stem expo - edmonds school district...3 visit the edmonds school district “explore stem” site at...

STEM EXPO

Student Handbook

Computer Sciences Category

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HIGH SCHOOL

APRIL 23, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00pm

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Visit the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at https://goo.gl/6QAQB8

Table of Contents

What is the STEM Expo? ............................................................................................................................................... 3

A Quick Note about STEM Competitions ...................................................................................................................... 4

Important Note for Students Using this Handbook: ..................................................................................................... 5

Getting Organized ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Choosing Your Topic ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Types of Computer Sciences Projects to Consider for the STEM Expo ......................................................................... 8

Safety and Ethics Regulations ....................................................................................................................................... 9

Example of a Project Timeline/Calendar .................................................................................................................... 10

Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Science Investigations ......................................................................... 11

Prepare a Display Board of Your Findings/Work ........................................................................................................ 12

Display Board Ideas for Science Investigation Projec ................................................................................................. 14

How Adults Can Help .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Registration for Edmonds STEM Expo ........................................................................................................................ 15

Project Planning Proposal Example ............................................................................................................................ 16

https://goo.gl/6QAQB8

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What is the STEM Expo?

Welcome Students! The STEM Expo is a celebration of YOU, and of your learning in sciences and engineering. It is the place to share what you care deeply about and to show the community how STEM can be used to impact our future. To join the event, you may use work done as part of a class, or work you’ve developed independently with support from a teacher, mentor or coach. Your projects may be presented as team or as individual work in any of the following categories:

Science Investigations Lab experiments or field studies designed by students in order to answer a scientific question. Engineering Design Projects and Inventions Inventions and engineered projects designed by students to provide a solution to a problem. Computer Sciences Projects designed by students which include work in computer engineering, programming, forensics and software development. Science Inquiry Essays This category showcases two major types of student essays. One type is writing done to explain lab techniques and experiments done (but not designed) by students. A second type is writing based on a review of scientific literature to explore a question about a scientific topic. STEM Club Projects Procedures and technologies used by students as part of STEM related competitions and project-based learning activities. STEM Classroom Demonstrations These displays feature demonstrations of procedures and technologies used within STEM classrooms.

Each category has specific criteria that need to be followed. The criteria for Computer Sciences are listed in this handbook. You are encouraged to choose the type of project that best fits your learning style and interests. Students, teachers, mentors and advisors can find STEM Expo resources in any of the above categories at the Edmonds School District STEM Expo website.


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A Quick Note about STEM Competitions

As you are getting ready for the STEM Expo, it is a great time to be

aware of other STEM competitions that you might like to participate

in, too.

Use your talents, passion and STEM knowledge to make a

difference in our world! Check out these opportunities to share

your ideas. You might participate in one of these events as part of a

class, but you could also do it on your own. Find an event that fits your style. If you have questions about

getting started, need support, or plan to enter on your own rather than as part of a class, contact Mary

Glodowski at the Edmonds School District [email protected].

Besides using your ideas to make a difference in the world, here are a few other reasons to consider

participating in a STEM competition:

You can start to make a difference in the world now! (Just had to mention that one more time.)

It’s really the most important reason for doing science and engineering, after all.

You have something to brag about on your college applications.

You have something significant to add to your resume.

You can make great connections with the science and engineering community.

$$$ All competitions listed below have cash prizes. $$$

$$$ Some of the competitions listed below have scholarship prizes. $$$

Consider reviewing these events for great ideas to help you with your STEM Expo Project. Visit

Edmonds School District STEM Competitions for easy access to information on ALL of these amazing

events! https://goo.gl/FCHKdG -

Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair

Intel International Science & Engineering Fair

Broadcom MASTERS

Regeneron Science Talent Search

Siemens Competition

eCybermission

Microsoft Imagine Cup

FIRST LEGO League

Real World Design Challenge

Toshiba ExploraVision

Imagine Tomorrow


mailto:[email protected]

https://goo.gl/FCHKdG

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Important Note for Students Using this Handbook:

If you are participating in the STEM Expo as part of a class assignment:

Follow all instructions from your teacher very carefully as you move through your computer

sciences project. This handbook may serve to give you a few more ideas and resources to

consider.

