We are so proud of our student Charis Pan for winning a special award for her board on Measuring "sugar" concentration of different types of sugar by quantifying the amount of CO2 produced during fermentation at the Orange County Fair. Great job!
I am very happy to receive emails from people who took interest in this website. They also sent me some website links which I added in the list below. Thank you so much for your contribution. This will surely help a lot of students who has somehow got in touch with this website for their science projects.
A very good website to encourage young scientists in AWP
Here is a good website that you can visit again to encourage aspiring young scientists. If they can do it, so can you. With little keen observation, determination and imagination, you can be one of those up there talking about a cure for cancer or HIV you were able to discover. Why not?http://www.ted.com/talks/award_winning_teen_age_science_in_action.html
Another websites to visit:
http://www.homeadvisor.com/r/science-experiments-around-your-home/#.WRCWyuXyuUk (contributor: Terry Kelly, a 4th grade mom. Thank you)
https://www.basementguides.com/science-experiments/ (Olivia from STEMfans)
Tinkering Guide
https://www.titlemax.com/articles/title-pros-tinkering-guide/ (from Nick Haynes)
Kid's Online Learning Tools for Science, Technology and Beyond!
https://www.bestkidstuff.com/stem/online-learning-tools-for-science-tech-and-beyond/
Stem at Home
https://www.bestdegreeprograms.org/library/stem-at-home-summer-science/ (from Michelle and Hannah... thank you for sharing this link).Engineering
From Mrs Grace Coleman (thank you!)
Games and Projects
https://www.elevators.com/a-digital-list-helpful-engineering-games/
Electricity for Kids: Fun Experiments, Free Games, and More!
https://www.towerelectricbikes.com/electricity-for-kids
Start of the investigation:
Have the following:
1. Journal 2. Camera 3. Investigation Plan 4. Materials for your experiment You have to be diligent and consistent in updating your journal. Make it as neat as possible. |
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Calling all Inventors!!!How to Invent or Design...Anything!
Not all projects use the scientific method. To know more about this go to http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=yzhoezcab&v=0015qKm9V6FEG7mpmslD6_gH3IZ5yEhN7AKjvWLJlo_ercGu7GcxAg4a-7c5x2pXJvUvIAv-Sbk-Yl9hDoGv-VcYfQTCcfMx9T2T35w9UW0NUuXiGGsbEfT73RA9nWTT8V9AiO4y6S_L5H2g9HE2NMfK-wnr_60lfFfw2Y965HhfRH1LN0zb-F3Ni-lnfIHuwVBHzMgnDsTBpS34ytTf7ODjw%3D%3D |
I am posting here a very good article regarding science fair preparation. I hope you will start reading this and get as many tips and help from this article. Try to visit as many websites about science fair projects as possible.
Dec 19, 2011 - Tentative date of Science Fair competition in Acaciawood School No date yet for County Science fair competion. You can visit http://www.ocsef.org for more information |
Are you interested in advance projects for science fair? projects that can win top high school competitions like the Intel International Science and Engineering fair (ISEF)? |
Science Fair preparation
Tips for Selecting a Topic:
An important factor in selecting a topic is to find one in which the student has sufficient interest to sustain the project from beginning to end. Some science fair projects continue from one year to the next, some are completed in several months, and some can be completed in a few weeks. In general the older the student the more time and effort should be invested in the project.
Real world issues with local significance are good topics. Ideas for such topics may be found in newspaper articles, from radio or television programs, in books, or through conversations. Asking a question which has not yet been answered or which has immediacy for the student will attract the interest of the judges and creativity can be shown in developing an experiment to try to answer the question!
The topic should be broad enough to allow in depth study but narrow enough that it can be researched and investigated in the time available. Costs should be considered, as should the amount of support from other people which will be needed for transportation and research.
