Science Fair Packet - Richland County School …...pg. 2 Tips for Organizing Your School’s Science Fair Holding a school science fair can be a rewarding and educational experience

2017- 2018

Science Fair Packet

Richland School District One

Office of Teaching and Learning

pg. 1

Table of Contents

Tips for Organizing Your School’s Science Fair

Committees……………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

Timeline……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Judges……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Scoring Rubrics………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Safety Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Awards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Teacher Support

Science Fair Information………………………………………………………………………..12

Parents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Classroom Timeline……………………………………………………………………………………17

Elements of a Science Fair Project………………………………………………………18

pg. 2

Tips for Organizing Your School’s Science Fair

Holding a school science fair can be a rewarding and educational experience for

students, teachers, parents, and volunteers. This guide is designed to help you plan

and organize a science fair at your school. We encourage your school winners in

grades 3-12 to participate in the district science fair on January 24, 2018. All

projects need to be setup by 5 p.m. on Tuesday January 23, 2018. The Richland One

Science Showcase will occur on January 25, 2018. We also encourage your school

winners in grades 5-12 to plan on participating in the Region II Science and

Engineering Fair held at USC in March.

Committees

We suggest that you form several committees to help break up the responsibilities

and keep volunteers focused on their tasks. The size of your fair will determine

how many of the following committees are needed.

1. Steering – This committee is responsible for coordinating all other

committees.

2. Judges – This committee is responsible for obtaining qualified judges.

3. Refreshments – This committee arranges for beverages, snacks or meals for

judges, committee members, etc.

4. Awards – This committee is responsible for selecting the awards (ribbons,

certificates, trophies, etc.) to be presented to the winners. They are also

responsible for organizing the awards ceremony or presentation.

5. Public Relations – This committee is responsible for publicity (posters,

school paper, local businesses, etc.). They also arrange for the tables and

decorations at the fair.

6. Clean up – This committee is responsible for the final clean up after the

event and returning any borrowed or rented items used in the fair.

pg. 3

Optional Timeline

As a result of various time constraints, we have created a modified timeline

to assist you in your work moving forward. Schools do have the flexibility to

create their own timelines. However, the dates and times for setup, judging

and the showcase are non-negotiable.

1. December 4 – 15 Planning and Logistics

• Organize the steering committee, select a chairperson, choose a

date (January 18 or 19, 2018 – school choice) and location, begin to

publicize the fair.

• E-mail information to all teachers regarding the fair date and

location and what grade levels will be participating. You are

encouraged to include teachers in all content areas.

• Send invitations to selected judges.

• Finalize all other logistical matters

2. January 3 - 12 Work on Projects (individual, groups, partners, etc.)

• Review science fair expectations with students and assist them

with selecting topics of interest

• Review the steps of the scientific method and assist students with

carrying out their investigations, collecting data and organizing

information on their boards

• Take care of any unfinished business prior to your school fair

• Send press release to local paper, invite media and parents to

attend.

3. January 18 - 19 School level science fair (schools decide)

4. January 23 Setup project displays for judging by 5 p.m. (location TBD)

5. January 24 Science fair judging

6. January 25 Science Showcase (location TBD)

pg. 4

Suggested sequence of events for your science fair

Day before – Prepare location; set up tables, signs, etc. Students set up exhibits.

Day of – Morning: Judging of student exhibits.

Afternoon: Organize and place student certificates and awards.

Evening: Open fair to the public, hold awards ceremony

Day after- Students take down exhibits. Clean location.

Judges

A science fair is an exhibition of student work, but it is also a competition. In

order for the students to be judged in a fair and appropriate manner it is

important that you find experienced individuals to serve as judges. Many people

are willing to serve as judges. We suggest asking doctors, former science

teachers, informal science educators and science professionals who work near your

school. The University of South Carolina, Benedict, Allen, and Columbia College are

wonderful resources for judges. Professors and grad students make great judges!

The earlier you make contact with a potential judge the better. This gives them a

chance to mark the event on their calendar. It also gives you a chance to contact

more individuals if your response levels are not high. We suggest having a judge

review no more than 10-20 projects.

pg. 5

Instructions to the Judges

1. Science exhibits are not intended to be contests between students or

schools. Each exhibitor is to be judged on the merits of his/her

investigation.

2. Even though many exhibits may show a remarkable degree of scientific

knowledge, judges are asked to keep in mind that all of the exhibitors are

elementary, middle, or high school students. Many of them are experiencing

their first taste of scientific evaluation by a distinguished critic.

3. Use your own good judgment at all times. Be honest with yourself and the

student. Only a small number of the students will ever enter actual

scientific research, but many may influence the future. A valuable

experience with science at this level may reap valuable rewards later.

4. Keep in mind that a spectacular looking exhibit or one composed of costly

equipment is not necessarily the best science investigation.

5. When leaving comments for the students, please make sure they are positive

and instructive. Do not highlight what they did wrong. Highlight what they

did right and how they can improve for the future.