If you are doing this project without your class and will be entering only the STEM Expo:

Feel free to use a blend of the strategies presented in this handbook in a way that best suits your

style! Before you start your investigation, you will need to have your procedure/plans approved

for safety and ethical issues. Contact Mary Glodowski at the Edmonds School District

[email protected] for approval, to register for the STEM Expo, and if you have

questions or need support with your project.

If you are doing this project for both the STEM Expo AND for another STEM event or competition (see

examples on page 4):

If you plan to share your competition work at the STEM Expo, follow all instructions given for

your other STEM event/competition very carefully. You will register for the STEM Expo with your

teacher. If you are doing entering the STEM Expo without your class, you can contact Mary

Glodowski at the Edmonds School District [email protected] to register for the

STEM Expo, and if you have questions or need support with your project.




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Getting Organized

Record Keeping - Notebooks

Your project notebook is the most important aspect of providing evidence that

your ideas and work belong to you. It is a detailed account of every phase of

your project, from your initial ideas to your final products. It is a hand-written,

day-by-day record of everything related to your project.

General Guidelines: 1. Use a durable, stitched, laboratory-type notebook. Pages are not to be removed. 2. Use the first few pages as your Table of Contents and fill in titles and pages as you work. 3. Begin using the notebook right away and document everything you do for the project. 4. Whether working individually or as a team, each person must have a notebook.

5. All pages must be numbered before information is entered.

6. All pages are dated as information is added.

7. All entries should be done in blue or black ink. No pencil.

8. Don’t worry about neatness. This is a real, working notebook that serves as a “diary” or record of what you are doing. Don’t re-write pages to make them look nice. They only have to legible and organized enough for others to read your work and understand what you are doing.

9. Simply put a line through errors – no white-out – and initial.

10. Most of the records in your lab notebook will be hand-written. 11. Notebooks typically include:

Topic ideas and brainstorming, questions about your topic

Daily observations and ideas

Question (or hypothesis) for your investigation

Literature review reading notes, bibliographical citations

Drafts of materials and procedures, and actual materials and procedures

Labeled sketches and photos of experimentation

Data tables, calculations, graphs

Data analysis notes, conclusion notes

Poster design

Finding Resources

Edmonds School District Online Resources https://goo.gl/4rzjuH

Teachers and Specialist in your topic area

School Library and Media Specialists

Google Scholar

Museums

Organizations that specialize in your topic


https://goo.gl/4rzjuH

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=862&tbs=itp:clipart&tbm=isch&tbnid=Rk2HCOy4ayBH3M:&imgrefurl=http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/notebook.html&docid=eCpvxJHl_0B4SM&imgurl=http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/notebook.gif&w=500&h=694&ei=J_p-UJOqDomiigLvuoFY&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=558&vpy=135&dur=577&hovh=265&hovw=190&tx=85&ty=124&sig=113541988854775506754&page=1&tbnh=156&tbnw=112&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:114

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Choosing Your Topic

Choosing your topic is often a difficult first step. The following suggestions will help you get started:

Generate a list of interests: The best topic comes from something you are passionate about. What are your hobbies? Are you interested in how things work, patterns you observe in nature, solving a problem or issue you have noticed in your community? Is there something you have always wondered about? Is there a product or design you have wanted to develop or improve? Get help: Brainstorm ideas with a friend, parent, or another interested adult. What questions do I have about the topic? Just as you identified a topic, generate a list of questions you have about this topic. Remember, this is all a brainstorm to this point

Best Tips for Idea Resources from the STEM Competitions (see page 4)

eCybermission: You can watch series of short videos that guide students through each stage of a science or engineering process. Remember to look at the bottom of the page for links to supporting documents. Toshiba ExploraVision: This site has a series of great tips to help guide you through the processes of brainstorming, choosing a topic, and even how to research.


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Types of Computer Sciences Projects to Consider for the STEM Expo

Computer Sciences is a very broad term that covers many areas. Any of these areas, and more, would be appropriate for the STEM Expo.

Creating an app or a program

Work in digital forensics

Software engineering

Hardware

Computer graphics and visualization

Gaming

Human-computer interaction

Accessibility

Bioinformatics

Cryptography

Artificial Intelligence

In real life, the boundaries between computer science and computer engineering projects are not always

clear. Scientists often engineer tools to do their work, and engineers often use scientific practices to

help them design their products. Much of what we often call “computer science” is actually

engineering—programmers creating new products. Your project may fall in the gray area between

science and engineering, and that’s OK. Many projects can and should use science and engineering

practices.


