Name________________

Greenbrier Fifth Grade Science Fair

Our Science Fair will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13-14, 2005 in the Panther Pavilion.

Each student is responsible for choosing and completing a project.

Each project will be completed by an individual student, (not partners).  An individual grade will be given for each student.

 

 

Special rules or restrictions: The following may not be displayed: vertebrate animals, uncovered chemicals, food, liquids, molds, and bacterial cultures, explosives, toxic (or flammable) liquids, frayed electrical cords, or any other item that the Rules Committee designates are potentially harmful.  Electrical outlets on approval only, however, batteries may be used. –Maximum dimensions for individual Projects are 30 inches deep, 48 inches wide, and 72 inches high or 108 inches from floor to top. The display must be self-standing.

SCIENCE FAIR DISPLAY BOARDS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL

The following time line should help you prepare your projects:

Task                                                       Deadline

1.     Choose a title and purpose (question)                                             February 23

2.     Write a hypothesis and a paragraph describing your project.    February 25

3.     Work on project during Spring Break                                              March 23    

4.     Write observations, results, and conclusions.                                 April 4        

5.     Research, write first draft of report.                                                 April 9        

6.     Revise and write final draft of report.                                              April 11      

7.     Bring Science Fair project to school.                                               April 13      

8.     Take Science Fair project home.                                                       April 13, 14

 

…………………………………………………………………….......................................

Parents--Please keep this time line at home, in a convenient place.  Sign and return this bottom portion to let me know you have read this.

___________________     ______________________                       ____________

(Parent’s signature)                           (Student’s Signature)                        (Date)

2004 Science Fair Schedule of Events

 

Tuesday, April 12, 2005:

            5:00-6:30    Parents may bring projects to Panther Pavilion

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2005:

7:00           Parents/students may begin to leave the projects at the Panther Pavilion

8:20           Classes begin to set-up projects

10:00         Judging begins

1:30-3:00   Fourth grade viewing

Thursday, April 14, 2005

            8:30           Science Fair Awards Assembly

            9:00           Fifth grade tour of Science Fair

CLOSED 3:00 TO 4:30                                                      CLOSED 3:00 TO-4:30

 

4:30-6:30         Parent Open House (projects may be taken home)

 

 

 

 Science Fair Rules and Procedures:

1.          Each fifth grade student will be required to do a project.

 

2.         Each project will be worth 100 possible points.

 

3.         Each student will receive a participation ribbon.

 

4.         Each student must do all of the work on the project.  The only help the student may receive is using power tools or typing the report.  The report may be hand written in black or blue ink.  It is not required that the report be typed.

 

5.               Mrs. Keys has agreed to help those students who wish to type their reports in the    

           computer lab.

 

6.               Listed below are the ten topic areas for this year's science fair.  (Limited to 3 projects

            per topic area per class.)

 

7.              After a student has chosen his/her topic area, he/she may not change to another area.

 

 

8.              Three overall winners will be chosen from each of the ten topic areas.  An overall

            winner will be chosen to compete at the Co-op.

 

9.       Each student will be given a display board.  Do not to put your name on the project or the report.  Each student will be given a sticker label on which to write his/her name and teacher's name and attach to the back of the display board.

 

10.     The following may NOT be displayed: vertebrate animals, uncovered chemicals, noxious gases, open flames, uncovered food, liquids, molds, and bacterial cultures, explosives, toxic or flammable liquids, frayed electrical cords, or any other item that the Rules committee designates are potentially harmful.  Electrical outlets on approval only: however, batteries may be used.

 

TOPIC AREAS:

 

Process Steps

     An exhibit must demonstrate use of the scientific process.  Each exhibit may contain any or all of the following: (Items with an asterisk(*) are required)

 

*Statement of the Problem

(A brief description of the problem to be solved or study to be done.)

Example:  Which battery lasts the longest?

                 Which pet do most kindergarten children prefer?

 

Background Information

(A report containing information about the topic.)  Go to the library.  Learn about the topic.  Write to companies for information.  Consult books, magazines, newspapers or expert people.

 

Bibliography

List of all the reference materials used in the project.

 

*Hypothesis

An educated expectation of what will happen?

Why do you think this will happen?

 

Materials

A list of all quantities of materials needed in order to do this project.

 

*Procedure

A step-by-step set of instructions of how the project was done.  It is like a recipe.  What did you do first, second, third?  The procedure should be written clearly enough that anyone can repeat this project without any assistance.

 

Data/Observations

Be sure your observations, investigations or experiments are valid.  Record on a graph, chart or log what happened each time you collected information.

 

*Conclusion

Based on the data, what was the outcome?  Did it prove or disprove the hypothesis?

 

Recommendations

If this experiment were done again, what could be done differently and why?

 

Acknowledgments

List the people who helped with the project, and how they helped.

Science Fair Scoring Rubric:

Points should be granted for projects that contain the following items and characteristics:

 

I.       CREATIVE ABILITY (20 points)______________

 

   (a)     How much of the work appears to show originality of approach and handling?

(b)     Was there ingenious use of materials?

(c)     If a collection, is it purposeful?

