Parent Intro to Science Fair Projects

Science Fair Projects: : 

Science Fair Projects: Authentic Learning Real Research Students who have the opportunity to share their learning with others outside the school community begin to realize how much it is valued by society. This encourages them to place a higher value on their own learning.

Science Fair 101for Parents (aka This Ain’t What You Remember As Science Fair!) : 

Science Fair 101for Parents (aka This Ain’t What You Remember As Science Fair!)

What’s this science project about? : 

What’s this science project about? No more baking soda volcanoes! Modeled after authentic research science Long-term project (3 months) Adults ARE involved – as mentors and assistants to the students

What do students learn? : 

What do students learn? Logical thinking, problem solving skills Research and writing about complex topics Public speaking skills Deeper appreciation of science and science-based careers

Science Project Handbook : 

Science Project Handbook All students receive a copy Step-by-step directions and a weekly schedule Also available online - no password needed for access to materials Delaware Science Project Portal http://moodle.dcs.k12.oh.us

How complicated and in-depth ? : 

How complicated and in-depth ? Developmentally appropriate Stretches knowledge, but not too thin YES: Simpler experiments that are well understood NO: Complex projects but no real understanding

Our main resource: : 

Our main resource: www.sciencebuddies.org How-to resources Project ideas Ask-an-Expert forum

Slide 8: 

Free online resources for K-12 students, teachers, parents Recipient of 2008 Parents’ Choice Award www.sciencebuddies.org

Finding the Right Project : 

Topic Selection Wizard Survey-style questionnaire recommends areas of science and science project ideas matched to students’ specific interests. Finding the Right Project

Finding the Right Project (cont’d) : 

Library of over 900 Project Ideas – ranked by difficulty, time, cost Project Ideas can be used “as is”, or serve as examples that students modify Finding the Right Project (cont’d)

Science Buddies Project Guide : 

How-to articles Tips, hints, links to other resources Science Buddies Project Guide

Engineering Projects : 

Engineering projects follow the engineering design model — still valid as science fair projects – see Science Buddies for description and steps of the engineering process Engineering Projects

Science Buddies Articles : 

Incorporated into the handbook Explain key concepts in language that students can understand. Science Buddies Articles

Ask an Expert : 

Online Mentoring Program Mentoring by science professionals dramatically improves project quality. Personalized support for students from science professionals and experienced high school students A safe forum for finding answers to tough questions Students can ask questions as often or as little as needed Forums arranged by grade level Ask an Expert

The Parent’s Role : 

The Parent’s Role Dual Roles: Official role: Adult Sponsor Unofficial role: “Guide on the Side”

ADULT SPONSOR responsibilities : 

ADULT SPONSOR responsibilities Safety assurance Signing official forms Experiment supervision Mentor relationship Enlisting the help of others as necessary

“GUIDE ON THE SIDE” Responsibilities : 

“GUIDE ON THE SIDE” Responsibilities Purchase agent Time management consultant Reference librarian Chauffeur Photographer Lab assistant Project auditor Crying towel Etc!

The Ideal Guide Will… : 

The Ideal Guide Will… Encourage, help with problem-solving Lend a hand but not take the lead Help keep track of deadlines and updates Regularly check progress (ask to see the lab notebook!) Keep the momentum going

The STUDENT’s Responsibilities… : 

The STUDENT’s Responsibilities… Drive the project, meet deadlines Seek assistance when needed Keep a detailed LAB NOTEBOOK of the work Do the actual work

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK : 

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK 10 STEPS to a successful science project

Step 1: Find a project idea : 

Step 1: Find a project idea How you can help: Sounding Board, Voice of Reason First Stop: Science Buddies Topic Selection Wizard

Step 2: Organize : 

Step 2: Organize How to assist: Obtain lab notebook Help student develop a personal project timetable

Step 3: Library Research : 

Step 3: Library Research Your role: help your student… Locate good sources of information Understand higher level vocabulary and concepts Develop proper note taking skills

Step 4: Develop a PLAN(Experiment/Observational Study/ Engineering Design)and get it approved : 

Step 4: Develop a PLAN(Experiment/Observational Study/ Engineering Design)and get it approved How to help: Encourage student in problem-solving Provide input, suggestions when asked Provide opportunities for student to get input from others Make sure paperwork is turned in by deadline

Is Professional supervision required? : 

Is Professional supervision required? Only in certain cases involving Human subjects Vertebrates Potential hazards with materials/equipment Potential biohazards

Where to find “Experts” : 

Where to find “Experts” High school science teachers University departments Family members, work colleagues Organizations and companies

Mentoring Precautions : 

Mentoring Precautions Mentors/supervisors aren’t always aware of science fair rules and regulations – make sure they’re informed Be sure mentor completes all appropriate forms are filled out, signed, and turned in by the deadline Follow standard child safety guidelines: monitor all interactions between your student and the mentor

Step 5: TYPE A SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND RESEARCH : 

Step 5: TYPE A SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND RESEARCH How to help: be sure student has necessary access to computer/internet

Step 6: Collect the Data : 

Step 6: Collect the Data Your role: Provide a place for student to work Supervise for safety Encourage student to problem-solve and improve experiment design Be available as extra set of hands (lab assistant) Take photos Avoid jumping in without invitation Provide dispassionate input Answer questions with questions

Examples of strategic questioning: : 

Examples of strategic questioning: “How do you think this should be done?” “I wonder if there are some other possible ways to do this?” What do you think might happen if you were to …. ?

Step 7: Write the Results and Conclusions : 

Step 7: Write the Results and Conclusions How to help: Look at the data together Look for connections together Work on the outline together Give student access to computer/internet Offer to proof-read

Step 8: Prepare the report : 

Step 8: Prepare the report Your role: Proofreader Give student computer access Encourage student to use checklist at back of handbook to self check

Step 9: the Poster : 

Step 9: the Poster Your role: Provide poster materials doesn’t need to be fancy but should be neat Insist on proofreading!

Step 10: Prepare for Judging and Expo : 

Step 10: Prepare for Judging and Expo How to help: Have student practice for you Give guidance on judging day attire Attend Expo (Open House) Same day, at 6 PM 1 hour long – students stand at project for one assigned 15-minute segment Awards Program and Reception follows (about 1 hour long)