Science Fair

FWISD defines Science Fair:
Participating in the Science Fair helps students put into practice some of the science and math concepts that they have learned. Developing a science project helps students to 21 learn much more about a subject that interests them. By participating in the Science Fair, students have an opportunity to share their new discoveries with the general public. Participation and preparation for the Science Fair develops several valuable skills. In addition to learning more about science, students learn more about research and the use of the library and other resources. Students develop skills in art and perhaps photography as they prepare their display. They may discover an interest that can keep them actively in pursuit of knowledge well beyond school. They also improve their communication skills during the fair and gain confidence in presenting their ideas to a variety of audiences.

Helpful tips for preparing a Science Fair project

• Remember to keep a journal or log book in your own handwriting!
• Pictures should not include people
• Follow the scientific method and include these steps:
  • Question / Problem
  • Research
  • Materials
  • Hypothesis
  • Procedure
  • Observation
  • Results
  • Conclusion
• Do at least 10 trials (repeat the procedure)
• Use charts, graphs, and / or tables
• Do not "restate" the hypothesis for your conclusion
• Do not use ditto sheets or pages copied from books or the internet
• Show connections to real world application(s)
• One to Five students may work on a group project and be all in the same grade level
• Parental involvement is encouraged
• Your project must "investigate" a problem. That means no demonstrations are allowed such as volcanoes or collections.  Research projects do not qualify, although research should be a part of each project. When you do your project, think INVESTIGATE
• You can not use tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, blood, teeth, body tissue, dissected animal materials, explosives, corrosives, flammables, live bacteria or mold, and electrical wiring that involves the flow of a current.
• Your project must have at least one manipulating variable
• Live animals can be used in your investigation, however animals with vertebrates (backbones) must have a signed form or note from a veterinarian stating that the animal is in good health and will not be harmed by the investigation.

Science Fair Judging Guide

Title: Appropriate for project

Problem: Suggest Investigation

Hypothesis: Answered problem based on student's knowledge;  justification given

Materials: Listed; Adequately described

Procedure: Clear detailed directions; step-by-step format

Results: Use charts / graphs / tables; pictures and drawings; adequate data collected; summarized what happened; used log for record keeping

Conclusions: Reflects hypothesis not just "right or wrong"; supported by data; discussed what was learned based on data; related to real world application

Scientific Method: Appropriately used for the problem; manipulated and responding variable; additional variable TESTED; were variables controlled

Neatness: Written materials clear and easy to read

Display: Well organized and attactive

Thoroughness: Indicates planning anad preparation

Demonstration: Appropriate for grade level

Perception: Displays understanding of concepts