If possible attend a local or district science fair competition to get ideas for future topics. Pay attention to which general categories are of interest; talk to other students about how they selected their topic. In some localities prizes are awarded for outstanding projects in certain areas or on certain topics; students may wish to select a topic that would qualify
Tips for Following the Scientific Method:
Students are expected to show increasing sophistication and application as grade level increases. Elementary students might illustrate or model a science topic of interest to them, or they might demonstrate how a particular principle works. Middle school students are expected to conduct an experiment of some type, and to use process skills which are relational by nature. The student would relate concrete ideas to abstract ones, and would use inductive and deductive reasoning. The student might start by identifying a problem, proposing a possible solution (an hypothesis), then conduct an experiment, record the results, and use the results to draw a conclusion. A high school student would need to show increased synthesis and more theoretical rationalization. Their experiments would need to demonstrate the application of knowledge, technical skills, and experience to the experiment, with strict control of variables and extended analysis of results.
Science fair projects are by nature independent studies, and should provide opportunities for the students to challenge but not overwhelm themselves. Care needs to be taken in the selection of the topic, to ensure the best fit between the challenge of the project and the motivation, skills, and interests of the student.
The organizations which sponsor science fair competitions have rules and policies which govern the competition; be sure to follow all the rules carefully. Rules governing safety, what you put on display, and proper care for animals are especially important. Some organizations sponsor prizes for projects in certain categories; research these to help in the decision of topic if you wish to participate in the special competitions.
Science Fair Benefits
Science Fair time can be an exciting period of days, weeks, or even months in which students make new discoveries about the world around them, and about themselves.
Any science teacher making an assignment for students to participate in Science Fair has a schedule for the project, and ideas about what kinds of projects students should do. For example an elementary school student might do a demonstration or a model, a middle school students might do a research project or a simple experiment. High school students are expected to do a more complex experiment in an area of scientific inquiry which is of special interest to them.
At every level the student proposes a topic, develops an understanding about the topic, explores it a bit further, and reports his or her findings to an audience. Students attempt to investigate a problem, perhaps even solving it in an innovative way, and teach themselves science through their discoveries. Projects may be in any area of science, might involve dis
Science fair investigations require time management skills. Students must budget their time, space out the work in manageable chunks, keep to a schedule, and complete their experiment early enough to have ample time for making conclusions and retesting results if necessary for confirmation and confidence.
Science fair projects present students with opportunities to use reading, writing,
Long term benefits of science fair projects have been identified as well. Students find projects which relate to their everyday lives.
What Makes a Good Science Fair Topic? Ask these questions:
Is my topic realistic?
Is it something I can do?
Is my topic interesting to me?
Can I investigate my topic by experimenting and collecting data?
Can I afford what I will need to investigate my topic?
Do I have enough time to complete the experiment?
Attention Getting Characteristics:
The science fair projects which attract the most attention share certain characteristics. Think about these questions:
The projects which receive superior ratings achieve very high scores in all four of these categories. Effective presentation of the student's work is also critical.
Tips for Completing the Work Without Significant Stress:
Start early. Plan to work on the project every day and every week; make a schedule for your work and stick to it. When the research is done, and the experiment has been completed, remember that the project must still be presented to a wider audience. Take time in completing the display board first. Then be sure to practice describing your project to your family and friends; listen to their questions to find gaps in your presentation and/or display board and make come corrections. Remember that you know the project the best, and need only share with your audience what you did.
On the Science Fair day, dress for success. Along with your display board and materials, be sure to take a table and chair if you need them for displaying your project. Some students also bring a table covering to add color and interest to their display. Remember that a science fair is not a beauty pageant, that simple display boards can be very effective, and that the project will be evaluated more on what you have done and what you have learned. However the creativity of a project will be rated more favorably by judges if time, care, and the effective use of design are obvious. Use lettering for the headings that can be read five feet away. Use one or two colors to attract attention to certain features of your project that are special. Talk to the art teacher for advice on layout . Use a large font size for any written work displayed on the backboard. Type the written paper if possible, and present it as professionally as possible, with a cover and an inviting layout. Make sure the first sentence of your report is very interesting, so that anyone who reads it will want to know more.
Then, be sure to take a book with you in case the wait for judges is long. Be on the lookout for the judges, and stand up when they approach you. Introduce yourself, offer to shake hands, look them in the eye, and say firmly to yourself, "I can do this, and my project is really great!" Make your presentation with animation; allow your interest to show!
