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2010 Science Fair Guidelines

Grades K - 8 (K-3 optional)

What is a science fair?

A science fair creates opportunities for direct student involvement with the practice of science. Its primary purpose is to promote scientific thinking and to encourage the use of scientific method for investigation. The science fair allows students to investigate personal interests, and provides a forum in which they may present their results. It also allows an investigation of sufficient depth to raise questions for further pursuit. The goal is to stimulate students' curiosity about the world.

 

The Science Fair Project

A science fair project can approach scientific investigation in a variety of ways. Choose one of the following:

 

Experiments (K – 8) are the most familiar type of project. They rely on scientific method by stating a problem and proposing a procedure for investigating, recording results, basing conclusions on those results, and reporting them.  They must include:

 

The Scientific Method

• Formulate a question
• Pose a hypothesis
• Develop a procedure, test, or experiment
• Collect Data
• Analyze Data
• Clearly communicate the results

 

Demonstrations (K-5 only) allow students to show a certain scientific fact, principle, phenomenon, process, or practical application at work.

 

Apparatus (K-5 only), used for an experiment or demonstration, may in its own right be the center of a project. A student may wish to investigate its origins and evolution or its exact workings.

 

Collections (K-4 only) may be formed around any type of animal, plant, or mineral specimen. A collection need not be comprehensive, but it should present a cohesive group of objects that help to fully explain some aspect of science. The objects should be catalogued in a systematic fashion, clearly labeled, and attractively displayed.

 

Necessary parts for the projects:

1. The display board provides a setting for titles, introductions, labels, and charts. It can include diagrams, research, photographs, or drawings, etc.

 

2. The exhibit includes student's investigations and provides the viewer with a firsthand look at the project. Collections or experiment materials are set up with sufficient explanatory support to tell a clear and complete story. Avoid clutter. Organize and set up the display in a logical and attractive manner.

 

3. The written report/journal is an integral component of every science project.  Science calls for all data and observations to be recorded in writing. The report also demonstrates the student's grasp of the topic. Reviewing data for the written report may help to firm up or revise the student's conclusions. (Include a bibliography)

 

*If an experiment is chosen include the following: statement of purpose, hypothesis, research, materials, procedure, observations, results, and conclusions.

 

Specific Rules

1. Primary students are encouraged to participate in the Science Fair
2. No more than two students may work together.  Each student needs to keep his/her own journal.
3. Every project must have a description, journal/log, written report and, display.
4. The project must be age appropriate and approved by the teacher.
5. The exhibit is limited to 30 inches deep (front to back), 48 inches wide (side to side), and 108 inches high (top to bottom).
6. The project must be the work of the student(s). The work will be completed outside the classroom, and with age appropriate assistance from parents.

 

Time Schedule

March 18     Topic and Description Form Due

May 10         Project Due in the Classroom

May 11                   Science Fair Judging

May 11                   Science Fair Evening

 

Resources

St. Mark School Library and the Public Library