5th Grade Science Fair
Science Fair Question and Hypothesis
Due 11/20/2016
Final Project Due 12/19/2017
Student Name………………………………………….. Homeroom Teacher………………………………………………………….
Question:
Hypothesis:
I understand that this is a required school project and must be turned in by 12/19/2018.
Student signature…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Parent signature…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Dr. Sudler’s science students should return this form into Dr. Sudler, in their class folder on or before 11/01/2018.
Ms. Sapp will review and return each question and hypothesis by 11/ 10/ 2018.
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Timeline for Science Fair Project |
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Activity |
Time to start each portion of your science fair project |
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Decide on topic and develop question and hypothesis (Project assigned) |
Week beginning October 1st or sooner |
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Background research on topic |
Week beginning October 1st or sooner (Start your research as soon as possible.) |
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Determine materials and purchase them |
Week beginning October 8th |
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Set up project and begin to collect data/ begin to type your research paper |
7- 4 weeks before the due date(depending on your project) Due: 12/19/2018 Make sure to check in with Ms. Sapp regarding your question and hypothesis on or before November 1st. |
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Shop for project display supplies ( Let Ms. Sapp know if you need help with supplies.) |
4 weeks before the due date |
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Prepare project display/ finish your research paper |
3 weeks before the due date |
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Deliver presentation display to school |
Deliver your project and paper on December 19th, 2018 |
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Science Fair Day |
Set up your display in your assigned space. |
Henderson Mill Elementary School
Annual Science Fair
Due Date: December 19, 2018
Your science fair project is to be completed independently. Some help may be given by your family members, such as purchasing materials or doing the experiment at home, but you must plan your own project. Other students should NOT help you with your project. Your project submission will consist of two parts: a written essay and a project display board. Pictures should be included on your display board.
In addition, your question and hypothesis must be turned in for approval on or before November. 1st, 2018 to Dr. Sudler for review by Ms. Sapp.
Grading
The rubrics below show exactly what will be expected of you and your science fair project. This is how you will be graded.
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Fifth Grade Science Fair Project Grading Rubric Henderson Mill 2018/ 2019 Remember to put your name and HR teacher’s name on the back of your project board. |
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Area |
Explanation |
Notes/ Score |
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Research Question |
Clear and focused purpose. Identifies contribution to field of study. Testable using scientific methods. |
_____ /10 |
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Design and Methodology |
Plan and data collection is designed well. Plan is implemented as explained. Variables and controls are defined appropriately. |
_____ /20 |
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Execution |
Appropriate and sufficient data was collected. A clear plan or method was followed. All calculations are correct and support the conclusion. |
_____ /30 |
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Creativity |
Project demonstrates significant creativity and/or originality. Possibly created or displayed a model of the experiment. |
_____ /10 |
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Presentation Display |
Display shows all steps of the scientific method and any other necessary information. Display can be read and understood (without explanation). Display is also shown on a tri-fold display board. Display board should be neat and attention paid to your board’s appearance. |
_____ /30 |
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Total: ________ / 100 |
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5th Grade Science Fair- Written Essay Rubric Henderson Mill 2018/ 2019 Remember to put your name and HR teacher’s name on your paper. |
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Area and Description of Requirements |
Notes/Score |
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Title Page, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion are present |
/5 |
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Question and Purpose are stated |
/10 |
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Hypothesis: Declares a specific position and gives a reason(s) why. |
/10 |
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Research: Facts are stated and used appropriately |
/20 |
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Procedure and Results are stated clearly and in order
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/20 |
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Project Conclusion: Clearly sums up the whole science project and gives a definite answer to the original question. Also explains whether the hypothesis is correct or incorrect and why. |
/20 |
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Grammar: Student uses appropriate words and punctuation. |
/10 |
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Bibliography: Included at the end of the paper and multiple sources were used. |
/5 |
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Total Points: ____/100 |
Judging
A panel of teachers and community partners will review each project and decide on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for Henderson Mill Elementary School. These students will be given the opportunity to enter their projects in the DeKalb County Schools Science and Engineering Fair which will be held in January 2019.
Display
Below is an example of what your presentation display should look like. Be sure to include all of the steps of the scientific method, your process, data collection, etc. You may also choose to add pictures or have a 3-D display present at the time of the science fair. Be sure to let your creativity show. Make your display eye-catching and interesting.
Helpful Websites
https://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/scientificmethod.php
https://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php
https://www.stevespanglerscience.com
https://www.education.com/science-fair/
*Please do not copy projects from the above websites. Modify projects to fit your question and to fit grading criteria. Remember that you must compare at least three things in your experiment.
Scientific Method
What is a testable scientific question?
A scientific question is one that has a variable that can be tested. For example, how does the color of an ice cube affect how quickly it will melt? This is testable because you can change the color of the ice cubes (variable). “Why does the volcano erupt?” is not a testable question because the answer can be found by looking in a textbook.
What is the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis?
A prediction is an educated guess based on background knowledge or fact. A hypothesis is an educated guess than can be tested. For example, we might predict what type of microorganisms we might find in pond water. We might make a hypothesis about what would happen to the heart rates of those microorganisms if we added caffeine to their water.
Why should you use if/then statements when writing a hypothesis?
A hypothesis should include both of the variables in the experiment; those things that change. Using if/then statements ensure that you include both variables. For example: if we add caffeine to pond water, then the heart rates of the microorganisms will increase.
What is the difference between a manipulated/independent and responding/dependent variable in an experiment?
The manipulated variable is what you control or change. The responding variable is what changes because of the experiment. For example: the color of the ice cube would be the manipulated variable and the time it would take each color to melt would be responding variable.
What are constants?
Constants are all of the factors that you keep the same in an experiment. In the melting ice cube example you would want the ice cubes to be the same size, all made of water, and given the same amount of heat.
Why are data tables used?
Data tables are used to record what happens during an experiment. They always include title, labels, and information about both variables.
What are some ways that data collected from an experiment can be displayed?
Data can be displayed on bar graphs, line graphs, or circle graphs.
What rules should always be followed when making a graph?
Always remember that the manipulated variable goes on the x-axis, and the responding variable goes on the y-axis. The graph should always have a title, labels, and units of measurement.
What is the difference between a qualitative and quantitative observation?
Qualitative observations are made with the five senses. Quantitative observations involve taking measurements, and/or using numbers. For example, stating that a ball is orange is a qualitative observation. Stating that it has a mass of 50 grams is a quantitative observation.
Sample Science Questions for Elementary Students
- What color of candle burns the fastest?
- What kind of paper can float the longest?
- What shape of clay boat holds the most pennies before sinking?
- What happens to cookies when you leave out one ingredient?
- Which kind of cola do people really like the best? (blind taste test)
- Which kind of detergent washes the most stains out?
- What liquids in my house fizz when I add baking soda?
- What cleans a penny?
- How do different amounts of baking soda affect cookies?
- What food does my pet like best?
- How many seeds do different types of fruit produce?
- How do different style pencils or grips affect writing fatigue?
- What factors affect seed germination?
- What medium is best for seeds to sprout?
- What time of day does a hamster go through a maze faster?
- What type of food or type of birdfeeder attracts the most birds?
- Is the heart rate of different animals and people the same after exercise?
- Which gum lasts the longest?
- What product works best to stop stinky feet?
- What temperature makes bread mold grow faster?
- How does egg substitute (or sugar substitute) change recipes?
- Which detergent is best for removing stains?
- What type of paper makes the best paper airplane?
- What is the best type of cup to keep drinks hot? or cold?
- Which type of chocolate melts fastest under a hot light?
- Remember that students should ask a question that reflects their interests as a scientist. Students must compare at least three things when conducting their experiments. Attention should be given to the experiment, design of the display board and the research paper, as all will be graded.