Science Fair Guide

An Innovative World
Shelby County
Elementary Science Fair
February 27,2012 - February 29, 2012

The Great Hall

1900 South Germantown Road,
Germantown, TN‎
(901) 751-7661
 Shelby County Elementary
Science Fair

Grades K-6

An Innovative World

February 27, 2012 - February 29, 2012

SCHEDULE OF EVEN‎TS

Tuesday February 27, 2012 Project Set-Up*

8am. (noon) – 6 p.m.

Wednesday February 28, 2012 Judging (Closed to the public)

8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Viewing 5p – 7p Open to the Public

Thursday February 29, 2012 Open House

10:00 a.m. –6 p.m. Project Pick-Up

PROJECTS N‎OT PICKED UP WILL BE DISPOSED OF BY

Wednesday, FEBRUARY 29TH

Tuesday TBA Awards Ceremony**

*Exhibits will be set up in the Great Hall Germantown, TN‎.

**Awards Ceremony will be held at Southwind High School Auditorium at 6p – 7p

Deadline for school registration list is February 10th, 2012

Shelby County Schools

Contact: Dedric McGhee
Phone: 321-2571
FAX 321-2566
dlmcghee@scsk12.org

Introduction
Science Fairs can be exciting and magnificent affairs. They provide wonderful
opportunities for children to examine and explore a host of scientific questions and
a wealth of science topics.

Most students are enthusiastic and excited about pursuing a science fair project:
yet, it is not unusual for that exhilaration to wane as the actual science fair
approaches. In the end, parents are frequently “recruited” to complete the
designated project. Insufficient planning by the students in concert with
inadequate attention to details often results in projects quickly assembled on or
two nights before the fair and hastily packed off to school. A proliferation of
baking soda and vinegar volcanoes and Solar System models constructed with
Styrofoam balls attests to the lack of creativity or forethought in many science fair
projects.

The following pages are designed to provide ideas, strategies and techniques, which
will make a planned science fair a pleasant and enjoyable part of the class and
school program. The following suggestions, however, are not required. You are
encouraged to modify and alter these ideas in conjunction with the resources and
time available. Above all, the success of your science fair will be largely dependent
upon partnerships you establish with your students.

What is a Science Fair Project?

A science fair project is a unique way for students to pose questions for which they
must seek out answers, satisfying their own curiosity about the world around them.
Projects allow students to experiment, make decisions, form and re-form
hypotheses, test and examine ideas, seek solutions, and most important, learn more
about and their world. It represents the efforts of a student’s investigation into
some area of interest and provides a way for students to share the results of those
investigations. Through the development of the project, students gain a first-hand
appreciation of the work of scientists and the value of their discoveries.

Science fair projects consist of three essential components: the display unit, the
exhibit materials and the written report. Together, these elements present a
complete and thorough examination of an area of interest, a collection of new
knowledge, or the results of a self-initiated experiment.

Display Backdrop
The display unit ( also known as the backboard) is critical to the presentation. It is
what people see first and establishes the work of the students’ efforts. As a kind of
“advertisement” for the project, it must be well constructed and designed for
maximum visual effect. Usually, it stands on the table behind the other exhibit
materials.

Exhibit Materials
The materials, items, devices and samples shown in front of the backdrop unit can
be an exciting part of any science project. These materials should reflect the items
used throughout the student’s investigation. They should provide a firsthand look
at the scope of the project. As a rule of thumb, the display items should tell a story
or illustrate a concept sufficiently so that the student scientist need not be present
to explain the project to an observer.
Written Report

The written report is a compilation of everything the student did to investigate the
selected topic. It contains all the information the student collected or learned
during the weeks leading up to the actual fair. Whether the student decides to do
an experiment, assemble a collection of objects, demonstrate a scientific principle,
conduct some research into a specific area of science, or show a particularly
interesting piece of scientific apparatus, it will be necessary to record observations
and information in written form. The written report provides observers with vital
data on the scope of a project as well as the student’s understanding of the topic.

Any written report for a science fair project should include the following:

Title Page
Table of Contents
Statement of Purpose
Hypothesis (for the scientific investigation)
Research
Materials
Procedure
Observations and Results
Conclusion
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
 How To Have a Successful School Science Fair
Planning and coordinating a successful science fair can be an exciting (and nerve-
testing) experience. Successful science fairs demand both time and energy;
nevertheless, the payoff can be tremendous. Students who gain an increased awareness
of the importance of science in their lives are able to investigate areas of interest that
add to that knowledge base. Here are some suggestions you may wish to consider in
preparing students for a science fair.

