How to Host an Elementary Science Fair.

How to host an elementary science fair

Hosting an elementary school science fair is a lot easier than it looks!  A little imagination, a lot of encouragement and a crew of 5-7 helpers is all you need!  This year our school hosted a science fair with 62 projects for under $150.  

Timeline:

Start of school year.  Meet with your committee and choose a date for the Science Fair.  February is a good time of year at our school, gives the kids something to do inside while the weather is cold.  Plan for a science themed assembly three months before the fair to kick of science fair and to get kids excited.  Science assembly can be done in house by parents who show kids experiments, talk about the scientific method and how to do a project or by a professional assembly group with a mention of science fair.  Decide on theme for fair.

Three months before science fair.  Email home packet with project information, rules, and commitment form.   Have science assembly. 

Two months before science fair, speak with art teacher about having students make posters to advertise science fair.  Resend packet via email and in paper form.

Three weeks before science fair.  Have students turn in commitment forms.  Tally how much table space will be needed, how many ribbons to order, how many refreshments to provide (each student usually brings an average of 4 guests.), and organize parents to donate refreshments.  Call local paper to let them know about science fair so they can send a reporter.  Ask Busch’s grocery store for donations of water.  We used 75 bottles in 2013.  6 dozen cookies all gone in 60 minutes, 12 dozen cookies would be better.  Molecules were popular, we had 5 dozen and they were all eaten in 80 minutes.  We used 3 2-litres of Sprite and 2 jugs of juice.  Double that would be better.  We had 15 lbs of apples.  They all disappeared, 30 lbs or 50-60 apples for next year. 

Week before science fair.  Buy decorations. 

Day before science fair.  Accept science projects.  Ask kids to label every single part they bring in or to put them in a labeled bag.  Store science projects behind the chairs in the lobby in grade groupings.

Day of science fair.  Get crew of 5-7 people to decorate lobby, set up projects, set up hands on, and prepare snack tables.  Set out lunch benches so people have a place to sit.  60 projects used 6 two-sided lunch tables in 3 perpendicular lines in 2013.  One side of the gym for projects and the other for hands on science.  Hands on science is really popular.  Have at least 3 tables of hands on available.  One parent  brought in everything to make slime in 2013, super popular!  Have other parent stations if possible with the kids doing more complicated take home things like this.  Toothpick/marshmallow structures were popular, paper airplanes weren’t. 

Hands on Science Activities:

Sink or float.

Paper airplanes.

Toothpick/marshmallow structures.

Gak.

Slime. (Different from Gak!)

Tornado tubes.  School has two.

Prisms.

Balloon static electricity.  Rub balloon on head and stick on wall.

Music videos:  They Might Be Giants- Here Comes Science. 

Ideas for next year:

Set up a photo booth.  White paper background with *School* Science Fair printed out at the top.  Lab coats, beakers, other science equipment to take fun pictures with. 

Set out more places to sit. 

Make science fair 1.5 hours instead of 2.  Everyone went home around 7:30. 

Snacks:

6 dozen cookies cut into stars, circles or gingerbread people.4 jars of white frosting. 2 jars of sprinkles.  Let kids decorate science themed cookies.

6 dozen Trix Treats.  One large box makes 60 ish treats.  Follow recipe for Rice Krispies Treats and substitute Trix cereal for Rice Krispies. These are our Magnificent Molecules

6 2-litres of Sprite and 6 bottles of juice to make punch.  Mad Scientist Punch.  Add Dry Ice and hot water to a bowl in the center of punch bowl for a cool, smoking effect.

3 cases of Bottled water.  Small bottles would be best.

50 apples. 

Decorations:

17 (Dollar Store) plastic tablecloths.  2 for snack tables.  6 for hands on science tables.  9 for hanging from the ceiling as banners.

Stars from Dollar Store to hang from ceiling.

Latex exam gloves to blow up as balloons.

2 printed banners from MS Publisher and school printer.  “Welcome Scientists” and “*school* Science Fair 201X” mounted on roll paper.

