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Inspiring Innovation in Student Research Welcome and Good Morning! Please sign in and grab a folder. The book and a binder to put it in are on the tables Enjoy networking time with your colleagues and help yourself to coffee and snacks Please copy the documents from the flash drive located on your table (DO NOT take them) Copy the “2014 NCSEF Workshop documents” folder to your computer – lots of helpful information Be ready to start at 9:00 AM 1 www.ncsciencefair.org Inspiring Innovation in Student Research! September 13, 2014 SciWorks Winston-Salem, NC 2 www.ncsciencefair.org Introductions Who we are – NC Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) • Organizing body of the NC Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF) • 501c3 Non-Profit Organization • Staffed only by volunteers and in-kind services • The state affiliate of the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) • Sponsor of student competitions and awards • Provider of teacher professional development • Website http://ncsciencefair.org/ 3 www.ncsciencefair.org Introductions, cont. • Sponsored by Biogen Idec Foundation The Biogen Idec Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of people’s lives and contribute to the vitality of the communities in which we operate. The Foundation puts special emphasis on innovative ways to promote science literacy and encourage young people to consider science careers. The Foundation focuses on STEM education initiatives and is committed to sparking a passion for science and discovery, supporting innovative initiatives, and strengthening efforts to make science accessible to diverse populations. • Our host • Participants – tell us about you –Name –School –Grade level –What do you want to learn about today? 4 www.ncsciencefair.org Desired Outcomes Guiding Student Research p 57 By the end of this session, participants will have a(n) • Understanding of the research process • Understanding of effective strategies and processes to engage students in STEM related research • Understanding of the process required to participate in the NC Science and Engineering Fair including forms and ISEF rules for the Regional and State fairs • Understanding of the why and how ensuring adherence to safety and research standards • Understanding of the NCSEF website resources for students, teachers, parents and community members 5 www.ncsciencefair.org Consensogram Questions • Please go the charts and use one of your dots to respond to each question or statement • Place your dot on a horizontal line 6 www.ncsciencefair.org What do you think of when you think of a Science Fair? 7 www.ncsciencefair.org Today’s students investigate NEW PROBLEMS and New Solutions 8 www.ncsciencefair.org Why should students participate in an independent research project? • Experience the excitement of inquiry-based science • Teaches a student how scientists approach a problem and seek answers • Teaches lifelong learning skills, organization, and time management • Allows personal development as students become “experts” in their field of investigation • Encourages students to pursue their natural curiosity and questions that they are interested in answering! • Helps you to comply with the Next Generation Science Standards Video “Science Fair: A journey” 9 www.ncsciencefair.org Why should teachers have this as part of their curriculum? • Allows students to INTEGRATE SCIENCE ACROSS CURRICULA and provides skills to students – Reading & writing in content areas – Math analysis of data, graphing, charts – Computer skills in presentation, graphs, text – Interpretation of scientific data – Increase science literacy, student interest in science, and motivation to pursue scientific careers – Learn real world skills • New K-12 Next Generation Science Standards states that science education should be built around “Scientific and Engineering Practices” 10 www.ncsciencefair.org Guiding Student Research p 67 Types of projects: Scientific Thought vs Engineering Goals Science – any system of knowledge that Engineering – the application of science is concerned with the physical world and its phenomena and that entails unbiased observations and systematic experimentation. In general, a science involves a pursuit of knowledge covering general truths or the operations of fundamental laws. to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind. …creative application of “scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property.” Definitions provided by Encyclopedia Britannica 11 www.ncsciencefair.org How is Research Done? The Inquiry Cycle #4 Test & Discover #3 Experimental Design #5 Student Analysis & Dissemination #2 Develop Testable Question #1 Student Curiosity & Interest 12 www.ncsciencefair.org Engineering Design Cycle 13 www.ncsciencefair.org Comparison of the Methods* The Scientific Method The Engineering Process State your question Define a need Do background research Do background research Formulate your