4Th Annual Elementary Science Fair

4th Annual Elementary Science Fair

January 31, 2017– February 2, 2017

Prime Osborn Convention Center

1000 Water Street

Jacksonville, FL 32204

General Rules and Regulations

Duval County Public Schools

Elementary Science Fair

ENTRIES

A.Individual participants must be students enrolled in grades PK-5 for the 2016-2017 school year in Duval County.

B.Grade K-2 students enter individual OR class projects.

C.Grade 3-5 students may enter individual OR small group (no more than 3 students). Students participating in small group projects must be from the same grade level. Grade 3-5 class projects will NOT be accepted.

D.Each school will be allowed to submit 6 projects for the Science Fair.

E.It is the teacher’s responsibility to inform and provide copies of these rules and regulations to the entrants. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of these rules and regulations.

F.All projects must remain through the end of the Elementary Science Fair and must be picked up by a school representative or the participant after the awards ceremony. Any remaining projects will be discarded.

SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS

Grades K-2

Students work collaboratively with the help of a directing teacher to produce an individual or a class project for display.

Grades 3-5

Students work independently to complete a scientific experiment and construct a display. Grade 3-5 students who work as a small group (no more than 3 students) must contribute equally to complete a scientific experiment and construct a display.

Students submitting projects in grades 3-5 must be present for judges’ interviews during the time specified by the Elementary Science Department.

Students entering a small group project must select ONE member to be present for judges’ interviews during the time specified by the Elementary Science Department, but all participants may attend the fair and the interview.

CATEGORIES

Grade K-5 individual, class, and small group projects are divided into 3 categories:

Life Science
Physical Science
Earth and Space Science

The selection of the category is the responsibility of the student with guidance from the teacher.

DISPLAYS

Students may have assistance with basic display construction; however, is it highly recommended that the arrangement of display materials on the display board be done by the student.
Projects should be free standing and not utilize more than 30 inches by 48 inches of space on a table.
Displays must be durably constructed and self-supporting. Displays may not be taped, glued, or in any way attached to tables, walls, floors, or fixtures.
Science Fair participant or school name/logos may not appear on display materials. K-2 class projects may have the class name, while grades 3-5 should have no reference to the participant’s name anywhere on the project. A project entry form will be provided to the teacher for each project submitted. This form must be placed on the center back of the display board. A label, providing the project identification number will be furnished and must be attached to the project entry form on the back of the display board. Another label with the same ID # will be placed on the front of the display board in the upper right hand corner.

DISPLAY RESTRICTIONS

Chemicals and any liquids (including household products) soils, food, gases, open flames, and explosives may not be displayed. Wrappers for these items may be used instead.
Pictures of dead or dissected animals may not be displayed.
Controlled or illegal substances, including over the counter drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or tobacco may not be part of the entire display.
Knives, syringes, or any sharp objects are not to be displayed.
Any item that can be easily pulled off and swallowed will be removed or secured by the Elementary Science Department.
Straight pin, tacks, and staples are not to be used to secure materials onto display boards.

PROHIBITED RESEARCH

Research involving humans, animals, mold, human blood, and pathogens

Projects involving humans, animals, human blood and pathogenic agents (bacteria, mold (bread mold included), viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) are PROHIBITED. This also applies to all pathogens-human, non-human, and plants.

Research involving weapons

Weapons include any kind of gun, arrows, catapults, knives, darts, paint ball guns, or explosives (including rocketry engines). Any projects including these items are prohibited at the elementary level. Any objects that would cause bodily harm are prohibited.

ADULT CHAPERONES

All participants must be accompanied to the Elementary Science Fair by an official adult designated by the school. This person will be responsible for the supervision of the participants during the fair. All non-DCPS employees must possess a volunteer card issued from Duval County Public Schools.

