TO PARTICIPANTS IN SUMMER 1994 SMILE+ PROGRAM
THIS IS A TENTATIVE COPY OF SCIENCE FAIR PACKET
BASED UPON MATERIALS OBTAINED FROM YOU AND
OTHER SOURCES. PLEASE CONTACT ME CONCERNING
CORRECTIONS, OMISSIONS, AND ADDITIONS
PORTER JOHNSON
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHICAGO IL 60616-3793
TEL: [312] 567-3375
FAX: [312] 567-3396
SCIENCE FAIR PACKET
ASSEMBLED MARCH 1995
PORTER W. JOHNSON
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SMILE CO-DIRECTOR
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BASED UPON INFORMATION
GATHERED BY PARTICIPANTS
IN THE SMILE+ PROGRAM
AUGUST 1994
Science Fairs and Mathematics Expositions:
What is their purpose?
Summary of Discussion at SMILE+ Meeting
17 August 1994
Introduction
I. Why are there fairs in science and not in other disciplines?
Fairs were started by local science teachers to foster scientific research.
They obtained support from sci-tech businesses.
Science, home economics, industrial arts, and fine arts are "optional" in
high school, and thus thrive on publicity.
"Original research" is emphasized in science, but not in mathematics.
However, computer projects may be novel and individualized.
Science fairs are investigative in nature, like science itself.
Science/technology is celebrated and respected in American society.
Paradoxically, we have fewer and fewer students with math & science
abilities.
II. Interdisciplinary aspects of science fairs
To initiate ideas for its Mathematics Exposition, Disney School uses
"everyday math".
Science teachers are "interactive" and actively involved in school
activities.
Science fairs should be interdisciplinary, but it is often difficult to
solicit help from busy faculty members. Some of them are "afraid" of
science. A TIMELINE with a schedule of activities and responsibilities
will help.
Students need to have a solid base in mathematics before they can be
successful in science. Phenomenology can interest students in science and
mathematics.
III. Basic Purposes of Science Fair
Recognition of the school's ability to be competitive.
Winning.
Developing student self-esteem and presentation skills.
IV. Strengthening performance in the fair
Work directly with students before the fair to improve performance. To
encourage participation in the fair, give prizes [from places such as
Radio Shack] at the fair.
Teachers should collect ideas all year long, attend other fairs, analyze
winning trends, and seek organizations [Newberry] that combine fairs from
different disciplines.
V. Integration of Science Fair into the Educational Objectives of the School
We can use the science fair/math expo to combat anxiety and intimidation
in students, parents, faculty, and the public.
Computers are important for arousing interest in school, including in
science and mathematics, and in helping with research projects.
We need to find ways of encouraging students who "don't get it". Science
fairs help.
There is more access and availability of science materials as a result of
science fairs.
We need to merge textbook materials and other curricular materials with
science fair/math expo.
Administrators must be persuaded that certain properly supervised games
are instructive as well as entertaining.
VI. Summary
Unique informal educational experiences.
Expanded teaching materials.
"Risk-taking" is encouraged.
Science Fair Time Line
Prepared in SMILE+ Program
August 19 1994
June 30 through Summer
Set up work areas
Collect materials
Identify donors and get donations
Disseminate letters of interest to parents
Double-check resources outside school
Check school calendars
Develop/update science fair Bibliography
September 1 - 14
** Pitch science fair and show video at open house
"Brainstorm" in class
Teach scientific method, the metric system, and
measurement
** Provide list of ideas
Enlist students with experience
** Teach terminology through activities
** Share ideas and experiences with faculty
Form school science fair committee and set agenda
** represents an activity that continues into the future
September 15 - October 15
Refine ideas
Refine terminology
Present previous successful project
Assemble lists of possible judges
** Identify media/deadlines/publicity sources
** represents an activity that continues into the future
By October 15
Finalize research plan
Finalize certificates, endorsements, safety
October 15 - Thanksgiving
Reminder at report card pickup
List of suggested holiday lists
Instructional topics:
experimentation
results/logging
portfolio assessment
conclusions
Distribute format of reports to students
Letter to judges:
four weeks before fair
RSVP card
include assessment sheet
Meeting for "brainstorming" support and
information: "do's" and "don'ts"
Set up student publicity committee
Finalize student abstracts
Letter to PTO President about Fair
Thanksgiving - Holidays
Letter to judges:
four weeks before fair
RSVP card
include assessment sheet
Students write reports and finalize exhibits
Determine number of participants
Begin publicity for science fairs
December - January
Local Science Fair
5 minute video presentations
"still shots"
"Thank You" letter to judges [including results] one
week after fair
February
District Fair
Recognition Assembly [Awards Certificates] after
district fair
Early April
Preparation for City Fair
perfection of exhibits
practice presentations
public speaking exercises
City-wide Fair
[field trip for participants in local fair]
Preparation for state fair
May-June
Preparation for state fair
Field trip for science club
More Precise Chronology Near Fair
Four weeks before fair:
judges letter of invitation
involve writing teachers
solicit parents for assistance in fair
Three weeks before fair:
Arrange for tables
Publicity
Two weeks before fair:
Get written reports
check spelling on final drafts
Meeting of parent assistants
One week before fair:
10 parents to come to school
Publicity
One day before fair:
Get tables and set them up
Day after fair:
Clean and return tables [with thank you notes!]
One week after fair
Contact district coordinator with results
Thank you letters to judges and parents
Back to Science Fair index.