hypothesis, identify variables Establish design criteria Design experiment, establish procedure Prepare preliminary designs Test your hypothesis by doing an experiment Build and test a prototype Analyze your results & draw conclusions Test & redesign as necessary Present results Present results *Sciencebuddies.org 14 www.ncsciencefair.org The Process for Teachers Guiding Student Research Ch 4; p 68-72 (1) Set a Time Line • Plan time for each portion of the research • Sample timeline on ScienceBuddies • Set up schedule for review of research plans prior to experimentation • Develop time line for designing experiment and methods, experimentation, and analysis. • Reserve time for putting together paper or project board • Look at schedule for school and higher level competitions • Think backwards: State Fair is the end of March, Regional Fairs are late January/February (Region 7 is in December) 15 www.ncsciencefair.org Transferring Student Work to Graded Assessment Guiding Student Research p 77 and 85-89 • Each portion is assessed separately, not looking at the final complete project for the next Einstein • As we will model today, each portion is reviewed for how well students follow the science and engineering process • Teachers can provide feedback throughout the process and encourage student’s critical and creative thinking • Rubrics for grading each portion can be found in sciencebuddies.org 16 www.ncsciencefair.org The Process for Teachers Guiding Student Research Ch 4; p 68-72 (1) Set a Time Line (2) Get Parental Support • Educate parents concerning student’s projects • NOT parent’s projects! • Provide information as to scientific investigation What have you found to be most • NOT cookbook lab effective for recruiting? • Stress support roles of parents • Request volunteers for mentoring and science competitions (3) Guide students through the process (4) Have students present work – Science and Engineering Fair 17 www.ncsciencefair.org The Process for Students Guiding Student Research Ch 4; p 68-72 (1) Think about what interests them, their own real world problems (2) Start Journal on Research (3) Topic Selection (4) Background Research (5) Develop Questions (6) Develop a Research Plan (7) Experiment (8) Write (9) Display (10)Present Research 18 www.ncsciencefair.org Developing the Project 19 www.ncsciencefair.org Resources for getting started • Visit the NC Science and Engineering Fair Web Site – http://www.ncsciencefair.org/ • Use online guides – Intel ISEF Science Project Planner • http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/participate – Science Buddies (Project Ideas, Project Guide, “Ask an Expert”, and Resources) • http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/scienceprojects.shtml 20 www.ncsciencefair.org Getting Students onboard Guiding Student Research Ch 3 • Use students’ interest • Allow them to be the experts “Research is formalized curiosity, It is poking and prying with a purpose” – Don’t be limited by your own knowledge and keep an open mind to their ideas - Zora Neale Hurston, in Dust Tracks on a Road, 1942 Developing embryo movie 21 With your neighbors take 5 minutes to come up with 3 strategies to engagewww.ncsciencefair.org your students Picking the topic • Topic (noun) the Most Difficult Part 1. a subject of conversation or discussion: to provide a topic for discussion. 2. the subject or theme of a discourse or of one of its parts. 3. Rhetoric, Logic. a general field of considerations from which arguments can be drawn. • Should come from something of great INTEREST – Hobby or topic they know something about – Encourage students to think about their environment/their life – Real world applications/something in the news • One to two words • Begin keeping your journal/research log! • Good resource is the “Topic Wizard” on www.sciencebuddies.org 22 www.ncsciencefair.org You get to design a project • In groups of 3-4 you will come up with a TOPIC, develop a TESTABLE QUESTION, create a RESEARCH PLAN and determine how to PRESENT YOUR DATA • First, explore your interests and pick a topic – Each of you do the “Topic Wizard” on www.sciencebuddies.org – This should give ideas, not a project (your students can use the project suggestions as background information 23 www.ncsciencefair.org Form your groups • Based on the topic wizard go stand under the sign that best fits your discipline • Break into groups of 3-4 with those of similar interest and pick a topic for your research (REMEMBER: it should only be 1-2 words) 24 www.ncsciencefair.org Background Research • General information about your problem that might include: • Definition and/or explanation of the topic or problem • Definition and/or explanation of terms found in the problem • Information about topics that relate to the problem • Explanation of why it is important to know about this problem While students are doing their research they are looking for questions that they would like to answer 25 www.ncsciencefair.org Conducting background research • Resources – Use