 The reward is in the doing

It should be emphasized to students that the object of the science fair is not to win
a first place trophy or a blue ribbon, but rather to participate. Teachers can ignite
student interest by emphasizing that everyone who enters receives some form of
recognition- whether it is in the form of a letter of appreciation or a certificate of
participation.

 Tie the fair into other subjects.

A science fair can and should be an integral part of the entire elementary
curriculum. For example, writing the project report can be a continuing
language arts activity. Using science trade books within and throughout the
reading program is a natural extension. Math skills can be reinforced through
the measurement or estimation of project amounts. Whole curriculum
approaches maximize interest, increase participation, and underscore the
significance of this even as a cross-curricular effort.

 Involve the whole school

Work with other individuals in the school to provide a team approach to the
science fair. For example, the librarian can prepare a special display of books
about the science experiments, famous scientists, scientific information, or
literature with science themes.

 Engage the community

Students should be encouraged to promote the science fair beyond the school.
For example, students can:
-Create a classroom or school newsletter and distribute it to local businesses.
-Design a special letter and notes to parents.
-Send invitations to school administrators or other community leaders.
-Write news release about the fair and send them to the local newspaper.
-Display projects during PTA meetings.
 Keep parents informed.

For many parents, the thought of an impending science fair can be intimidating, to
say the least. It is important to keep parents informed and involved to ensure
success for all students. For example, a special calendar can be sent home
outlining a timetable for completing each element of the science fair project.

 Establish a time table and stick to it.

The major factor in most unsuccessful science fair projects is the lack of proper
planning. Establishing a timetable for each stage during the project development
ensures students enough time for sufficient investigation. Science projects must
be investigated and constructed over a period of time.

 Keep it exciting. Make it fun.

Above all, demonstrate by your own attitude that science fair projects are fun.
Your approach to the fair goes a long way toward ensuring the success.
 Helping Students Select a Topic

Choosing an appropriate area of investigation is often the most difficult part of the
entire science fair process. Typically, the shear number of potential topics
overwhelms students. It is important, however, that the student make the final
choice of a science fair topic. These are some questions you may wish to ask
students when assisting them in making appropriate choices.

Interests
 What kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
 What area of science interests you the most?
 What are your hobbies or free-time activities?
 What are your special skills or talents?
 What have we studied that you would like to learn more about?

Time
 Will you be able to spend some time on this project every week for a
minimum of five weeks?
 How long do you think you will need to gather preliminary information
about this topic?
 Do you have other activities or responsibilities ( e.g., Little League, scouts,
etc.) that may affect the time you have to work on the project?

Material
 What special materials do you think you’ll need for this project?
 Do you have those materials at home or will you need to buy them?
 Will others be able to help you obtain the materials?

On-Line Science Fair Resources

Some suggestions to get you started-

http://www.internet4classrooms.com
http://www.sciencebuddies.org
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/?pID=fair
PRESEN‎TATION‎ MODES

In considering any potential topic for a science fair project, students should also
think about how the project might best be presented. Science fair projects can be
set up in one ( or a combination) of the following five categories:

Experiments
These presentations allow students to post a problem, design an experiment
to investigate and record and report the final results.

Demonstration
Here, the student demonstrates a particular science principle or fact. The
demonstration may showcase how something works, a science phenomenon, or how
something is created naturally.

Research
In a research project, the students investigate a chosen area of science by
consulting primary and secondary resources. That is, students will need to consult
reading materials from libraries, museums, and government agencies. At the same
time, experts such as scientists, health care workers, and county agents, can be
interviewed.

Collections
Collections are an assembly of science-related items, such as rocks,
photographic equipment, aquatic plants, types of levers, etc. Usually, collection
projects are extensions of hobbies or other free-time activities.

Apparatus

In this type of project students display some kind of scientific apparatus or

instrument and describe its’ use or function in detail.
EXPERIMEN‎T
These projects are to be true experiments, which means that the answer is not
found in a book but by conducting scientific investigation.

1. The following should be written and displayed on the exhibit:

Question
Hypothesis
Materials
Variables
Procedure
Results (data display in table and/ or graph form
Conclusion

2. Data should be written in a log as you work and should be available at your
display in the original form. Scientists do not recopy to make their work neat-
they work neatly during the investigation. If there is a mistake, draw one line
through it and proceed. Do not white out or “scribble out” the data.

3. Equipment used in the investigations may be included in the display.

Diagram shows the specific parts that need to be included but they do not need to
be in this specific order. Be creative but follow a logical order that the viewer can
learn from.

