SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

All completed projects will be due on February 7, 2013

in order to be presented and graded in class.

General Project Information Grades PreK-2 –completion of class project Grades 3-6 complete individual projects

each component worth a homework gradefinal project worth an assessment/project gradeProject Journals can be downloaded from online

this year. No hardcopies will be distributed.all project due dates should be adhered to in

order to receive full credit Grades 4-6 must complete a brief research

paper as part of their project

Project Must Haves Display board with

all parts of the scientific method represented

Research Paper (4-5 grades ONLY)

All the details to complete a

Grade A Investigation

STEP #1: Choosing a TOPIC/QUESTION

Your topic/question should be:

Of Interest Related to science,

technology, engineering, or math

One that can only be answered through an investigation in which numerical data is collected

Example: Which soil type will grass grow best in?

DUE: 11-30

Where do I get ideas for a topic?

Student Project Journal Online (already approved topics/questions in Appendix C)

Science textbook School library Public library Internet Observing the world around us

Guidelines for choosing a topic Only THIRD graders can do

consumer projects No Projects involving VERTEBRATES No Models No Bacteria Projects Mold projects must be pre-approved for

safety reasons

CONSUMER SCIENCE IS FOR THIRD GRADE ONLY

What paper towel soaks up the most water?

What diaper absorbs the most liquid?

Which ketchup is thicker?

Consumer science is testing a product or comparing it to another brand of the same product.

STEP #2: Making a HYPOTHESIS (Prediction)

The hypothesis is…

A response to the question to be investigated

Should follow this format:

I believe ______________ because ______________.

Example: I believe that clay soil will grow grass best

because it sticks together and can hold water for a long time

DUE: 12- 6

STEP #3: Gather & List Project MATERIALS

List all materials to be used in the investigation AND include:

quantities

sizes/amounts (in metric units)

Example: 3 6 oz. plastic cups, 30 grams of each soil type (clay, loam, sand), 9 Kentucky bluegrass seeds, 40 milliliters of water (daily)

DUE: 12/13

STEP #4: Write down the step-by-step PROCEDURES of the investigation

Procedures should be listed in step format:

1.2.3.

Example: 1. Label each cup with the different soil type.2. Place 20 ml of each soil type in a separate

cup.3. Put 3 grass seeds in each cup of soil, pressing

them about 5 cm below the soil.

DUE: 12/13

STEP #5: Identify Investigation VARIABLES Independent Variable

The one thing that’s changed on purpose

Dependent VariableThe one thing that should change based on the

independent variable

Controlled VariablesThe things that remain the same (or constant)

throughout the investigation

Example: Soil type

Example: Rate of grass growth

Example: cup size, amount of soil, type of grass seed, amount of water

DUE: 12/20

STEP #6: Perform the INVESTIGATION

STEP #7: Document RESULTS of investigation

Results need to include:

- At least 1 data table

- At least 1 graph

- A written explanation0

50

100

1stQtr

3rdQtr

EastWestNorth

DUE: 1/24

STEP #8: Write CONCLUSIONS

Investigation conclusions should be written in paragraph format and include:

○ A statement about proving or disproving the hypothesis

○ A statement of what was learned by completing the investigation

○ A statement about anything that could have or might have been done differently to make the investigation better

○ A statement of how the investigation connects to real-world concerns and applications

DUE: 1/24

Research Paper Title Page Acknowledgements Project Question Background research

Write down questions that you want to know about your topic that can be answered by looking in a book.

Sources/BibliographyAt least 3

An example of a research paper is included in the Student Project Journal Online.

DUE: 1/17

Display of the STEM Fair Project

Title

Hypothesis

Variables

MaterialsData Table *

Graph *

Conclusion

Written Explanation *

Procedures

* All parts of the Results.

Question

Project Display Board Tips

Don’t be afraid to use color– no more than 2-3 different colors

Type or write neatly – NO scratch-outs or sloppiness

Make sure the font size isn’t too small (no smaller than 14 pt)

Make sure to include a title The display should be neat and

attractive

Additional items to keep in mind: All project components are to be turned in for

teacher review on the due dates provided Pictures should be taken throughout the

investigation and placed on the final display board

Any pictures used should include captions NO ADDITIONAL MATERIALS (actual

investigation materials) should be brought to school

Contact InformationMrs. Burke, Science Department Coordinator Karen.Burke@pgcps.org

Also Contact Your Child’s Teacher For Further Information

Teacher’s name@pgcps.org

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Thank you for all of your support!

HAPPY INVESTIGATING !!