internet - but look at sites, should look for “.edu” or “.gov” • NOT ALL INFORMATION ON THE WEB IS CORRECT! • Try using Googlescholar.com for journals – Use libraries – local resources and at NC State (as well as community and other colleges and universities) – Talk to experts in the field - local and distant (NC State, Science Buddies, etc.) • Create a bibliography of your sources – At least 3 for elementary and 5 for Junior and Senior 26 www.ncsciencefair.org 27 www.ncsciencefair.org Organize the information from the background research 1) Look at what you have learned 2) Think of questions that were not answered 3) Narrow your focus for your topic to a particular idea 4) Develop the “testable” 28 question! www.ncsciencefair.org Creating a TESTABLE QUESTION • Based on background research • A SCIENTIFIC QUESTION usually starts with: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where • Design a "fair test" that requires you to change only one factor (variable) and keep all other conditions the same – If you cannot design a fair test, then you should change your question • Your science fair project question should involve factors or traits that you can easily measure using a number. Or, factors or traits that are easily identified. Question must answer: topic what is being changed/tested what is being measured 29 From Science Buddies www.ncsciencefair.org Create your testable questions “Topic to Experiment” worksheet (PDF in the files provided) • This worksheet allows you to use your background research to guide you in developing your question plants plants • Remember your question must answer: What is your topic What is being changed/tested What is being measured Take 15 minutes to develop your testable question using this worksheet Once your group has your question, write it on the big pieces of paper30 Soil Light Water Food Temperature plants Grow Flower types of water Filtered Rain Tap flowering Time it takes to flower Does filtered water, tap water or rain water help plants flower faster? www.ncsciencefair.org Developing the Research Plan 31 www.ncsciencefair.org Developing authentic Inquiry • Generating research questions • Selecting variables • Developing simple controls • Developing relatively complex controls • Making multiple observations • Observing intervening variables • Using analog models Guiding Student Research Ch 3; p 58 • Simple transformation of observations • Complex transformation of observations • Developing theories and mechanisms • Multiple studies of the same type • Multiple studies of different types • Studying expert research reports 32 www.ncsciencefair.org Things to think about • • • • Is this original? Is this doable? Materials Location 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Home School University Laboratory Industrial Setting Medical Center Field • Mentor 33 – Adult sponsor – Scientist – Local experts www.ncsciencefair.org NCSEF website has a section on “Doing a Science Fair Project” http://ncsciencefair.org/index.php/students-aparents/doing-a-science-fair-project Includes: •Before you Start your Project •Selecting a Science Project •What is the Scientific Method? •Planning and Conducting the Investigation •Online Resources 34 www.ncsciencefair.org Developing a Research Plan Question being addressed – the “testable” question Hypothesis/Problem/Goal Description in detail of method/procedures Written in future tense (BEFORE experimentation) Fluid process that may require rewriting What type of data you are planning to collect (what is being measured) • Need to have controls and document factors that influence experiment – Be sure to have large enough numbers to be valid • Need to have limited variables so that you know what is changing and why How will you analyze the data that you collect 35 www.ncsciencefair.org Develop a research plan to investigate YOUR testable question • In groups create a basic research plan • On your large paper write down: • Location of experimentation • Materials needed (the main ones) • Basic timeline (how long will you conduct the experiment) • Do you need a mentor/scientist? • Type of data you plan to collect 36 www.ncsciencefair.org Rules and Regulations • We follow the rules put forth by ISEF – Can find the complete rules as a PDF in your workshop folder • Why? • Protects students • Protects you • Raises the expectations for quality work • Gets scientists involved in your school • Allows students to compete at higher levels • Develops understanding of how science is regulated in U.S. 37 www.ncsciencefair.org Does your project follow the rules? • ISEF rules wizard can be useful to determine forms needed • http://apps.societyforscience.org/isef/students/wiza rd/index.asp In your group, take 5 minutes to do the wizard for your project 38 www.ncsciencefair.org The commonly missed form – Form 3 (Risk Assessment Any devices or compounds that are regulated by ANY agency (local, state, or federal); requiring the signature of a licensed individual (i.e. pharmacist, doctor); or