OLH 2020 3-5 Science Fair

Welcome to the 2020 version of our OLH 3-5 Science Fair! This year we are mixing things up

with some exciting changes. As of today, the fourth and fifth grade classes will be partaking in a

STEM oriented fair. Third graders will continue to work with projects based on the scientific

process, but do not get discouraged for I have good news too. Students in each grade level may

work independently or with a partner to complete their projects!

Now let me explain the STEM changes. Fourth and Fifth grade students will design and

construct a prototype to help solve a worldly problem or need. The students must define a

problem, develop solutions, choose the best solution, and then engineer a prototype. At the fair

each student will present their prototype along with a trifold, displaying the thought process,

sketches, and steps that were taken to create as well as evaluate their prototype.

Included in this packet are the necessary tools each grade will need to create and assess their

projects. I wish you all the best of luck. I look forward to your innovative ideas!

Your Science Fair Leader,

Mr. Robinson

3rd Grade Brainstorming GuideChoosing a question- There are many reasons to choose a question. Some reasons are:o I have some ideas for how to answer this question.o I think this will be fun to do.o I am curious and want to learn more about this topic.o The experiment may help to solve a problem in the world.o I believe this experiment will help people.

Can you think of any other reasons? ______________________________________________________________________________________

The better your reasons are for choosing a question, the more you will learn and enjoy the process.For each of your highlighted questions, consider the following.What ideas do you have for an experiment to answer this question?Will this be fun? Why?What will I learn about?Can this help solve a problem in the world? How?Who will this question help if I can answer it?

Choose one question you think you want to use for this year’s science fair experiment. In completesentences, explain WHY you want to try to answer this question. The more reasons you have, the betteryour grade will be!

HW:Discuss the question with your parents tonight. Read them the question you are considering and thereasons why you might choose it. Then ask them the following questions, and write their answers.1. Do you think this will be a good question for me to try to answer with an experiment? Whyor why not?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IF YOUR PARENTS ANSWERED NO, choose another question with your parents to see if you can find a good question to use.IF YOUR PARENTS ANSWERED YES, ask continue asking them the questions below:

2. Do you think this is something you could help me do?___________________________________________________3. I am trying to work on managing my time better. How long do you think the experiment will take to do?___________________________________________________4. Can you think of any other reasons why this might be a good question to try to answer?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Scientific MethodStep: Example:

Ask a question.

Make a hypothesis.

Write a procedure.

Do an experiment.

Collect and organize data.

Write a conclusion.

Start Date: End Date:

STEM Design Loop

Research & Brainstorm certain problems.

Identify a need.

Develop Possible Solutions

Construct a prototype.Test & Evaluate the prototype.

Redesign

Communicate Final Design.

Select the most promising.

Students will construct a design portfolio that contains the following:

Phase l: Identify a NeedExplain the need you have identified, why you have selected it, and why it is important.

Phase 2: Research the ProblemThrough research, explain what you were able to discover about the identified need selected.

Phase 3: Develop Possible SolutionsThere are four parts to this section:

1. Brainstorm Possible Solutions:Brainstorm possible solutions. Afterward, explain the merits and faults of each idea, select three possible solutions, and describe them.

2. Design solutions:Decide on one design that you feel will solve your identified need. Explain why you selected this particular design solution.

3. Sketches:Create freehand sketches of your two best design solutions. Be sure to add notes identifying materials and dimensions and other important information. Try to show what the design solution will look like from at least two views, aerial and side.

4. Criteria:In your own words, list the restrictions your design solution must stay within to be an appropriate solution.

Phase 4: Select the Most Promising SolutionSelect the most promising solution to the identified need and explain why you selected this design.

Phase 5: Construct a PrototypeA prototype is a model of the finished product. It is important that you keep in mind that the prototype should be easily transported to the STEM Fair.

Phase 6: Test and Evaluate the PrototypeDid your prototype solve your identified need? Explain what happened during the testing phase.

Phase 7: RedesignAfter testing, what adjustments had to be made to your design? Describe the adjustments and explain how the adjustments solved the problem.

Phase 8: Communicate the DesignExplain why you chose the final design of your prototype and how it solved the identified need. If you feel it requires further testing, explain why.

Addendum

Bibliography:Site all sources that were used in your research.

Resources of Technology:· Give one example of how each of the six resources of technology is used in your design

solution.

People: Energy:

Tools/Machines:

Materials:

Information:

Time: