STUDENT
HANDBOOK FOR
ELEMENTARY
(K - 3)
SCIENCE FAIRS
Allen ISD
2006-2007
If you have any questions, contact your Campus
Science Fair Coordinator:
______________________________________________
Rules
For All
Science Fair
Participants
4
Students in
grades 1-6 may enter only one research project and it must be his/her own work.
Group projects are allowed. A group is defined as up to three students in the
same grade level working on a project together. Teachers and technically
trained professionals may give information and advice to all students entering
science fair projects.
4
Identical
repetition of a previous year’s work is not permitted; however, a student may
exhibit previous research on a continuing problem, provided the research shows
significant progress when compared with the previous year. A separate research
report and notebook showing previous research must be part of the new exhibit.
4
The student
must furnish all equipment and other necessary supplies when setting up an
exhibit. This includes electrical extension cords and duct tape.
4
All exhibits
must be self-supporting and must not exceed the size requirements:
30 inches deep, 32
inches wide, 108 inches high
from
the floor to the top of the exhibit.
4
No previous awards, name of
student or school, or any other identification may be displayed.
4
All research involving animals
must be conducted with a respect for life and an appreciation of human
considerations that must be offered all animals.
4
Teachers and students must
indicate a familiarity and understanding of all rules involving vertebrate
animals, human subjects, recombinant DNA, tissues and/or microorganisms PRIOR
to starting the research.
4
All research involving human
subjects should be reviewed by the teacher PRIOR to the investigation to
determine that there is no risk or harm to the subjects, either physically or
emotionally, and that privacy is insured.
4
One grand prize winner from grades 1-3 and one grand prize winner
from grades 4-5 from each elementary campus are eligible to enter the North
Dallas Regional Elementary Science and Engineering Fair. Grade 6 may submit
three entries from each middle school.
4
The metric system should be used
for all measurements.
4
Display boards for projects
should list the hypothesis, materials, variables, procedure, results, and
conclusion, and should show charts, graphs, pictures or photographs to
represent what has been done. A title, introduction, problem or question, and
purpose should precede your hypothesis.
4
A student’s name should not
appear on the front of the project. Student information (name, address, phone
number, parent’s name, grade, school, and teacher) should be placed in an
envelope attached to the back of the display board.
4
All students are encouraged to
write a short report on readings related to the project to accompany it. A
logbook or journal is encouraged.
Safety and Project Display Rules
|
|
It is essential for
teachers to inform students and parents of these safety and display rules.
The North Dallas Regional
Elementary Science Fair strongly discourages experimentation involving toxic,
caustic, explosive (including rocket propellants), flammable or pathogenic
substances and experimentation using dangerous equipment unless supervised by a
knowledgeable professional. Teachers are encouraged to assist students in
seeking such professionals when needed. All projects involving vertebrate
animals, human subjects, lasers, controlled substances, tissues, pathogenic
agents, recombinant DNA, or gasohol must be approved by the District Science
Coordinator BEFORE the project begins.
ANYTHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED
HAZARDOUS AS A PUBLIC DISPLAY IS PROHIBITED. Students are encouraged to use
photographs in place of actual objects that are prohibited. It is essential
that the classroom teacher discuss with each student the safety precautions to
be observed.
The rules for display include,
but are not limited to, the following items:
Ñ No food
“stuffs” sealed or unsealed (candy, gum, popcorn, etc.) may be displayed.
Ñ No living
plants or plant materials, which are in their raw, unprocessed, unmanufactured
or natural state such as leaves, seeds/nuts, bark, stems, or roots, may be
displayed.
Ñ No soil (sand,
clay, etc.) or waste product may be displayed.
Ñ All displays must be self-supporting, single-sided
and must NOT exceed the size requirements: 30 inches deep, 32 inches wide, and
108 inches high from the floor to the top of the exhibit.
Ñ No live
animals (vertebrate or invertebrate) or animal tissues including eggs or egg shells may be
displayed.
Ñ No preserved
animals or their parts may be displayed. Preserved invertebrates insects or
seashells are acceptable in sealed containers.