Posters to advertise made by art classes. (Graphic design and science go hand in hand!)

Hands on Science Table Supplies:

On Hand:

2 Twister tubes to put on pop bottles to make tornadoes.

2 tubs for sink or float game.

1 electricity tube.  Put your hands on either end to complete circuit and make lights glow.  Steve Spangler Science Brand.

Paper for paper airplanes.  Make runway with 12 inch marks to measure how far planes went.

To buy each year:

2 boxes of toothpicks and soft candies to make structures.  1000 toothpicks was enough, 8 medium bags of candy ran out. 

Clay for sink or float game.

Supplies for Gak.  Elmers Glue, borax.

 

2013 Elementary Science Fair

February 21, 2013

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Sponsored by Our Elementary PTA

The Science Fair is coming! All students are invited to create a project for the Fair. This page has a summary of the dates and times for the Fair and related events. More information can be found on the following pages.

Science assembly for all students Thursday, January 31

Entry forms sent home Thursday, January 31

Entry form deadline Friday, February 8

Bring project to school Wednesday, February 20th

Classroom viewing Thursday, February 21, during the school day

Science Fair family viewing Thursday, February 21, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Take home project February 21, at the end of the Fair

Questions? Contact Committe member name and number.

Dear Parents,

In this day and age, we all know how important science, engineering, technology and math are to our students.  What better way to foster a lifelong enjoyment of science than by participating in the *school* Elementary Science Fair. 

You can be a real help and truly enjoy working on a Science Fair project with your child. Don't worry if you haven't created a project before – anyone can do it! First, become familiar with the guidelines for the fair. Tape the fact sheet from your packet on your refrigerator for easy reference. Next, allow plenty of time to do the project, at least 4 weeks. Try to set aside time every few days or so for work sessions. Make them short, about 20 minutes, to allow for slow, but steady, progress. This will accommodate a child’s attention span and ensure that each session is pleasant.

Try not to get possessive about the project. Let it end up looking like exactly what it is: the work of a youngster learning about something that interests him or her. You will both feel considerable satisfaction when the project is complete. Your child may be asked to explain the project. It is wise to practice this so your child will feel more comfortable. Simply encourage your child to go through the project as if explaining it to someone who knows nothing about it. He or she might begin by telling how he or she became interested in doing this project, and then simply talk their way through the project step by step.

We hope this information will assist you in the role of guide. Have Fun!

Science Fair Safety Rules

In order for the Fair to be an enjoyable experience for all persons involved, there are a few safety guidelines that must be followed.

· They must incorporate the Scientific Method.

· Please do not use glass in the student's display. Glass will not be allowed.

· Please do not use liquids in the display. If liquids are needed before the judges, have the child

bring it in a separate container, so it may be used, and then put back in the container. Our space is

crowded, and spills are hazardous.

· If your child's project is bigger than the space in front of the display board, please take pictures of it

and put those on the board. Do not bring a large project—we simply don't have the room for it. We

encourage your child to be creative, but to keep the space limitations in mind when building the

display.

Please return this form if your child is interested in participating in Science Fair 2013

Child’s Name________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher____________________________________________________________________________________

Grade_____________________________________________________________________________________

Project Title:_________________________________________________

 

What is the *school* Science Fair?

The Science Fair is an opportunity for our students to study a science-related topic outside of the classroom, and to either write a report about it, display it as a model or collection, or perform an actual science experiment. The purpose is to encourage in each student a sense of wonder and curiosity, and to increase self-direction in the study of the world around them.  Also, it is going to be an incredibly good time!  Hands on experiments for everyone, refreshments, music and more! 

Is the fair judged?

No. Our Science Fair is not structured as a competition, and all students will receive recognition and feedback from their teachers.

How do I get started?

First, decide what kind of project you'd like to create - there are several different kinds:

1) Experimental Project, for which you follow the Scientific Method in pursuit of an unbiased result.

2) Special Interest Project, for which you study a science-related topic, including mathematics, technology or even something you've invented!