Tips for Presenting the Project in Original and Creative Ways (Making the Display):
Science fair boards can be purchased or created from plain brown cardboard sheets, lightweight plywood, or pegboard. Most students seem to purchase a board (actually cardboard) from a store or their teacher at school. These are available in colors or white, and have two vertical seams that allow it to stand open on a table. There are size stipulations that must be followed. Sometimes students put a bridge over the top, holding the board open and promoting the project simultaneously.
While the display board allows for creative expression and artistic talent, the older the student the more professional the display should be. Avoid clutter. Use at most two or three colors. Label all data tables, charts, graphs, or photographs you use. Artwork, diagrams, and other elements of the display should be your own work. Use of logic and careful planning of the board will result in an attractive display.
Tips for Demonstrating the Sophistication of the Project and the Depth of Knowledge:
When students begin a science fair project, they may have some idea of how the experiment will turn out, and they may have some background knowledge. A superior project is one in which the student has done extensive research on the topic, shows evidence of extending him or her self, has used the scientific process carefully and effectively, demonstrates creativity and originality in topic selection, approach, display and expressioby the judges are of critical importance also. Remember that you know your own project better than anyone else and should be able to explain what you did and what you learned and what you plan to do next to anyone who asks!
Source: http://www.cyberbee.com/science/prep_sites.html
An important factor in selecting a topic is to find one in which the student has sufficient interest to sustain the project from beginning to end. Some science fair projects continue from one year to the next, some are completed in several months, and some can be completed in a few weeks. In general the older the student the more time and effort should be invested in the project.
Real world issues with local significance are good topics. Ideas for such topics may be found in newspaper articles, from radio or television programs, in books, or through conversations. Asking a question which has not yet been answered or which has immediacy for the student will attract the interest of the judges and creativity can be shown in developing an experiment to try to answer the question!
The topic should be broad enough to allow in depth study but narrow enough that it can be researched and investigated in the time available. Costs should be considered, as should the amount of support from other people which will be needed for transportation and research.
If possible attend a local or district science fair competition to get ideas for future topics. Pay attention to which general categories are of interest; talk to other students about how they selected their topic. In some localities prizes are awarded for outstanding projects in certain areas or on certain topics; students may wish to select a topic that would qualify
Tips for Following the Scientific Method:
Students are expected to show increasing sophistication and application as grade level increases. Elementary students might illustrate or model a science topic of interest to them, or they might demonstrate how a particular principle works. Middle school students are expected to conduct an experiment of some type, and to use process skills which are relational by nature. The student would relate concrete ideas to abstract ones, and would use inductive and deductive reasoning. The student might start by identifying a problem, proposing a possible solution (an hypothesis), then conduct an experiment, record the results, and use the results to draw a conclusion. A high school student would need to show increased synthesis and more theoretical rationalization. Their experiments would need to demonstrate the application of knowledge, technical skills, and experience to the experiment, with strict control of variables and extended analysis of results.
Science fair projects are by nature independent studies, and should provide opportunities for the students to challenge but not overwhelm themselves. Care needs to be taken in the selection of the topic, to ensure the best fit between the challenge of the project and the motivation, skills, and interests of the student.
The organizations which sponsor science fair competitions have rules and policies which govern the competition; be sure to follow all the rules carefully. Rules governing safety, what you put on display, and proper care for animals are especially important. Some organizations sponsor prizes for projects in certain categories; research these to help in the decision of topic if you wish to participate in the special competitions.
Science Fair Benefits
Science Fair time can be an exciting period of days, weeks, or even months in which students make new discoveries about the world around them, and about themselves.
Any science teacher making an assignment for students to participate in Science Fair has a schedule for the project, and ideas about what kinds of projects students should do. For example an elementary school student might do a demonstration or a model, a middle school students might do a research project or a simple experiment. High school students are expected to do a more complex experiment in an area of scientific inquiry which is of special interest to them.
At every level the student proposes a topic, develops an understanding about the topic, explores it a bit further, and reports his or her findings to an audience. Students attempt to investigate a problem, perhaps even solving it in an innovative way, and teach themselves science through their discoveries. Projects may be in any area of science, might involve dis
Science fair investigations require time management skills. Students must budget their time, space out the work in manageable chunks, keep to a schedule, and complete their experiment early enough to have ample time for making conclusions and retesting results if necessary for confirmation and confidence.