Keys to a Successful Project

Any number of standards can judge success in a science fair, but ribbons,
trophies, or other awards should not measure it. If a student has selected a topic,
investigated it according to a planned design, and reported the results of that
investigation, then that student has succeeded. Winning “first place” or being “grand
champions” is certainly praiseworthy but the ultimate goal of taking part in the fair
should be to discover and learn new things abut the world (or universe) in which we
live.

General considerations

____Does the project represent the student’s own work?

Although students may receive assistance in investigating their topic and
designing their respective projects, the final effort must be the student’s- not the
scientist, teacher, parent or other adult.

___Is the project the result of careful planning?

Successful projects cannot be completed overnight. They are the outcome of a
systematic plan of action carried out over a period of time.

___Does the project demonstrate the student’s creativity and resourcefulness?

Students should be encouraged to contribute their own creativity and ingenuity to
the investigation and design of a particular project.

___Does the project show a thorough understanding of the chosen topic?

Students need to investigate their chosen area as completely as possible. The
project must reflect the results of research and investigation over an extended period.

____Is the chosen topic too broad?

Students need to be careful not to choose a topic that is too broad. They need to
focus on a topic that is “doable” and focus on a specific point in their area of interest.
Projects that have too broad a topic only skim over the top and have not depth of
investigation.
 Specific Considerations

____Does the project include a notebook, log or final report?

The display should include the appropriate project report. Such a record provides
observers with information on the subject: it documents the student’s work, and offers
insight into a student’s overall comprehension of the topic.

____Is the project sturdy and well constructed?

Using the proper materials and taking care in assembling a project are important,
particularly if the display will be standing for several days.

___Is the display three-dimensional?

In addition to the display backdrop and accompanying written report, the inclusion of
samples, apparatuses, collections, or other items is vital to the project. These should be
arranged attractively on the display table.

___Is the information accurate?

Any data gathered from outside resources, such as printed materials or interviews with
experts and data obtained form experiments must be presented accurately.

___Does the display present a complete story?

The student should carefully identify the topic chosen for investigation, what was done during the
investigation, the results, and a conclusion

A Science Fair Project is NOT:

1. Only a report.
2. Necessarily a new discovery or an original piece of
research.
3. Constructing a plastic model from a kit.
4. An enlarged model or drawing
5. A week-end chore
6. One, two or even three posters.
7. Something done by your parents.
8. A volcano or model of the solar system.
 Tips and Options for Science Fair Coordinators
 Post theme and schedule for Shelby County Fair for teachers.

 Set for school level fair. Set date so school registration list can be submitted by
February 10, 2012.

 Set guidelines for school fair.

 Distribute guidelines to students, parents and school staff.

 Decide if and what school level recognition will be given.

 Solicit judges from area high schools, the community and local organizations. Have
a number of judges. Having too few judges is hard on the judges and not fair to the
students. If your number of judges is limited, consider asking teachers to screen
projects and select projects for further judging.

 Organize a judge’s packet

 Criteria for judging projects
 Explanation of criteria
 Pencil
 Clipboard

 Select projects for entry into the Shelby County Fair to represent your school.
THERE IS A MAXIMUM OF 15 PROJECTS PER SCHOOL.

 Group projects are limited to 3 students per project.

N‎ote: every project should be displayed at the school fair, not just the good ones.
Remember that this is a learning experience for all students.
 PROJECT # __________

Shelby County Elementary Science Fair Judging Criteria

CREATIVE THOUGHT
 Original idea, question, thought
 Unique approach
 Ingenious use of materials, equipment
 Overall, highly creative
Excellent Good Fair
25……….….…..…..20…….…………..….15…………..………..10…………….……..

SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
 Question clearly stated and defined
 Hypothesis clearly stated
 Comprehensive background on topic clearly presented
 Procedures for experiment clearly and comprehensively discussed,
including all variables
 Analysis of results with sound conclusion presented
 Practical implications of results discussed
 Recommendations (new questions) for future research included

Excellent Good Fair

25…………..…..…..20…….…………..….15…………..………..10………………...

THOROUGHNESS AND ACCURACY

 Repeated trials conducted to ensure results are not due to chance
 Observational, math and/or design skills are accurate and detailed
 Meticulous records kept
 Overall, all aspects of study are exceptionally thorough

Excellent Good Fair

25…………….…..…..20…….…………..….15…………..………..10…………….……..

DISPLAY
 Project title and sub-titles clear and descriptive
 Well-organized; logical flow of presentation
 Charts and graphs correctly and clearly labeled
 Correct spelling
 Overall, visually attractive; exceptional clarity and neatness

Excellent Good Fair

25………….….…..…..20…….…………..….15…………..………..10…………………...