3) Collection Project, for which you assemble a collection of related items, showing what you've learned from it.

4) Model Project, for which you can create a model or demonstration of your topic, showing how it works.

To get some ideas, look further in this packet. You can also stop by the Media Center where there are books with project ideas. Check out the public library or the Internet. Ask your parents and friends. Just don’t give up. When considering a topic for your project, do not forget about technology and mathematics. Your project does not need to be from one of what we think of as a scientific field (e.g. biology, chemistry, earth science, physics), but it can investigate a mathematical question, learn about how a particular technology works, or use technology in an unexpected way. Inventions developed by the students are also welcome. In the past, some students have displayed biographical information about famous scientists. Every topic and project related to science, mathematics, and engineering is a good topic!

Does my child have to participate? Or Will this be graded?

This is just for fun!  Students will not be graded on participation in the Science Fair. 

Who can I work with?

Scientists often work with other scientists on their projects. You can do a project with a friend or group of friends. You can also work with you parents, your brother, your sister, or other adults. The only rule is to give credit to everyone who helped with your project. Parents: Remember, the purpose of the Fair is to encourage kids to be curious about our world, learn to study independently and above all, to enjoy science! Your guidance will be necessary, especially for the younger kids, but keep in mind that this is their project. A kindergartner’s project should look like a kindergartner's project, and they (and you!) will be proud of their own accomplishments.

I've decided on my topic. Now what?

Here are some steps you can take to have a successful Science Fair Project:

1. Ask yourself: “What is the question I want to answer?”, or “What do I want to know more about?’

2. Decide if you are going to work alone or with a friend(s).

3. Fill out and turn in your registration form by Friday, February 18. Parents must sign the form and for groups, each child must submit a signed form.

4. Research and read about your topic. Contact people who may help you.

5. Refer to the list of questions below for your project type. These will help you plan your project. By following this plan, you will answer your question.

6. Gather and list your materials.

7. Begin following the steps you have outlined in your plan.

8. If appropriate, organize your results in charts, graphs, or illustrations.

9. Look carefully at the results. Write down the answer to your question.

10.Make an interesting display board.

11. (Optional) Make a notebook about your science project.

12. Prepare to tell your teacher or classmates all about your project, if asked.

13. Bring your project to school on Wednesday, March 23, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

14. Retrieve your project after the fair and take it home.

15. HAVE FUN!!

How do I display my project?

Projects should be displayed on a 36"x 48" three-sided display board. You may also use the table in front of the display board (about three square feet of space). Here is an example of a basic three-sided display:

The middle panel is two feet wide. The “flaps” on both sides are one foot wide. The board is three feet high.

Content

Use the questions listed under each type of project to organize your display. You can either use the questions or the scientific terms to label it. The main thing is to make it easy for your parents, teachers and friends to look at your display and know what you did and what you found out. If you have a collection, model or demonstrations, prepare your display board telling about what you’ve done, and place the collection, model or display in front of your board.

Lettering

Large letters for titles and headings are easier to read. For the three-sided display boards, we suggest 2" to 3" letters for the center, 1"to 2" letters for the side panels. 

Hand-written lettering is encouraged!

Hands On/Hands Off

Decide if you want people to be able to touch your display or not. Displays that allow viewers to interact with your experiment or topic can be very interesting and fun. There will be Hands On/Hands Off signs available when you bring your project to school. Please understand that hands-on materials will be left in areas where there often will be no supervision, and we cannot ensure that items will not be broken, mishandled, or stolen. Plan your hands-on materials with this in mind.

Putting it all together

When you have decided what to put on your display, lay the whole thing on the floor and look at it. Arrange it to your satisfaction, and then glue it on. Every person who helps with your project should be given credit somewhere on your display. Use your creativity to make it interesting! Examples of things to include are: large, bright or black lettering, pictures, diagrams, a catchy title, and a photo of yourself working on your project. When making the display, we suggest that everything be blocked in first with pencil. After changes are made, felt pens or cut stencils can be used for the final form. Put your name prominently on your project, in the lower right hand corner of your display.

There are plenty of pictures and examples of Science Fair projects on the internet. Spend some time looking at what others have done to get some good ideas for your display. Also, consider the grade level of the student before deciding on a project – younger students will want to pick simpler projects.

And remember: it’s supposed to look like it was created by an elementary aged student!

Project Types and Descriptions

Project Type 1: Experimental Project

An experimental project can be done by anyone. The hardest part is thinking of a question that interests you. Once you’ve done that, using the scientific method to learn about it is fun and exciting.

Guidelines

Use the Scientific Method, described below, to perform your experiment. Base your conclusions on your data, and create a display board showing that you understand what happened. Include some ideas of your own in the project!

What is the Scientific Method?

The Scientific Method is simply an orderly way to find an answer to something. The basic steps are illustrated by the questions below. Using these steps as a guideline, you can conduct an investigation that will make it possible for you to convince someone else what you discovered is true. It allows others to repeat your experiments and verify your results. Scientists have specific words for these questions. They are listed after the question.

The Questions for an Experimental Project

1. What is the question I want to answer?

2. What do I think the answer will be before I start? (HYPOTHESIS)

3. What did I do to test my hypothesis? (METHOD)

4. What materials did I use? (MATERIALS)

5. What things did I change? (VARIABLES)

6. What things did I keep the same? (CONTROLS)

7. What happened as a result of what I did? (RESULTS/DATA)

8. What is the answer to my question based on my experiment? Does it match my hypothesis? Why or why not? (CONCLUSION)

9. What books or resources did I use? (REFERENCES)

10. Who helped with my project? (COLLABORATORS)

Experimental Project Terms

A hypothesis is a guess or speculation about how or why something happens. You should form a hypothesis or guess about your questions before you begin your experiment.

Methods and Materials: Decide how you can test your hypothesis. Write out your plan. You should plan to run your test a number of times.

Next, change one part of your test and see what happens (while keeping everything else the same.) Change another thing, and see what happens. The things you change are called variables.

The thing or things you keep the same are called controls. Test only one variable at a time, and repeat the tests several times to get good data. Make sure your test is fair, so that it doesn't only show the results that support your hypothesis. You should look for the answer, whatever it is - proving your hypothesis is wrong is just as valid as proving it right! If you do prove something wrong, try to figure out why, and write it down in your conclusion.

The information gathered during the investigation is called data. After collection, data can be put in chart or graph form if a more formal and concise presentation is desired. From looking at the data or results, you can answer the question that started the whole adventure. The answer is the conclusion.

List any books, magazine articles, or any other sources of written information you used to learn about and do your project, and their authors. These are known as references.

Collaborators are the people who helped you with your project. This may include your family, other adults, and friends.

An Example of an Experimental Project

Question: Will different surfaces affect how far a toy car rolls?

Hypothesis: I think a toy car will roll farther on a smooth surface than on a rough surface.

Method: I will set up an inclined ramp and put different surfaces on it (variables), such as: a) rough sandpaper b) linoleum c) indoor/outdoor carpet d) a mirror (or glass). I will keep the incline and the car the same for each trial (controls). I will run three races on each surface and measure how far the car rolls from the end of the ramp. I will graph the results for each surface and find the average distance the car travels on each surface.

Results: The car traveled the furthest distance on the glass surface and the shortest distance on the indoor/outdoor carpet.

Conclusion: The smooth surface provides the least amount of friction.

Project Type 2: Special Interest Project

Special interest projects are an opportunity for students to study a science related topic they are interested in and create a display showing what they have learned. The display could include a report, pictures, drawings, charts, photographs, etc.

Guidelines

• Pick something that you are interested in studying.

• Learn about that topic through books, computers, magazines, etc.

• Create a display showing what you’ve learned.

