Student Science Project Schedule Assignment Scientific Method Poster Assigned: August 26th Science Fair Basics To Do or Read We learned about the Scientific Method last week in class. You will watch two videos (uploaded to Google Classroom – Science Fair). After you have watched the videos AND have researched the Scientific Method, you need to create a poster that explains and shows the steps of the Scientific Method. You ARE NOT conducting an experiment at this time. We just want you to show us that you have studied the steps, know what order they go in, and the basics of the Scientific Method. This week we will be talking about science fair basics, topic selection strategies, submission rules, and do a lesson on variables for beginners. • Read: “Science Fair Topics to Avoid”, “Science Fair Submission Rules”, and “Variables for Beginners”. • NOTE SHEET in student binder that gives examples of variables that can change in an experiment. (Drawing to right is what the note sheet should resemble.) Hand In Due Date Assigned on In class start/ COMPLETE AT HOME Scientific Method Poster ** DO NOT just list the steps of the process. This is a teaching poster which needs to be interesting to look at, informational, and have pictures/drawings to go with each step. IN CLASS ASSIGNMENT Variables & Hypothesis Worksheet (completed using BrainPOP video titled “Scientific Method”). 8/26/2015 DUE on 9/2/2015 Assigned and DUE 9/02/2015 Ask a question • Find a project idea. • Do project proposal. Do background research and construct a hypothesis. 1. Read “Asking a Question” article (on Google Classroom – Science Fair). 2. Complete the Topic Selection Wizard (link on Google Classroom – Science Fair). 3. Before narrowing your choices, evaluate each project choice to determine if there are changing independent variables. Assigned on 9/09/2015 1. Assigned on 9/23/2015 2. 3. 4. IN CLASS and HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Complete the Science Project Proposal Form (link on Google Classroom – Science Fair). This process will be started in class on September 9th and will continue through September 16th. Students will work with Ms. K & Ms. Van Sickle for project approval during these two weeks. The completed Science Project Proposal Form will be due Friday, September 18th. Read “Finding Information” & “Hypothesis” (on 1. Complete the Background Google Classroom – Science Fair) Research Plan Worksheet. Apple experiment done in class (steps learned 2. Complete Bibliography needed for next week’s in class assignment, done Worksheets for all during writing time). resources (must have at All worksheets will be available on Google least three). Classroom – Science Fair. Paper copies will be 3. Complete the Variables & available for those without internet access, upon Hypothesis Worksheet request (from the student). (FOR YOUR OWN Bibliography review will happen in Library PROJECT). Specials class. DUE on 9/18/2015 Due on 10/02/2015 Test your hypothesis by doing an experiment. 1. Design an experimental procedure. 2. Do an experiment. Analyze your data and draw a conclusion. 1. Read “Experimental Procedure & Checklist” (on Google Classroom – Science Fair) 2. You must have at least five trials of your experiment (per rules from the Yuma County Science & Engineering Expo). Each trial of your experiment must be repeated exactly the same way each time. This allows results to be compared for accuracy (valid test). For example, if you were testing the growth of plants you would have three independent variables that will change; plants in the dark, plants in full 24/7 light, and plants in ½ time light ½ time dark. You would then need five plants that you observe in the each setting and collect data for all of them. 1. Read “Data Analysis & Graphs” (on Google Classroom – Science Fair). 2. Learn how to make a graph (types and when they are useful, done in class). 3. Read “Conclusions” (on Google Classroom – Science Fair, at home). 1. Write a materials list, including measurements. 2. Write experimental procedure steps. (STEP 1 & 2 will be done IN CLASS during writing time) 3. Write one paragraph of observations for each trial. 4. Bring in the data that you collected in a data table. (all skills learned during Apple Experiment last week). 1. Make at least one graph (in class). 2. Write your conclusion paragraph : what you found (summarization of data), and if your data supported your hypothesis (at home). Assigned week of 10/19/2015 DUE on 11/04/2015 Assigned on 11/04/2015 DUE on 11/12/2015 [IN CLASS] -­‐ We are going over the parts of the display Communicate your results: Display Board board (see section below) and schematic examples. During (Part 1) the week we will be editing and revising all of the sections for the display board, using information from your Science Fair Notebook. Students will work on these pieces in Google Docs. This can also be accessed at home. Students will print out pieces and layout the required items (a picture will be sent to their homeroom teacher for approval BEFORE the pieces are attached). Typed sections for the Display Assigned week of Board, printed out, for final review 11/16/2015 and approval. Any changes will need to be made before your final Due on submission of your project. **If 11/20/2015 you absolutely cannot print out this piece, contact your homeroom teacher for directions. 1. Read “Science Fair Boards MUST HAVES” (on Google Classroom – Science Fair). **This includes: a title, problem, hypothesis, variables, experimental procedure, materials list, results (data tables and graphs for all five trials), trials summary, conclusion (hypothesis supported or not supported, and paragraphs that cover the project result analysis). Communicate your results: Written Narrative IN CLASS & AT HOME WORK We will be working on the written narrative pieces during our scheduled writing time, along with time on Wednesdays (Dec. 2nd & 9th). This will be done using Google Docs, so students can also work on these pieces while out of school. Students will need to have the Display Board and their Written Narrative completed for submission on December 16th. • Written Narrative • Completed Science Folder ** PARENTS, go ahead and help your student out at this stage. They will need some help with grammar, understanding how to use spell check and grammar check at this point. Please know that we are looking for fourth grade writing, not adult language and writing conventions. Remember that it still needs to be their work, but you may help them edit & type (their words), if necessary. Assigned week of 11/30/2015 DUE on 12/16/2015