Science Fair Judging Criteria
All projects will be judged by a team of judges using a rubric
Grades K-2 / Grades 3-5
Scientific Thought (40%)
-Clearly followed the scientific method in order to perform the experiment
-The problem and the hypothesis are indicative of scientific thinking
-All variables are identified and controlled
-The date is well presented and analyzed
Scientific Concepts (20%)
-Excellent explanation about what was discovered, which may be used to pursue new questions for a possible explanation
Project Creativity (20%)
-Highly original project
-Exemplary design
-Very creative use of equipment and/or construction
Display (20%)
-Self-standing presentation board
-Neat, colorful, graphics, tables, charts, photographs, etc.
-Self explanatory
-Flows logically
-Titles are clearly labeled
-Used some fresh ideas instead of just pasting on the report / Scientific Thought (40%)
-Clearly followed the scientific method in order to perform the experiment
-The problem and the hypothesis are indicative of scientific thinking
-All variables are identified and controlled
-The date is well presented and analyzed
Scientific Concepts (20%)
-Excellent explanation about what was discovered, which may be used to pursue new questions for a possible explanation
Project Creativity (10%)
-Highly original project
-Exemplary design
-Very creative use of equipment and/or construction
Display (20%)
-Self-standing presentation board
-Neat, colorful, graphics, tables, charts, photographs, etc.
-Self explanatory
-Flows logically
-Titles are clearly labeled
-Used some fresh ideas instead of just pasting on the report
Oral Presentation (10%)
-Eye contact and good voice projection
-Confident about knowledge communicated
-Convincing and enthusiastic

Science Fair Helpful Hints

Review the timeline (included)
Sketch a rough layout on a piece of paper before posting up your display.
Photograph each step of your procedure.
Decide on a catchy title for your project.
Include all required categories and content on your display.
Tell the story of your science project in a logical and easy to read manner.
Arrange the items from left to right and from top to bottom.
Space elements evenly across your display board, to achieve a balanced and consistent look.
Use black or dark colors for type in a font that is easy to read.
Make your font large enough to read from four feet away.
Label all graphs, charts, and tables.
Write descriptive captions for your photos.
Be sure to proofread your work, before posting on your display board.
BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!!!!

How to select a topic?

Is my topic realistic? Is it something I can do independently?
Is my topic interesting to me?
Is my topic measurable?
Can I investigate my topic by experimenting and collecting data?
Do I have enough time to complete my project?

What is expected from the teacher?

Instructions for the selection of a topic and every other phase of the project will be provided. Time will be provided in the class to on the project?

What is expected from the student?

The student will be expected to work on their project in class. They will keep a science log book. Data can be collected at home.

What is expected from the parent?

Talk to your child about their science project and encourage them. The parent may help collect data and help with the design of the presentation.

Science Fair Project Ideas

The list below includes ideas that students may consider when deciding on a Science Fair project. The list is suggestions ONLY and students may choose from the list or develop their own project ideas and question with teacher support if needed.

Grades K-2 / Grades 3-4 / Grade 5
Life Science / Senses / Habitats and Environments / Adaptations
Living/Non-Living / Invertebrates / Food Chains
Plants / Life Cycles / Inside Living Things
Animals / Plant Life
Earth/Space / Earth’s Surface / Clouds, Wind, and Storms / Atmosphere and Climate
Earth, Moon, and Sun / Minerals, Rocks, and Soils / Changing Landforms
Weather / The Solar System / Outside the Solar System
Physical Science / Energy / Heat Energy / Force and Motion
Things Move / Machines / Electricity and Magnetism
Properties / Solids, Liquids, and Gases / Mixing Matter
Light / Sound / Energy Resources
Magnets

Here are some internet sites that may be helpful.

Science Buddies

Science Fair Project Resource Guide

Science Projects

You may also Google the following terms for help.

Science Fair Central
All Science Fair Projects

Elementary Science Fair

2016-2017

School Intent to Participate Form

The 4th Annual District Elementary Science Fair will be held January 31 – February 2, 2017 at the Prime Osborne Convention Center. Please complete the following information by September 16, 2016 and return using one of the methods listed below.

