Science Fair Project ALL 5TH GRADE STUDENTS

February 4, 2008

This year we are studying the scientific method. This directly relates to information students are expected to know on the science WASL. This is a systematic approach to experimentation. It requires a clearly stated question, a prediction (hypothesis), specific steps, careful observation, record keeping, and analysis of results. Models; such as volcanoes, solar systems or human body will not fulfill this requirement. Students will need to follow this process to create a project and scientific experiment of his/her choice. All students will share their projects in a class presentation on March 12 th. Our Science Fair will be in the Cafeteria March 13th from 2:00 to 3:15, and we encourage parents to attend.

Attached are the expectations of each section of this project as well as a list of possible project questions and websites to find even more. In class we will discuss each part of this assignment, but due to the diversity of content choices, it will be necessary for the students to do much of the work including their experiment at home.

Each student needs to have a display with a backboard and a notebook with all their work. Grading will be based on how closely they follow the scientific method. The notebook should show all of the steps of the scientific method and complete details and observations made during the testing. The display also shows this in a neatly organized summary. See the attached sheets for information on the display, project ideas, and resources.

Each student must work on their own topic because an individual grade will be given to each student. No partner experiments will be accepted, and all project ideas must be approved by their teacher!

Please review this entire packet with your child and sign below stating that you are aware of all project requirements and due dates. Please ensure all work is done by the student. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ------

I have reviewed the Science Fair packet and I am aware of all requirements. My student will do the work themselves and be ready to present by March 12th, 2008

Student’s Name Student Signature

Parent Signature Date

A science project can be any of the following:

 A step-by-step search for an answer to a question.  Testing an object to see how it performs.  Studying how something affects something else

REQUIRED COMPONENTS: Daily log- begins now – Students should begin their daily logs today. Each day, an entry should be made into their daily log. Right now the entries will consist of what they are thinking in regard to the project, areas of interest, and possible ideas for consideration. Once the topic is selected, entries each day should reflect their thinking, where research information is being found, background research notes, etc. The daily log continues through setting up the experiment, listing the observations and results, drawing conclusions, and reflecting on their work. Each entry should be dated. The daily log will be a complete record of the entire project form beginning to end, including comment on what is working well and what isn’t. Your log is part of your scientific journal.

Topic Question – Due Feb 8th -Attached is a list of possible ideas for topics. There are also several good web sites to visit. Be sure your child chooses a topic question that can be answered by designing an experiment. (Making a volcano is lots of fun, but for the science fair, your child must design an experiment to answer his or her topic question).

Research Report – Due Feb 15th - This is only background and related information on the chosen topic. It may be helpful to visit the library to gather resources. This report will be 1 to 2 pages of information related to the topic. Your final copy must be revised edited and in your best handwriting or typed. The rough draft will be kept in the Scientific Journal and the final will be turned separately on Feb. 15th. This section is done before you do your experiment!!

Prediction/hypothesis – Write on Feb. 15th After your research you create your hypothesis. Your hypothesis is what you think will happen and why. It doesn’t matter if the hypothesis turns out to be right or wrong. What is important is learning to use the Scientific Method to answer a question, by creating and conducting an experiment designed to find the answer. This will be included in your scientific journal.

Scientific Journal: Due March 12th - Your journal must include the following: 1. A title page 2. Table of Contents 3. Research Report (rough draft is in journal) 4. Topic Question 5. Prediction/Hypothesis 6. Procedure 7. Results/ Conclusions 8. Tables, diagrams, graphs, pictures, etc. Yes, even though these are on your visual display as well. 9. Your daily log. Procedure – This is an explanation of the experiment that you have designed. It will include a list of all materials needed and a step-by-step explanation of how the experiment will be set up. This will be included in your scientific journal.

The Experiment – Now you can actually conduct your experiment. While your experiment is progressing, you need to record everything in your daily log. (Include dates, times, observations, thoughts, and feelings about how it is going) Organizing the Results – When the experiment has been completed you need to organize and analyze the results of the experiment. Create tables, diagrams or graphs to show your experiment. It is important to remember that experiments which “don’t work” are just as valuable as those that “work”. Often we have much to learn from “mistakes”. Your conclusion should be at least one paragraph explaining the outcome of the experiment. It should also include what you learned, what you would do differently next time, what you still want to know, and what did the results tell you. Included in your scientific journal.

Visual Display: Due March 12th - Each student will need a visual display that includes: (See example attached)  Title  Question, hypothesis, procedures, results, conclusion.  Pictures, drawing, graphs, tables, charts. (copied from your journal is fine)

Oral Presentation: Due March 12th - Each student will share their project with the class. Students should be prepared to explain what their topic was, what their hypothesis was, how they went about their experiment, what the outcome was, and what they learned. They can use their display board to guide them through their presentation. We will focus on:  Subject knowledge  Organized presentation  Voice/projection  Posture  Eye contact

March 13th – Science Fair in Cafeteria 2:00 – 3:15

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.science-fair-projects-online.com www.school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.html www.yahooligans.com/science_and_nature/experiments_and_activities/Science_fairs/

We are looking forward to a great learning experience and a wonderful Science Fair. Each student will have a project to remember and be proud of. Please do your best work and get started immediately. We know you can do it!

