STEM Fair Overview and Updates UPDATES FOR 2016

STEM Fair Overview and Updates!

UPDATES FOR 2016

4 th grade • In 4 th grade – “Too Hot to Handle” unit is gone – Will conduct “workshop” style lessons in school

4 th 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)

4 th 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.

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

5 th 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)

5 th 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 (realworld) 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/chall enges. aspx • Discovery Education has a website that helps children identify ideas/projects that interest them. http: //school. discoveryeducation. com/sciencefai rcentral/

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 claim. §Students can get some assistance for the RESEARCH portion of their STEM project with Mrs. Connor 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!!!! 4 th and 5 th grade teachers will be teaching the STEM Fair workshop lessons and giving students class time to work on projects. • STEM Fair projects are due in school on April 8 th, 2016. • The STEM Fair will take place on April 12 th, 2016. • 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 and fifth grade students will go home soon.