□My school will participate in the Science Fair.

□My school will not participate in the Science Fair.

(Please print)

School Name: ______

Science Fair Contact/Coordinator: ______

Contact Person’s Email: ______

Contact Person’s Phone Number: ______

Principal’s Name: ______

School Science Fair Date (if applicable): ______

For the District Elementary Science Fair each school is allowed to submit a maximum of 6 (six) projects per school.

Principal’s Signature: ______

Please return this form on or before September 16, 2016using one of the methods below.

1. Scan and email to or

2. Fax to (904) 390-2904, Attn: Shakeatha Butler or Ruth J. Knight

Science Fair Project Registration Form

School Name ______Science Fair Coordinator______

Phone #______Fax # ______Email: ______

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL - 6 (Six)

Pre-K-Class  Grades K-2-Class or Individual  Grades 3-5-Group or Individual

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE
Title of Project / Student, Group, or Class Name
For Group projects list no more three (3) names / Teacher (s) Name
Email
Contact No. / Grade Level / Category
Class (K-2) Group
Individual

How and Where Plants Grow

/ Mrs. Johnson’s KG Class / Mrs. Johnson

904-886-2313 / K / C

Gummy Bear Science

/ Mary Son / / Ms. Thomas

904-390-4210 / 2 / I
Sue Time
Mark Orange

Investigating Foods

/ Charlie Mae Woods / Mr. Green

904-310-3001 / 3 / G
Mike Brown
Lucky Quiet

The Fastest Car

/ Carl Door / Ms. Meeting

904-390-5647 / 4 / I

Inflation by Vinegar and Baking Soda

/ Cadin Jones / Ms. Sukov

904-630-3271 / 4 / G
Amy Williams

Effects of Coffee Grounds on Germination

/ Greg White / Mr. Hardy

904-390-4329 / 5 / I

Principal’s Signature: Tina FayDate: December 2, 2016

Return this form on or before December 2, 2016 to:

Shakeatha Butler, Director of Elementary Science or Ruth J. Knight, Lead Specialist

Fax: 904- 390-2904 or Scan and email: or

Science Fair Project Registration Form

School Name ______Science Fair Coordinator______

Phone #______Fax # ______Email: ______

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL - 6 (Six)

Pre-K-Class  Grades K-2-Class or Individual  Grades 3-5-Group or Individual

Principal’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Return this form on or before December 2, 2016 to:

Shakeatha Butler, Director of Elementary Science or Ruth J. Knight, Lead Specialist

Fax: 904- 390-2904 or Scan and email: or

Elementary Science Fair

2016-2017

Project Entry Form

Project Type(see guidelines):
Place an “x” or list the grade level in the appropriate box below
Individual / Group (3 per project max) / Class: (grade level)
Name(s):
School:
Grade Level: / Teacher(s):
Project Title:
Brief Description of Project:

Note: An entry form must be completed for all projects and placed on back of the display board in the center.

What should my display board look like?

LEFT SIDE / CENTER / RIGHT SIDE
PROBLEM STATEMENT
HYPOTHESIS
ABSTRACT / TITLE
PROCEDURES
DATA
Charts, Graphs, photos, and/or sketches / MATERIALS
VARIABLES
CONCLUSION

Use the project display checklist to ensure that you have thoroughly completed each step.

_____ Title: name of project

______Problem Statement: Reason for the project.... your question, what you want to find out.

______Hypothesis: A prediction that you make of the results before conducting the experiment.

_____ Abstract: a summary of your research(5th grade only)

_____ Materials: a list of the supplies needed for the experiment (including identification of variables)

_____ Procedure: The steps or directions that you used toconduct the experiment

_____ Data: Graphs or charts showing what happened after you conducted your experiment.

_____ Conclusion: Telling what happened… Did it work? Was your hypothesis supported or not supported?

What did you learn?

District Science Fair 2017

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

When will judging occur? Judging of projects will occur on Tuesday, January 31, 2017.

Is judging open to the public? No, the judging process is closed to the public.

