Transcript Parent Guide to the Science Fair

Parent Guide to the
Science Fair
WR Thomas Middle School
6th Grade Students
W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
Introduction
The science fair project implements the new
common core standards for reading and writing
as evident in the research, math due to
numerical data, and science with scientific
inquiry.
 Students will be eligible to compete in the
Annual South Florida Regional Science and
Engineering Fair.
 Students have received information and due
dates from their science teachers.

W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
The Project Board
Project boards must be the standard size: “36 by
48”. It cannot exceed this size.
 There are no “official” display regulations other
than the Abstract must be placed on the bottom left
hand side of the poster board. However, here is a
guide to placing items on your board:

Problem
Statement
Title
Results
Materials
Conclusion
Hypothesis
Procedures
Abstract
Data
Variables/Controls
Charts/Graphs/Pictures
Application
(or other
student work)
Science Fair Display Board
Dos & Don’ts
Science Fair Do’s







Do use computer-generated graphs.
Do display photos representing the
procedure and the results.
Do use contrasting colors.
Do limit the number of colors used.
Do attach charts neatly. If there are
many, place them on top of each
other so that the top chart can be
lifted to reveal the ones below.
Do balance the arrangement of
materials on the backboard. This
means to evenly distribute the
materials on the board so that they
cover about the same amount of
space on each panel.
Do use rubber cement or doublesided tape to attach papers. White
school glue causes the paper to
wrinkle.
Science Fair Don’ts
•
•
•
•
•
•
Don’t leave large empty spaces on
the backboard.
Don’t show faces of people in
pictures.
Don’t make the title or headings
hard to read by using uneven
lettering, words with letters of
different color, or disorganized
placement of materials.
Don’t hand-print the letters on the
backboard.
Don’t attach folders that fall open
on the backboard.
Don’t make mistakes in spelling
words or writing formulas. Use
SPELLCHECK!
Materials for Your Display Board






Display Board
Letters
Border
Designer Duct Tape
Construction Paper
Theme Stickers
DIY (Do It Yourself)
Labels on the computer with Word Art
Clip Art
Pictures
Create-A-Graph Program
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/
Where to Get Materials
Michael’s Craft Store
 Walmart
 Target
 Staples
 Office Depot
 Office Max
 Get Smart (Teacher Store)
 Dollar Tree Store

W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
Important Information



No animals or bacteria growth projects will
be allowed for the science fair.
If websites or other research tools are used
please make sure your child gives credit
under bibliography (handed-in document).
Some components of the science fair will be
handed in and not placed on the board such
as: the research plan and the bibliography.
The abstract will be handed in and an
additional copy will be placed on board.
W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
Important Dates






Student projects will be due Thursday, November
21st, 2013
Online registration deadline is December 9th
All Paper work for selected projects is due
Thursday, December 12th
Selected projects will be checked into the Miami
Dade North Campus on January 24th
The competition and award ceremony take place
on January 25th
WR Thomas will be having an in-house science
fair parent night to showcase student science fair
projects...date is forthcoming
W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
Helpful Websites for Further
Information
http://science.dadeschools.net/scienceFair/de
fault.html
(explains everything you need to know from
criteria to rules)
 Sciencebuddies.com
(hundreds of science fair project ideas
including a student survey to help students
choose the right topic)
 www.prezi.com
(free student resource for science fair)

W
R
T
H
O
M
A
S
M
I
D
D
L
E
Questions?
If you have any questions you may ask your
child’s science teacher or contact the W.R.
Thomas science fair coordinator directly at:
[email protected]
Science Fair projects are a great way for
students to achieve rigor and critical
thinking across various content areas!