PTA
SCIENCE FAIR
2016
February 26, 2016
During the school day & 6:00-7:30 pm
We encourage all students to do a science investigation that involves using
the science inquiry process. Choose a question that can be answered with the
results from an experiment or investigation of your own design. Just remember
to “keep it simple” as you approach a question to investigate. The internet and
books at the library are great resources. Even though several students may pick
the same question, the projects often develop very differently! Working as a pair
is also a great idea. Typical time to create and finish a project is 2 weeks. Need
help choosing a project?
On the internet try Goodsearch.com or www.kidsclick.org
We hope that you will take this opportunity to support and engage yourself
to do a science project that we can all celebrate February 26th. Set up will be
before school between 8:00- 8:45 and the displays will be shown throughout the
day for all classrooms and again in the evening for families to view. I look
forward to seeing you there!
Please call or e-mail your teacher with questions.
Please complete the following and send back to school
---------------------------------------------------------------------I WILL be participating in this year’s Science Fair
Student:
_____________________ Teacher : _______________ Grade ___
Volunteers are needed to help monitor Science displays during the day in the gym & at night
______ I am willing to volunteer during the day.
______ I am willing to volunteer at night.
Name__________________ Phone ______________E-mail _________________
Communicate Your Results:
To complete your science fair project you will communicate your results to others in a final
report on a display board. Professional scientists do almost exactly the same thing by
publishing their final report in a scientific journal or by presenting their results on a poster
at a scientific meeting.
Prediction
Need help? Ask your teacher, parents or get on the internet!
Project Worksheet (Required for 4th-5th graders)
Project Title
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Project Question
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Prediction – If this … then this…
If____________________________________________
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Controlled Variables (What stays the same)
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Manipulated (Changed) Variable (The one variable you_____
change)_______________________________________
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Responding (Measured) Variable (What you are measuring)
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Materials (What materials you used to complete the
experiment).
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Diagram (A labeled drawing of your experiment)
Procedure (The numbered steps to complete the experiment)
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Data: (A chart of numerical data and/or graph of data)
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Summary (A summary of the data in written form)
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Conclusion (State whether or not your prediction is correct.
Prove it by showing a difference in your data)
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The Science Fair Project Game Plan
Grades K-3 – The Science Fair project for K-3 is “OPTIONAL but encouraged.”
Students should plan on a project that is not too big, but does answer a scientific question.
Students are encouraged to work in teams or individually. Here are some pointers:
 Follow the Scientific Method
o State a question
o Make a hypothesis (educated guess)
o Perform an experiment (if appropriate)
o Gather, analyze and make conclusions about the data
o Report your conclusions clearly
 Compare 2 products side by side, like paper towel brands
 Build a model to demonstrate understanding of a scientific principal
 Use pictures you have taken to show understanding of a scientific principal
 Experiments are ok as long as you understand what you are testing. (Better
suited for 3rd grade when variables are better understood.)
 Parent help is essential for success in these grade levels. Please help support your
student in this work.
 Examples of Science Fair Projects for grades K-3
Magnets
Bird Houses
Insect collection
Cotton History
Tree ages
Build a sundial
Human Eye Anatomy Build a compass
Leaf Parts
Habitat Studies
Salt crystals
Tooth decay
Sugar crystals
Nutrition
Solar systems
Parts of a plant
Parts of a horse
Invisible Ink
Germination
Build a boat
Sun/Earth Moon model
Human Heart
Bee hives
Make yogurt
Electric circuits
Forces
Light color/plant growth
The Science Fair Project Game Plan
Grades 4-5 – The Science Fair project for 4-5 is “REQUIRED AND ENCOURAGED.”
Students should plan a project that utilizes “Inquiry Based Learning.” Ask questions, learn
by doing. Here are some pointers:
 MUST follow the Scientific Method
o State a question
o Do some background research
o Make a hypothesis (educated guess)
o Must state variables
o List materials
o Create a diagram of the experiment
o Create an experimental procedure
o Perform an experiment
o Gather, analyze and make conclusions about the data
o Summarize you data
o Report your conclusions clearly
 Students can work in teams of up to 2 maximum.
 The experiment must have a measureable result
 Data collection, presentation and interpretation are CRITICAL for success.
 Examples of Science Fair Projects for grades 4-5:
Chemical Changes
Freeze/Melt Points
Elasticity of Materials
PH Factors
Electromagnetism
Oxidation
Light as energy
Propulsion
Rate of Decomposition
Dissolving Rates
Earthquakes
Air pollution sources
Mold Growth
Compound machines Flight principals
Density
Plant growth
Erosion
 Does magnetism affect the growth of plants?
 How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape?
 Does light effect the rate at which foods spoil?
 What plastic wrap best prevents oxidation?
 Will chilling or freezing an onion before cutting it keep you from crying?
 Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth?
Science Fair Grading Rubric 2016
Name______________________ Project Title_____________________
SCIENTIFIC PROCESS
Includes Name and Title of
Project
Grades K-5 Required
Includes a QUESTION
Grades K-5 Required
Includes a Prediction
(Hypothesis)
Grades K-5 Required
Includes Three VARIABLES;
Changed. Measured and
Controlled
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes MATERIALS list
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes a labeled DIAGRAM
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes numbered
PROCEDURE
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes DATA and/or DATA
CHART
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes a SUMMARY
Grades 4-5 Required
Includes a CONCLUSION
Grades K-5 Required
LEVEL 1 59 or below/100
LEVEL 2 60 to 79/100
LEVEL 3 80 or above/100
LEVEL 4 Criteria
REPORT/BACKGROUND
INFORMATION on project.
RESOURCES cited
High level of neatness
Effort
Presentation
POINTS
POSSIBLE
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
POINTS EARNED
COMMENTS