Surviving the ESM Science Fair A Parents Guide

Surviving the ESM Science Fair A Parent’s Guide

Overview A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Why Science Fair? Who’s responsible What is included in a good project? How are the projects judged? How do you help your child? Logistics Resources

Why Science Fair? �Promotes inquiry and curiosity �emphasis on using the science and engineering processes �investigation by experimentation (inquiry-based learning) � development of critical thinking skills �opportunity for a positive learning experience �extension of formal science education

An ESM Science Fair Project is not… �The following projects are not appropriate for science fairs. �Library research/informational �Explanation model �Demonstrations �Kit building

An ESM Science Fair Project is… �A question that can be answered by conducting an experiment. �Takes the student through the scientific process.

Overview of 6 Science Fair Project Steps 1. Ask a question. 2. Do background research. 3. Construct a hypothesis. 4. Test the hypothesis by doing an experiment. 5. Analyze the data and draw a conclusion. 6. Communicate the results.

Other Elements of a Good Project �Keeping a log of the process; crude raw notes and data. �Sketches �Plan on taking photographs of their project steps as a visual explanation of their effort. �Be sure to properly credit/acknowledge all sources of graphics, photographs and research.

How will my child be judged? �Please see the draft copy of the scoring rubric for grades 5 -8. �Details what should be included in each component. �If not sure, check with teacher, me, Mrs. Hays or Mr. Cappaert

Partnership Students • Work • Responsibility Teachers • Step-by-step assignments • Checkpoints graded along the way Science Fair Success Parents • Encourage • Answer questions • Supervise safety • Come to the fair!

How can I help my child? �Encourage Participation �Monitor Due Dates �Help Secure Materials �Brainstorm with your child �Supervise experiments �Support Research Efforts –Visits to the library – Internet research – Interviews �Support use of rubric

Child Centered Learning �Tempting to take control �This is not about winning, but a learning experience for your child. �Your job is generally to supervise. �If your child asks for help, appears to be struggling, then you may wish to offer assistance.

Things Not To Do • Don’t do the work for your child • Don’t focus on winning • Don’t copy a project

The Final Product

Examples

Example

Presentation Boards �An order form will be going home next week to order either a project board kit (Board, header, wording/letters for titles) or a plain individual board. �Other places to shop for a board: Wal. Mart, Staples, Office Depot, Target �If there is an extenuating circumstance, please let us know.

Logistics �Teacher should be providing deadlines for specific parts of the project. �ESM Science Fair Expo- April 9 - 11 th, 2013 ◦ Homeroom competition first ◦ Top 3 go on to school-wide competition �District Wide STEM Expo- May 22 nd, 2013 ◦ Only one student from each of the following groupings move on to the district wide competition. �Prek-2 � 3 -5 th grade � 6 -8 grade

Resources �The ◦ ◦ ◦ staff at ESM is here to help! Mrs. Devlin- Theme coach Mrs. Hays- Resident Scientist Mr. Cappaert- Resident Scientist Mrs. Kaplan- Librarian Your child’s teacher

Resources Ø https: //esmsciencefair. wikispaces. com/ Ø www. sciencebuddies. com Ø http: //school. discoveryeducation. com/sciencefair central/ Ø http: //www. tryscience. org/experiments/experimen ts_home. html Ø http: //www. terimore. com/Default. htm Ø http: //school. discoveryeducation. com/sciencefair central/Parent-Resources. html Ø https: //www. google. com/search? q=paper+helico pter+template&hl=en&client=safari&source=lnms &tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=z 1 Un. Ub. CSB 6 WS 2 QXC 4 o GQBg&ved=0 CAg. Q_AUo. AQ&biw=320&bih=504 #i=23