Science Fair Workshop
2014-2015
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." ...
Thomas Edison
What is Science Fair?
• The scientific method is
followed to answer a
question or solve a
problem through
experimentation. This
project is shared with
other students and the
community at a middle
school science fair.
Science Fair
• Can I work in groups?
• No, all projects are done independently.
• How will I be graded?
All students at Orefield and Springhouse will receive the same
evaluation rubrics. These rubrics are located in the Science Fair
Guide which is online.
Due to the marking period schedule changes, the weight of the
science fair grade will be one half of the fourth marking period
grade.
• What are the available choices?
• There are two options to present your project- an oral presentation
and a display board.
• Can I participate in an outside competition?
• Any student in a G/HP class may choose to participate in the
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition.
• Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Fair
Choosing A Topic
• You should choose something
that you personally care about.
• Try to avoid “canned” science
fair activities on the internet.
• Use the library.
• Use the internet as an idea
generator and information
resource.
• Topic idea web sites and
science fair information can
be found at:
parklandsciencefair.org.
What is not allowed?
• Students may not work with bacteria or
fungus growth unless they are working in a
supervised laboratory facility.
• Projects where safety is a concern.
• Projects which work with only one animal,
such as a pet dog.
• Projects using prescription medications.
• No blood or bodily fluids.
Science Fair Guide
• This year, the Science Fair Guide will be
located on parklandsciencefair.org
• If you do not have internet access, please
notify your teacher and a hard copy of the
guide will be given to your student.
• The guide gives all directions to complete a
successful project. It also includes the rubrics
that will be used for judging.
The Choices!
• Display Board
• Oral
Presentation
Choices-Display Board
Display Board
• Follow the scientific method
to create a visual display
board.
• Keep a log book
• Respond to interview
questions
• Display boards are the
responsibility of the student.
• The Science Fair Guide will
provide guidelines.
Where Do I Get the Display
Board?
• The OMS & SMS school
stores may be selling display
boards and headings. The
headings are in red, blue and
black. The boards come in
colors as well as white. Have
your child check with the
store in advance.
• They are also available at
A.C. Moore, Staples, area
stores.
Oral Presentation
• Students use a PowerPoint
program to create a 10
minute presentation
• A log book is required.
• Students present to a pair of
teachers.
• PowerPoint MUST be
saved on the share drive
at school. You will be
presenting digitally this
year. No need for
transparencies.
Optional Science Fair Competition
PJAS- Pennsylvania Junior
Academy of Science
• Registration, forms and application
with essay, NO late entries.
• Grade requirement, A or B in all
core subjects until competition.
• Prepare a 10 minute oral
PowerPoint presentation. You will
present digitally at Easton. (Some
students may need transparencies
at the state level.) Transparencies
will need to be provided by
parents.
• Parents are responsible for
transportation to Easton High
School on February 28th.
PJAS- Penn State Competition
• Any student winning first place at the regional competition
at Easton H.S. and has completed an application, essay and
maintained grades in core subject areas is eligible to
compete at Penn Sate, main campus.
• Three day event, May 17th, 18th,19th, 2015. Transportation
is provided from PHS
• Students stay in dorms. No college students on campus at
this time. Students are supervised –One adult/5 students.
• There is a fee for participation. ($170.)
• Parkland School District offers scholarships to those
in need. Contact your school
PJAS coordinator, Dianne Haberstroh
at haberstrohd@parklandsd.org.
Lehigh Science and Engineering
Fair
• Outside competition evening on March 13th and
morning on March 14th
• Very prestigious, one winner in each category.
• Can advance to Delaware Valley Science Fair- a
competition between PA, Delaware and NJ
• Special Awards and Cash prizes
• At the high school level,
national competitions.
Science Fair Work/Practice Sessions
 Please listen for announcements for times in which
History Day research time is available after school.
Science Fair participants are also welcome to join.
Mrs. Holdridge is usually there to provide
assistance. Located in the library.
 We will offer “Work/Practice Sessions” after
school to prepare for science fair and PJAS. These
sessions will be held in Jan.-Feb. Specific dates
will be announced in early January.
 Work sessions are for any science fair related
work.
How Will I Know When Everything is
Due? Am I a Mind Reader?
• You will receive a timeline of due
dates.
• Keep in mind that Orefield and
Springhouse will conduct their
School Science Fair on Feb. 18th, 19th
and 20th, with Parent Night on Feb.
19th from 7:00-8:30.
• PJAS is Feb. 28th at Easton High
School.
• The PJAS State Competition will be
on May 17th, 18th, 19th
• Lehigh Science and Engineering Fair
is March 14th, set up March 13th.
How Much Should Parents Help?
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Help with things like:
Due dates
Materials needed
Safety issues
Logbook reminders
Time management
Spelling and grammar
checks
What Happens Now?
• Parents need to sign the Science Fair Parent form.
• Visit the website, parklandsciencefair.org
• You may begin your topic selection and begin
research.
• By the end of October students will be required to
decide on whether they wish to participate in the
PJAS competition.
• By Nov. – Research plan, forms are due and
paperwork if participating in outside competitions.
• Please see your timeline for due dates.
Contact Information
Ms. Dianne Haberstroh, OMS
haberstrohd@parklandsd.org
610-351-5750 ext. 61135