GB. Tutorial:
Friendly reminder: If you decide upon a project which requires an iPad or Laptop, or battery powered device, make sure your device is fully charged on the day of the STEM Fair! Also please bring an extension cord; in the event you need to plug it in.

Helpful STEMLinks:

Getting Help

Mr. Nate Krulish, CHVE Technology Teacher

Mr. John Regalbuti, CHVE Science Fair Liaison

Engineering for Kids


(720) 390-7972

Engineering for Kids is a valuable resource! We are very lucky to have them as a partner for the CHVE STEMFair!

Engineering for Kids offers a multitude of classes for elementary school age kids, to foster ideas and garner excitement about engineering and technology. They follow the Engineering Design Process; and can help provide ideas to get students started.

In addition, on weekends TBA, Engineering with Kids is opening their doors to CHVE students and family, to help assist with any problems/issues they may be having with their STEMFair Project.

This support will be offered FREE of CHARGE, sponsored by CHVE PTCO. It will be located at Engineering for Kids, located at 6972 S. Vine Street, Suite 353,Centennial, CO 80122 (Next to the Arapahoe Library).

Suggested Student Planning Guide: 6 Week Plan

A STEM Fair project must answer a question. It doesn’t matter if it’s a demonstration, invention, or an experiment, you should design the project around a question.

WEEK 1: Choose a topic (put it as a question) Learn the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process. Download the appropriate STEMFair Journal from Gather information from research, books, experts and interviews.

WEEK 2: Start recordingyour research; in your STEMFair Journal. Organize and plan the experiment/design. Think about how to display the work. Write all your thoughts, data and research in your Journal.

WEEK 3: Conduct your experiment or Create your invention and test it out. Take pictures of the project. You may want to include an experimental control as part of the procedure. Do more than one trial (three trials or more are recommended). Record data. Continue to write in your STEMFair Journal. Have fun!

WEEK 4: Remember, if the results are not what you expected, it is not a failure! Look at the results and figure out what happened. Make adjustments and try again. Record data. Analyze results.Tweak your invention. Make conclusions. Write in your STEMFair Journal.

WEEK 5: Complete the project, record and write the results. Make graphs, charts and headings for display on the project board.

WEEK 6: Set up the display at home – make sure it works. Review your work – practice your presentation to answer people’s questions. Now you’re all set for CHVE’s STEMFair!!
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. 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.

Both processes can be broken down into a series of steps, as seen in the diagram.

There are two different STEM Fair Journals available for download on In most cases, Science and Math Projects will closely follow the Scientific Method; while Engineering and Technology Projects will follow the Engineering Design Process.


REGISTRATION FORM

CHVE STEM FAIR – January 21st, 2016

DUE: Wednesday December 2nd (turn in to your teacher)

Student’s Name: ______

Grade/Teacher: ______

Will you be working with a Partner? (one partner)

Partner’s Name: ______

Grade/Teacher: ______

What type of project will you be doing:

Science Technology Engineering Math

What is your question: ______

______

Special Requirements (if any) ie: electric plug in, 3-D Printer, Chrome book, speakers… ______

______

PARENT PERMISSION:

____Yes, I give my permission for my child’s name and/or photo to be included in articles about the CHVE STEMFair in local newspapers (e.g. The Villager Crier).

____No, my child’s name photo cannot be placed in any local newspapers/newsletters.

Parent Name: ______

Parent Signature: ______

Parent Email: ______
Parent Phone:______.

PHONE CONTACT and PARENT EMAIL (*REQUIRED FOR PROJECT APPROVAL CONFIRMATION)

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