Double File Trail Science Fair

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Double File Trail Science Fair
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Science Fair Goals

• Give all students an opportunity to experience
  the Scientific Process
• Correlates with TEKS objectives at all grade
  levels
• Allows for higher level independent thinking
• Students may enter individually or as a team of
  2-3 members

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Types of Projects

• Collection with Classification
• Exhibit
• Experiment

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COLLECTION with CLASSIFICTION

• PreK-3
• A collection is a set of objects, which have been
  placed into groups according to similar
  properties.
• Example
• Vertebrate animal collection where animals are
  classified in groups Ex. Mammals, Amphibians,
  Insects, Reptiles, Fish Birds
• A rock collection sorted according to type
  Metamorphic, Igneous, Sedimentary
• Objects groups according to their State of
  Matter Solid, Liquid or Gas

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Exhibit Demo, Model or Display with Report

• PreK-3
• An exhibit can be a model, demonstration, or a
  display. The report part of this project, in
  writing, in pictures, or both, gives information
  about your exhibit.
• Examples
• DEMO - how light reflects off of different
  objects, then the report could explain how light
  travels in straight lines
• MODEL - Make a model of a bridge then explain how
  it was constructed
• DISPLAY - Design a display about birds, showing
  pictures of different types of birds. The report
  could explain where the birds live, what they
  eat, and describe interesting habits.

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Experiment

• All grades
• An experiment is a test of a question.
• Begin by asking about WHY something might be true
  or what would happen if
• What you think might be the answer is called your
  hypothesis.
• Then design an experiment or test, which will
  help you find the answer to your question.
• Examples
• Do apples ripen faster or slower than bananas?
• Do different detergents clean equally as well?
• What is the difference between a plant growing in
  sunlight vs. darkness?
• Which paper towels really absorb the best?

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Rules

• No Glass
• No Liquids
• No Live Animals
• No Open Food Items
• No Bacteria
• No Mold Cultures
• No Dirt
• Maximum Size 30 deep, 48 wide, and 108 high.
  Pre-made backboards are the perfect size! (DFT
  will supply them)

You MAY use these items to prepare a
project.. but MAY NOT bring them to the Fair.
Picture are a great way to include details!
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Photographs

• When photographs of the project process are
  taken, the participants face must not be appear
  in the photos.

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Judging

• February 8 (8 am to 4 pm)
• Students may be required to explain their
  projects at the judges discretion
• Judging will take place during the school day
• Project areas will be closed to everyone except
  judges
• Public viewing and project pick-up will be at
  Science Family Night- Feb. 8 from 600- 730
• Winners will advance to Austin Energy Regional
  Science Fair

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Categories

• Life Science
• Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Medicine/Health,
  Microbiology, Oceanography
• Earth/Space Science
• Geology, Astronomy, Environmental
• Physical Science
• Physics, Engineering
• Consumer Science
• Home Economics
• Mathematics
• Statistics, Technology

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Getting Started

• Select a Topic
• Gather Background Information
• Incorporate the Scientific Method
• Run a Controlled Experiment Record Data
• Create Graph or Chart
• Construct Exhibit or Display
• Write a Short Report
• Practice Presentation for the Judges
• Come to the Fair and Have Fun!

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MOST IMPORTANT!!!

• Allow your child to experience science in a hands
  on manner
• Child selected and directed project
• Dont focus on competition, but strive for
  learning from the experience
• Have fun with your child!