Science Fair Information

Science FairInformation2021-2022

The 2021 SISD District Elementary Science Fairwill be held virtually this school year.Students will use a PowerPoint template andembedded presentation/recording.

What is the Purpose of aScience Fair?Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingStudents use thescientific method tomake predictions,then experiment tocollect and recordqualitative andquantitative dataobservations.Students compare,contrast and analyzetheir data citing theevidence that justifiestheir claims,explanations andconclusions.

Science Fair Categories Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and theirinteractions Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with theearth and the study of the environment Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with thestructure and behavior of living organisms Engineering- combines mathematics, science and technology in order toproduce creative solutions to real world problems Behavioral & Social Science - analysis and investigations of human andother animal behavior Mathematics (5th Grade Only) – The study of numbers, measurement,geometry, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets.

What is a good idea for myscience project? This is the first thing you start thinking about whenyou hear “Science Fair.” Before you get started, you need to know thedifference between an experiment and ademonstration.

Science Experiments vs.DemonstrationsExperimentAn experiment tests at least 2different materialsExample: In which type of soil will abean plant grow best?DemonstrationA demonstration does not testdifferent materialsExamples: Making a volcano Creating an electrical circuit

What Does anExperiment Have?Variable The material that you change,or are testing, is your variable It is the ONLY thing that“varies” or changesConstant(s) Everything else in theexperiment needs to stay thesame or “constant” This is important, so that youcan make accurate conclusions

You can turn a demonstrationinto an experiment!Ademonstration turned into anexperimentIf you wanted tocreate an electricalcircuit, you couldchange it into anexperiment by Testing differenttypes of materials ormetals for theelectricity to flowthrough. Or youcould test differenttypes of batteries.

Trials All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 timesin order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximizethe validity of the test. Each trial should be performed in exactly the same mannerand compare the same independent variable.

Experimental DesignApproval Form All projects must be approved by the classroom teacher The Experimental Design Approval form will help thestudent stay on pace but will NOT be part of the powerpoint presentation.

Science Presentation onPower Point

Presentation Guidelines There is no limit to the number of slidesYou can change the design of the Power PointFont must be12 font size minimumDo not include any animations on the slidesThere are highlighted directions on each slide that can bedeleted when you add your information. Your oral presentation will be recorded and embedded in thePower Point (maximum of 5 minutes) All pictures should be appropriate and properly cited Pictures should only show face of experimenter (student).

Science Fair RulesThe use of live animals isdiscouraged but may beapproved by the classroomteacher. An experimentmay not cause harm orresult in the death of ananimal.Only the studentconducting the experimentmay be shown in anyphotographs. All othersmust have a signed photorelease form.All graphs or charts mustbe cited (ex. Graph wascreated by using[program] Excel)

Science Fair TopicsHere are some resources you can use whenchoosing your science fair topic and ools.com/a/science-fair-projects-for-elementary

What Are Judges Looking For? Project that is original Problem that is creative Sufficient data collected Evidence of a changed variable Conducted 3 or more trials Graphs, charts, diagrams thatshow results and are cited Put time and effort

Important Dates Projects due: October 22, 2021 Campus Science Fair: October 25-27, 2021 District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance) November 13th – 18th (virtually through TEAMS)*An information packet will be shared with campus winners

Campus Science Fair Coordinator’sContact Information Annette Harman aharma@sisd.net

Science Fair Categories Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth and the study of the environment Life Science - any of the branches of natural science de