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Science Fair Parent Letter- KEEP THIS PACKET!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Students and Parents:
Its time to start working on YACS 2nd Grade Science Fair! Enclosed is a schedule outlining due
dates and important information regarding your childs project. Ample time has been scheduled
and work has been spread out, so students can complete the work at a comfortable pace.
This is a major project and will represent a significant grade for the next grading period(s). The
primary objective of this project is to have students approach a problem scientifically. This
includes:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Asking questions and forming hypotheses

Creating experiments to test those hypotheses
Organizing data and drawing conclusions
Writing about scientific research

The project must be experimental in nature as opposed to research oriented. In other words,
students must do a test, survey, or experiment to determine the answer to their question instead
of just looking it up in a book. We encourage students to pick topics that they are interested in.
Topics must also be original - something students do not already know.
Project guidelines state that all work must be done by the students; however, assistance may be
provided by teachers, parents, etc. It is very difficult to work alone without the exchange of
ideas, so we encourage you to brainstorm with your child on different ideas and possible topics
your child may want to pursue. Please take a moment to review all the attachments with your
child in order to generate topic ideas.
I am looking forward to working with you to make this a valuable learning experience for your
child. I appreciate your support on this important project. As acknowledgement and part of your
childs homework, please sign, date, and return the bottom portion of this letter by
THURSDAY, MARCH 24.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Blumberg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Homework Assignment DUE Thursday, March 24
I have reviewed the Science Fair information and calendar with my child,
___________________________, (Printed Name of Child) and we understand the requirements
for a successful Science Fair Project due on Monday, April 18th.
_________________________
Parent Signature

_______________________
Student Signature

Science Fair Timeline

Thursday, March 24- Science Fair

Agreement Due (pg. 1)

Thursday, April 7- Project Proposal Due

(pg. 7-8)

Thursday, April 14- Pulse Check Due

(pg. 9)

Monday, April 18- PROJECT DUE!!

Targeted Standards- Louisiana GLEs

1. Ask questions about objects and events in the environment (e.g., plants, rocks,
storms). (SI-E-A1)
2. Pose questions that can be answered by using students own observations,
scientific knowledge, and testable scientific investigations. (SI-E-A1)
3. Use observations to design and conduct simple investigations or experiments
to answer testable questions. (SI-E-A2)
4. Predict and anticipate possible outcomes. (SI-E-A2)
5. Use a variety of methods and materials and multiple trials to investigate ideas
(observe, measure, accurately record data). (SI-E-A2)
6. Use the five senses to describe observations. (SI-E-A3)
9. Express data in a variety of ways by constructing illustrations, graphs, charts,
tables, concept maps, and oral and written explanations as appropriate. (SI-E-A5)
(SI-E-B4)
10. Use a variety of appropriate formats to describe procedures and to express
ideas about demonstrations or experiments (e.g., drawings, journals, reports,
presentations, exhibitions, portfolios). (SI-E-A6)
11. Identify and use appropriate safety procedures and equipment when
conducting investigations (e.g., gloves, goggles, hair ties). (SI-E-A7)

Science Fair Judging Rubric

Judging Rubric

Project Title:

Total Points:

IMPRESSIVE

ADEQUATE

MINIMAL

Part I Scientific Procedure:

Clear & specific Question

Clear & specific

Hypothesis

Complete & thorough

Method (Step by step)

Complete & thorough

Data
(logs, graphs, tables,
photos...)

Conclusion supported by
Data

Conclusion relevant to
Hypothesis

Part II Originality:
Original topic or approach

Evidence of STUDENT
work

Part III Simplicity:

Appropriate Materials &
Construction

Clarity of overall project

PART IV Presentation
Presentation is clear and
explains all parts of the
experiment.

All projects MUST have:

-A completed Experiment form- (pg 9-10 of this
packet)
-A clear and creative display
-Pictures of the experiment
-Evidence of STUDENT work
-A short classroom presentation (3-4 minutes)

Resources:
Use the local library for TONS of books about
Science Fair Projects and for research!
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fairprojects/science_project_ideas.php
Use Google, Pinterest and other websites to guide
your scientific minds

REMINDERS:
All projects should be student led and parent
supported.
All science experiments start with a scientific
question!
This is a great opportunity to have fun and learn
together! Enjoy it!
Always call/text/email me with any questions you
have!
-The Second Grade Team

Science Project Proposal- Due Thursday, April 7

Student:______________________________________
Project Title:_______________________________________________
Project Idea:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Question (what will be answered?):
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Hypothesis (what do you think will happen?):
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Procedures (what will you measure?- include a brief description of the
steps):
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Materials Needed (what types of supplies will you need for your
experiment?)
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Resources needed for your research:

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Learning Goal~ why did you choose the topic you did? I choose this
topic because I wanted to know the following:
1._________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
By signing below I agree to take responsibility to pursue my learning
goal (stated above) and to complete ALL requirements of the Science
Fair Project.
Student:___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian:____________________________________________

Pulse Check- Due Thursday, April 14

Please check off what you have completed so far for your science fair project.
______ QUESTION
______ RESEARCH
______ HYPOTHESIS
______ EXPERIMENT- MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES
______ OBSERVATIONS
______ ANAYLYSIS
______ CONCLUSION
______ PHYSICAL PRESENTATION
Write a paragraph explaining what you have left to do and how you will complete it by the due date.

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Parents Signature: ______________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________