SUPERHEROS
FOR
SCIENCE!
The Science Fair Workshop
By
Showboard, Inc.®
REAL SCIENTISTS!!!
• BRYAN LEMUS
– Miami, Fl
• JASMINE ROBERTS
– Tampa, Fl
• JEFFREY LITTREL
– Pittsburg, Pa
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
• STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
• COMMUNITY EVENT
• STATE AND NATIONAL STANDARDS
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
• Science projects and fairs provide
opportunities for individual students to use
scientific principles and techniques to
investigate real world problems, not just
read in a book about what someone else has
done.
• Tell me – I forget
• Teach me – I remember
• Involve me – I understand
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
Science projects and fairs give students the
opportunity to study a subject of individual interest.
Science experiments can be developed for topics as
varied as water skiing, swimming, basketball,
music, art, rocketry, psychology, robotics, and
computers.
Students come to realize that science is found in
every niche of the universe.
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
Science projects and fairs give students the opportunity to:
Develop an understanding of the scientific method.
Develop an open and creative approach to problem
solving.
Develop writing skills.
Develop library research skills.
Develop public speaking skills.
Develop responsibility, discipline, honesty and teamwork.
Develop organization and time management skills.
Develop poise and self-confidence by participating in the
science fair judging process.
Gain recognition for academic achievement.
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
• STATE STANDARDS AND SCIENCE FAIRS
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Understanding What You Read
Analyzing Primary Source Information
Comparing and Contrasting
Main Idea, Details and Patterns of Organization
Gathering, Analyzing and Evaluating Information
Synthesizing Information and Drawing
Conclusions
• Recognizing Cause-and-Effect Relationships
• Narrative Writing
Thanks to - Carie Callan Lopatka - Orange County Regional Science and Engineering Fair
WHY HAVE A SCIENCE FAIR?
SUPERHERO CHALLENGE
STUDENT
SCHOOL FAIR
TEAM
SUCCESSFUL
SCIENCE
FAIR
PARENTS
COMMUNITY
“Never doubt that a small, dedicated group of people can change the world.”
- Margaret Meade
SUPERHERO CHALLENGE
• STUDENTS
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PROJECT IDEAS
SCIENTIFIC PROCESS SKILLS
PROJECT DISPLAY BOARDS
WORLDWIDE COMPETITIONS AND EXPOS
STUDENT IDEAS FOR PROJECTS
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INTEREST OF STUDENT
INTERNET
MAGAZINES
WWW.SHOWBOARD.COM
IDEA SHEETS
OLD PROJECTS
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
CURRENT EVENTS
INTERNET
HELPFUL WEBSITES
http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide
http://www.chem4kids.com
http://isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/steps.html
http://www.sciserv.org/isef
FAIR RESOURCES
http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide
Science Fair Resource Guide
http://www.madsci.org/libs/areas/reagents.html
Finding Science Reagents
http://www.scifair.org
The Ultimate Science Fair Resource
http://www.lib.lsu.edu/sci/chem/internet/science_fairs.html
http://www.chipublib.org/008subject/009scitech/scifair.html
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ls/pathfinders/scifairs/
http://www.us.net/mccpta/science.html
http://cusef.byu.edu/science%20fair%20resources/resources/htm
http://www.saludak-12.org/scifair.htm
http://www.hamiltonschools.org/davies/sciencefairrefs.htm
http://www.saluda.lib.sc.us/science.html
http://sciencepage.org/scifair.htm
http://www.wheaton.lib.il.us/library/scifair.html
IDEA GENERATION
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral
Science Fair Central
INTERNET
PROJECT IDEAS
http://sciencefairproject.virtualave.net/
http://www.cmste.uregina.ca/scifair.html
http://www.sciencebob.com/lab/sciencefair/resources.html
http://www.yahooligans.com/science_and_nature/experiments_and_activities/science_fairs/
SCIENCE FAIRS
http://sciencefairproject.virtualave.net
Science Fair Homepage
http://istf.ucf.edu
Internet Science and Technology Fair
http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/sciencefairs
Another Science Fair Homepage
http://www.drexel.edu/dvsf/
http://www.gnsef.org/resources.html
PRESENTATION AND EVALUATION
http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/handbook/presandeval.html
Science Fair Studio
SCIENCE FAIR JUDGING SHEET
http://sciencefairproject.virtualave.net/judging_sheet.html
OTHERS
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.enn.com
http://www.newscientist.com
http://www.eskimo.com/~billb/amasci.html
http://www.ontariosciencecenter.ca/kids/cool_stuff/fairlinks.asp
http://homeworkspot.com/sciencefair
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SCIENCE FAIR EVALUATION CRITERIA
A.
