SCIENCE FAIR
SCIENCE FAIR
Calallen Independent School District
This year, students are NOT REQUIRED to participate in the local district science fair – unless they so desire. Calallen ISD will NOT be participating in the Coastal Bend Science Fair this year.
Virtual students can participate in the local district science fair. They will be required to have their science fair board delivered to
campus on the due date and a zoom will be scheduled for their interview.
Science Experiment Topic Areas
– Projects are grouped into
TWO Divisions
-• Physical Science
Area of science which focuses on the study of fundamental behavior of matter, energy
electricity, magnetism, chemistry, light, sound, and other elements related to the physical
Science Experiment Topic Areas
– Projects are grouped into
TWO Divisions
-• Life Science / Health Science Area of science, which will focus on the phenomenon of life and the preservation of health in all
organisms. Emphasis is placed on interactions between plants and animals, function of cells and the genetic mechanism,
relationships of the human body systems and the influence of injury, disease, and drugs on these systems.
Types of Investigations
EXPERIMENT
VS. DEMONSTRATION
• EXPERIMENT – compares two or more
things. An experiment has manipulated
variables and one or more controls
• DEMONSTRATION – A scientific demonstration is an explanation of a process that is illustrated through an example, which serves as proof or evidence of the scientific principles at work. It
does not have a manipulated variable. Its purpose is not to compare, but to demonstrate how
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• PROBLEM • HYPOTHESIS • MATERIALS • PROCEDURE • OBSERVATIONS • CONCLUSIONVARIABLES
–
▪ Manipulated ▪ RespondingCONTROLS
Charts, Tables,
Graphs
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• PROBLEM
– The question you are trying to answer. Always state the problem as aquestion.
• HYPOTHESIS
– A statement of what is being investigated. The hypothesis is a “best guess” or “educated guess”.THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• MATERIALS –
A complete listing of allmaterials and equipment used to perform the experiment. The exact amount of each material to be used should be listed.
Example: 6 rubber bands (number) 90 ml of water (capacity) 1 kilogram (mass/weight) 1 metric ruler (length)
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• PROCEDURE –
List the steps followed duringthe investigation. List all details used when
performing the experiment so that someone else could perform the same experiment and gather the same data. The experiment should be
done using metric measurement.
The science experiment should be performed at least three times and the three sets of data
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• OBSERVATIONS –
Make clear and carefulobservations. Carefully collect the experimental data and keep it in your journal. Record the
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• CONCLUSION –
State the outcome of theexperiment. If the hypothesis was not supported – then state so – it is okay for the experiment not to support the hypothesis. Include additional
information that would explain why the hypothesis was or was not supported.
VARIABLES AND CONTROLS
VARIABLES
–
▪ Manipulated – The factor in the experiment
that is deliberately changed.
▪ Responding – The factor in the experiment
that reacts or is caused to change as a result of the manipulated variable.
CONTROLS–
The factors that do not change. An experiment may contain numerousEXAMPLES OF VARIABLES
Things that can be changed
• Temperature • Air • Soil • Density • Motion • Water • Light • Weight • Friction • Pressure
CHARTS, GRAPHS, AND TABLES
• All Science Fair entries must contain charts, graphs, AND tables. (all three required on project)
• The charts, graphs, and tables may be computer generated by the student with parental help.
• The charts, graphs, and tables may be done independently by the student on graph paper using map pencils or crayons.
CHARTS, GRAPHS, AND TABLES
• Chart Provides Information Graph Bar graph, pie graph, line graph, picture graph Table(can take information to turn into a graph)
Display Backboard
• The purpose of the BACKBOARD is to illustrate the experiment and conclusions derived from the project. For example, a person viewing the backboard should be able to grasp the general idea of the project and conclusions without talking to the student.
• The BACKBOARD can be constructed from poster board, cardboard, Masonite, plywood or other material that will STAND UPRIGHT, and can be 3‐sided or 2‐sided. These are available at local craft and office supply stores.
• Size of display boards (inclusive of all materials, headers, decorations, and supports) may not exceed 48" wide, 30" deep, or 72" in height. Due to space limitations, displays that exceed these measurements cannot be accepted. Written material, drawings, and pictures should be securely attached to the display board. Projects will be displayed on tables 36 inches high.
Display Experiment
Neatly
Data: Tables Charts GraphsDisplay Demonstration
Display Experiment
• Items Not Allowed
• No organisms; living, dead or preserved (plants or animals)
• No human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine) • No human or animal food
• No bacteria or mold cultures
• No liquids - laboratory/household chemicals including water (Exceptions: water integral to an enclosed apparatus or machine)
• No poisons, drugs, controlled or hazardous substances
• No sharp items (for example: syringes, needles, pipettes, knives, tacks, nails) • No glass or glass objects unless encased or an integral and necessary part of a
commercial product (for example, a computer screen) • No pressurized tanks or containers
• No batteries with open top cells (so that battery acid can be seen) • No dirt, soil, gravel, rocks, sand, waste product, etc.
• No project, device, activity, or substance that may be deemed hazardous to student health or safety
• No photographs or pictures of animals or people in surgical techniques, dissections, or necropsies
Bibliography and
Acknowledgements
A bibliography and acknowledgements are required for Grades 6‐8, recommended for grades 3 ‐ 5.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• No animal projects will be allowed.
• No projects that involve human or animal body fluids are allowed.
• Human Participant Studies – Must have a committee approve if –
– Physical activities (exertion, ingestion, medical procedures)
– Surveys/Questionnaires (must see ahead of time) – Participant testing a student-design invention or
concept
– Researcher is the subject
– Data/reviews of subjects that have identifiables
– Behavioral observations with interactions, changing setting, non-public setting
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Human Participant Studies – That do not have to be approved by a committee
– Student designed intervention, prototype, computer applications (testing by student only is not a hazard) – Preexisting data/records reviews (statistics – no
interaction with humans)
– Behavioral/observations at unrestricted public settings (malls, parks) – no interaction nor manipulation of
environment and identifiables
– Use of preexisting de-identifiable of humans provided by a professional
• Avoid personal pronouns (I, we, you) when writing information on the display board.
East
Elementary
• Grade K - 3
February 16 –
Projects Due
Feb. 18 – Judging
Kathryn Hrncir
• Grade K - 3
February 16 –
Projects Due
Feb. 18 – Judging
Brenda Wright &
Anna Rodriguez
Wood River
Elementary
MAGEE INTERMEDIATE
• Grade 4 & 5
February 16 – Projects Due Feb. 18 – Judging
Calallen Judges Score Sheet
K – 5
Helping your student
http://www.calallen.org/?PN=Pages&SubP=Level1Page&L=2&Divisio nID=11788&DepartmentID=12351&PageID=18145&ToggleSideNav= ShowAll
How to do a Science Fair Project
-NASA
Videos from NASA on
-• Get your Idea and Do Some Research
https://youtu.be/APQXjxliYsY
• Ask a Testable Question
https://youtu.be/zyhtiwcTMzE
• Design and Conduct your experiment\
https://youtu.be/mjhyUM4JmJo
• Examine your results
https://youtu.be/ZfHG42bPFkQ
• Communicate your experiment and results
Dr. Melana Silva
PK-12 Math and Science Curriculum Specialist
