2015 Science Fair
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Theme
Demonstrate the Science of Toys/Tricks
Objective
Demonstrate a toy/trick and explain how it works, using science terms.

A Science Demonstration is a quick little science “show” that explains a science concept like building a model volcano and watching it erupt. It shows how something works.
Parameters
  1. You can work alone or pick your own partners, up to 4 students per group. You can only work with students in the same period as you.
  2. Your demonstration must apply one of the following 8th grade Standards:
    1. Chemistry (8.3 Matter, 8.5 Reactions, 8.6 Living Systems, 8.7 Periodic Table and 8.8 Density)
    2. Physics (8.1 Motion and 8.2 Force)
    3. Astronomy (8.4 Astronomy)
  3. You will not have to write a report; just create an informative, attractive display board AND give a presentation
  4. Each group should have a distinct toy/trick
Duration

Day 1, 4/29
Choose your toy AND make sure it relates to an 8th grade standard


Day 2-3, 4/30-5/1
Construct/Obtain your toy AND Research how your toy works
Day 4-5, 5/4-5/5
Type your text for the display board AND construct visuals
Day 6, 5/6
Paste everything on your display board; Display Board is due 5/7
Day 7, 5/7
Practice presenting your project to another group; attend OPEN HOUSE!
Day 8-10, 5/8, 511-12
Present your project
Points
Display Board: 200 points (see rubric)
Team Evaluation: 20 points (see rubric)
Productivity Evaluation: 35 points (5 points/day; teacher evaluation)
Class Presentation: 45 points (see rubric)
Open House: 10 points extra credit (see Open House Scavenger Hunt)
Science Fair Awards
Awards will be based on:
  • Teamwork
  • Accuracy of Presentation
  • Organization of Display Board
Winners will be announced during the Awards Assembly (not during Open House)


Display Board
The display is crucial to your success at the fair because it tells about your project. The display must be neat and well organized. It should include the following:


Catchy Title
Names of Group Members

Standard
State the related 8th grade standard.
Purpose
Explain why your project important. What do you want others to learn about your topic?
Materials
Make a bullet list of all the materials you used for your project. (Include quantities)
Procedure
List the steps explaining how your object works. (Must be numbered and provide enough direction to replicate the experiment)
Visuals
Include related graphics/diagrams/photos to show what you did.


How it Works
Explain how the toy works, using Science key terms.
1st paragraph:
  • Locate at least 3 key science terms related to your topic. Define the terms IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
2nd paragraph:
  • Describe the science behind your project. How do the objects in your project represent the science terms?

Reminders:
  • Use reliable Internet sources or your science book.
  • Must be in your own words, but you can use in-text citations
  • bold science terms
  • Plagiarized explanations will receive an automatic FAIL (0/200pts!)

Sources
Using APA format, list your sources
Note on Fonts:
  • Titles may be any type of font, as long as it’s about 3 inches big or font size 150
  • Headings maybe any type of font, as long as it’s about 2 inches big or font size 70
  • The Text MUST be Arial, size 36-48
  • Use Construction/colored paper to color code your headings & texts

Ideas
You are welcome to choose one the following ideas OR select your own.
Keep in mind that the demonstration you choose must represent an 8th grade standard!!


Explain the science behind the following topics:
How does a work?
  • Hover Balloon/ table top hovercraft
  • Ice Cream in a baggie
  • Levers
  • catapults
  • rollercoaster
  • cartesian diver/magic ketchup experiment
  • lava lamp
  • balloon rocket
  • slime
  • air cannon
  • glow stick
  • parachute
  • egg in a bottle
  • butter
  • bowling
  • slime
  • floating eggs
  • quick sand
  • moving molecules
  • invisible ink
  • crystal geodes
  • pop rocks baloons
  • bouncy balls from corn startch and borax


Google “Easy Science Demonstrations”