introduce a risk above and beyond that encountered in the student’s everyday life. If in doubt, fill it out!!! • • • • DEA Controlled Substances Prescription Drugs Alcohol & Tobacco Firearms (including bows) & Explosives • Hazardous Chemicals – if label has a warning on the use, then consider it hazardous • Radiation • Hazardous Devices (dad may be a carpenter, student is not, therefore power tools are hazardous) • Fire • Boiling water 39 www.ncsciencefair.org Who enforces these rules? – Everyone! Committees can be established at ALL levels to review projects • Scientific Review Committee (SRC) – Some before but ALL projects just prior to competition – Membership must include: • a biomedical scientist (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.O.) • an educator • one other member • Institutional Review Board (IRB) – Must review all projects involving humans for physical and psychological risk BEFORE experimentation. – Must have 3 people (one in each category) • Educator • School administrator • Someone qualified to review physical and psychological risk: nurse, doctor, licensed counselor, licensed social worker 40 www.ncsciencefair.org Questions? • Email your Regional Director • Email NC State level SRC through website – [email protected] – The question will be reviewed and answered by several SRC members – We encourage questions even if this is PRIOR to experimentation • ISEF SRC is helpful – If we can’t answer the question we will forward it to ISEF 41 www.ncsciencefair.org What do they check? • • • • No microorganisms for elementary students No home culturing of microorganisms Extra forms, if needed – use checklist Research plan – Does plan match checklist and abstract? – Bibliographies – 3 for elementary and 5 for Junior and Senior projects – Acceptable risk differs – better safe than sorry… – Disposal plan for chemicals and microorganisms • Final project – did it follow the research plan? • Plan reviewed and approved before experimentation 42 www.ncsciencefair.org What are ISEF Forms • Requiring ISEF Forms protects students and school. • Forms must be reviewed BEFORE Experimentation • http://ncsciencefair.org/index.php/students-aparents/forms • Local fairs can save paper by using an online system for Forms 1, 1A and 1B. Research plans, abstracts, and other forms need to be in hard copy. • Students who win and go on to the next level will need hard copies of all forms. 43 www.ncsciencefair.org Forms required for all projects A Research Plan is required that must incorporate all of the relevant topics listed in the Research Plan Instructions. An Abstract on the official form must be submitted. 44 www.ncsciencefair.org Setting up an Online Research Documentation for Schools • Google doc: http://tinyurl.com/pytm8ys • Allows the teacher to have a spreadsheet with all student information with approvals from parents. • Allows the documentation of approvals without blowing your paper budget! 45 www.ncsciencefair.org Conducting Research, Writing the Results, and Presenting 46 www.ncsciencefair.org Begin the experiment Guiding Student Research p 9091 about notebook • Keep detailed notes of every step and experiment in your journal/research log. Resource: Guidelines for keeping a laboratory notebook (http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/to ols/notebook/notebook.html) • Use data tables or charts as you proceed to help you see trends in data. • Have quantitative data, but also record observational data. 47 www.ncsciencefair.org Analyze Results • After experiments, examine and organize findings • Use graphs to show data • Identify patterns in data • Look for experimental error and where they could occur • Look at statistical relationships in data Bring in the MATH!!! 48 www.ncsciencefair.org Presenting Data • Schematics, illustrations, and flow charts are effective means of explaining how an experiment was conducted or the design concepts for an engineering project. • Tables are a format for presenting raw data or statistical summaries of data • Graphs are used to visually represent data, be sure to choose the proper type of graph • Photographs are particularly useful for depicting an experimental setup, or examples of what results actually looked like. In your groups, take 2 minutes to determine how you 49 your findings www.ncsciencefair.org would present Determining the best way In competitions students will be judged by scientists and engineers working in the field of study thus they will expect to see data displayed in an appropriate manner How to decide? • Refer back to the background research and how that data was presented • http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fairprojects/top_science-fair_data_presentation_tips.shtml gives a table of top journals in various fields and links to their style guides 50 www.ncsciencefair.org Draw Conclusions • • • • • Did the variables that you tested show or cause a change? Were you able to see relationships? Did you collect enough data? Was your hypothesis supported? How