Science fair projects present students with opportunities to use reading, writing,
Long term benefits of science fair projects have been identified as well. Students find projects which relate to their everyday lives.
What Makes a Good Science Fair Topic? Ask these questions:
Is my topic realistic?
Is it something I can do?
Is my topic interesting to me?
Can I investigate my topic by experimenting and collecting data?
Can I afford what I will need to investigate my topic?
Do I have enough time to complete the experiment?
Attention Getting Characteristics:
The science fair projects which attract the most attention share certain characteristics. Think about these questions:
- Is this project truly original, or has it been done before?
Is the answer to my question already known?
Will my investigation add significantly to what is known about the topic?
Are there outside resources available to me? Have I narrowed my results from all possible angles?
The projects which receive superior ratings achieve very high scores in all four of these categories. Effective presentation of the student's work is also critical.
- 1. Knowledge achieved
2. Effective use of the scientific method
3. Clarity of expression
4. Originality and creativity
- Science Project Agreement & Initial Idea
Log Book - Contents
Science Process Skills
Variables
Project Component Check List
Science Fair Nitty-gritty
How to Write a Business Letter
Tips for Completing the Work Without Significant Stress:
Start early. Plan to work on the project every day and every week; make a schedule for your work and stick to it. When the research is done, and the experiment has been completed, remember that the project must still be presented to a wider audience. Take time in completing the display board first. Then be sure to practice describing your project to your family and friends; listen to their questions to find gaps in your presentation and/or display board and make come corrections. Remember that you know the project the best, and need only share with your audience what you did.
On the Science Fair day, dress for success. Along with your display board and materials, be sure to take a table and chair if you need them for displaying your project. Some students also bring a table covering to add color and interest to their display. Remember that a science fair is not a beauty pageant, that simple display boards can be very effective, and that the project will be evaluated more on what you have done and what you have learned. However the creativity of a project will be rated more favorably by judges if time, care, and the effective use of design are obvious. Use lettering for the headings that can be read five feet away. Use one or two colors to attract attention to certain features of your project that are special. Talk to the art teacher for advice on layout . Use a large font size for any written work displayed on the backboard. Type the written paper if possible, and present it as professionally as possible, with a cover and an inviting layout. Make sure the first sentence of your report is very interesting, so that anyone who reads it will want to know more.
Then, be sure to take a book with you in case the wait for judges is long. Be on the lookout for the judges, and stand up when they approach you. Introduce yourself, offer to shake hands, look them in the eye, and say firmly to yourself, "I can do this, and my project is really great!" Make your presentation with animation; allow your interest to show!
Tips for Presenting the Project in Original and Creative Ways (Making the Display):
Science fair boards can be purchased or created from plain brown cardboard sheets, lightweight plywood, or pegboard. Most students seem to purchase a board (actually cardboard) from a store or their teacher at school. These are available in colors or white, and have two vertical seams that allow it to stand open on a table. There are size stipulations that must be followed. Sometimes students put a bridge over the top, holding the board open and promoting the project simultaneously.
While the display board allows for creative expression and artistic talent, the older the student the more professional the display should be. Avoid clutter. Use at most two or three colors. Label all data tables, charts, graphs, or photographs you use. Artwork, diagrams, and other elements of the display should be your own work. Use of logic and careful planning of the board will result in an attractive display.
Tips for Demonstrating the Sophistication of the Project and the Depth of Knowledge:
When students begin a science fair project, they may have some idea of how the experiment will turn out, and they may have some background knowledge. A superior project is one in which the student has done extensive research on the topic, shows evidence of extending him or her self, has used the scientific process carefully and effectively, demonstrates creativity and originality in topic selection, approach, display and expressioby the judges are of critical importance also. Remember that you know your own project better than anyone else and should be able to explain what you did and what you learned and what you plan to do next to anyone who asks!
Source: http://www.cyberbee.com/science/prep_sites.html
For additional information on the Science Fair Process and Project Ideas please see the following websites.
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