Science Fair Information

Philosophy of Cedar Fork’s Science Fair

• extension of classroom science education

• emphasizes using the scientific method

• inquiry-based learning

• develops critical thinking skills

• positive science learning experience outside of school

The Scientific Method

1. Purpose (Problem or Question)

2. Hypothesis (Prediction)

3. Experiment (Materials and Procedure)

4. Analysis (Results)

5. Conclusion

6. Communicating the Results

The Scientific Method - Purpose

This is the reason for your experiment. What are you trying to find out?

Ex: How does exposure to light effect plant growth?

Reminder: Your child’s question must relate to their grade level science curriculum.

The Scientific Method - Hypothesis

This is what you think is going to happen in your experiment. You are making an educated guess.

Ex: I think that plants with less light won’t grow as much as plants exposed to more light.

The Scientific Method - Experiment

This is where you test your hypothesis, collect data and make observations.

Prior to beginning, you will need to gather the materials needed to complete your experiment.

Ex: window that receives direct sunlight, a closet, two tables or flat surfaces, cups, soil, bean plant, water, ruler, data table

The Scientific Method - Analysis

This is where you organize your data and look for patterns. The pattern is that the plant exposed to sunlight is growing at a faster rate than the plant in the closet.

Ex: Closet Window

Day 5 1 in 3 in

Day 10 1 in 5 in

Day 15 dead 8 in

The Scientific Method - Conclusion

This is where you determine if your hypothesis was supported or disproved by your experiment and the data you’ve collected.

Ex: Plants with less light don’t grow as much as plants exposed to direct sunlight.

The Scientific Method – Communicating Your Results

This is where you create a display to share your experiment and conclusion with others.

Ways for Parents to Help

• Get Them Thinking – talk about what they’ve learned in science lessons and what questions they have

• Chief facilitator, lab assistant, personal shopper, deadline cop, etc

• Listen and motivate

• Help them prepare for questions they may be asked during the “big night”

Setting up a Timeline

• Mark the Science Fair on Your Calendar

• Data collection should be completed 1 – 1 ½ weeks prior to the Science Fair date

• Collect data for 1 – 2 weeks

• Topic should be selected and materials gathered 4 or 5 days prior to collecting data

THANK YOU

We look forward to seeing you and your child’s inquiry-based projects during the

Science Fair!

Sources: http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/hst/HSTGP331.PDF

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Parent-Resources.html