• FAQ

         Science Fair FAQs

    The purpose of the Science Fair is to encourage students to develop a greater interest in science and technology and to develop skills in critical thinking, research, problem solving and the use of the Scientific Method.

    1. When can I bring my project to school? 
    Project drop off times are Wednesday, March 13th from 2:30-3:30 pm or Thursday, March 14th from 7:30-8:10 am. 
     
    2. When should I take my project home? 
    Your project needs to be taken home Thursday night after the Science Fair. Any projects left become property of the Science Room and are subject for disposal.
     
    3. Who can enter? 
    Any student at Murwood Elementary School. Students in Kindergarten through 4th Grade are highly encouraged to participate. Students in 5th grade are lucky to be required to do a project! We encourage parents to assist their scientist in this at-home project, but please don't do the project.
     
    4. What types of projects can be entered? 

    For K-3 students, projects can be a STEM project, simple scientific collection or model, a scientific observation or demonstration, or a problem solving experiment.  

    For students in grade 4 & 5, they can do a STEM project or a problem solving experiment using the Scientific Method.

    • A model is a representation of an object or system. It can help us think about and understand something which can"t be easily seen. Examples would be a model of an eye or the chemical structure of sugar.
    • A collection is a group of items that have something in common. The process of sorting and classifying objects are an important part of science. By arranging similar items together, we discover traits they have in common and sharpen our observation skills. Examples are shell or rock collections.
    • Observations are what you can detect using your senses. In an observation you watch something carefully and record all that you see happen over a period of time. An example would be observing crystal grows.
    • A demonstration, like a model, helps illustrate an idea. A demonstration gives a visual representation for the idea. Examples include demonstrating the flow of electricity through a circuit or how how and cold air move differently.
    • In a problem solving experiment,you attempt to answer a question or solve a problem using the scientific method. For more information about the scientific method, click here. In a problem solving experiment, you make a comparison between two situations, keeping all things the same except one. The one thing you plan to be different in the experiment is called the test variable. An example would be planting two peas in different types of soil. If each plant were given the same amount of water and sunlight, the only thing that differs (varies) is the soil type-it is the test variable.
     
    5. How do I pick a topic?
    Simple...think of things that you like or things that you would like to know more about. Do you like sports? How about a study of how different types of balls (soccer ball, baseball, golf ball) roll down an incline (like your driveway)? Love nail polish? Do an experiment to find out which nail polish lasts the longest without chipping. Think sharks are cool? Try a research project about how sharks are perfectly designed to be effective hunters. Lots of ideas are included in this website.
     
    6. Is it judged?
    No, this is a non-competitive fair and projects will not be "judged" but each student should be able to explain their project and what was learned.
     
    7. Can I work with a friend?
    Small group projects are welcome. Students may work individually or in groups of 2-3 students, unless  otherwise specified by their Classroom Teacher. This year, students in K-4th can also do a Family STEM project.
     
    8. Where do I get my display board?
    Display boards will be given to the classroom teacher a few weeks before the fair. Remember, you need to complete the entire experiment before adding information to the board.
Last Modified on February 2, 2019