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Safety and Ethics Regulations

The International Rules for Pre-college Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs is published each year to support students doing independent research safely. They are the official rules of the Intel ISEF and affiliated science fair, as well as the Edmonds School District STEM Expo. The purpose of these rules is to:

protect the rights and welfare of the student researcher and of the human participant

to make sure federal regulations are followed and safe engineering and lab practices are used

protect the environment

determine eligibility for participation in the STEM Expo and other STEM competitions and events

Do you plan to use any of the following in your project for the STEM Expo? Human Subjects, in any way, even for surveys or opinions

Vertebrate Animals (animals with a backbone)

Animal Tissues

Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses)

Recombinant DNA Technologies

Radiation

Controlled or Hazardous Substances

Explosives or Firearms

Chemicals not generally found in the household

YES NO

You and/or your teacher should visit the summary of the STEM Expo Safety Regulations at https://goo.gl/nwf7s2 BEFORE you start your project.

This will help you determine if your project can be approved by your teacher, will need to be modified, or if you need to consult the STEM Expo Safety Team at [email protected].

Your teacher may approve your plans.

If your project idea requires a consultation with the STEM Expo Safety Review Team, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to do your project. We will work with you to ensure that all safety regulations are followed. To see a summary of the Edmonds School District STEM Expo Safety Regulations, please visit https://goo.gl/nwf7s2. To see the entire Safety Regulations in full detail, please visit https://goo.gl/ZKZMPH.


https://goo.gl/nwf7s2


https://goo.gl/nwf7s2

https://goo.gl/ZKZMPH

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Example of a Project Timeline/Calendar This is a simple example of a timeline for a Computer Sciences Project. Creating a timeline for your project is HIGHLY recommended. It helps to keep you on track and breaks the process into smaller tasks.

Tasks to be completed October Start a STEM Expo Lab Notebook to record all work on your project

Decide whether to do a team or an individual project

Brainstorm topic ideas

Select a topic

Record notes from three resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for higher grades)

November Make a list of questions you have about your topic

Spend as much time as possible reading & taking notes on your topic

Narrow and define the project you will explore

Complete a Project Planning Proposal form. Once can be found at the end of this handbook. Carefully review regulations for Human Subjects/Human Participants if your plan includes using anyone, even if it’s just to ask questions for a survey or to test your product

Record notes from three more resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for higher grades)

Wait for Project Approval (and Safety & Ethics Approval if applicable)

December Outline of paper completed by giving topic of each paragraph

Opening paragraph completed and peer reviewed

Collection of more resources, with bibliography (annotated bibliography for higher grades)

WINTER BREAK January Complete a rough draft

Have your rough draft peer reviewed

Review and revise your work

February Register online for the STEM Expo

Complete your final draft

March

Create your display board

April Celebrate your work at the STEM Expo!


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Elements of a Successful Research Paper for Science Investigations

A research paper should be prepared and available along with the project notebook and your display board for

the STEM Expo. A research paper helps organize data as well as thoughts. A good paper includes the following

sections:

Title or Title Page

Table of Contents: Allows the reader to follow the organization of the paper quickly.

Abstract or Summary Page: Advanced grades may include an abstract to summarize the project.

Purpose Statement: Very brief statement that explains the purpose of your project.

Introduction: Include the details surrounding the purpose of your project and what you hoped to achieve. Summarize your background research about your topic.

Materials and Procedure: Include detailed photographs, diagrams, and labeled drawings. Include

materials and technology used.

Data and/or Results: This could include statistics, graphs, pages with your raw data, etc.

Discussion and Analysis of Data or Results: Compare your results with expected results and/or

commonly held beliefs. Include a discussion of possible errors. What would you do differently if you

repeated this project? What other experiments should be conducted?

Conclusions: Briefly summarize your results. Refer to your experimental question or hypothesis.

Support those statements with evidence and data. Be specific, do not generalize. Mention real world

applications in your conclusion.

Acknowledgements: You should always credit those who have assisted you, including individuals,

businesses and educational or research institutions.