Questions for a Special Interest Project

1. Why did I choose this topic to study (i.e. what was my question about this topic?)

2. What did I learn about this topic? Where did I get information about my topic?

3. Who helped me with my project?

Project Type 3: Collection Project

Collection projects help students to learn observation and classification skills. It is hoped that each student will reach a conclusion about their collection and then be able to generalize that information. The display of a collection could include an actual collection, a report, photographs, graphs and charts, or anything that shows what was learned by doing the collection. It is more appropriate if the collection is somewhat science related (i.e. not a collection of Pokémon cards, Hot Wheels, etc.)

Guidelines

• Sort your collection and tell why you collected it. Tell when and for how long you collected it.

• Tell where you collected it, and how many items are in your collection.

• Create a display board showing what you learned. If you are able to bring your collection to the Science Fair, you may do so, as long as the items are not too valuable. Take pictures if your items are too valuable to leave unattended.

Questions for a Collection Project

1. What question did I ask about my collection?

2. What materials did I use, including what I collected and tools I used in my collecting?

3. What did I do? How did I do my collecting?

4. What did I notice when I sorted my collection?

5. What is the answer to my question?

6. What books or resources did I use?

7. Who helped me with my project?

Project Type 4: Model/Demonstration Project

Model/Demonstration projects give students the opportunity to research a topic and/or build a model of something they are interested in and then present it. Learning about the heart, the digestive system, or the solar system can be very exciting. How does an internal combustion engine work? Find out, and share your answer!

Guidelines

• Pick something you are interested in studying, and show that you understand what you studied.

• Make a model that shows things completely and correctly, so someone who hasn’t studied your subject understands your topic.

• Create a display board showing what you learned. There is space in front of your display to place your model if you'd like.

Questions for a Model/Demonstration Project

1. What is the question I want to answer?

2. What materials did I use to build my model? How did I use those materials to build my model?

3. What books or resources did I use?

4. Who helped with my project?

Snack table labels:

Cookie Conundrum

The conundrum is…how will you decorate your cookie? 

Mad Scientist

Punch

Juice, Sprite and a bit of wacky science!

Newton’s Apple

Organic, because that is how Newton ate them!

Magnificent Molecules

Trix, marshmallows and butter.

H²O

Donated by our friends at Busch’s

Hands on Ideas:

Clingy Balloons

Materials

·         Balloons

·         Wool

Step 1: Blow up a balloon and tie them off. (Ask a parent for help!)
Step 2: Rub the balloon vigorously on your head.
Step 3: Put the balloons up on the wall and be amazed! The balloons will remain there for a few hours.

Why does this work?
As the surfaces of the balloons are rubbed, negatively charged electrons are lost and the balloons become statically charged. Since charged objects attract uncharged objects (in this case, the ceiling), the balloons will stick to the ceiling until the charges of the two objects become equal.

Buoyancy

Materials

·         Modeling clay

·         Bowl or tub of water

·         20-30 paper clips

·         20-30 pennies

Do This

1. Using the same amount of clay each time, mold modeling clay into these shapes: round ball, flat triangle, long round tube, bowl, canoe-shaped boat, or another style boat
2. Test each clay shape in the container of water to see if it floats or sinks.
3. Using one of your clay boats that floated or a toy boat, float the boat in the water and mark the water level on the side of your boat
4. Load your boat with small items, such as paper clips and pennies, a few at a time. Watch your boat float lower and lower in the water.
5. Determine how much cargo your boat can carry before it will sink.

What Should Have Happened

The shape of an object does play a role in whether something floats or sinks. A solid ball of modeling clay will sink straight to the bottom. The same amount of modeling clay in the shape of a boat with high sides will float. Even though boats and ships will float, they may sink if they are overloaded. All ships have a mark on their side called the Plimsoll line after its inventor, Samuel Plimsoll. This mark tells the captain of the ship how low the ship can float in the water without sinking.

TORNADO IN A BOTTLE

MATERIALS:

• 2 2-liter clear plastic pop bottles
• water
• Tornado Tube

PROCESS:

Fill one of the bottles two-thirds full of water.

Take the Tornado Tube and twist it on the first bottle. Then, grab the second bottle and attach it to the Tornado Tube.