did your data fit previous information that you found in your background research? • What are practical applications or inferences that you can make? • How would you change the experiment or future research area? 51 www.ncsciencefair.org Why have students present their findings? • Good preparation for college and business • Opportunity to compete • Gives students insight into careers • Builds confidence • Increases organizational skills • • • • • Enhances process skills Improves writing skills May be interdisciplinary Requires creativity Improves visual/spatial thinking skills • Improves communication skills 52 www.ncsciencefair.org Ways to present findings Guiding Student Research p 158162 and 181 • Prepare an Abstract • Written after experimentation and includes: a) purpose of the experiment b) procedure c) data d) conclusions • Ways to present findings: • Written paper ‒ Contains Title, Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion and Works Cited ‒ Resource: http://umech.mit.edu/freeman/6.021J/2000/writing.pdf Bring in the ENGLISH!!! 53 www.ncsciencefair.org Ways to present findings Guiding Student Research p 158162 and 181 • Ways to present findings (cont.): • Oral presentation ‒ Prepare your material so that it tells a story logically • Subject: title, authors, acknowledgements • Introduction/overview • Method/approach • Results/information/analysis • Conclusion/summary ‒ Use examples, anecdotes, and significant details ‒ Create continuity so that your slides flow smoothly • Guide the audience through your story Resource: http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~martins/sen_sem/sci_talk/Scientific_talk.ppt 54 www.ncsciencefair.org Ways to present findings • Ways to present findings (cont.): • Poster Presentation ‒ Review rules for display and safety ‒ Provide data notebook and research paper ‒ Board should have: • Title • Background • Hypothesis/Problem • Experiment • Results • Conclusions • Discussion/Future Directions • Abstract (on table) Use more photographs instead of stuff! 55 Guiding Student Research p 158162 and 181 www.ncsciencefair.org Break time Next up: Coordinating a Science Fair and Science Competitions We are done with research groups so feel free to sit someplace new 56 www.ncsciencefair.org Planning For and Organizing Your Fair: Basic Overview and Tools 57 www.ncsciencefair.org Too big a job for one person 58 www.ncsciencefair.org You need a Team! • Major tasks – – – – – – – – – – – – – Scheduling/Facilities Website Guiding student research Outreach to feeder fairs Registration SRC/IRB Fair Finances 59 Set-up/Display and Safety Judging Awards Refreshments Publicity Sponsors www.ncsciencefair.org Your Team Needs Tools • Many useful tools on NCSEF and ISEF websites. – http://ncsciencefair.org/ – http://www.societyforscience.org/isef • Science Buddies – http://sciencebuddies.org • Using the planning document – ‘Planning your science fair’ folder in the documents you downloaded has helpful documents 60 www.ncsciencefair.org Scheduling your Fair • Plan backwards from ISEF which is always in May • 2015 State Science and Engineering Fair will be March 27-28 – All paperwork from Regional Fair winners is a rolling deadline • Watch our state web site for dates for regional fairs. – Region 7 will be held in December – All others held in late January or February • Fairs feeding Regional fairs should take place 3 weeks ahead of their regional fair to allow for regional fair registration and SRC review – Check with your regional director and district fair coordinator to schedule your fair appropriately 61 www.ncsciencefair.org Scheduling your Fair • “Planning Grid Fair timeline” – it will calculate the dates to get things done, you may not need all of it depending on your fair and the dates are generous to decrease your work • There is also a word document “Checklist for local and regional fairs” that gives you a breakdown of what is needed and descriptions with helpful hints 62 www.ncsciencefair.org Venue Set-up • Rooms needed: – Check in area or table – Display rooms • Each student needs a space or table – to display their project – should allow projects up to 48 inches wide and 30 inches deep and 108 inches high (floor to top) • One room for elementary and split by discipline for junior and senior • Projects need to be protected from unsupervised student access – Judges need a private room for to confer – Awards ceremony – Volunteer space 63 www.ncsciencefair.org Display and Safety Check • These regulations protect your fair • You may set up different rules for a non-competitive category – e.g. Demonstrations • ISEF Rules strictly enforced at Regional and State Competitions Let’s practice. Around – http://www.societyforscience.org/document.doc?id=398 the room are pictures of p 21 posters. Be the Display • “Display Display and Safety checklist” checklist in folderand Safety Check committee and evaluate these projects 64 www.ncsciencefair.org Judging issues to consider • Opportunities: – Student interviews are an