We are now a week into our science fair unit. Students spent the better part of last week brainstorming ideas, researching potential pitfalls, and solidifying their testable question that they will complete their science fair around. As part of that confirmation process, students had to recognize they will be responsible for obtaining the materials to complete the experiment here at Saratoga. While we can provide some measuring equipment and support, students will need to ensure that they have the materials ready by the middle of next week to begin the experimental process. During the experimental design process, we met with each student to ensure that their project has the potential for success. However, we do not always know from the home front if what the student designs will be possible for families to support or gather materials. Therefore, if your student shares information with you regarding their project that causes concern such as cost or complexity, please do not hesitate to ask them to alter or change their experiment. If you do see the need for changes please help your student make them as soon as possible for each day will be more work for them to catch up.
The science team will once again be using For All Rubrics to check off the various phases of the project. As soon as a student shows us successful completion of that phase, we will mark it off. Students will need to complete each phase to move to the next. Therefore, it will be essential that students complete each part of the project in a timely manner so they do not fall behind and create an “avalanche” of work they cannot get out from under. Please remember that any late work requires the student to show their facilitator to get it checked off.
Below is a projected timeline for completing the science fair:
February 26 - March 2nd: Complete the background information on the testable question, develop the experimental procedures, build the data table, and identify variables in the experiment.
March 5th - March 9th: Students finish up all steps from previous week and begin experimenting.
March 12th - March 16th: Students finish up experiments and start to build their website with experimental information.
March 19th - March 23rd: Students complete website design and start practicing their presentation.
March 26th - March 28th: Students present their results to a judge.
The science team will once again be using For All Rubrics to check off the various phases of the project. As soon as a student shows us successful completion of that phase, we will mark it off. Students will need to complete each phase to move to the next. Therefore, it will be essential that students complete each part of the project in a timely manner so they do not fall behind and create an “avalanche” of work they cannot get out from under. Please remember that any late work requires the student to show their facilitator to get it checked off.
Below is a projected timeline for completing the science fair:
February 26 - March 2nd: Complete the background information on the testable question, develop the experimental procedures, build the data table, and identify variables in the experiment.
March 5th - March 9th: Students finish up all steps from previous week and begin experimenting.
March 12th - March 16th: Students finish up experiments and start to build their website with experimental information.
March 19th - March 23rd: Students complete website design and start practicing their presentation.
March 26th - March 28th: Students present their results to a judge.