 

II.      SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT (30 points)_____________

   (a)     Does the exhibit show organized procedures?

   (b)    Are observations accurate?

   (c)    Was there a "control group" in the experiment?

   (d)    Is there verification of a scientific theory?

   (e)    Does it explain a "cause and effect" relationship?

 

III.    THOROUGHNESS (15 points)______________

   (a)     How completely is this story told?

   (b)    Have several sources of information been used?

            (Step-by-step detail of construction not necessary for full point value.)

 

IV.    SKILL (15 points)_______________

   (a)     Is the workmanship of good quality?

   (b)    Will the exhibit demand frequent repairs?

   (c)    Will the exhibit demand constant attention?

   (d)    In collection, is the display skillfully displayed to show important points?

 

V.     CLARITY AND DRAMATIC VALUE (20 points)

   (a)     Will the average person understand what is being displayed?

   (b)    Are there misspelled words, poor grammar?

   (c)    Are there mislabeled materials or insufficient guide marks for the observer?

   (d)    Are descriptions too brief or too lengthy?

   (e)    Will spectator attention progress sensibly through the display?

   (f)     Is this display more attractive than others in the same field?

   (g)    Are the sight, sound, smell and/or touch at the correct intensity?

 

 

 

THIS IS THE SCORING RUBRIC THE JUDGES USE

 

 

Helpful “Hints” to Creating a Winning Science Fair Project

            A. The Lay Out

Lay out all of your drawings, collections, charts, graphs, and demonstrations according to the main divisions.  The project is to show - problem, procedures, conclusions, and summary.  Arrange them in logical order reading from left to right.  Supply, by cut letters or attractive writing, all the information you need to give a reader a clear picture of your work.

 

Call in several critics and let them read your project.  Make any changes that will help your critic to clearly understand your project.  Your English teacher can help a lot!

 

Now, choose an eye-catching title for your project. (Never choose a title and then work a project around it.) Make sure that the title is appropriate.

           

            B.  Choosing A Display Background

Measure your lay out space and choose a size, which will neither be crowded nor have space to spare.  It must, however, not exceed 4 feet in width, 30 inches in depth, and 72 inches in height.

Your display background should be of a durable material.  Materials that are appropriate might be:  framed wallboard, pegboard, or framed cardboard from a heavy crate or box.  It should be well constructed to stand hard wear and tear.  The board or background MUST be portable.  It should fold.  Do not use poster-board alone.  Your school provides display boards for you.

 

            C.  Choosing Colors For Your Project Display

Choose a cheerful color, which will bring out the objects in your materials to be displayed for your background color.  Choose a striking contrast in color for your lettering.

Never use more than two colors.  A third color may be used, however, to shadow, or emphasize something, but should not be used extensively.  Several colors become confusing and uninteresting.

 

            D.  Lettering

Ease of reading should be considered in choosing the type and size of the letters to be used.  A good size is 1½ inches high, and ¾ inch wide for titles and one inch high or smaller for subtitles.  However, anything that is easily read five (5) feet from the project will be suitable.

 

The Research Report on your project must contain scientific information pertaining to why this particular thing happened in your project.  You should choose a project that will be easier to support with scientific information.  This information can come from books, encyclopedias, or internet articles.  All information used should be cited in the bibliography page of your report.  Your teacher will give you more information about bibliography pages and how to cite references.

*Microsoft WordArt is an excellent way to create beautifully artistic, yet professional lettering for titles and lables!

 

 

What Is A Bibliography?

 

A bibliography is an ALPHABETICAL listing of all the books, magazine articles, pamphlets, newspapers, websites, or people you used in researching your topic and writing your report.  It is a necessary part of your report on your science fair project.

 

Books:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazines:

 

 

 

 

 

 

People:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.          What type of line carries sound waves best?

