Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Like Scientists…. The Positive Science Fair Experience

1. Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Like Scientists….The Positive Science FairExperience Presenter David W. Helm, Science Specialist david.helm@fayette.kyschools.us 859-699-1437

2. Project Selection • Work with your child to select a topic interesting to them (e.g., paper airplanes) • Ask, “What does the topic do?” Q: “What do paper airplanes do?” A: “They fly!!!”

3. Project Selection Q: “How do I change what paper airplanes do?” A: “Perhaps I can change the mass of the plane?” So now you have your experimental question! “Does changing the mass of a paper airplane effect how far it flies?”

4. Variable Identification • Independent Variable : The variable changed by the experimenter. • Mass of the paper airplane • Dependent Variable: The variable that changes as a result of IV change (the change which is measured) • The distance the plane flies

5. Variable Identification • Controlled Variables – things that might change but shouldn’t because they might effect the results; sometimes referred to as constants. • Type of paper • Airplane shape • Launch style • Winds aloft • Others?

6. Hypothesis • An Educated Prediction • If ……. then……… • If (independent variable changes this way), then (the dependent variable changes this way) • If the mass of the paper airplane is increased, then the distance the plane flies will decrease

7. Materials and Procedure • Use things you have already • Be creative with existing materials • Procedures should be clear and concise • Perform multiple trials • Repeatable by others

8. Data Collection / Results • Multiple Trials Performed • Averages determined where appropriate • Record in an organized fashion • Tables, charts, spreadsheets, etc. • Graph – line, bar, histogram, etc.

9. Conclusion • Summarize results • Conclusions reached are justified, based on the experimental data • Identify new questions for investigation • Possible application of the work

10. Display Boards • Title • Purpose • Hypothesis • Procedures • Data • Graph(s) • Conclusion

11. Science Fair Projects -A Successful Science Fair Project: • Represents student work • Shows careful planning • Includes a complete record – i.e., journal • Includes photos, charts, pictures, etc. • Has accurate, valid, and correct observations • Is attractive and organized

12. - Science Fair Projects -A Successful Science Fair Project: • Does NOT have to cost much $$$$$ • Gives credit to those who helped • Is an experiment!

13. Science Fair Projects are not……. • Just a report • A plastic model made from a kit • A weekend chore • A poster • Something done only by Mom or Dad (or that loving sibling)

14. Helping Your Child • Give support, encouragement, and guidance – always be POSITIVE! • Help your child plan mutually • Help your child to develop appropriate process skills • Assist with good record keeping • Help your child develop a safe project!

15. Helping Your Child • Feel a sense of pride and satisfaction when the project and science fair are finished • ENJOY AND HAVE FUN WITH THIS!!!

16. Questions???

17. Encouraging Students to Learn & Think Like Scientists….The Positive Science FairExperience Presenter David W. Helm, Science Specialist david.helm@fayette.kyschools.us 859-699-1437