The 1st Annual
Mad Science of Sacramento Valley
Student Science Fair!
Friday April 29th, 2011 6PM-8PM
• Do you love science?
• Did you make a science fair project this year?
• Would you like to show your project to your favorite Mad
Scientist?
• Even if you haven’t made one yet, now’s your chance to rocket
to Science Stardom with Mad Science!
PRIZES INCLUDE A FREE FIELD
TRIP FOR YOUR ENTIRE CLASS!
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to enter a project, you must be a student aged 5 to 12 in Sacramento,
Placer, Yolo, Solano, El Dorado, Sutter, Yuba or San Joaquin Counties.
PHILOSOPHY
This science fair is based on a noncompetitive philosophy, which encourages
student participation, sharing, appreciation for diversity, and inclusion. The event is
designed to be a fun, engaging, inspiring opportunity for students to enjoy sharing
their creativity, enthusiasm, and interest in designing, building, researching, and
problem solving. We want to encourage young minds to explore science all around
them. Each student will stand in front of their project the day of the fair and explain
his/her project to fairgoers. In addition, you will be given the opportunity for a private
showing with the Mad Science Team or just your favorite Mad Scientist!
PROJECT CLASSIFICATIONS
Projects will be classified for display into two categories: (K-2) and (3-6)
Students may enter the science fair as individuals or as a pair.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Students wishing to register for participation in the Science Fair should complete the
registration form found on our website (www.madscience.org/sacramento). All
entries must be received by Friday April 1st by noon. You may also drop off or mail
your form to the Mad Science Lab at 1808 Tribute Road Suite E., Sacramento, CA
95815 OR by fax to 866-846-3563.
PROJECT EXHIBITS
1. All exhibits must be confined to a table or floor space not to exceed 4ft wide by 3ft
deep (see diagram). Height of exhibits is limited to 8ft meters. Exhibits that exceed
the dimensions given may be disqualified. Exhibitors must plan for this allotted space
only.
2. Group projects (maximum of 2 students) may be entered under the group leader's
name.
3. Construction of exhibits must be sturdy, with moving parts firmly attached. Each
exhibit must be self-supporting. If your exhibit requires electricity, please notify us on
the application form. The host venue will not provide gas, running water, or any other
material.
SAFETY RULES
1. Displays must be solidly constructed. Moving pieces, if any, must be firmly
attached and present no danger. Switches, cords and circuits must be adequately
protected. Cell or battery-fed circuits should be safe both in design and operation.
2. Open flames, live animals, flammable liquids, microbial cultures, plants and soil,
biodegradable material and lasers in working order may not be exhibited.
3. No toxic, corrosive or dangerous chemicals are allowed. Substitutes, such as
sugar, water, food dyes, salt, flour and molasses, must be used to simulate
dangerous chemicals.
MANAGEMENT
1. Mad Science of Sacramento Valley reserves the right to assign equally to
exhibitors the available display space and to exclude exhibits of a dangerous nature
to exhibitors, visitors and the premises.
2. An exhibitor may not leave his or her display unattended during visiting hours, up
to the closure of the event.
3. While every effort will be made to prevent damage to exhibits, Mad Science of
Sacramento Valley, The Mad Science Group and its entities assume no
responsibility for loss or damage to any exhibit or part thereof.
AWARDS
All Participants will receive a participation ribbon
Grand Prize winner(s) will receive a Certificate for a FREE 1-hour workshop for their
entire classroom! ($180 value)*
*Alternate prizes may be awarded from community sponsors and if any are
available, these prizes will be posted on the website no later than 4/25/11.
HINTS ON PROJECT DESIGN
1. Each project must be self-supporting. SUGGESTION: Build or buy a 3section fold science board (These are available at Staples, Michaels, WalMart, etc.)
2. Arrange all project information and material within the allowable space: 4ft
(width) x 3ft (depth) x 8ft (height).
3. The title is usually placed at the top of the center panel. Other information that
should be displayed on the project board (hand-written, printed, or typed) can
include:
- The Question or Purpose
- Materials
- Method or Procedure
- Results (can include drawings, photographs, charts, graphs)
- Conclusion (what was discovered or learned)
If you have questions about these specifications and your science fair project,
please contact Elena Michel at [email protected].
Childs Name:__________________________
Project Title:__________________________
The Scientific Method Worksheet
Feel free to attach an additional sheet if more space is needed. (Due 4/28/11)
Problem – What are you trying to figure out? Write this in the form of a question.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Hypothesis – What do you think you are going to find out? What might happen?
Remember there is no right or wrong answer; this is just an educated guess.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Materials – List the materials you will use in the experiment.
