Science Fair 2017
This spring the Junior High Students will be participating in our St. Raphael Science Fair. We will begin the process of establishing topics for our experiments between March 16th and 20th. Each Friday during Trimester III, the students will be working on their science projects with the guidance of Mrs. Exline in the science lab. This class time will be used to develop hypotheses, create/perform experiments, record observations, document results, and organize our paper/report. Other working days will be announced at a later date. The actual science fair will take place in May 2017. Below are valuable resources to use during the process.
* All project topics or ideas must be confirmed by Mrs. Exline no later than March 21st
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 and to satisfy their own curiosity about the world around them. A science fair project is an experiment, a demonstration, a research effort, a collection of scientific items, or display of scientific apparatus presented for viewing. It represents the efforts of a student's investigation into some area of interest and provides a way for the student to share the results of those investigations.
Through the development of a science fair 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." - EduPlace
Through the development of a science fair 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." - EduPlace
How do I start my Science Fair Project ?
First and foremost you need a topic! The topic you pick should be something you are genuinely interested in. This topic needs to keep you interested and motivated throughout the entire 10 week process. When you have the topic in mind ask youself the basic scientific questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Your topic should also be in the form of a question, this will be your title for your display board. After that, decide what conditions and variables are involved in your topic. Your experiment should be with changing one or more of those conditions or variables while keeping all the others the same. You may use the websites under the "Project Idea" section above. Don't forget to have fun!! Happy searching!!
What are the components of my Science Fair Project ?
*The Science Fair Project will be done at all Junior High levels. Components of the project for each grade will vary.*
Science Fair Components:
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6th Grade
6th Grade will be performing their experiment and also be creating a science fair project. Their requirements are stated in the "6th Grade Science Fair Project" packet they will receive March 16th. Their visual display must be on a regular no-fold poster board. When finished, these will be on display in the Junior High hallway. 7th & 8th Grade Both grades will be creating their own experiment based off their interests and passions. They will be required to turn in all of the items listed to left along with creating a tri-fold poster board visual display. These will be put on full display inside the science lab. *ALL grades have been designated class time to work on their science projects. All students are to come to these work periods focused and prepared. Any students that do not come prepared for these dates will earn a referral. There will be a timeline to assist with helping them prepare themselves and for turning in the proper materials during the process. |
What should my Science Fair Project look like ?
A lot of students (and parents may as well) may be thinking or asking, "well what should it look like?" Wonder no more! Besides the experiment and the research paper, there is a display piece of the project. The data/experiment from the science project should be presented on a tri-fold poster board. Depending on each student's unique experiment, the arrangement will look different. Below are a few images of both exceptionally and poorly done display boards.
ExceptionalAll of the projects above are organized neatly, have a unique experiment/theme, include the proper requirements, and draw in the audience with their design. A considerable amount of time and effort when into creating, planning, and designing each display. My attention is captured by them and I want to learn more!
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PoorThe examples above may have all the information required, but the information is not organized or neat. None of the displays present some type of theme. It appears that minimal time and effort was used in completing each one. These displays do not catch my eye or my attention.
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Questions, Comments, Concerns?
If you have a question or are having trouble with any part of the Science Fair Project, DON'T WORRY! Just click on the button below to contact Mrs. Exline at any time!!