1. Science Fair Informational Meeting
for Parents

2. What am I going to do? What is a
good idea for my science project?
This is usually the first thing that you start thinking about when
you hear “Science Fair.”
Before you get too excited about an idea, you have to know the
difference between an experiment and a demonstration.

3. Science Experiment …
Not a
Demonstration
Not a
Experiment Demonstration
An experiment tests at A demonstration doesn’t
least 2 different materials. test different materials.
Example: Examples of
In which type of soil will a demonstrations:
bean plant grow more? Making a “volcano.”
Creating an electrical
circuit.

4. Upper grade students **5th grade
“Variable” “Constant”
The material that you Everything else in the
change, or are testing, is experiment needs to stay
your “variable.” the same or “constant.”
It is the only thing that This is important, so that
“varies” or changes. you can make accurate
conclusions.

5. You can turn a demonstration
idea into an experiment.
…turned into an
A demonstration … experiment
If you wanted to create … testing different types of
an electrical circuit, you materials or metals for the
can change it into an electricity to flow through.
experiment by… Or you can test different types
of batteries. But you can only
change one part of the circuit.

6. Other Places for Ideas:
 Science Fair Project Information & Ideas:
 Please go to: Cibolo Green’s website, tab – “Students”, “Science Fair”
 http://tw.neisd.net/webpages/dlashe/science.cfm?subpage=317382
 We have lots of information on the website to help you.

 Also, try these websites to look for project ideas.
 Remember, not all the project ideas will be actual experiments. Some ideas might be
demonstrations. Make sure that you are testing one variable, taking measurements, and are
able to graph the results.
 Science Buddies website – Pick a science topic. Don’t let the science vocabulary scare you.
Several easy projects are listed under very scientific names. This site has lots of great ideas and
details! http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science_project_ideas.php
 Science Bob – Nice list of project ideas and other info.
http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php
 Science Fair Adventure – Choose a science topic and check out the ideas. Be careful that you
choose an experiment and not a demonstration. http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/
 Education.com Website. Choose “Elementary School” and then a grade level. This site also has
lots of project ideas. http://www.education.com/science-fair/all/
 Internet Public Library – This has some great information about the scientific method, steps,
and ideas. Some of the links are old, but may be very useful to many of you.
http://www.ipl.org/youth/projectguide/

7. Guidelines
 All projects must be approved by your classroom teacher. Complete a
PROJECT PROPOSAL form with a parent signature, and turn it in to your teacher by Tuesday,
January 29.
 All projects are done by individual students; Group projects will not be approved.
Please do not include your name on your project. Your project will be given a number when it is
presented.
 Projects must be experimental investigations that meet grade-level expectations (see
Science Fair link under “Students” on our school website for examples of project ideas for each grade level)
 Your project display should be able to stand up on a standard student
desktop (the top of a desk is 17 x 23 ½ “-any height is fine). Your display needs to include a clear
presentation of all of the steps listed in (4) above. Again, remember not to write your name on your
project. Your teacher will assign your project a number. Low-voltage batteries are permitted, but
electrical outlets will not be available for project displays. Do not include liquids as part of your display.
No live animals or animal parts may be displayed.
 Projects must be brought to school on Thursday, February 28
 by 7:30 a.m.. Student presentations & preliminary judging will begin on that day.

8. More guidelines –
Scientific Method
Projects will include the steps of the scientific method:
a question or problem (What are you wondering?)
a hypothesis (What do you think you might find if you
investigate this?)
materials list (How many? What kind? How much? What
size?)
an explanation of the procedure (What steps will you follow
in completing the experiment or investigation?)
presentation of data (How can you show what happened after
you investigated this? examples: charts, graphs, photographs,
written work)
a conclusion (What did your data show? What did you
learn?)

9. Scientific Method
Step 1 – Problem
Problem: This is what you want to discover. It must
be a written question. Make sure that you have
chosen an actual experiment.
Example: “Which brand of paper towels
hold the most weight when they are wet?”
If you are not comparing something, then it is a
demonstration and not an experiment. You have to be able
to measure or graph the results.
Due Tuesday, January 29th.

10. Scientific Method
Step 2 – Hypothesis
Hypothesis (Prediction): This is what you think the
answer will be to your question.
It is a statement of your educated guess.
Try not to use “I,” “me,” or “my.”
Non-example: “I think Bounty will hold more weight than
Sparkle.”
Example: “Bounty will hold more
weight than Sparkle.”
Due Tuesday, January 29 th .

11. Scientific Method
Step 3 – Materials
Materials: List everything needed for the experiment.
Your list should tell how much, how many, what kind,
or what size for every item listed.
 If possible, use metric measurements.
Include any instruments used to measure the results.
Final project due: Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 a.m.

12. Scientific Method
Step 4 – Procedure
Procedure: This is a list of numbered steps followed
during the experiment.
Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my.”
Be sure to tell how to set up the materials and what to
do.
Tell how to measure the results.

13. Scientific Method
Step 5 – Data
Data/ Observations: This includes a data table
and/or a graph of recorded results.
The experiment needs at least 3 trials or
samples and should include all measurements and
observations.
You can also include pictures or photographs, but your
face should not be in any photo.

14. Scientific Method
Step 6 – Conclusion
Conclusion: This is a summary stating your findings.
Was your hypothesis accepted or rejected?
How can this information be useful in the real world?
What did you learn?

15. Timeline
Tuesday, Jan. 29th – Last day to turn in your project idea to
your teacher.
Friday, Feb. 1st – Teacher Approval of projects
Thursday, Feb. 28th – Students bring completed Science
Projects to school by 7:30 a.m. Students will present their
science fair project to the class.
Monday, Mar. 5th – Final Science Project judging will
take place
Tuesday, Mar. 6th & 7th – Winners Announced on
Announcements
Friday, Mar. 8th – All Science Fair Projects go home.

16. Judging Criteria
1) Project requirements are met/ includes an accurate
conclusion
2) Steps in the procedure are clear,
3) Data gathered is clearly presented,
4) Display is neat and attractive, &
5) Evidence of time/effort & originality

17. Samples & Questions
Sample Science Boards are displayed around the room.
Some have excellent ideas.
Some show a great way to display the steps for the science
project.
Some incorporate the data tables & graphs in an amazing
way.
Some have fantastic conclusions.
They may not be perfect in every aspect, but they will
provide you with ideas.
We will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

18. Enjoy guiding your child in learning
through science inquiry!