Charlestown Science Fair

2011-2012

Where Can I Get My Research Project Idea?

• Observe the world around you.

• Libraries• Books

• 4th and 5th grade hallway• Books

• Talk with a classmate, teacher or adult.

Where Can I Get My Research Project Idea?

• Internet sites• Look on Mr. D.’s Webpage

for the Science Fair Page

• Sometimes ideas to investigate come from adding a little “twist” to someone else’s idea.

• The very best ideas are yours and come from your built in super computer,

your brain!

How Do I Develop My Idea into an Experiment?

• Research your idea. Find out as much as you can about the idea.

• You’ll need to use at least 5 different resources.

• After you research your idea, develop a hypothesis about your idea.

• If __________ is true then _____________.

How Do I Develop My Idea into an Experiment?

• Your next task is to find a way to test your hypothesis.

• You can test your hypothesis by conducting an experiment and gathering data.

Experiments• Ideally your experiment is testing one

variable and every other variable is held constant.

• Try to run your experiment multiple times to verify results.

• For example, if you are testing different paper towels for absorption, run the experiment multiple times and calculate the average.

• For example, if you are doing a taste test, have as many people participate in your experiment as you can.

Before You Start Your Experiment!

• You must now have your Mr. D. and your parents help you fill out your paperwork.

• You will need the following forms:

1. Student Checklist #1A2. Research Plan 3. Approval Form #1B

The paperwork is not so bad.• Let’s take a look

at it.

Putting Your Thoughts into Action!

• Mr. D., Mrs. Baugher, and your parents will read your research plan and decide how you should proceed.

• Their job is very important so you want to be sure to listen to them very carefully.

• Safety should be your most important consideration.

Before You Start Your Experiment!

• These forms are due to Mr. D. by November 7th if you are doing an experiment with humans or vertebrate animals.

– These projects are very difficult to do and require LOTS of paperwork!

• They are due to Mr. D. by Nov. 16th for all other projects.

Experimentation

• Once you have received approval from Mr. D., Mrs. Baugher you can begin your experiment.

Collecting Data• Every project needs a log book. This should

be a working journal, so it’s ok to have spelling mistakes, things spilled on it, etc. Write down any observations, notes, or questions that you have through this process.

• Take pictures.

• Be as accurate as you can when collecting data.

• Display your data in tables or graphs to share with others.

Collecting Data

• Think about what the data is telling you. Use this data to draw your conclusions.

• Maybe the data brings about more questions to test. If this is the case, talk to Mr. D. or Mrs. Baugher about how to continue your experiment.

Sharing Your Results• The science fair is a way

to show off your findings.

• We’ll have a meeting in early January to talk about how you should put together your project board and how to prepare to share your results with the school and community.

Let’s Experiment!!

How Does a Great Science Fair Project Look?

• An outstanding science fair project is neat and well organized.

• The display clearly shows the:– Title– Abstract– Hypothesis– Materials– Procedure– Results– Conclusion– Pictures, charts or

graphs• Special attention is given to

spelling and grammar.

More Great Projects

Judging• Judging Criteria

• Creative Ability - 30 points• Scientific Thought – 30 points• Thoroughness – 15 points• Skill - 15 points• Clarity – 10 points

Judging• The top 5 5th grade projects and the top

5 4th grade projects go on to the C.C. Fair on Friday March 9th.

• We will also name one alternate from each grade level.

Is Entering the Science Fair All about Winning?

• ABSOLUTELY NOT!• Everyone who enters the science

fair is a winner. • You have taken information learned in

school, developed an idea to explore and worked through a difficult process.

• You will have grown wiser as a student and as person.

• Sometimes your hypothesis turns out to be true, sometimes it does not.

• Remember, you sometimes learn more when your experiment doesn’t turn out just like you think it will.

Project Categories• Team – no more than 2 people.

• Once a team always a team• Behavioral and Social Science• Biochemistry• Botany• Chemistry• Computer Science• Consumer Science

Project Categories• Earth and Space Science• Engineering• Environmental Science• Math• Medicine and Health• Microbiology• Physics• Zoology

Time Line• By Nov. 16th turn in paperwork to Mr. D.

• By Nov. 7th if you are experimenting with vertebrate animals.

• Mid December – Early January• Run your experiment

• Mid January • Work on your project board

Time Line• Late January - Charlestown Science

Fair during school.• Pay attention to the website

• Late January, Time to be Announced Charlestown Science Fair Open House.

• Those projects going on to the County Fair will be announced at this time.

• Pay attention to the website• Friday, March 9th, C.C. Science Fair

Special Things to Remember

• Find a roomy, quiet and safe place to do your project.

• Keep an accurate logbook detailing all the things you do each day of your project.

• Gather your data accurately.• Take pictures of your activities.• Think of a clear and concise

way for you to display your data.

• Design graphs and other visuals to show your results.

• Keep your work organized.• Remember: Neatness counts

Good luck and happy experimenting.