| I am very happy to have grade 5, 6, 7 and 8 full time in the Science Lab.
My goal is to have the students experience Science not just read about it.
And while we do have to read and learn about the topics from the Diocese, I
hope I can make them come alive. I want the students to realize how amazing
the world and the people around them are and therefore appreciate these
gifts from God.
SCIENCE FAIR INFORMATION
Science Fair
WHO? All students in grades 5 to 8
WHEN? Final projects will be displayed during Catholic Schools Week
WHY? To encourage students to think like scientists as they use the
scientific method to solve a problem
WHERE? Most of the work will be completed at home; final projects will be
on display at school
HOW? Students will observe the world around them, ask a question, form a
hypothesis, and design an experiment to investigate their idea
Getting Started
Think about things you enjoy. Do you have a hobby, a favorite book or
television
show? You can ask your parents, family or friends to help you get an idea,
but the
final choice needs to be yours. You will be working on your project for
several weeks. If you do not like your topic you might lose interest and
not do your best. Remember your project has to answer a question. It is
not just a book report, demonstration, collection, model or display.
September 22 Your topic will be due on this date. It might be helpful to
have a few ideas or questions you want to work on. I will help you narrow
down your idea and form a hypothesis that you will be able to test.
September 25 You will need a journal by this date. This can be a
copybook, binder, folder, or anything where you will record all your data
and observations throughout your experiment. At the end of your project it
will include the following information and be part of your display:
„X Title page with your name and grade
„X The question you posed
„X Your hypothesis
„X All materials
„X Procedure that is very thorough and detailed ¡V someone should be
able to redo your experiment if they follow your procedures
„X Clear and complete observations, data, charts, graphs, pictures
„X Each entry needs to be dated
„X A conclusion that answers your question and explains your
results
October 9 Identify the variable for your experiment. You will
hand in a paper that includes the following information:
o Independent variable ¡V what will you be changing in the experiment.
There can only be one thing.
o Dependent variable ¡V what will you be measuring or observing
o Controlled variables ¡V what will you be keeping the same during the
experiment
October 23 A complete list of materials you will use is due on
this date. This list may be revised as you go along but it should not be
changed a lot. Think about your experiment and make a list of everything
you think you might need or might use. Any equipment that I can help you
get or you need to borrow from the lab must be given to me in writing in a
timely manner. In other words don¡¦t tell me you need something
immediately. I may need some time to get it. Plan ahead!!
November 6, 20 I will ask for your notebook on each of these dates. I want
to
December 4, 18 check on your progress and help you stay on a schedule. You
cannot wait until the last minute to do this project. Bing done early is
better than not being done!
January 19 Your final project, notebook and display are due.
Projects will be set up and judged in school during this week. All projects
will be on display during Catholic Schools Week. More information on the
display will be given to you at a later date. Keep in mind that the
projects will be on display for almost 2 weeks. Your display cannot contain
anything that will spoil during that time.
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