Statements to be addressed under Creative Ability/Originality
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There was a question asked
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It was an original question and the answer was not known
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The approach to answering the question was creative
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The creativity of the study was within the creative ability of the student
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The student used the scientific method in experimentation rather than only observations
B.
Statements to be addressed under Scientific Thought
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The scope of the study was within the student’s ability
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The study was well thought out and showed initiative in thought and design
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The goals and objectives of the study were well defined
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The scientific literature was developed for this study
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A logical hypothesis was developed for this study
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The data collected relates to the hypothesis
C.
Statements to be addressed under Thoroughness
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The student collected all data available
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The student identified all controls
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The sample sizes and population sources were carefully chosen
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The variable of each experiment was clearly defined
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Replications and duplications were used
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The student anticipated the problems encountered
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The student related the work to that reported in the literature
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The data was collected in quantitative units
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Several experiments were done, not just one
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The study was completed or brought to a logical stopping place
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The data was thoroughly analyzed
D.
Statements to be addressed under Skill
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The experiments protocols were handled with skill
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The experiments were designed with care and anticipation
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The data measurements were done precisely, the study was skillfully designed, and was
not too complicated
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Technical problems were overcome and not merely avoided
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A detailed notebook and log were kept
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This study was the student’s alone and excessive help was not utilized
E.
Statements to be addressed under Clarity
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The student is able to explain
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The student clearly understands the research
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The student understands the meaning of the results obtained
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The student understands where this research can lead in the future
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The student understands how this study can be improved
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It is clear to the student whether the data supports or fails to support the hypothesis
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Is the display well organized so that the component parts of the presentation are logical?
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Is it neat and uncluttered or are there items that are not part of the science or relevant to
the study performed?
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Does the display stand alone? Can you understand the study without the student present?
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Does the display communicate science or just an exercise in artistry?
F.
Statements to be addressed under Teamwork (only for Team Projects)
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The tasks and contributions of each team member are clearly outlined
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Each team member was fully involved in the project
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Each team member was familiar with all aspects of the project
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The final work reflects the coordinated efforts of all team members
SCIENTIFIC PROCESS
• SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• RELATION TO STANDARDS
• MAKE IT A FUN EXERCISE
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
STUDENT TIMELINE
Log Books
• Log books are very important.
• Log books can fill in missing information
when IRB & SRC issues come up.
• Log books are critical to understanding the
implementation of the scientific method.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
• STUDENTS learn protocol, procedure,
laboratory safety, ethics, and much more.
• MENTORS are protected and more willing
to work with pre-college students
www.sciencebuddies.org
• TEACHERS have greater authority to
guide student research and are better able to
ensure student safety.
REQUIRED ISEF FORMS
• CHECKLIST FOR ADULT SUPERVISOR/SAFETY
ASSESSMENT FORM 1 must be signed and dated by
the adult supervisor prior to the beginning of
experimental research
RESEARCH PLAN 1A, INCLUDING THE
RESEARCH PLAN ATTACHMENT all aspects must
be completed by the student including detail of the
research plan, written in the present or future tense
• APPROVAL FORM 1B must be signed and dated prior
to the beginning of experimental research by the
student, parent, adult supervisor, and possibly the src
chairperson
• ORIGINAL ABSTRACT must be written after
research is completed
OTHER ISEF FORMS
• HUMAN SUBJECTS
• VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
• POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC
BIOLOGICAL AGENTS
• CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
• HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
• RISK ASSESSMENTS
PROJECT DISPLAY BOARD
COMMUNICATION
Clear, Concise, Complete, Catchy
Display Board Sections
• Purpose
• Hypothesis
• Procedure
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Materials
Variables
Data collection
Data analysis (graphs)
• Conclusion
FROM THE CLASSROOM
TO THE WORLD
• LOCAL
– REGIONAL FAIR
• NATIONAL
– ISEF www.sciserv.org
– DCYSC www.discoveryschool.com
• INTERNATIONAL
– MILSET www.milset.org
SUPERHERO CHALLENGE
PARENTS
• STUDENT SPONSORS/SUPERVISORS
• VOLUNTEERS
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
• EDUCATING PARENTS ABOUT SCIENCE FAIR
• PRACTICE INTERVIEW SESSIONS
• IN SCHOOL RESEARCH TIME
• COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT
• SETTING EXPECTATIONS
• ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGES ARE FINAL
ENCOURAGING WORDS
(FROM MOM AND DAD)
1.