educational opportunity for students. – Feedback is an educational opportunity for students and teachers. • Constraints: – – – – – Number of projects Projects in categories Number of judges Time Space 65 www.ncsciencefair.org Recruit Judges • Need a variety of scientific backgrounds. Be sure to look for engineers. • Sources: Parents, Teachers, Community College, Ag Extension, Medical/ Veterinary, Professional Societies, Military, Award Sponsors 66 In groups discuss: Who could you recruit? How have you found judges in the past? What are some concerns? www.ncsciencefair.org Train and Orient Judges • Provide Judges with training materials in advance. • Website Resources: – http://www.ncsciencefair.org/index.php/judges – http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx?pid=284 • Orient judges day of the fair – Why and how of judging – Logistics!!!! • Provide: – Scoring rubric (s) – may be different for different awards – Scoring form – List of project titles and numbers – Feedback form 67 www.ncsciencefair.org Judging • View posters without students – Read the poster – Get a feel for their project – Think about questions you want to ask the student • Interview students in front of their posters – – – – They present their project Ask probing questions concerning project Determine their level of understanding about the project Help the student learn something from their experience • Rubric for scoring • Decide on award winners Be an educator and a mentor! 68 www.ncsciencefair.org Sending winners to the next level • Good Communication is essential!!!! – With parents – With next level fair director • Paperwork needs to be legible and complete to avoid delays and possible disqualification. • Review rules for project and display before attending next level of fair. • Students keep originals of paperwork – send copies! 69 www.ncsciencefair.org Science and Engineering Regional Fairs Across NC • NC has 9 regional fairs feeding into the State Science and Engineering Fair • Different local feeder patterns in different regions • Region 3 has two – 3A and 3B 70 www.ncsciencefair.org Science Competitions • Local, Regional, State, and International Science Fairs • Middle School – Broadcom MASTERS – 3E Sustainable Future Challenge – Junior Science & Humanities Symposium • High School – I-SWEEEP (International Energy, Environment, and Engineering) – GENIUS Olympiad – Student Academy of Science Competition – Intel Young Scientist’s Award (Senior Year) – NC International Science Challenge – Siemen’s Competition 71 www.ncsciencefair.org 2014 students • ISEF • ADA Foundation • GoDaddy • 3 – 2nd place Grand Awards • 1 – 3rd place Grand Awards • 1 – 4th place Grand Awards • Genius Olympiad, Oswego, NY • 1 – Silver Metal • 1 – Bronze Metals • ISWEEEP • Gold and Silver in Environment • Silver and Bronze in Energy • Broadcom MASTERS (Middle) • TBD 72 www.ncsciencefair.org NC has attended Intel ISEF since 2004. Our students have received numerous ISEF Awards: • Two First Place Grand Award winners (2006, 2008) • Seven Second Place Grand Award winners - $1,500 (2005, 2009, 2011, 2014) • Eleven Third Place Grand Award winners - $1,000 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014) • Sixteen Fourth Place Grand Award winners - $500 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) • Two $3000 Army Savings Bond Awards and an allexpense paid trip to London for the International Student Science Summit (2006) Andrew Miller (now in medical school at UNC Chapel Hill) after winning an award from GE • American Veterinary Award - $1,000 • GE Energy Award - 1st Place - $2,500 (2009) • American Society for Microbiology – 1st Place $2,500, 3rd Place - $400 73 And More….. www.ncsciencefair.org …More ISEF Awards • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ADA Foundation (Dentist) – 2nd Award - $1,000 (2014) GoDaddy – $1,500 Mobile Application Award (2014) Bruno Kessler Award – 3 week research trip in Italy (2012) NASA – 3rd Award - $1,000 (2012) K. T. Li Foundation Award – Participate in the Taiwan International Fair (2012) Ricoh Sustainable Development Award - $12,500 (2009) Four $3000 Air Force Scholarships (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011) A $300 Scholarship from Sigma Xi for Interdisciplinary Team Research (2006) An eight week student internship with NOAA (2005) Two AVASC Foundation – 1st award - $1,000 (2007, 2008) Society for Technical Communication: Merit Team Award of $100 (2007) United Technologies Awards - shares of common stock (2009) American Geological Society – 2nd place - $750 (2009) Association for Women Geoscientists – 2nd place - $150 (2009) 74 www.ncsciencefair.org ISWEEEP – International Sustainable World of Energy, Environment, and Engineering Project Olympiad (2008 - 2014) ISWEEEP in Houston, TX • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Gold Award in Senior Energy (2) Silver Award in Senior Energy (4) Bronze Award in Senior Energy Silver Award in Junior Energy (2) Gold Award in Senior Environment Silver Award