Stem Fair Parent Presentation 2014

STEM Fair Overview and Updates!

UPDATES FOR 2014

4th grade

• In 4th grade– No change to instruction– Continue to implement the “Too Hot to Handle”

unit– We will use the same packet of information– Students will complete the projects as they always

have – at home, independently– One change is they may complete a GROUP

project (no more than 4 students) if they wish

4th grade continued

• Participation is optional, however, the project will count as extra credit.

• For those desiring possible GT Science placement in middle school, STEM Fair participation is strongly encouraged.

5th grade

• In 5th grade– Major change to instruction– “Pendulums Swing…” unit is gone– Will conduct “workshop” style lessons in school

5th grade continued– Students may work in GROUPS (no more than 4) if

they wish– Students will complete STEM Fair projects in a

“hybrid” style• Students will generate idea for STEM Fair project• Summary and Approval form will still need to be

completed by student, parent, and teacher• Lesson on one piece of the scientific method will be

taught in school• Student(s) will work on that piece of the scientific

method in school for their project (essentially creating a draft for that piece)

5th grade continued

– After all lessons on the scientific method have been completed, student(s) can finalize their projects at home

– Participation is optional, however, the project will count as extra credit.

– For those desiring possible GT Science placement in middle school, STEM Fair participation is strongly encouraged.

OVERVIEW

What is the STEM Fair?

• Provides an opportunity for authentic (real-world) research and learning.

• Leads to long-lasting interest in STEM.

What’s the first step?

• First, your child must choose a topic that interests him/her.– Harder and complicated aren’t always the best

project ideas!• Next, follow the flow chart to determine if the

idea will lead to an experimental or observational project.

If a student can Google a project question and get an answer or “cookbook” procedure, then it

isn’t science.

RESTRICTIONS ON PROJECT IDEAS/SUBJECTS

Absolutely no experimental projects involving vertebrate

animals.• This includes humans as

well as any animal with a backbone. Observational projects are allowed, as long as the investigator has no direct contact with the subjects.

Absolutely no cultures of molds or bacteria, from any

source!

Absolutely no projects involving weapons.

What’s the second step?

• After determining the type of project, the next step is to formulate a question.

• The question should be one that can lead to an experiment or observations, which will yield quantitative data.

• The question may not be a yes/no question, a question that leads to a demonstration, nor should it be a question that can be answered by doing a Google search!

If a student can Google a project question and get an answer or “cookbook” procedure, then it

isn’t science.

What resources are available to help get started?

• The Grand Challenges of Engineering has some very high level ideas that children may choose to use as a launching point. http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/challenges.aspx

• Discovery Education has a website that helps children identify ideas/projects that interest them. http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/

Research Students will need to locate information related to their approved project proposal. They can use a variety of resources, such as books, reference materials and databases, to take notes that will help in developing their research report and hypothesis.Students can get some assistance for the RESEARCH portion of their STEM project with Mrs. Wellen after school by attending one, or all three, of the RESEARCH WORKSHOPS that will be offered for the students.

Research Report

• The research report should include the following:– Introduction – includes the main idea of the report.– Subtopic A – should include 2-3 good supporting details

from your research– Subtopic B – should include 2-3 good supporting details

from your research.– Conclusion – well stated conclusion about the

information you found in your research as it relates to your question.

– Bibliography – use online tools or the fill-in sheet from our library as a guide.

Looking Ahead…

• Don’t panic!!!! 4th grade teachers have started teaching a STEM Fair unit, Too Hot to Handle. 5th grade teachers will be teaching the scientific method and giving students class time to work on projects.

• STEM Fair projects are due in school on April 22nd, 2014.• The STEM Fair is scheduled to take place on April 24, 2014• This is the perfect time to start gathering ideas:

– Visit the websites– Visit the library and check out some books

• STEM Fair packets/forms/etc. for fourth grade students went home on Feb 3rd. For 5th grade students it will come home in the coming weeks.