Ñ No human
parts, blood or other body fluids (except teeth or hair) may be displayed.
Teeth and hair must be in sealed containers.
Ñ No liquids
(including water) may be displayed in sealed or unsealed containers.
Ñ No microbial
cultures, mold, or fungi (disease or non-disease causing) may be displayed.
Ñ No syringes,
needles, pipettes and similar devices may be displayed.
Ñ No poisons,
drugs, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices may be displayed.
Ñ No flames,
open or concealed, or highly flammable display materials may be displayed.
Ñ No dangerous
chemical substances, such as caustics, acids, or highly combustible solids, fluids,
or gases in pressurized tanks may be displayed.
Ñ No laboratory
/ household chemicals (including detergents) may be displayed.
Ñ Student
names, accomplishments, acknowledgements, addresses, and phone and fax numbers
are not permitted.
Ñ Photographs may not show the student's face or other
faces. Photographs should not show dissections or animal parts, trauma and
injuries, identification of participant's home or school, etc.
Ñ Lasers may
not be displayed.
Ñ No dry ice or
other sublimating solids may be displayed.
PURPOSE
OF THE SCIENCE FAIR
The science fair is conducted for many reasons:
·
To focus attention on scientific
experiences in school.
·
To stimulate interest in scientific
investigation beyond routine class work.
·
To recognize and commend youthful scientific
talent and hobby pursuits.
·
To offer an opportunity for display of
scientific talent through exhibit and demonstration.
·
To provide constructive suggestions for
teachers and students of science.
·
To recognize teachers for outstanding
science teaching.
·
To stimulate public interest in the
scientific abilities of students.
Campus Science Fairs:
·
All
students in grades K through 6 may enter a building science fair.
·
Each
grade level may award honorable mention, 3rd place, 2nd
place, and 1st place ribbons.
·
One
grand prize winner will be chosen from lower elementary (grades 1-3), one from
upper elementary (grades 4-5) and one from 6th grade. There will be a total of 3 grand prizes per
campus.
·
No ties for first place or Grand Prize are
allowed.
·
All decisions of the judges are final.
·
Each
elementary school may submit: Upper
Elementary – one grand prize entry for grades 4 – 5, Lower Elementary – one
grand prize entry for grades 1 – 3, and one grand prize for grade 6. Kindergarten may not compete beyond the
campus fair.
·
Students may make improvements on their projects
before District and Regional competition.
·
All decisions of the judges are final.
The individual campus must submit the entry forms
for all projects entered in the Regional Science Fair.
The
Building and Regional Science Fair officials are not responsible for items lost
or damaged at the Fairs. Please make
copies of all research done and your logbook.
It has happened at the Regional Fair that logbooks and research books
have been taken from projects. Since the
exhibit areas cannot be completely secured, please copy anything that could not
be replaced.
Helpful Hints
·
All surveys and research performed with
human subjects must be conducted outside of the school day. School personnel may not assist with this
research or survey during the school day.
·
Backboards for projects should list the
hypothesis, materials, variables, procedure, results, and conclusion and should
show charts, graphs, pictures or photos to represent what has been done. A title, problem or question, and purpose
should precede the hypothesis.
·
Metric measurements should be used.
·
All students need to write a short (age
appropriate) report on research related to the project. A logbook is also required. This information should be put into two
separate folders, composition books, etc.
That way the judges can quickly find reports and logbooks.
·
Any project involving animals or human
subjects need to be approved by the Campus Science Fair Coordinator prior to
investigation.
·
Many projects involve elements that may not
be safely exhibited at the Fair but are an important part of the project. Photographs of these phases of
experimentation can be used in the display.
You may NOT use photographs depicting animal dissections or other
surgical techniques. You must receive
permission to photograph or videotape human test subjects.
Advice for a Winning Project
CAREFULLY PREPARE YOUR LOG BOOK
A
project logbook is your most valuable piece of work. It is a day-to-day record of the
experiment. Accurate and detailed notes
make for a logical and winning project.
Good notes show consistency and thoroughness to the judges, and help
when writing a paper.
VISUAL DISPLAY
You
want to attract and inform. Construct a
clear and concise display. Make headings
stand out and label everything clearly and correctly.
A GOOD TITLE
Your
title is an extremely important attention-grabber. A good title should simply present your
research and should make the casual observer want to know more.
BE ORGANIZED
Make
sure your display is logically presented and easy to read.
EYE-CATCHING
Make
your display stand out. Use neat,
colorful headings, charts and graphs.
CORRECTLY PRESENTED AND WELL-CONSTRUCTED
Be
sure to adhere to the size limitations and safety rules when constructing your
display. Display all required forms in
your lab notebook.
Information for Students
about Science Fair Projects
A
Successful Science Project:
1.
represents your work--not that of an expert
or your parents.
2. indicates
an understanding of the science area chosen.
3. shows
careful planning that would eliminate a “rush” project.
4. has
a notebook showing a complete record of all your work.
5. has
a simple, well-stated title and neat lettering.
6. includes
photographs, charts, pictures, graphs, etc., that might be necessary to explain
your work.
7. has
accurate, valid, and correct observations.
8. tells
a complete story--Problem and Solution.
9. is
original in approach and presentation.
10. is
self-explanatory.
11. is
attractive and organized.
12. does
not have to cost much money.
13. is
best if it is an experiment.
14. is
one that gives credit to those who gave help.
A
Science Fair Project Is Not:
1.
only a report.
2. necessarily
a new discovery or an original piece of research.
3. constructing
a plastic model from a hobby kit.
4. an
enlarged model or drawing.
5. a
weekend chore.
6. one,
two, or even three posters.
7. something
done by your parents or teachers.
Steps
in Making a Science Project:
1. Pick Your Topic. Choose something that interests you. Ideas might come from hobbies or problems you
see that need solutions. Be curious!
2. Research
Your Topic. Find out as much about it as
you can. Go to the library, search the
web. Observe related events. Gather existing information and talk to professionals
in the field.
3. Organize and Theorize. Organize everything you have learned about
your topic. At this point you should
determine your hypotheses by focusing on a particular problem/idea.
4. Make a Timetable. Choose a topic that can be
completed in the amount of time you have.
Use a calendar to identify important dates. Allow plenty of time to experiment and
collect data. You should repeat the
experiment several times. Leave time to
write a report and build a display. Work
on your project a little each day. Don’t wait until the last minute.
5. Plan Your Experiment. Once you have a project idea, write a
plan. This plan should explain how you
will do your experiment. Set up a work
area in your house where you can work on your project. Make sure the area is off limits to pets and
younger siblings.
6. Consult Your Teacher or Adult Sponsor. Make sure your project adheres to all Rules
and Guidelines (see page 2-3). Check
with your teacher for suggestions and materials. He or she might be able to save you time and
money.
7. Conduct Your Experiments. During experimentation, keep detailed notes in a logbook. Remember to change
only one variable and include control experiments in which none of the
variables change.
8. Examine Your Results. When you complete your experiments, examine
and organize your findings. Did your
experiments give you the expected results?
Why or why not?
9. Draw conclusions. Does your data support your hypothesis? Did you collect enough data? Do you need to conduct more
experimentation? Keep an open
mind. Even if your results do not
support your original hypothesis, you still have accomplished successful
scientific research.
10. Further Questions: What further questions do you have about your
experiment? What else would you like to
know about this topic?
11. Construct your exhibit. Organize your information according to
guidelines on pages 2 and 3. Remember,
everything does not need to fit on your display board. The display board is to show the highlights
of your project. Pictures, charts, and
graphs should be included on the display board.
(See sample display board and logbook guidelines on the following pages.)
Sample
Backboard
Project backboards should include these
components:
1.
Title
of project
2.
Statement of problem and purpose of
project
3.
Hypothesis
4.
Variables
(manipulating variable, responding variable, variables held constant)
5.
Procedure/Method
6.
Results/Observations/Data
7.
Conclusions
8.
Research
Book
9.
Log
Book/Lab Book
10.
Display
of material or a model
SCIENCE
FAIR PROJECT
TITLE
OF PROJECT