Quarter 2 Project

We are excited to announce that our 2^nd Quarter Project will be a school-wide Science Fair!  This quarter, each student will have the opportunity to design an experiment that will help them investigate a topic and question they are curious about.  Next week, students will receive a detailed outline of each part of the project, important due dates, and helpful hints.  In order to help students practice effective time management skills, as well as get help from us and input from their peers, parts of the projects will be due at various times throughout 2^nd quarter.  The final project will be due on January 25^th.  Along with “check-in days”, we will also have classroom lessons to help students review the scientific method and several “project work days” during science class which will be announced in advance. 

The science fair requirements are different at each grade level have been designed so that students can complete the project independently with minimum assistance from adults.  The goal is for students to choose a topic that is of interest to them and design their own experiment.  Parents can help out in many ways, such as making sure experiments are safe and materials are accessible, helping students stay on schedule, and providing support and assistance as needed.

Although students will receive much more information next week, they may want to start thinking about their project this weekend!  On the back of this letter, you will find a list of helpful websites to begin brainstorming suggestions and ideas.  The most important thing to remember is that this project should be in the form of an experiment and not a model, “how to”, or collection of science facts.  Using the scientific method, students will design a testable question, form a hypothesis, research the topic, write a procedure, conduct an experiment, collect and analyze data, and communicate results at a school-wide Science Fair.  Topics, testable questions, and a general plan will need to be approved before students begin testing.  They will receive a planning sheet to help generate ideas and organize their thoughts next week.

Stay tuned for more information and other important dates!  If you have any questions now or throughout the project, please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to helping students in their scientific journeys!

Sincerely,

Skinner North Teachers