September 30, 2020

Mrs. O’Hara & Mrs. Rodriguez

JDS Science Fair

Parent/Student Information

Do YOU want to be a part of a

historical 12 year winning team?

Every year for the past 12 years, JOHN DRUGAN school has

won ELEMENTARY SWEEPSTAKES in science fair!

The majority of our students place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

in their respective category.

The majority of our students also get SWEEPSTAKES in their

category!

NO PRESSURE, we know you can do it!

All SISD Campus and District Science Fairs will be held virtually

this school year.

The Science Fair is optional. Teachers will NOT be responsible for

Science Fair.

All communication will be with SCIENCE FAIR COODINATORS.

This project will count as extra credit towards their Science

weekly grades.

Students will use a PowerPoint template to present their projects

(including a 5 min. embedded presentation)

What is the Purpose of a

Science Fair?

Problem Solving

Students use the scientific method to make predictions,

then experiment to collect and record

qualitative and quantitative data

observations.

Critical Thinking

Students compare, contrast and

analyze their data citing the evidence

that justifies their claims,

explanations and conclusions.

Science Fair Categories

Physical Science - the science of matter and energy and their interactions

Earth and Environmental Science - any of the sciences that deal with the earth and the study of the environment

Life Science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms

Engineering- combines mathematics, science and technology in order to produce creative solutions to real world problems

Behavioral & Social Science - analysis and investigations of human and other animal behavior

Mathematics (5th Grade Only) – The study of numbers, measurement, geometry, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets.

What is a good idea for my

science project?

This is the first thing you start thinking about when

you hear “Science Fair.”

Before you get started, you need to know the

difference between an experiment and a

demonstration.

Science Experiments

-vs-

Demonstrations

Experiment

An experiment tests at least 2 different materials

Example:

In which type of soil will a bean plant grow best?

Demonstration

A demonstration does not test different materials

Examples:

Making a volcano

Creating an electrical circuit

What Does an

Experiment Have?

The material that you change, or are testing, is your variable

It is the ONLY thing that “varies” or changes

Everything else in the experiment needs to stay the same or “constant”

This is important, so that you can make accurate conclusions

Variable Constant(s)

You can turn a demonstration

into an experiment!

A

demonstration…

If you wanted to create an electrical circuit, you could

change it into an experiment by…

turned into an

experiment

Testing different types of materials or metals for the electricity to flow through. Or you could test different

types of batteries.

Trials

All science experiments should be repeated at least 3 times

in order to minimize the impact of mistakes and maximize

the validity of the test.

Each trial should be performed in exactly the same manner

and compare the same independent variable.

Experimental Design

Approval Form

All projects must be approved by Mrs. Rodriguez & Mrs. O’Hara

The Experimental Design Approval form will help the student stay

on pace but will NOT be part of the power point presentation.

Science Presentation on

Power Point

Parts of a Project

Introduction/Identify the Problem: Include something that

motivated you to explore a question or invent a better way

of doing something.

Question: The question should lead to an investigation

where something is modified, and a change or result can be recorded.

Hypothesis (prediction): A hypothesis is a tentative answer

to the question that is investigated.

Materials: List all the materials and quantities used to

conduct the investigation.

Cont. Parts of a Project

Variables

Control(s): the substances, objects, or groups in an investigation

that are not changed

Variable(s): the condition of an investigation that is changed in

order to find out the effect of that change

Cont. Parts of a Project

Procedure: The procedure includes all the steps that were followed to

organize and collect data.

Data: Graphs, tables, pictures and or drawings must be used to explain

the results of the investigation

Conclusion: This is a written explanation of the results and the data that

was observed in the investigation.

Science Fair Rules

The use of live animals is discouraged but may be approved. An experiment may not cause harm or result in the death of an

animal.

Only the student conducting the experiment

may be shown in any photographs. All others

must have a signed photo release form.

All graphs or charts must be cited (ex. Graph was

created by…using [program] Excel)

Science Fair TopicsHere are some resources you can use when

choosing your science fair topic and project:

https://www.education.com/science-fair/

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/science-fair-projects-for-elementary

http://www.sciencebuddies.org

Because these ideas are available to everyone, it is important that you personalize it by

changing a reasonable variable or the use of it. Always determine and defend (through

evidence) how it affects or is applicable to real life situations.

What Are Judges Looking For?

Project that is original Problem that is creative Sufficient data collected Evidence of a changed

variable Conducted 3 or more trials Graphs, charts, diagrams that

show results and are cited Put time and effort

Important Dates

Final Projects due to Ms. Rod and Ms. O'Hara: October 26, 2020

Campus Science Fair

November 2-6, 2020

District Science Fair (1st place campus winners will advance)

January 11th - 16th

All competitions will be done virtually.

*An information packet will be shared with campus winners

Campus Science Fair Coordinator’s

Contact Information

Any Questions Please Contact

Melissa Rodriguez Liliana O’Hara

mrodri04@sisd.net ldomin22@sisd.net

915.937.6915 915.937.6909

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