Alston Ridge Elementary 2019-2020 Science Fair
Tracks 1 and 3 – Tuesday, January 21, 6:00-7:30pm
Tracks 2 and 4 – Tuesday, February 4, 6:00-7:30pm
The Science Fair is an optional educational opportunity that is a partnership between the school and the PTA. Our goal is to foster participation with science in many ways.
Any student grades K-5 can enter a science experiment. The focus for the science experiments is to answer a scientific question. Science experiments are performed and the project boards are created outside of school time. Students can work in groups up to three, preferred in the same grade.
All students and families are encouraged to attend the Science Fair and check out their peers’ projects and also participate in the science activities and games.
If assistance is needed to obtain materials or assist your student, please speak with Ms. Starrett for options available.
New Format This Year!
8:45-9:15am – Bring projects to the cafeteria and set up
10:20am-2:45pm – Each grade level will be judged and that grade’s classes will walk through to see the projects
6:00-7:00 pm – Science demonstrations and interactive activities in the science room and gym for students, parents, and public
7:00-7:20 pm – Students will stand to present projects to parents and public
7:20-7:30pm Winners announced: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winner for each grade level. Ribbons will be given to all students.
Guidelines for participating in a Science Experiment: Students should be able to design and complete an experiment on their own. Younger students may need varying degrees of help and guidance, please use your own discretion. When they are finished, we want students to have a better understanding of the scientific process, and most importantly… have FUN!!!
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide on a project – it can take time to observe animals, watch plants grow, or create crystals, etc.
Choosing an area of interest: These general topic areas are covered in various ways and at various depth in each grade at Alston Ridge:
Animals, Plants, Force and Motion, Weather, Matter, Rocks, Landforms, and Human Body
Websites like this one can help you find a topic: https://www.winter.k12.wi.us/community/sciencefair/sciencefairideas.pdf
Follow a Scientific Process:
- Ask a question
- Make a prediction, a hypothesis you can test
- Create and conduct an experiment
- Observe what happens, gather data
- Draw Conclusions, charts and graphs are helpful
- Share your work with others (at the Science Fair!)
Create a presentation: Most students use a tri-fold board to display their experiment. Include pictures, charts, graphs, and information. Small demonstrations or displays can be set up in front of the board if that helps the student describe the process.
The students should be able to easily understand the experiment, what processes they used, and what the results are. Relating the results to real-life situations is helpful too! Judges will be asking age-appropriate questions about the project.
Sections to include on the trifold can range from simple – hypothesis, procedure, data, and results for younger students – to including problem/question, background research, materials list, conclusion/real-life application for older students. There are a lot of fun ways to set up your project!
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/top-ten-tips-project-display-board
Join Us!!: Please complete a registration form, due by December 20, 2019 using the online form if possible to avoid errors in understanding handwriting. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of whether you have a submission in the Science Fair or not. There will be many activities for the whole family to enjoy!