References/Bibliography: Your reference list should include any documentation that is not your own

(i.e. books, journal articles, websites, etc.) Use the MLA format. Include a minimum of 3 -5 resources.

A good internet resource to help you format your bibliography can be found at www.easybib.com Select the category of your source material (website, book, etc.) then follow the prompts to enter your source information, and a correctly formatted citation will be created for you to copy and paste into your documents. Adding bibliographies to work anytime you use resources is a good habit to establish.


http://www.easybib.com/

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Prepare a Display Board of Your Findings/Work

The display board is a visual representation of your entire project. You will be provided with a tri-fold

display board. Keep your exhibit neat, uncluttered, and to the point. All photos and illustrations should

include captions and photo credits.

Note: No living organisms, taxidermy specimens, preserved animals, human/animal parts or body fluids,

hazardous or flammable chemicals, or drugs are allowed as part of your display at the STEM Expo.

Photos should not show students’ faces. Do not have anything of value or that is breakable as part of

your display. You will not have access to electrical outlets.

Your COMPUTER SCIENCES display board should include the following:

Title of the project

Your Name

Purpose Statement

Materials and technology used

Documentation of work – can include photos, copies of notebooks pages, code, etc.

Outcome of the project and next steps if not fully completed

Application or use of the product created


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This is an example of how a display board is to be organized in the Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair, the Washington State

Science & Engineering Fair, the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS. If you are entering these

competitions along with the Edmonds School District STEM Expo, use this format.


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Display Board Ideas for Science Investigation Projec

Student Name

Background

Research

Purpose Statement

Materials &

Technology Used

Procedure & Methods

Data & Results

Includes Graphs &

Tables

Pictures with captions

Outcome and

Application of Project

Title

This is another example of a Display Board for Computer Sciences Projects

In Front of Display Board on Table: Research Paper, Project Notebook and any other materials you

feel would be useful to explain and show how you ran and/or created your project.


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How Adults Can Help

Visit the resource pages for the STEM Expo at the Edmonds School District “Explore STEM” site at https://goo.gl/6QAQB8

Be a questioner to help achieve focus and clarity. Guide the students rather than lead. Encourage students to make their own decisions and use the inquiry approach.

Be a helper by answering questions on the “how to.” A student might require help remembering how to set up a graph or chart. Show them how but don’t do it for them.

Be an assistant when students need extra hands. Some tasks are just too difficult to do alone. Help them organize time and information.

Be a coach for students who need help. Show or remind them how to use information and assist in finding appropriate search tools.

Be a runner for various materials that the student might need. A student might need materials for the project or they could need to visit a site or interview an expert to enhance their study.

Be a wise listener when students want to share ideas. Allow the student to discuss progress and show interest in the student’s project.

Most importantly, be an encourager! Allow students to do their own quality work. Students will perform best if they know they have support from teachers and parents. Let them know how well they are doing and how proud you are of their accomplishments.

Registration for Edmonds STEM Expo

Online registration for the STEM Expo will be open from February 22 – March 16, 2018. If you are

participating as part of a class, your teacher will give you registration access information in early

February. If you are participating without a class or club, please contact Mary Glodowski at

[email protected] for registration instructions.




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Project Planning Proposal Example

Edmonds STEM Expo Project Planning Proposal Due Date:

Student’s Name or Team Members’ Names Grade Possible Project Title

Category (circle one):

Science Investigation Engineering Design/Invention Science Inquiry Essay

Computer Sciences STEM Club Project STEM Classroom Display School: Sponsoring Teacher:

A brief explanation of your proposed project. (2-3 sentences):

Does your proposed project use any of the following?

Yes No Yes No

Human Subjects in any way (even if it’s just to ask them questions for a survey)

Controlled or hazardous substances

Vertebrate animals (animals with a backbone)

Any micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi)

Animal tissue Disease causing agents DNA Explosives Radiation Chemicals not generally found in a

household

I understand that when my project planning proposal is approved I will be expected to host my exhibit at the STEM Expo on Monday, April 23, 2018 6:00-8:00pm at Mountlake Terrace High School. ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Teacher’s Review:

Congratulations! Your project proposal has been approved.

Your project proposal isn’t ready for approval yet.


stem expo - edmonds school district...3 visit the edmonds school district “explore stem” site at...

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