Or use duct tape to fasten the two containers. Make sure to tape tightly to make sure that no water will leak out when you turn the bottle over.

Turn the tornado maker, so that the bottle with the water is on top. Swirl the bottle in a circular motion. Most tornadoes form counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. A tornado will form in the top bottle as the water rushes into the bottom bottle.

*If you want to get creative, you can also use food coloring to make the tornado have a color and glitter to represent debris.

EXPLANATION:

The swirling motion you give the bottle forms a vortex and is a easy way to create your own tornado.

Geodesic Gumdrops

Materials:

·         Candy

·         Toothpicks

Process:

Use toothpicks held together by candy to create incredible structures.  Experiment with making shapes out of triangles, squares or hexagons. 

	What happens? Even though your gumdrop structures are standing absolutely still, their parts are always pulling and pushing on each other.  Structures remain standing.

Paper Airplane Science

Material:

• An 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper

To Do and Notice

Build a paper airplane. 

Initial observations

Notice how the airplane flies.
Try to fly it backwards.
Notice that it definitely has a front end and will not fly backwards.

How far can you get your plane to fly?

Gak

Is it a solid? Is it a liquid? Just what is this slimy, stringy, rubbery stuff? This variation on slime will probably remind you of a similar substance found in many toy stores. This is the most popular version of "slime" because it's so easy to make and serves as a great visual tool for introducing students to the properties of polymers.

Materals:

• Elmer’s Glue®
• Borax
• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic cup
• Spoon
• Measuring cup
• Food coloring
• Water

How to make Gak:

1. This recipe is based on using a brand new 8 ounce bottle of Elmer’s Glue. Empty the entire bottle of glue into a mixing bowl. Fill the empty bottle with warm water and shake. Pour the glue-water mixture into the mixing bowl and use the spoon to mix well.
2. Go ahead… add a drop or two of food coloring. 
3. Measure 1/2 cup of warm water into the plastic cup and add a teaspoon of Borax powder to the water. Stir the solution – don’t worry if all of the powder dissolves. This Borax solution is the secret linking agent that causes the Elmer’s Glue molecules to turn into slime.
4. While stirring the glue in the mixing bowl, slowly add a little of the Borax solution. Immediately you’ll feel the long strands of molecules starting to connect. It’s time to abandon the spoon and use your hands to do the serious mixing. Keep adding the Borax solution to the glue mixture (don’t stop mixing) until you get a perfect batch of Elmer’s slime. You might like your slime more stringy while others like firm slime. Hey, you’re the head slime mixologist – do it your way!

What happens?
The mixture of Elmer’s Glue with Borax and water produces a putty-like material called a polymer. In simplest terms, a polymer is a long chain of molecules. You can use the example of cooking spaghetti to better understand why this polymer behaves in the way it does. When a pile of freshly cooked spaghetti comes out of the hot water and into the bowl, the strands flow like a liquid from the pan to the bowl. This is because the spaghetti strands are slippery and slide over one another. After awhile, the water drains off of the pasta and the strands start to stick together. The spaghetti takes on a rubbery texture. Wait a little while longer for all of the water to evaporate and the pile of spaghetti turns into a solid mass -- drop it on the floor and watch it bounce.
Many natural and synthetic polymers behave in a similar manner. Polymers are made out of long strands of molecules like spaghetti. If the long molecules slide past each other easily, then the substance acts like a liquid because the molecules flow. If the molecules stick together at a few places along the strand, then the substance behaves like a rubbery solid called an elastomer. Borax is the compound that is responsible for hooking the glue’s molecules together to form the putty-like material. There are several different methods for making this putty-like material. Some recipes call for liquid starch instead of Borax soap. Either way, when you make this homemade Silly Putty you are learning about some of the properties of polymers.
Elmer's Slime is very easy to make, but it's not exactly what you'll find at the toy store. So, what's the "real" slime secret? It's an ingredient called polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The cross-linking agent is still Borax, but the resulting slime is longer lasting, more transparent... it's the real deal.