That topic sounds great! I have a friend at work who might give you some information.
2.
I’ll take you to the library to get some more information.
3.
I’m really impressed with your thoroughness.
4.
I know we must have something in the garage that you could use for your equipment.
5.
Let’s keep your science checklist here on the refrigerator so we’ll know where it is.
6.
Do I need to sign your data notebook? You have written your observations very clearly.
7.
Pretend I am in your class and let me hear your presentation.
8.
Your backboard display is very neat and tells everything about your project. I especially like the
neat format of your graphs and tables.
9.
We can pick up some colored paper and markers while we are at the store so you can begin
Laying out your display.
10. Good luck on your presentation. I know you’ll do a good job.
11.
You are working hard on your experimentation! Remember to keep it out of your
brother’s/sister’s reach!
12. I’ll be glad to drive you to school today with your display. I know it is awkward to carry with all
of your books.
SUPERHERO CHALLENGE
• SCHOOL FAIR TEAM
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WHERE TO START
RESOURCES
JUDGING
RULES AND REGULATIONS
SCHOOL FAIR TEAM
WHERE TO START?
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GOALS
CHECKLISTS
ESTABLISH YOUR TEAM
TIMELINE
CONTACT/RESOURCE LIST
SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR COMMITTEES
CHECKLIST
DIRECTORS CHECKLIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAIR
1.
Coordinate the date for the Science Fair with principal and/or school activity director. Avoid the week before
semester exams. Avoid the rush to get paperwork into the District Science Office or SRC.
2.
Reserve a location (gym, library, cafeteria, public facility). Notify the night or community school principal.
Establish a Science Fair Committee: Institution Review Board (IRB), Awards (order awards early), Judges, Publicity,
Setup, Takedown, Registration, and Program.
4.
Make sure that you have a current rulebook from the International Science & Engineering Fair. This can be ordered from
Science Service, Inc.; 1719 N Street, NW; Washington DC 20036. Phone (202) 785-2255 or Fax (202) 785-1243.
This may or may not apply in your situation.
5.
Provide teachers with judging criteria.
6.
Design a registration card for the second-level fair, include appropriate information, such as: student’s name,
teacher’s name, category (botany, zoology, etc.), division (elementary, junior, middle, senior), and title.
7.
Set up a database using the information in #6. Excel works best.
8.
Design a rotation touring schedule for the student body to view the science projects.
9.
Schedule student, parent, and teacher monitors to be on duty while the student body is viewing projects.
10. Secure more than an adequate number of judges (set up a database including names, mailing, fax, and email addresses).
11. Conduct a meeting for judges (go over criteria, etc.).
12. Secure a specific time commitment from judges. If time and help are available, call just prior to the judging, send
available abstracts that he/she will be judging.
13. Have clipboards, nametags, and pencils available for the judges the day of the fair.
14. Provide a room and refreshments for the judges (if possible).
15. Request teachers to review class projects before entering them into the school’s fair (if applicable; make sure they have
the proper paper work completed).
16. Have teachers make certain that a registration form is completed for each entry from their room.
17.
Have the teachers initial, color code, and number code each project.
18.
Collect registration cards from the students as they bring their projects in for the setup. Direct your registration
committee member to type a list of projects by Titles (alphabetized) to go in your database.
19.
Refuse to accept projects unless they have been reviewed by the teacher, and are properly labeled, numbered,
name-coded, and certified.