2.          Can the sun’s energy be used to clean water?

3.          Does a green plant add oxygen to its environment?

4.          Which metal conducts heat best?

5.          What percentage of corn seeds in a package will germinate?

6.          Does an earthworm react to light and darkness?

7.          Does the human tongue have definite areas for certain tastes?

8.          Can same-type balloons withstand the same amount of pressure?

9.          Does the viscosity of a liquid affect its boiling point?

10.      Does surrounding color affect am insect’s eating habits?

11.      Do heart rates increase as they get older?

12.      Can you use a strand of human hair to measure air moisture?

13.      What material provides the best insulation?

14.      Is using two eyes to judge distance more accurate than using one eye?

15.      Do different kids of caterpillars eat different amounts of food?

16.      What plant foods contain starch?

17.      What keeps things cooler-plastic wrap or aluminum foil?

18.      Does heart rate increase with increasing sound volume?

19.      Do boys or girls have a higher resting heart rate?

20.      Do liquids cool as they evaporate?

21.      Which way does the wind blow most frequently?

22.      Does the size of a light bulb affect its energy use?

23.      For how long a distance can speech be transmitted through a tube?

24.      Which grows mold faster-moist or dry bread?

25.      What type of soil filters water best?

26.      Does the color of a material affect its absorption of heat?

27.      Does sound travel best through solids, liquids or gas?

28.      Do sugar crystals grow faster in tap water or distilled?

29.      Can you see better if you limit the light that gets to your eye?

30.      How much of an apple is water?

31.      What common liquids are acid, base, or neutral?

32.      Do taller people run faster than shorter people?

33.      Does the length of a vibrating object affect sound?

34.      Does a plant need some darkness to grow?

35.      Who can balance better on the balls of their feet-boys or girls?

36.      Does exercise affect heart rate?

37.      Which dish soap makes the longest lasting suds?

38.      What are the effects of chlorine on plant growth?

39.      Which type of oil has the greatest density?

40.      How accurately can people judge temperatures?

41.      How far does a snail travel in one minute?

42.      Do different types of soil hold different amounts of water?

43.      Will adding bleach to the water of a plant reduce fungus growth?

44.      Does water with salt water boil faster than plain water?

45.      How far can a person lean without falling?

46.      Can you tell time without a watch or clock?

47.      How far can a water balloon be tossed to someone before it breaks?

48.      Does the shape of a kite affect its flight?

49.      Does an ice cube melt faster in air or water?

50.      Does sugar prolong the life of cut flowers?

51.      How much of an orange is water?

52.      Which liquid has the highest viscosity?

53.      Will more air inside a basketball make it bounce higher?

54.      Does the color of light affect plant growth?

55.      Does baking soda lower the temperature of water?

56.      Which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels?

57.      Which brand of popcorn pops the fastest?

58.      How much can a caterpillar eat in one day?

59.      In my class, who has the biggest feet-the boys or the girls?

60.      Do plants grow bigger in soil or water?

61.      Does the color of water affect its evaporation?

62.      Can you separate salt from water by freezing?

63.      How does omitting an ingredient affect the taste of a cookie?

64.      Do suction cups stick equally well to different surfaces?

65.      Which student in class has the greatest lung capacity?

66.      How much weight can a growing plant lift?

67.      Will water with salt evaporate faster than water without salt?

68.      Does it matter in which direction seeds are planted?

69.      Which cheese grows mold the fastest?

70.      Do all colors fade at the same rate?

71.      Which brand of diaper holds the most water?

72.      In my class, who has the smallest hands-the boys or girls?

73.      Which kind of cleaner removes ink stains best?

74.      Does a plant grow bigger if watered by milk or water?

75.      Which brand of soap makes the most suds?

76.      Does a baseball go farther when hit by a wooden or metal bat?

77.      Do living plants give off moisture?

78.      Using a lever, can one student lift another student who is bigger?

79.      Which gets warmer-sand or dirt?

80.      What kind of glue holds two boards together better?

81.      How much salt does it take to float an egg?

82.      What kind of juice cleans pennies best?

83.      Which dish soap cleans pennies better?

84.      Do watches keep time the same?

85.      On which surface can a snail move faster-dirt or cement?

86.      What brand of raisin cereal has the most raisins?

87.      How can you measure the strength of a magnet?

88.      Do ants like cheese or sugar better?

89.      Can the design of a paper airplane make it fly farther?

90.      Do the roots of a plant always grow downward?

91.      Can you tell what something is just by touching it?

92.      What kinds of things do magnets attract/

93.      What foods do mealworms prefer?

94.      How long will it take a teaspoon of food dye to color a glass of still water?

95.      Does a bath take less water than a shower?

96.      Can you tell where sound comes from when you are blindfolded?

97.      Can plants grow without soil?

98.      Does warm water freeze faster than cool water?

99.      In my class who is taller-the boys or the girls?

100.    Do different types of apples have the same number of seeds?

101.    Do bigger seeds produce bigger seeds?

102.    Which materials absorb the most water?

103.    Do wheels reduce friction?

104.    What materials dissolve in water?

105.    What is the soil in my schoolyard made of?

106.    Does holding a mirror in front of a fish change what the fish does?

107.    What color birdseeds do birds like best?

108.    What holds two boards together better-a nail or screw?

109.    Will bananas brown faster on the counter or in the refrigerator?

110.    Does temperature affect the growth of plants?

111.    Do mint leaves repel ants?

112.    Does a ball roll farther on grass or dirt?

113.    Do all objects fall to the ground at the same speed?

114.    Does anyone in my class have the same fingerprints?

115.    Which travels faster-a snail or a worm?

116.    Which paper towel is the strongest?

117.    Can plants grow from leaves?

118.    Which dissolves better in water-salt or baking soda?

119.    Can things be identified by just their order?

120.    With which type of battery do toys run longest?

121.    Does color affect memory?

122.    Does sound affect plant growth?

123.    Is it possible to learn while sleeping?

124.    Does TV change Kid’s moods?

125.    Does magnetism affect seed germination?

126.    Which soil type is best for plant growth?

127.    Comparisons of blood pressure variations?

128.    Does cigarette smoke affect house plants?

129.    Does oil stain or oil paint provide better protection?

130.    Which detergent works best?

131.    What is the best smoke detection system?

132.    What is the best home insulator?

133.    How does lack of sleep affect behavior?