Ms. Dawson, Ms. Miller, Mrs. Tucker

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS

Under what conditions does mold grow fast? What conditions affect the speed of seed generations? What objects can be affected by magnets? Which brand of popcorn is the best? Which brand of detergent does the best job on clothes? What effects do sight and smell have upon taste? Do water additives such as salt, sugar, etc. affect plant Do different colors of light affect the growth of bean plants? growth? Which materials keep ice frozen the longest? Which paper towel is the most absorbent? Does music have an effect on plants? Does the shape of a container have an effect on evaporation rate? How does the type of liquid affect buoyancy? Which glue creates the strongest bond for balsa wood? How does the length of string affect the pendulum? Does electricity affect the growth of crystals? What materials make the best electrical conductors? What shape has the least resistance traveling through water? Do adults or kids have faster reactions? Is memory different for adults, kids, females, males? Does hand washing prevent bacteria growth? How does sugar affect the growth of yeast? What is the effect of moon phases on seed germination? Does auto exhaust affect plant growth? What effects does temperature have on the activity of How is the behavior of ants affected by coffee grounds, salts, earthworms? sugar, etc.? Do water additives such as salt, sugar, etc. affect the life of Which type of juice cleans pennies the best? cut flowers? On which surface can a snail move faster? Do ants like cheese or sugar better? Can the design of a paper airplane make it fly further? Do different colors of food coloring color still water at the same rate? Can you tell where sound comes from when you are Can plants grow without soil? blindfolded? What foods do meal worms prefer? Do water additives affect the rate of iron rusting? Does a bath take less water than a shower? Does warm water freeze faster than cool water? Are girls or boys taller at 8 years old? At 9, 10, 11 years Do different types of apples have the same number of seeds? old? Do bigger seeds produce bigger plants? How can you reduce friction on different surfaces? What materials dissolve in water the best? Does holding a mirror in front of a fish affect its behavior? What color of bird seed do birds like best? What holds two boards together better: A nail or a screw? What kind of glue holds glass/plastic/wood/etc. together Will bananas brown faster on the counter or in the refrigerator? better? Does temperature affect the growth of plants? Do mint leaves repel ants? Does a ball roll farther on grass or dirt? Do all objects fall to the ground at the same speed? Which paper towel is the strongest dry? Wet? Can plants grow from leaves? Which type of battery lasts the longest? Do different types of soil hold different amounts of water? Will adding bleach to the water of a plant reduce fungus Does the shape of a kite affect its flight? growth? Does an ice cube melt faster in air or water? Will more air inside a basketball make it bounce higher? Does the color of water affect its evaporation? Can you separate salt from water by freezing it? How does omitting an ingredient affect the taste/texture of a Will water with salt evaporate faster than water without salt? cookie? Does it matter what direction seeds/bulbs are planted? Which kind of cheese/bread molds the fastest? Which brand of diaper holds the most water? Which kind of cleaner removes ink stains best? Does a baseball go farther when hit with a wood or metal Do living plants give off moisture? bat? What gets warmer faster: sand, dirt, or water? What type of line carries sound waves best? Which metal conducts heat best? How do earth worms react to light and darkness? Does the viscosity of a liquid affect its boiling point? Does surrounding color affect an insect's eating habits? Do children's heart rates increase as they get older? Is using two eyes to judge distance more accurate than using one eye? What keeps things colder: plastic wrap or aluminum foil? Do different types of music affect heart rate? Do different types of music affect colors and designs during How does wattage affect the radiation of heat from a light bulb? free art time? Does moisture, temperature, or light affect mold growth? Does the color of a material affect heat absorption? Does sound travel best through solids, liquids, or gasses? How do different solids affect the transmission of sound? What is the effect of temperature on the volume of air? Do liquids cool as they evaporate? Does temperature affect the height that a ball will bounce? Do more wraps of wire around an electromagnet affect its strength? Does the size of the iron core of an electromagnet affect its To what extent does the weight of the bob affect a pendulum? strength? What is the effect of density of an object on its buoyancy? Do different detergent solutions affect surface tension of water? Does wind affect evaporation rate? Does temperature affect crystal growth? Does air humidity affect evaporation rate? How do different surfaces absorb the sun's energy? Does different colored light affect earthworm behavior? How do evaporations affect the behavior of ants? Does caffeine affect blood pressure? What is the affect of exercise on heart rate? Do plants need a certain amount of darkness to grow? Do taller people run faster than shorter people? Does exercise affect blood pressure? Is seed germination affected by electricity? Which type of mulch keeps soil moist the longest?