Introduction to the Morningside Elementary School

Science Fair 2015

Mr. Lovett and Mme. James5th Grade Dual Immersion Classes

Presented by Toni Mehraban

Science Fair 2015 Overview

• Goal is for students to have fun with science by asking questions and discovering answers!

• Important dates:– Backboard and Logbook (do not bring actual

experiment to school) – January 26– Science Fair – January 27

• Display boards are provided in the office• Twenty 5th and 6th grade students will move on

to compete in the Granite District Science Fair

Problem

Research

Question

HypothesisExperiment

Results

Conclusions

The scientific method is a way to

ask and answer scientific questions

by making observations and

doing experiments.

What is the Scientific Method?

1. Identify a problem– Make observations of the world around you– Chose a topic that interests you and your peers– 5th grade curriculum includes :• Volcanoes, earthquakes, and landforms• Erosion/weathering• Magnets• Electricity• Chemical and physical changes• Genetics

Problem

Research

Question

HypothesisExperiment

Results

Conclusions

What is the Scientific Method?

2. Research– Who, what, when, where, why, how?– Use the school library, neighborhood library,

internet, experts (biologists, ecologists, engineers)– Become the expert on your topic!– What are some real world

problems that need attentionor haven’t been answered?

Problem

Research

Question

HypothesisExperiment

Results

Conclusions

What is the Scientific Method?

3. Ask a question– Interesting, creative, relevant to the world today!– To be answered by collecting data– Testable– Change ONE (independent variable)

thing to see the effect onANOTHER (dependent variable)thing.

Problem

Research

Question

HypothesisExperiment

Results

Conclusions

What is the Scientific Method?

• Independent variable– The ONE thing that will be changed by the

scientist during the experiment• Dependent variable– The thing(s) being measured in the experiment– Response to the change you make by changing the

independent variable

Independent Variable

Dependant Variable

Q:What is the affect of

adding rip rap to a hillside onthe amount of soil erosion and water

retention?

Independent Variable

Dependant Variable

4. Develop a hypothesis– A statement of what the scientist expects to

happen in the experiment– NOT a guess; use your research!

If rip rap is added to a hillside,then the amount of soil and waterwashed downstream will be reducedbecause the rip rap will protectthe soil from water erosion.

What is the Scientific Method?

Problem

Research

Question

Hypo-thesis

Experiment

Results

Conclusions

What is the Scientific Method?

5. Conduct an experiment– List all materials required and their quantities• 3 cups water, 4 cups sand, 3 cups pea gravel, 4 cups

1inch gravel, 3 foot section of gutter, measuring cups, etc.

– List procedures• Needs to be clear and detailed

enough that someone else couldperform your exact experiment toreplicate your results!

• Step by step instructions

Problem

Research

Question

Hypo-thesis

Experi-ment

Results

Conclusions

What is the Scientific Method?

6. Collect data and observations– Use tables to record your measurements– Design a table that includes what you will change

(independent variable) and what you will measure (dependent variable)

– Record your observations too!• Pictures and descriptions

7. Graph results– Bar or line graph?

Problem

Research

Question

Hypo-thesis

Experi-ment

Results

Conclusions

Table 1. Toni’s Results

TrialVolume of Water

Collected Downstream (cups)

Comments

Control 1 (sand only) 2.75Lots of sand washed down into measuring cup forming channels in sand

Control 2 (sand only)

Control 3 (sand only)

Sand and pea gravel, Trial 1 2.25

Sand and pea gravel, Trial 2

Sand and pea gravel, Trail 3

Sand, pea gravel, and 1-inch gravel, Trail 1 2.0No movement downstream of sand, pea gravel, or 1-inch gravel

Sand, pea gravel, and 1-inch gravel, Trail 2

Sand, pea gravel, and 1-inch gravel, Trail 3

Figure 1. Volume of Water Collected Downstream

Control Sand and Pea Gravel Sand, Pea Gravel and 1-inch Gravel

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Trial 1Trial 2Trial 3

Volu

me

Wat

er (C

ups)

What is the Scientific Method?

8. Develop a conclusion– Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect?– Include results and observations to support what

you learned– Explain why your experiment turned

out like it did– More research might be needed

Problem

Research

Question

Hypo-thesisExperi-ment

Results

Con-clusions

Logbook Requirements

• Overview and timeline

• Topic brainstorm• Question• Background research• Hypothesis• Materials and

Procedures

• Data tables• Observations• Graphs• Conclusion

Display Board Requirements

• Back text with colored paper

• Proof read for spelling and grammar

• Use graphs and pictures to help tell the story

• Use pencil and ruler to draft and mark then erase after using pen/marker.

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtmlhttp://www.biologyjunction.com/diplay_board.htm