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Student Resources
Science Fair 2012
Directors: Steve Mills and Iris Ramp
Plans, projects, and reports are underway for Science Fair 2012. Our
sixth annual fair is set for Wednesday, January 11, 2012, in our gym.
Public viewing will be permitted from 5 to 7 p.m on Wednesday, January
11. All GJHS students participate in science fair.
A science fair project is a presentation of an experiment or
demonstration. It represents an effort of investigation into some area
of interest and provides a way for a student to demonstrate the results
of that investigation. Science fair projects are a unique ways for
students to satisfy their curiosity about the world around them. They
are ventures (and adventures) into the world of scientific research that
goes beyond lessons in the classroom or chapters in a book. Through the
development of science fair projects, students can gain a first-hand
appreciation of the work of scientists and the value of their
discoveries. Projects allows them to experiment, make decisions, form
and re-form hypotheses, test and examine ideas, seek solutions, and most
important, learn more about themselves and their world.
Science fair projects consist of three essential components. Each will
be discussed in more detail by the science teachers.
•
Display Unit
The display unit forms the background for the project. It should be
built of sturdy materials to provide a structure for a vertical display
of graphs, charts, photographs, and other printed information. Usually
three-sided, it includes the name of the project as well as other
information that is important to observers. These display boards are
available at our school.
•
Exhibit Materials
The exhibit materials consist of items demonstrated by a student or the
experiment that is carried out during the investigation. Display
materials give the science project a three-dimensional look and allow
others to observe the actual materials involved in their investigations.
Live animals, dangerous chemicals or equipment, and valuable materials
should not be brought to the fair.
•
Written Report
It is important for students to keep written records of their
investigations. These records outline the original problems students
chose and the means and methods used to investigate them. Included in
the report will be an abstract, background information, the scienfic
process for this project, and a blibliography. The written report should
be accurate and easy to read, and it should give a clear summary of the
entire project.
• Oral Presentation
Of course, an oral report will be part of the process, too. Students
will be asked to present their projects to a judge to be evaluated. Most
students will practice giving their report in their science classes in
preparation for the big event. In the oral presentation, students should
discuss the same elements in their written report; however, they should
not read the written report for their presentation. A good,
well-practiced report will demonstrate everything the student has
learned to a judge; therefore, a fair amount of time should be spent on
it.
The final project a student sets up for a science fair is limited only
by his/her imagination and curiosity. Projects have taken many forms and
designs over the years. Most importantly, a project will help a student
develop and expand a deeper appreciation for scientific investigations.
Participants in this year's science fair can receive outside classroom
help and time by attending one or more of the Science Fair Help Room
sessions. These sessions are held weekly with a time before school and a
time after school. There is no need to reserve a time. Students should
just show up. A science teacher will be on duty to assist participants.
With nearly 500 entries in science fair, we're looking for judges for
the event. If you or someone you know would like to participate, please
send a message to Mr. Mills
or Mrs. Ramp.
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