20.
Request custodial assistance for the setup and the removal of projects (involve students as much as possible).
21.
Enlist the art teacher, club, and/or classes, computer science class to make posters and banners to advertise the
Science Fair.
22.
Enlist assistance for the tabulation of scores.
23.
Encourage teachers to include practice for interview sessions in their plans for teaching students how to complete
a Science Fair project (e.g., Anticipate questions from the judges, wear appropriate attire).
24.
At a department meeting just prior to the fair, enlist their help in committing themselves to a specific amount of
judging time, if needed.
25.
SEND THANK YOU NOTES WHERE NEEDED.
26.
Evaluate your school’s fair with the committee and/or their science department.
Target areas needing improvement the following year.
27.
Plan a special announcement for the winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and maybe honorable mention if time permits).
Plan some type of special recognition for the specific winners that will advance to the next level of competition.
28.
Have a meeting with the winning students and their teachers. Complete the official registration for the next level
and return it before the deadline.
29.
Make arrangements for transportation and overnight reservations (if needed). Arrange for the supervision of students
who are setting up their projects at the fair.
30.
Get advance permission from your principal for temporary duty and, if necessary, for a substitute, both for the day
before the fair and the first day of the fair.
31.
Some good information may be found on the internet...Check with other Science Fair directors for addresses.
SAMPLE REGISTRATION FORM
SCIENCE FAIR SITE
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Finding a location
Advertising the Fair
Volunteers for set up
Volunteers for break down
THE BIG EVENT!
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DISCIPLINES – SAMPLE SET-UP
FORMAL OR INFORMAL SET-UP
SET-UP TIMES
KEEP THINGS MOVING
JUDGING
• FIND JUDGES
• COMMUNICATION WITH JUDGES
– JUDGING TIMES
– FEEDBACK FORMS
• EDUCATE JUDGES
• EVALUATION CRITERIA
• WORKSHEET OPTIONS
• CARE AND FEEDING
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR JUDGES
What is the purspose of your project. Describe the problem.
Explain your procedure.
Where did you get the idea for your project?
What is your control? Variable?
What instruments did you use for measurement?
Did you repeat your test? How many times?
On what data did you base your conclusion?
What problems arose during your investigation? How did you overcome
them?
Are there any other approaches you
might have taken to your research?
What is the value of your project?
Do your results indicate further
investigation of this idea is needed?
What would you do differently if you
could do this project again?
SUPERHERO CHALLENGE
COMMUNITY
JUDGES
FUND RAISING
RESOURCE DATABASE
RESOURCES
• LOCAL AND STATE
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PARENTS
ROTARY CLUBS
STATE FAIR
BUSINESSES
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
• NATIONAL
• SCIENCE SERVICE
• INTEL EDUCATION
• DISCOVERY
• INTERNATIONAL
• MILSET
• UNESCO
SPONSORSHIPS
• EXXON MOBIL - $500.OO
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www.exxonmobil.com/USAEnglish/OntheRun/OurStores/OurStores_Your_Neighbor.asp
WAL-MART www. walmartfoundation.org Click on ‘Education’
OFFICE DEPOT www.community.officedepot.com/local.asp
BEST BUY https://bestbuyteach.scholarshipamerica.org/
LOCAL BUSINESSES, MILITARY, NON-PROFITS,
SERVICE CLUBS (Elks, Lions , Rotary,
• Kiwanis, Masons, Sierra ...)
• FRIENDS, PARENTS
• ASK!
• FRIENDS OF SCIENCE FAIR
• PHOTOS / T-SHIRTS
TO MOVE FORWARD…
• GET EXCITED
• MEET THE CHALLENGE
– TEAM MEMBERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS
AND THE COMMUNITY
• SUSTAIN THE EFFORT!
SUSTAINABILITY
• WIN CARDS
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FILL OUT
E- MAIL SPECIALS
WEB SITE
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• WRITE US
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• USE OUR FREE WORKSHOPS
• USE OUR AUTHORS
– AGNES PFLUMM (Science and Literacy)
– TARGETING STUDENTS SCIENCE
MISCONCEPTIONS (Science Practice Skills)
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Practice Skills)