TOTAL POINTS_______________
 Judging

 Judging is closed to the public.

 Items of value that are part of projects should be removed at the conclusion of the judging
(see Schedule of Events). Fair officials are not responsible for loss or damage.
 Judges’ decisions are final.
 See rubric for judging criteria.

Registration
Schools
 Upon registration, assigned numbers will be given to identify projects and they will be mailed
to the school.
 Multi-grade projects must enter in the category of the highest grade.
 N‎OTE CHAN‎GE: Group projects are limited to 2 students per project. Rule change as of
September 2011.

Location: The Great Hall Germantown, TN‎

The following guidelines will expedite the process:
 There will be no on-site registration. Problems with registration can be addressed on site.
 Project displays must have assigned project numbers in the top right hand corner of the
display.
 Displays and reports are to be free of names and identifiable pictures.
 Project Identification Forms must be placed in a plain envelope and attached to the back of
all project boards with the following required information: student name(s), assigned project
number, contact person, telephone and fax numbers.
 Award Categories
Grand Prize
Primary Division- Grades K-3 Certificate, trophy

Intermediate Division- Grades 4-6 Certificate, trophy

The following awards will be given to each grade level within each division:

First Place Trophy, certificate

Second Place Trophy, certificate
Third Place Trophy, certificate

Special Awards
The following organizations and corporate sponsors select projects for special

recognition based on the project’s focus:

American Heart Association Memphis Light Gas and Water

American Institute of Architects Memphis Organization of Science Teachers

Buckeye Technologies Shelby County Environmental Commission Recycling Award

Delta Beverage The University of Memphis (C & I)

Hershey Environmental Award UT Certificate of Achievement Award

Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society Award

LifeBlood

Ellendale Electric

And others who chose to recognize quality work by students.

 School Registration Form
School River’s Edge Elementary Science Fair Coordinator Mrs. Kim Phone# 777-9311 Fax# 777-9312

E-mail_________________________

MAXIMUM N‎UMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL IS 15(FIFTEEN‎)

Grades K-3 – Class Projects  Grades 4-6 – Group or Individual Projects
PLEASE PRIN‎T CLEARLY
GRADE CATEGORY
STUDENT NAME(S) FOR GRADES 4-6 ONLY TEACHER(S) LEVEL Class(K-3),
TITLE OF PROJECT Group, or
For group projects list no more than 3 names LAST, N‎AME Individual
1. How Does Your Garden Brown, Louis K
Grow? C

4. Making Music Smith, 3

C

7. How Dirt Can Clean Misty Mourning Stacy Johnson 4 G

William Black
Homer Pyle
10.Investigating Foods Mary Person Joel White 5 G
Mike Mann
Ann Abel
Principal’s Signature Date
Deadline for School Registration Form(s) is February 5, 2012
Please return Shelby County forms to :
160 S. Hollywood
Memphis, TN 38112
FAX 321-2566 or email ldoles@scsk12.org and cc. d1mcghee@scsk12.org .
 Shelby County Elementary Science Fair 2012
SCHOOL REGISTRATION‎ FORM
School Science Fair Coordinator Phone# Fax#
E-MAIL______________________________
MAXIMUM N‎UMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL IS 15(FIFTEEN‎)
Grades K-3 – Class Projects  Grades 4-6 – Group or Individual Projects

GRADE CATEGORY
STUDENT NAME(S) FOR GRADES 4-6 ONLY TEACHER(S) LEVEL Class(K-3),
TITLE OF PROJECT Group, or
For group projects list no more than 3 names LAST, N‎AME Individual

Principal’s Signature Date

Deadline for School Registration Form(s) is February 10, 2012

Dedric McGhee
321-2571 FAX 321-2566
160 S. Hollywood
Memphis, TN 38112
 Shelby County Elementary Science Fair 2012
SCHOOL REGISTRATION‎ FORM
School Science Fair Coordinator Phone# Fax#

E-MAIL______________________________ MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PROJECTS PER SCHOOL IS 15(FIFTEEN)

Grades K-3 – Class Projects  Grades 4-6 – Group or Individual Projects

PLEASE PRIN‎T CLEARLY
GRADE CATEGORY
STUDENT NAME(S) FOR GRADES 4-6 ONLY TEACHER(S) LEVEL Class(K-3),
TITLE OF PROJECT Group, or
For group projects list no more than 3 names LAST, N‎AME Individual

Principal’s Signature Date

Deadline for School Registration Form(s) is February 10, 2012