Year I:
Science Fair
Planning
Guide Packet
2014-2015
WS/FCS DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR OVERVIEW
The commitment to an annual district science fair reflects our dedication to promote all Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools students' interest in S.T.E.M. careers and acknowledge their accomplishments towards future endeavors. As we prepare for the 2014-2015 WS/FCS District Science Fair, we welcome you to use this page as a resource in planning your project.
The Process
Each year, WS/FCS students come together to share personal interests in science and technology in a public competitive forum. The competition begins at the classroom level. Students apply their knowledge of science and technology to the world around them by conducting research in the form of a science fair project. Students receive support in designing and conducting research for their projects from their teachers and families. Schools host school-wide science fairs and select qualifying projects to advance to the WS/FCS District Science Fair. The district fair is an exciting time for our students. Not only are students able to compete for scholarships, prizes, and recognition, they can also view science fair projects from their peers and meet other future scientists! Students who advance from the district will represent WS/FCS in the Region V Science Fair (Stokes, Forsyth, Davidson, Rockingham, Guilford, Randolph, Caswell, Person, Orange, Alamance, and Chatham). Those advancing from Region V will participate at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair.
The Competition (2014)
For the WS/FCS District Science Fair, students compete in division competitions: Secondary (Grades 6-12) and Elementary (Grades K-5). The WS/FCS Secondary District Science Fair is scheduled for January 23, 2015, at Wake Forest University's Deacon Tower. The WS/FCS Elementary District Science Fair is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2015 at WS/FCS Education Building (4801 Bethania Station Road, Winston-Salem). The dates and locations for the 2015 Region V Science Fair and the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair have yet to be released.
Adapted from
Choosing My Science Project
See the online district science fair information for assistance with choosing a topic and learning more about the scientific process. You will find a variety of websites some of which ask questions to give your ideas for your project.
1. Here are some science projects ideas that interest me.
2. Some of the criteria I will use to make my choice:
a. Is the subject interesting to me?
b. Can I get the materials I need?
c. Will I have enough time to do the project?
d. Can I do the project by myself?
e. Is the project affordable?
f. Is the question too difficult for me to solve?
g. Is the project safe? What precautions must be taken?
h. Are these ideas testable?
i. ______
3. My choice for a science project is:
4. Write a question about your topic that can be tested in an experiment:
What is the Scientific Method?
A successful project requires use of the “scientific method.” This is not difficult, but it requires the student to: Observe Plan, Experiment, and Explain what happens in the experiment.
Observing interesting event(s), asking questions or recognizing a problem.
Identifying a question to be investigated.
Formulating a hypothesis to explain what should happen.
Designing and planning for the experiment and testing the hypothesis.
Reporting or explaining results.
Conducting the experiment
For example, if the question is “Does the Presence of Sunlight Affect the Growth of Petunia Plants?” an experimental design would require a large number of petunias (not just one or 2 plants) in both a control group (those in dark) and experimental groups (those in several sub-groups by the amount of time in the presence of light). One variable is measured, such as height of plant, color of leaves, or number of leaves. The petunias plants in the both the control and experimental groups must be observed over a long period of time. Data must be collected and recorded a science project notebook.
Science Project Notebook - Keep daily records. Record all observations in an orderly manner. Record all of your data in tables and charts. Observations include, but are not limited to: dates, times, the units of measurement being used, as well as any other information that might be influencing or affecting the experiment, such as wind or weather. Determine whether the results recorded in the tables can be more easily understood with graphs.
Graphs and Charts
All graphs have a title, which tells the reader what the graph is explaining. The abscissa (x-axis/ horizontal) and the ordinate (y-axis/vertical) should be labeled and include the units of measurement and dimensions. Make sure to cite the author, photographer, website sources, and charts or graphs on the display board.
Drawing conclusions
In order to form a generalized conclusion, an investigation must include a number of observations of the events being investigated. It explains what has been observed. Include information about the hypothesis and if it was supported or not by the data collected. Data about the experiment should be included along with a generalization conclusion based on observation and results.
Time Line for My Science Project
Due Dates
Brainstorm
*Choose topic(s) 11/3/14
Research 11/10/14
*Gather information
*Write hypothesis
*Write Research Plan
*Meet with teacher to approve Research Plan
Experiment11/21/14
*Revise procedure in Research Plan if needed
*Identify variables
*Gather materials
*Conduct experiment
Record Results12/1/14
*Write observations in project notebook
*Record data in charts in notebook
*Prepare graphs for analysis
Write Conclusions 12/5/14
Prepare Exhibit 12/9/14
*design display board
* place all necessary information in board
* include project notebook for display
Prepare for Judges Interview 12/11/14
Due Date for entire project:
School Science Fair12/12/14
Name ______Date ______Class ______
Online Science Fair Resources
In addition to the WSFCS science fair website and resources provided there additional information can be found at the following sites. The NC State Science Fair is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). See this site for official rules and regulations.
NetTrekker
Available to parent and teachers through the Guilford Parent Academy (GPA) webpage. Search by category to find numerous science fair websites that have been vetted and approved for student use. Science buddies can be accessed through this resource.
The www Virtual Library-Science Fairs http://physics1.usc.edu/~gould/ScienceFairs
Science fairs are held around the world. This site can be used if you want to see what others are doing. There are hyperlinks to local, regional, state, foreign and even virtual science fairs.
The Internet Public Library
This link contains the Science Fair Resource Guide that offers teachers, students and parents a complete listing of web sites dedicated to science fairs and projects. The site provides links to how to do a science fair project, samples, ideas, magazines and resources. This site is arranged from the basic to the most detailed, with special notes to teachers and parents.
MadSci Net
a component of the MAD Scientist Network. This site contains links and resources on everything you ever wanted to know about science fairs, age-scientific ideas for projects, as well as how to put a science fair together. Some of the links include: School Science Fair Homepage, Science Fair Idea Exchange, The Society of Amateur Scientists, Practical Hints for Science Fair Projects and Yahoo’s listing of science fairs.
The Discovery Channel’s Science Fair Studio
Something for everyone! The “Student” selections are Handbook, Project Ideas, Links and Books. The “Teacher” section deals with issues related to organizing a science fair. The “Parent” section titled “Helping Your Young Scientist” emphasizes that the most important outcome of your child’s science project is the joy and learning that comes from scientific discovery – not winning a competition! It provides helpful hints to parents about selecting a project and resources available.
Science Fair Primer
A site to help students get started and run a science fair project.
Neuroscience for Kids: Successful Science Fair Projects
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html
Site by a former science teacher, science fair organizer, and judge. Gives a thorough and detailed description of the steps to a successful science fair project.
All Science Fair projects
Another site for find interesting ideas. Then take the ideas and make your project your own.
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