What is the set-up process? Set up of projects will begin at 7am and conclude at 12pm on January 31, 2017. Projects may be delivered by the teacher and/or Science Coordinator at the school or by the parent (s) of the students. There will NOT be any projects accepted after 12pm.

Who is responsible for setting up projects, and are parents allowed and students allowed to assist with this process? The teacher and/or Science Coordinator of the school will be responsible for transporting projects to the Prime Osborn Convention Center (unless arrangements have been made with the parents). We encourage participation from everyone (teachers, Science Coordinators, parents, and students) to assist with set-up.

What happens to the projects at the end of the Science Fair? All projects must be removed from the premises on February 2, 2017. Any projects left at the conclusion of the Science Fair event will be discarded.

Should I complete a field trip packet? Yes, a completed field trip packet is required for the event on February 2, 2017. The field trip package information can be obtained from the bookkeeper at your school.

Are we responsible for transportation? All schools are responsible for arranging transportation to the Student Field Experience, which takes placeFebruary 2, 2017.

Will lunch be served or are the students required to bring a bag lunch? Lunch will not be served; however, students may bring a bag lunch. Food and beverages will be available for purchase through a concession stand at the venue.

How many students (per school) are teachers allowed to bring to the event? Due to the size of the venue, each participating school is allowed to bring 30 (thirty) students per school to the event and 3 chaperones (10 students per chaperone).

What is the number of projects allowed to be submitted per school? Only 6 (six) projects per school may be entered into the Science Fair (i.e. One K class project, one 2nd grade individual project, one 3rd grade group project, one 4th grade individual project, and two 5th grade individual projects).

Who attends the Science Fair? The School Field Day (February 2nd from 9am-1:30pm) is open to students, teachers, faculty, and staff of DCPS. Parents are welcomed on this day; however they must be an approved DCPS volunteer. The Awards Ceremony of the Science Fair (February 2ndfrom 6pm-7pm) is open to family and friends.

How long will students be at the venue for the field trip and what do they need to bring? Students will be at the venue from 9am-1:30 on February 2, 2017.

When will awards be presented to the Science Fair Winners? Will winners be notified, prior to the ceremony? Winners will be determined once the judging process has been concluded and Principals will be notified of the students selected for an interview.

Will everyone receive awards or just those persons that won? Every student with a project submitted to the District Fair will receive a ribbon of participation. Trophies will be given to the grand prize winner, as well as the first, second, and third place winners in each category.

Can my project involve humans, pets, etc.? NO human or pet subjects may be used in any projects.

2016-2017 General Time-Line

August/September /

Identify and organize a Science Fair Committee and appoint a Science Fair Coordinator.
Discuss Science Fair and science fair projects with the faculty and students.
Set a date for your school-based science fair.
Prepare to view the initial Science Fair Coordinator Podcast, September 20, 2016.

Sept/Oct/Nov / Teachers introduce components of a project and complete a sample project investigation with the class”

Topic
Purpose
Hypothesis
Procedure (include dependent and independent variables for grades 3-5)

-materials
-variables
-step-by-step directions

Data
Graphs
Conclusions
Keeping a Science Log of the investigation

September 16, 2016 / School Intent to Participate Form DUE
October/November / Continue to check data log, give encouragement to students, and discuss student graphs and conclusions. Begin to prepare and organize school-based science fairs.
December / Finalize school-based fairs and plan to have time for viewing by students, parents, and teachers. Make sure all students receive recognition for participation. Select student representatives for the 4thAnnual Science Fair and complete the Science Fair Project Registration Form.
December 2, 2016 / Science Fair Project Registration Form DUE
January / Have a wrap-up session with school representatives. Make necessary adjustments to projects as needed.
January 31,2017 / Project check-in and set-up: 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Project Judging: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
February 1, 2017 / TBD
February 2, 2017 / 4th Annual Elementary Science Fair: 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
4th Annual Elementary Science Fair Awards Ceremony: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.