1._____________________________
2._____________________________
3._____________________________
4.____________________________
5.____________________________
6.____________________________
Procedures – Make a detailed list the steps in your experiment.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Results – What did you observe when you performed the experiment?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Conclusion – From what you observed, how would you answer your question or
problem? Was your hypothesis correct?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Suggested Project Timeline
Week 1
- Fill out registration form and send to Mad Science
- Choose a topic or problem to investigate
- Check resources in a school or public library
- Contact experts in the field
- Gather all written material you can find on the topic
Week 2
- Begin building display unit
- Design all visual aids
- Take photographs of experiments if needed
- Collect items of display
Week 3
- Construct background for display
- Design and assemble graphs and/or charts
- Complete experiments and record final data
- Fill out The Scientific Method Worksheet
Week 4
- Transport display to Mad Science office and show off your research!
Important Dates:
Friday April 1st (12pm)
Friday April 1st
Thursday April 28th
Thursday April 28th
Friday April 29th
Applications Due
Confirmations emailed to parent/guardian
Set-up of projects begin
Scientific Worksheet Due
Science Fair Opens
Suggested Sites:
Parents, visit these sites for ideas for projects!
•
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/
• http://www.scienceproject.com/projects/index/elementary.asp
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/a/sciproelem.htm
Mad Science use only
Date Received: _____/____/____
Approved:
Y
N
Approval Initial: _____________
Mad Science Student Science Fair
2011 Application Form
Student’s Name: ________________________________
□ Male □ Female
School: _______________________________________
Grade: __________
Favorite Mad Scientist: _____________________________________________
(check out the website www.madscience.org/locations/sacramento/MeettheScientists.aspx for a list of all of
the current science teachers.)
Parent/Guardian Name:____________________________________________
Email Address:___________________________________________________
Contact Phone:___________________________________________________
PROJECT TITLE: _______________________________________________
□ Individual Project □ Team Project
All applications must be received by April 1st, 2011 by noon. You
will be notified via email on April 1st, if you have been selected to
present your display for the science fair event.
Please return application to:
Mail:
Mad Science of Sacramento Valley
1808 Tribute Road Suite E.
Sacramento, CA 95815
Fax:
(866)846-3563
Email:
Elena Michel, [email protected]
Mad Science of Sacramento Valley
Student Science Fair
Must be completed and turned in with application
Rules of Conduct and Release
Please read carefully, obtain proper signatures and return. ALL participating students are
required to return this form to participate in the 2011 Student Science Fair
Rules of Conduct
1.
2.
3.
4.
Scientific fraud and misconduct are not condoned at any level of research or
competition. Such practices include plagiarism, forgery, use or presentation of other
researcher’s work as one’s own and fabrication of data. Fraudulent projects will fail to
qualify for the Mad Science Student Science Fair.
The use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and/or drugs is prohibited.
Respect and maintenance of school property is required at all times.
Attendance is mandatory during the public exhibition of projects on Saturday.
I have read and understand the above rules and agree to adhere to them to the best
of my ability. I understand that a consequence of failure to meet these standards may
be that I will be sent home immediately at my parents’ expense.
_________________________
_____________________________
Participating Student’s Signature
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
Liability for Exhibits
Every effort will be made to protect exhibits from loss or damage. However, since the exhibition of
projects at the event is open to the public, Mad Science of Sacramento Valley, Mad Science
Group and/or its employees cannot and will not accept any liability or responsibility of any nature
for any theft, loss or damage to any exhibit or any other property of any Exhibitor. Accordingly, it
is recommended that each Exhibitor take all prudent precautions to prevent any theft, loss or
damage to his/her Exhibit and/or other property. Each Exhibitor should secure and guard his/her
Exhibit and/or other property at all times during the Exhibition, and remove all valuable
components, especially those that are easily portable, when the Exhibit and/or other property is
left unguarded by the Exhibitor.
I have read the above paragraph, and understand and accept that Mad Science and its
entities cannot and will not accept any liability or responsibility for theft or damage to my
exhibit.
_________________________
_____________________________
Participating Student’s Signature
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
Publicity
Organizations and businesses sponsoring awards at the Mad Science Student Science Fair may
wish to publicize their involvement in the event, which may include reports of achievements at the
competition by using photographs or information about you. We request your availability and
cooperation when contacted, interviewed, photographed and videotaped by the media before,
during and after the Science Fair. In addition, limited travel to local media outlets within the
Sacramento region may be necessary to accommodate interview requests. Advance notice will
be given. Your cooperation is requested but not required.
Appropriate information about me may be used for publicity purposes. This includes
photographs submitted by me as well as any photographs, videos or likenesses that may
be used by Mad Science or the sponsors of awards for the purposes of illustration,
advertising or publication in any manner. I also agree that I will cooperate with regard to
all publicity in connection with the Student Science Fair
_________________________
_____________________________
Participating Student’s Signature
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature