Science Fair Information

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Science Fair Information
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Philosophy of Cedar Forks 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

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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

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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
childs question must relate to their grade level
science curriculum.
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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
wont grow as much as plants exposed to more
light.
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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
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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
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The Scientific Method - Conclusion
This is where you determine if your hypothesis
was supported or disproved by your experiment and
the data youve collected. Ex Plants with less
light dont grow as much as plants exposed to
direct sunlight.
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The Scientific Method Communicating Your Results
This is where you create a display to share your
experiment and conclusion with others.
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Ways for Parents to Help

• Get Them Thinking talk about what theyve
  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

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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

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THANK YOU

• We look forward to seeing you and your childs
  inquiry-based projects during the Science Fair!
• Sources http//go.hrw.com/resources/go_sc/hst/HST
  GP331.PDF
• http//school.discoveryeducation.c
  om/sciencefaircentral/Parent-Resources.html