A Kids’ Inquiry Conference

Science Fair Transformation:

Alissa Royal

K-12 Engineering Coordinator

aroyal@melissaisd.org

Dollie Green

5th Grade Science Teacher

dgreen@melissaisd.org

The Next Generation of Science Fair Webpage

Kelli Gobel

5th Grade Science Teacher

kgobel@melissaisd.org

How has the student’s understanding of scientific literacy been develop through this process?

Guiding Question

Question BoardsTypes of InvestigationData Collection PostersInquiryClaims, Evidence & ReasoningEmbedded Process SkillsCross curricular connectionsTechnology

Instructional Opportunities

Science Fair scientific method competition rigid guidelines showing of work

through display boards

Science Fair vs. Kids’ Inquiry Conference

Kids’ Inquiry Conference

scientific method non-competitive choice showing of work

through variety of mediums to audiences

authentic experiences fosters collaboration become experts on

topic integration of

technology beyond word processing

Get others excited about science

Investigating with focus

Authentic, non-competitive environment

Students sharing science experiences

Greater awareness of their own science knowledge

Strengthened presentation, communication and technology skills

Melissa Cardinal KIC Goals

KIC Outcome

What is a Kids’ Inquiry Conference?

Structured Guided Student-

Initiated

Scientific Inquiry Continuum

Student:

Teacher:

focuses on focuses on more focuses on one aspect than one aspect all aspects

model and guide model and guide defines supporting aspects supporting aspects learning goals

guide reasoning guide reasoning guide reasoning

with discretion

How does changing the applied force affect how high the cork flies?

FOSS Scientific Reasoning/Variables

Flippers Investigation

What is a question board?Setting the stage…Start with an investigation where the question is provided (structured or guided inquiry)

Question Boards

Testable vs. Researchable Card Sort

Choosing the testable questions1. Choose from the question board2. Last year’s KIC question and change

variable3. Differentiated for students with deep

content knowledge on a specific topic

Inquiry Planning Sheet

Part 1: Choose the testable question

Sorting Activity

3 Types of Investigations

3 Types of Investigations

An Analysis of the Descriptive, Comparative and Experimental Scientific ResearchDesigns in the 2009 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)by Sandra S. West, Ph. D.

Part 1: Choose the testable question

Part 2: Type of Investigation/Hypothesis/Variables

Part3: Tools

Part 4: Designing Scientific Investigations

Part 5: Diagram & Data Collection

Part 6: Communicating Results

Inquiry Planning Sheet

Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation MediumAcceptance LettersBiographyResearchInvestigationBlurbJournal ArticlePresentation developmentRehearsalKIC Conference

Student Process: Timeline

Blurbs

Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation MediumAcceptance LettersBiographyResearchInvestigationBlurbJournal ArticlePresentation developmentRehearsalKIC Conference

Student Process: Timeline

JA GuidelinesRubricResearch www.bibme.orgWriting ProcessPublication www.lulu.comCover Art Contest

Journal Articles

Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation MediumAcceptance LettersBiographyResearchInvestigationBlurbJournal ArticlePresentation developmentRehearsalKIC Conference

Student Process: Timeline

GuidelinesRubricsTech TrainingsPeer ExpertsRehearsals

Presentations

Student Presentations

Websites – The Epic Race

Demonstrations

Videos

Photostory/Vodcast

Display Boards

Oral Presentations/PowerPoint – Egg Strength

Live Streaming – ustream.tv

Choice in PresentationVideo

Flipvids8mm video cameraMicrosoft

MovieMakerWebpage

TeacherWebGoogle SitesGlogsterTeacherTubeWeeblyMOODLE

Photo Story or VodcastDigital cameraMicrosoft Photo Story

DemonstrationPresentation with Visual

AidMicrosoft PowerPointPreziAnimoto

PodcastAudacity

Live Streamingustream.tv

Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation MediumAcceptance LettersBiographyResearchInvestigationBlurbJournal ArticlePresentation developmentRehearsalKIC Conference

Student Process: Timeline

http://clo.melissaisd.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=1381

ust

ream

.tv

Moodle

Visiting Students

Self selecting

JournalingQuestionin

g

Coordinator Roles

Decide what type of KIC: single school or multi-school

Determine location: rooms for presentations and demonstrations, welcome area, keynote address

Determine date: time of year and day of weekDetermine time: begin with KIC Pep Rally,

how many sessions, length of sessions, morning group and afternoon group.

Determine needs for implementation: technology, materials, volunteers, mentors

Coordinator and Teacher Checklist

Organizing and Hosting

How has the student’s understanding of scientific literacy been develop through this process?

Guiding Question

Dieckman, Dona, Charles R. Pearce, and Wendy Saul. Beyond the Science Fair: Creating a Kids' Inquiry Conference. Chicago: Heinemann, 2005. Print.

"The Kids' Inquiry Conference Homepage." The Elementary Science Integration Projects. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. <http://www.esiponline.org/kic/

Flippers Investigation. FOSS Field test unit. Delta Education.

Resources