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STEM Project Fair FAQ’s
Do all students have to do a project?
Students in grades K-2 will do class projects with their classroom teacher. Students in grades 3-5 are expected to do individual or group projects at home. Students can work with family members, siblings, or friends regardless of grade level. Students may also access support at school.
Are projects graded?
Projects may by graded by the classroom teachers for standards that fall into the habits of mind or nature of science categories. Teachers may award participation grades or homework in their class. Projects are scored on a rubric by Spark Faculty to determine which projects move on to the district level. Rubric scoring is private and not shared.
Does it have to be a science project?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Projects can fall under any of the 4 academic areas. Students can create a piece of technology, build an engineering project, or do a probability and statistics mathematical project in addition to a traditional science experiment. All projects are expected to follow the scientific inquiry method.
How does my student begin?
First, it should be of great interest to the student; something the student wants to inquire and find an answer to. All projects regardless of the academic STEM area are to follow the scientific method.
1.
Ask a question or inquire about a topic of interest.
2.
Do background research.
3.
Construct a hypothesis.
4.
Test the hypothesis by experiment, creation, or inquiry.
5.
Analyze the results and data.
6.
Construct a conclusion.
7.
Communicate your results.
How does my student communicate their results?
Students can communicate the results any way they choose. It can be a traditional display board, a presentation on the computer, a website, or a student created book are just a few ideas.
Does the topic have to be the current Common Core/GPS Standards?
No. It should be something the student wants to inquire and learn about. It certainly can be the current standards they are studying but the main criteria is interest and choice.
Do we have to fill out a large number of forms?
No, fill out and sign the attached form and return to the homeroom teacher. However, in order for projects to go to the district fair APS protocol forms must be filled out. The APS forms can be filled out after the announcement of the winners.
How do I know if my child won?
Judging will take place during the day by Spark faculty. Scoring sheets are confidential. Based on the score students will receive ribbons in the three categories and ribbons will be attached to the project. The announcement of the three winning projects that move on to the district fair will be announced at STEM family night.

Student(s) Name(s) ________________________________________________
Grade(s) ____________ Homeroom Teacher(s) _________________________
Project Title ______________________________________________________
Project Category (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) ________________
Adult Sponsor(s) __________________________________________________
Email/Phone______________________________________________________
Brief Description of Project
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Will Live Organisms Be Used? _______________________________________
Will There Be Human Participants? __________________________________
If yes, describe who will participate. ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
By signing below all participants assume the risks in the proposed project and understand that plagiarism, forgery, fabrication of data, or presenting other researcher’s work as my (our) own will result in disqualification.
Supervising Adult Signature _________________________________________
Student (s) Signature _______________________________________________
All Spark winners who move on to the district level will be required to complete the UGA pre-collegiate protocols
. http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/youth/academic-special-programs/georgia-science-andengineering-fair