Surviving the ESM Science FairA Parent’s Guide

OverviewA. Why Science Fair?B. Who’s responsible C. What is included in a good

project?D. How are the projects judged?E. How do you help your child?F. Logistics G. Resources

Why Science Fair?Promotes inquiry and curiosityemphasis on using the science and

engineering processesinvestigation by experimentation

(inquiry-based learning) development of critical thinking skillsopportunity for a positive learning

experienceextension of formal science education

An ESM Science Fair Project is not…The following projects are not

appropriate for science fairs.Library research/informationalExplanation modelDemonstrationsKit 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 ProjectKeeping 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

PartnershipStudents

• Work• Responsibility

Parents• Encourage• Answer questions• Supervise safety• Come to the fair!

Teachers• Step-by-step assignments• Checkpoints graded along the way

Science Fair

Success

How can I help my child?Encourage ParticipationMonitor Due DatesHelp Secure MaterialsBrainstorm with your childSupervise experimentsSupport Research Efforts

–Visits to the library– Internet research– Interviews

Support use of rubric

Child Centered LearningTempting to take controlThis 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 BoardsAn 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.

LogisticsTeacher should be providing deadlines for

specific parts of the project. ESM Science Fair Expo- April 9- 11th,

2013◦ Homeroom competition first◦ Top 3 go on to school-wide competition

District Wide STEM Expo- May 22nd, 2013◦ Only one student from each of the following

groupings move on to the district wide competition. Prek-2 3-5th grade 6-8 grade

ResourcesThe 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 https://esmsciencefair.wikispaces.com/ www.sciencebuddies.com http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sc

iencefaircentral/ http://www.tryscience.org/

experiments/experiments_home.html http://www.terimore.com/Default.htm http://

school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Parent-Resources.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=paper+helicopter+template&hl=en&client=safari&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=z1UnUbCSB6WS2QXC4oGQBg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=504#i=23

HAVE FUN!!