Duncanville ISD Science Fair Handbook 2018-2019 - If you have any questions, contact your Campus Science Fair Coordinator. Mrs. Davenport ...
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Duncanville ISD
Science Fair Handbook
2018-2019
If you have any questions, contact your Campus Science Fair Coordinator.
Mrs. Davenport
tdavenport@duncanvilleisd.orgWelcome
Participating in a science fair is fun and rewarding. There are many important things to
remember when planning and conducting a project. This handbook will assist you with questions
you may have and give you the information you need for completing the project correctly.
Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to carry out the project and have fun in the process.
Please read the handbook carefully as you decide upon your topic and prepare your science fair
project.
Purpose
The science fair is conducted for many reasons:
● To focus attention on scientific experiences in school.
● To stimulate interest in scientific investigation beyond routine class work.
● To recognize and commend youthful scientific talent and hobby pursuits.
● To offer an opportunity for display of scientific talent through exhibit and demonstration.
● To provide constructive suggestions for teachers and students of science.
● To recognize teachers for outstanding science teaching.
● To stimulate public interest in the scientific abilities of students.
Deadlines
● Project Due Date: _________________January 18,2019________
● Campus Science Fair: ________January 31,2019______________
● District Science Fair: February 12, 2019
Judging
● Each grade level project will be judged according to the designated Duncanville ISD
project guidelines.
● Each grade level may award honorable mention, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place ribbons at the
campus level.
● The top three projects from each grade level will be entered in the Duncanville ISD
Science Fair.Project Guidelines
A science fair project is an opportunity to explore a field of science you find particularly
interesting and to share the results of your investigation with other people. This is an opportunity
to find out a field of science that interests you. You may choose from Earth Science, Physical
Science or Life Science. Your project must include a three-sided display (tri-fold board) that
gives viewers an overview of the science topic under investigation. This display will be an
overview of what you found out as a result of your investigation.
Choose a field of science that you have an interest.
● Kindergarten Students class must create a Collection
● First Grade Students class must create a Collection
● Second Grade Students must create a Model individually or in groups of 2-3
students.
● Third Grade Students must create a Cycle individually or in groups of 2-3
students.
*Optional: K-3 students may choose to create an experiment instead of what is listed above for
their grade level.
● Fourth Grade Students must create an Experiment individually or in groups of
2-3 students.
● Fifth Grade Students must create an Experiment individually or in groups of 2-3
students.
● Sixth - Eighth Grade Students must create an Experiment individually or in
groups of 2-3 students.
● Sixth Grade STEAM Students must create an Invention individually or in
groups of 2-3 students.
● Ninth - Twelfth Grade Students must create an Experiment or Course Specific
Showcase Project individually or in groups of 2-3 students.All projects must follow the grade appropriate guidelines COLLECTION (Grades K-1) Students must observe, identify and classify a scientific collection of their interest. A collection is a grouping or gathering of various objects which must be scientifically oriented and show that you have learned something through the process of collecting and categorizing. Items should be categorized and labeled correctly. For example, a rock collection defined by the three types of rocks with explanations about their differences and similarities. Examples of Collections: Crystals Flowers Fossils Insects Invertebrates Mammals Birds Plants Prehistoric Life Reptiles Rocks Shells MODELS (Grade 2) Students must reproduce a scientific model of their interest. A model is a small object usually built to scale that represents some already existing object. An example would be a model of plate tectonics and explanation of the theory. Examples of Models: Astronomy Atoms & Molecules Cells Constellations Earth Electricity Flowers Heart Oceanography Planets Plants Rockets Trees Rocks CYCLES (Grade 3) Students must observe, identify, and analyze a scientific cycle of their interest. A cycle is a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order. An example would be the water cycle. Examples of Cycles: Body Energy Food Chains Heat Life Light Lunar Tides Water Photosynthesis Solar System Rocks Plants Animals Experiment (Grade 4-5) An experiment can be a test made to demonstrate a known scientific fact or it can also be a test to determine if a hypothesis (your educated guess of what will happen) is accurate. An example would be to determine if plant food A out performs other brands EXPERIMENT (Grades 6-8)
An experiment can be a test made to demonstrate a known scientific fact or it can also be a test to
determine if a hypothesis (your educated guess of what will happen) is accurate. An example
would be to determine if plant food A out performs other brands.
INVENTION (Grade 6 STEAM Students ONLY)
An invention is a new device or process used to improve conditions, solve problems, or to fill
needs. Inventions can be completely new ideas or improvements on something that already exists
today. An example would be to invent fertilizing golf tees which would fertilize the grass after
being left in the ground when broken.
EXPERIMENT or SHOWCASE (Grades 9-12)
An experiment can be a test made to demonstrate a known scientific fact or it can also be a test to
determine if a hypothesis (your educated guess of what will happen) is accurate. An example
would be to determine if plant food A out performs other brands.
A Showcase project is designed to attract attention and show off the abilities of our high school
students studying different areas of science. An example would be Biology: Human Population.
Getting Started
● Choose a topic and discuss it with your teacher. Ask your teacher for help and
suggestions.
● Once you have chosen your topic problem, find out as much about your topic as possible.
● Keep a science project notebook and record all of your thoughts, preparations, and ideas.
● Work on your project a little each day. Don’t wait until the last minute.
● Collect the materials needed for the project.
● Check with your teacher for suggestions and materials.
● Create a display board to present your project. The three sided display board (tri-fold)
board should be 36” X 48”
● Write a short summary/report about your topic. You may choose to type or write your
report. The report needs to be displayed in front of the project board.
● Make sure you do not include your name on the front of the project board. Student
information needs to only be written on the back of the project.
The Scientific Method
State your question
● What is the problem you want to solve? (Question)
Do background research
Formulate a hypothesis and identify variables (Answer to the question)
● What do you think will happen?
Design experiment, establish procedure
● Define your variables
● Determine data to be collected
● What materials are needed?
Test the hypothesis by doing an experiment
● Observe● Collect data
● Organize data
Analyze the results and draw conclusion
● What did you learn?
Project displays may NOT include the following items:
● Food items (i.e. candy, gum, popcorn, etc.)
● Live animals (vertebrate or invertebrate) or animal tissues including eggs or egg shells.
● Preserved animals or their parts.
● Human parts, blood or other body fluids.
● Microbial cultures, mold, or fungi (disease or non-disease causing).
● Soil (sand, clay, rock, etc.) or waste products.
● Laboratory / household chemicals (including detergents).
● Dangerous chemical substances, such as caustics, acids, or highly combustible solids,
fluids, or gases in pressurized tanks.
● Poisons, drugs, hazardous substances, controlled substances or devices.
● Dry ice or other sublimating solids.
● Syringes, needles, pipettes or similar devices.
● Flames, open or concealed, or highly flammable display materials (including candles)
● Photographs showing the face of the student or subjects.
● LasersYou can also read
