Lewis Thomas, prize winning author, biologist, physician, and educator is

quoted as saying,

“The worst thing that has happened to science is that the great fun has gone

out of it....very few students see science as the high adventure it really is.”

This year, NISD students in grades kindergarten through seventh grade will

participate in Northwest ISD’s annual Science Inquiry Showcase.

How is Science Inquiry Showcase different from Science Fair?

Great Question!!!

Completed by vs. Completed in groups

individuals or in partners

Work in isolation vs. Work in cooperative

groups

Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

Fear of failure vs. Students work in

collaborating groups

so fear is diminished.

Content driven vs. Science process

driven

Usually all or partial vs. All work will be completed at home completed in class

under a teacher’s

guidance

Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

Student usually vs. Student groups choose

chooses from a pre- topic based on NISD

determined list of current curriculum

what to do

Dread of science fair vs. Students look forward

to doing science

Science Fair Science Inquiry Showcase

How is Science Inquiry Showcase like the Science Fair?

Another Great Question!!! Both use the scientific method to carry out the

investigation.

Both can be completed on a science board or folders.

Both can be judged at your school for the final choice of 10 projects per middle school to be submitted for the district showcase.

The district Science Inquiry Showcase will be a bit different than

the Science Fair because:

• It will be held in May.

• It will not be judged. Participants/teachers will set up projects for the community to view.

• No awards will be handed out except for certificates and ribbons of participation.

What can you do to prepare yourself for this adventure?

Think back to all the labs you’ve done this year.

Think about extension questions you may have about the lab.

Write these questions on an index card. Put the cards in the center of the table.

Your team will choose from these questions which one your group is most interested in doing.

Some Examples!