in Senior Environment (6) Bronze Award in Senior Environment (3) Honorable Mention in Senior Environment Silver Award in Senior Engineering (2) Bronze Award in Senior Engineering Honorable Mention in Senior Engineering (2) Naval Science Award Special Award – Infrastructure Corporation Special Award – Univ. of TX in Molecular & Cell Biology 75 www.ncsciencefair.org Additional Awards NC Student is Winner of the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize in 2009 NC Student wins the INTEL Young Scientist Talent Search in 2008 for $100,000 76 www.ncsciencefair.org Share your experiences 77 www.ncsciencefair.org Please put a dot on the consensogram for the afternoon and fill out the Survey and Evaluation on-line before you leave today http://tinyurl.com/obshnte 78 www.ncsciencefair.org Top Resources • NC Science and Engineering Fair: www.ncsciencefair.org • Science Buddies: www.sciencebuddies.org, information for students, teachers, and parents • ISEF Get Started: – http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/participate • ISEF Rules and Guidelines: – http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines • ISEF Rules Wizard: http://apps.societyforscience.org/isef/students/wizard/index.asp 79 www.ncsciencefair.org Resources for Science Projects • • • • • • • • • • Guiding Student Research p 147 – Grant writing Science Buddies: www.sciencebuddies.org, information for students, teachers, and parents Science Project Ideas, information and support for Science Fair …www.scienceproject.com/ Science Fair Projects - Project Ideas Demonstrations and Instructions: chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/Science_Fair_Projects.htm ISEF Science Primer: http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/primer/index.asp Agricultural Ideas for Science Fair Projects: www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideas.htm Cool Science Fair Project Ideas and Science Fair Projects: www.sciencepage.org/scifair.htm Nexus Research Group - Science Fair Main page: www.nexusresearchgroup.com/science_fair/sci_fair.htm Science Projects: www.infoplease.com/homework/sciprojectsfaq.html Research Project Ideas: Applying Science to Sustainablity: www.ithaca.edu/faculty/sallen/Sustainability/research.html Neuroscience For Kids - science fairs: faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html 80 www.ncsciencefair.org Extra information 81 www.ncsciencefair.org Adult roles and Responsibilities Guiding Student Research p 122125 • Designated Supervisor • Adult Sponsor • Oversees project • Important for projects involving vertebrate • Parent, teacher, youth leader, scientist animal; hazardous chemicals, activities or • Qualified Scientist devices; or when a • Required for some projects qualified scientist is • Projects involving: required but cannot ‒ BSL-2 biological agents directly supervise ‒ DEA-controlled substances ‒ human participants (dependent on project) ‒ vertebrate animal studies 82 www.ncsciencefair.org MORE ON PLANNING THE FAIR 83 www.ncsciencefair.org Variation in Fair Organization State Fair Local Fairs • Only 3rd – 12th grades • Elementary projects not in categories • Do not allow collections or demonstrations – must have a research or engineering design goal. • Individuals or Teams of up to 3 students • May allow K-2 • May use categories for elementary • May allow different types of projects but only research and engineering projects may compete at state level • May have different rules for number of team members – but only projects with 1-3 people are eligible for state competition 84 www.ncsciencefair.org NOT Allowed at Project or Booth 1) Living organisms, including plants 2) Soil, sand, rock, and/or waste samples, even if permanently encased in a slab of acrylic 3) Taxidermy specimens or parts 4) Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals 5) Human or animal food 6) Human/animal parts or body fluids (for example, blood, urine) 7) Plant materials (living, dead, or preserved) that are in their raw, unprocessed, or non-manufactured state (Exception: manufactured construction materials used in building the project or display) 8) All chemicals including water (Projects may not use water in any form in a demonstration .) 9) All hazardous substances or devices [for example, poisons, drugs, firearms, weapons, ammunition, reloading devices, and lasers 10-15 – see more rules…. 85 www.ncsciencefair.org Display • Photo/Image credits must be displayed • Display of photographs other than that of the finalist must have a photo release signed by the subject, and if under 18 years of age, also by the guardian of the subject. Sample consent text: “I consent to the use of visual images (photos, videos, etc.) involving my participation/my child’s participation in this research.” 