Judging Mechanics

1. Each judging team should include two judges.

2. Each team should be assigned a specific number of exhibits to judge and

should receive a list of the exhibits. A team should not judge more than 20

exhibits if possible.

3. Try to have each judging team’s exhibits adjacent to each other.

4. Each judge should record the exhibit number, score the exhibit after

examining the exhibit fully, and write comments that may be useful to the

student.

pg. 6

Scoring Rubrics

• The next 3 pages have science fair scoring rubrics you may use. You may also

develop your own to meet the needs of your school.

• Judges’ scores should NEVER be used as a grade. The teacher must grade

the projects because he/she understands the level of instruction the

student received.

• Allow students to preview the rubric beforehand and answer any questions

that they may have. This will give them a set of clear expectations.

• Consider showing students an exemplar project that was previously scored

along with the rubric.

pg. 7

Judging Procedures and Suggestions

This is a guide for individuals who serve as judges for the USC Region II Science &

Engineering Fair.

It can be used in conjunction with, but not apart from, established Science & Engineering Fair

Judging Procedures.

Judges will evaluate the creative and technical skills of the students by carefully examining the

exhibits and interviewing the students regarding their knowledge of the project.

All individuals are to be judged without regard to race, creed, sex or national origin.

The science and engineering projects must be solely the student’s own work.

A good project should involve the Scientific Method

Purpose + Hypothesis + Procedure + Results = Conclusion

Judges should use the criteria below, and may ELECT to use the scoring sheet.

Criteria to Assess: Possible

Points:

Student

Points:

Creative Ability:

Does the project show creative ability & originality?

0-30 points

Scientific Thought/Engineering Goals: Is the problem stated clearly or does the project have a clear objective

0-30 points

Thoroughness:

Does the project carry out its purpose to completion within the

scope of the original aims?

0-15 points

Skill: Does the student have the skills required to do all of the work

related to the project?

0-15 points

Clarity: How clearly is the student able to display and discuss the project?

0-10 points

To be used if Interviewing the Student: When interviewing the student competitors, consider the following questions:

• What is the objective of the project? • What prompted you to pursue the project? • Who are some of the authorities in the field you referred to for source materials? • How would you organize your research if you could pursue your project in greater

depth? • What help did you get in preparing the exhibit?

pg. 8

Science Fair 2018

Project # Grade:

Project Title:

Low High

Question:

(well written, testable) .................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

Materials:

(listed and metrics used) ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5

Test Design:

(plan to validate or confirm hypothesis) ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5

Variables and Controls

(variables are identified) ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5

Data Collection

(graph correct and appropriate interpretation) .......................... 1 2 3 4 5

Results/Conclusions

(thoughtful, significant conclusions identified) ........................... 1 2 3 4 5

Visual Display

(quality of construction, organization, spelling) ........................... 1 2 3 4 5

Repeated Trials

(at least 3 trials)……………………………………………………………………………. 1 2 3 4 5

Judge’s Comments:

pg. 9

pg. 10

Safety Rules

The following rules are necessary for the safety of exhibitors and visitors.

Exhibitors that do not satisfactorily comply with these rules should be

disqualified.

1. All electrical equipment must be constructed according to standard

electrical safety law.

2. Only suitably rated UL 110 volt toggle or push button type switches mounted

on panels or switch boxes are allowed.

3. All wiring, switches, and metal parts carrying 110 volt current must be

grounded properly and out of reach of visitors.

4. All electrical points must be soldered and taped properly (following UL

regulations).

5. Nails, tacks, and un-insulated staples must not be used for fastening wires.

Use porcelain or other approved types of insulators.

6. All wiring must be properly insulated for voltage used.

7. Dangerous chemicals, open flames, flammable liquids and explosives are

strictly prohibited.

8. If bacteria are displayed, the must be in sealed containers. Pictures are a

better choice.

9. No live animals, vertebrate or invertebrate, are to be displayed at the fair.

Again, pictures are a better choice.

• •

pg. 11

Awards

It is important to recognize students for their hard work. You may want to give

ribbons or pins to the top winners and certificates to every student who

participates in your school fair.

Public Relations

It is important to spread the word about your science fair. Publicity should

start in the fall and continue all the way through the fair.

Poster

Design a poster or flyer that is eye-catching and has the date, time and location

of your fair. These flyers should be posted throughout your school. Have the

flyers available at PTA meetings and other school events.

Press Release

Media coverage is a great way to generate excitement and motivation for

students and volunteers. Send a press release to “The State” newspaper. Invite

a newspaper and/or TV reporter to visit your fair and write a story on the event.

Winners of School/District Science Fair

We want to encourage your school’s winners in grades 3-12 to participate in the

district fair on January 24, 2018. The district science showcase will be held

January 25, 2018 at the Heyward Conference Center. Students in grades 5-12

can then move on to the USC Region II Science and Engineering Fair held on

March 16, 2018. Students must register for the Region II Fair by January 31st

to participate.