86 www.ncsciencefair.org More on Judging 87 www.ncsciencefair.org The Display • Major purpose is to effectively communicate: – – – – – Hypothesis Purpose Methodology Experimental outcomes Conclusions • Clarity and neatness are considered, do not judge on artistic presentation and ability 88 www.ncsciencefair.org Interviewing the student • One or two judges at a time • Try to visit every poster but at least 3 judges should visit each poster (sticky note system) • Introduce yourself and put student at ease and ask them to explain their project 89 www.ncsciencefair.org Ask Questions – Clarify a point – Determine student’s understanding of project and underlying science • Why they chose particular procedures, sample • What might they do differently if they were to redo it? • If continuing, what would be the next step? – How student learned about procedures, use of equipment, concepts involved. 90 www.ncsciencefair.org Questions to ask • How did you get interested in this topic? • What background reading did you do on your topic? • What challenges did you encounter in designing the experiment? • What did you compare in the experiment? • How did X and Y compare? 91 www.ncsciencefair.org Questions to ask • • • • How did you care for your X? What questions do you have now? How could you extend your project next year? If you could do it over, how would you change your project? 92 www.ncsciencefair.org Make it a positive experience • Avoid critical remarks. • Spend 3-5 minutes with every project. • Avoid discussion with other judges that students or parents may overhear. • Encourage further interest in scientific research. 93 www.ncsciencefair.org Scoring • In your folder is this sheet as a reference • Scoring helps you keep track of projects but should be used only as a guide to determine winners • Keep track of your top 4-5 projects for discussion. 94 www.ncsciencefair.org Scientific Thought vs Engineering Goals • Scientific is hypothesis driven and includes experimental design and execution to test hypothesis • Engineering involves addressing a problem/objective by designing, constructing and testing a solution. 95 www.ncsciencefair.org Individual vs. Team Projects • The best project should win, whether individual or team. • All members of the team fully involved and familiar with all aspects of the project • Tasks and contributions of each member clearly defined • Final work reflects the coordinated efforts of all team members 96 www.ncsciencefair.org Comparing Projects • Projects can vary widely in level of complexity and sophistication. – Use of sophisticated equipment, techniques, and knowledge should not be given extra credit nor should the student be penalized for access to it • Issue is not tools used but what is done with resources available – the better science should be given the higher rating! • Student’s knowledge should be consistent with a project and its goals. • If the project is a Continuation Project, it should demonstrate how differs from previous year. 97 www.ncsciencefair.org YOUR Main Purpose Today • Encourage student interest in science and engineering. • Deepen student thinking • Recognize all students • Choose winners 98 www.ncsciencefair.org Awards and Awards Ceremony • Good opportunity for local sponsors • Cash, trophies, plaques, certificates • Make sure accounting is transparent and district procedures for handling money are followed. • Awards are done differently at every fair. 99 www.ncsciencefair.org More SRC/IRB 100 www.ncsciencefair.org Variation and Safety Standards • Lots of local and regional variation in how fairs work • Some requirements to increase safety, reduce potential liability, and ensure eligibility • Beyond these requirements variation allows flexibility to meet local needs and leads to innovation and improvement 101 www.ncsciencefair.org Recruiting your local SRC • Educate yourself – read the rules • http://www.societyforscience.org/page.aspx?pid=31 2 • Recruit parents, community college, university, ag extension, professional society, retired professionals. • Train the team 102 www.ncsciencefair.org Organize SRC Tasks • • • • Triage the projects in advance. Sort projects by extra forms required. Quick review of projects with no extra forms Form committees by form – Become expert in a section of rules – Use specialists as needed • IRB for all human subjects projects • a veterinarian and/or an animal care provider/expert with training and/or experience in the species being studied for all vertebrate animals projects 103 www.ncsciencefair.org Forms 104 www.ncsciencefair.org Studies conducted at a research institution, industrial setting or any work site other than home, school or field require Form 1C 105 www.ncsciencefair.org HUMAN SUBJECTS 106 www.ncsciencefair.org VERTEBRATE ANIMALS 107 www.ncsciencefair.org POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL AGENTS 108 www.ncsciencefair.org Continuation studies • Project based on prior research in the same field of study – The continuation aspect should be pointed out in the abstract • Longitudinal studies are permitted – Multi-year study – Studies time-based change • Requires form 7 • Requires submission of previous year’s abstract and research plan 109 www.ncsciencefair.org