Page 11

2017- 2018

Teacher Support

Richland County School District One Office of Teaching and Learning

pg. 12

Teacher Support

As a teacher, it can be a daunting task to assist and support your students

as they work towards a successful science fair project. This packet will help

you help your students. After all, we want all of our students to be

successful and they will need our help in achieving that.

Science Fair Information

Students need assistance in order to make science fair projects educational

and a true learning experience for them. These are some tips that may help

you help your students.

• Teachers should approve the students’ ideas for a project. Help them to

flesh out the details. If they want to make a rocket find out why, what

is the purpose, what will they be testing? Guide them in their thinking.

• Encourage younger elementary students to work together in cooperative

groups to complete their projects.

• Walk students through the scientific method. Science Fair projects

can be independent, group or class projects.

• If necessary, provide a “science mentor” for students who may need

extra assistance.

• Give a timeline to students. This should include due dates for each part.

The teacher must provide instruction about each part and support to help

the student successfully complete each “chunk” of the project.

• A checklist for students can be helpful.

• Send home a note to parents to let them know what is expected from

them.

• Provide some time during school for students to discuss their ideas, ask

questions and complete the board.

• Provide the scoring rubric when introducing the project.

• Follow the deadlines of the Regional Science Fair.

pg. 13

Parents

First, let parents know what is expected of them as well as the students.

Send a letter home with the expectations outlined. Some parents will not be

able to provide a lot of support and some parents will provide too much

support. Please be clear on the expectations. A sample letter is on the next

page. You can use this one or modify it. You can also use one of your own.

The important thing is to communicate with parents and to be clear on the

expectations.

Parents need to know that their child may need some guidance from them,

but that the ultimate responsibility for planning and completing the project

belongs to the child. Parents should receive a copy of all due dates.

pg. 14

Date:_

Dear Parents:

A major goal of the South Carolina Science Academic Standards and Performance

Indicators for Science is to equip students with the skills necessary to plan and

conduct their own investigations. One activity we will be using to accomplish this

goal is by having students complete a science fair project. This will provide your

child with the opportunity to select a topic of interest and work through the

investigation process just as a scientist would.

You, as the parent, play one of the most important roles in your child’s education.

There are many things you can do to help your child with a science project.

1. Although this is your child’s project and i s to be his/her effort , there is

no substitute for your support. Encourage your child.

2. Listen to and praise your child. Let your child know you are interested in

his/her ideas.

3. Help your child follow the schedule the teacher has given to him/her.

4. Provide a space at home where your child can work without worrying about

siblings or pets.

5. Help your child take all of the necessary safety precautions.

6. If there are any questions about the project, contact his/her teacher.

7. Realize that the real prize of a science project is the development of your

child’s skills, not the blue ribbon presented by a science fair judge.

As a parent, you have an important role in this experience. Your child will

probably face some stumbling blocks during this process and will turn to you for

help. The “Parent Tips for Science Projects” provides some useful information.

If you have any questions, please phone or e-mail me at

.

Sincerely,

pg. 15

pg. 16

Sample Timeline

Week Student Assignment Teacher Task Due Date 1 Select a project topic Send letter home to

parents

2 Revise topic as needed;

create a testable

question

Conference with students

on topic and question

3 Create hypothesis Work with students to

refine their hypothesis

4 Identify variables Work with students to

identify all variables

5 Materials lists and

procedures

Provide models/examples of

materials lists and well-

written procedures

6 Select type of table

and graph

Provide instruction on

setting up a project log

book

7-10

(May require

more time)

Begin to conduct the

experiment and collect

data for at least 3

trials

Provide ongoing review of

the process; check in with

each student for progress;

encourage students to take

pictures for evidence

during their investigation

11 Create data graphs for

the project display;

Analyze data and write

conclusion

Provide class time and

guidance for creating the

graphs using DRY MIX

(grades 6-12 should use

Excel); Discuss

requirements of project

display board

12 Create project display

board;

Finalize all log book

entries

Provide class time for

printing of project display

items; Conference with

students to assess needs

for completion

13 Class presentation of

project

Have students present

projects in class; prepare

to set up projects for

school science fair.

pg. 17

Elements of a Science Fair Project

The following pages contain the elements that each science fair project should

include. You may use these as you teach the process with your students. Also

a sample of a science fair board is included. There are many ways a display

board can be laid out. The flow needs to make sense to the reader. Pictures

are always a nice touch. Boards should be neat and colorful with no spelling or

grammatical errors. This may be helpful for your students.

Purpose

Question

Hypothesis

Materials

Title

Procedure

Variables

Data Table

Graph

Conclusion

Abstract

pg. 18

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pg. 24

2017- 2018

Science Fair Packet

Richland School District One

Office of Teaching and Learning

2017-2018