DMLFNS 1st Annual Science Fair
Learning about acidity
Purpose (taken from the learning outcomes for B.C. science 7, 8, 9)
- perform experiments using the scientific method
- demonstrate scientific literacy
- planning and conducting an experiment that controls for two or more variables
- create models that help to explain scientific concepts
Link to Student Requirements for the Science Fair
Reflection: Science fairs are a tremendous way for students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in their own creative way. Newly coming into the middle school program for our school, the first thing that I wanted to create was a large scale science fair.
It was a daunting project for everyone involved. For the students, this was the first time they were given such a large scale project. For organizers, like myself, none have created a project this big and involving all the middle school classes. In total they were given seven weeks to understand the scientific proecess, to research and to conduct their experiment. In time, we teachers taught the scientific process, guided students in creating their project and provided feedback to student progress.
In the end, the fair turned out quite successfully. On the fair day itself, the entire school and community were invited to observe the fair. I particularly enjoyed how older students were patient and became teacher-like with younger groups. I think there was a sense of pride among the participants as the struggle of the last few weeks accumulated into many successful projects.
For all the end-project success, there was a real struggle for everyone to finish. A few days after the fair, the classes had an opportunity to discuss what worked and didn't. The biggest complaint among students was the stress involved, especially as the fair date approached. I take much of the responsibility of that. Although the time lines were good, they were not committed to. Students procrastinated and teachers allowed them to get behind. I would change that in the second iteration of the fair.
- perform experiments using the scientific method
- demonstrate scientific literacy
- planning and conducting an experiment that controls for two or more variables
- create models that help to explain scientific concepts
Link to Student Requirements for the Science Fair
Reflection: Science fairs are a tremendous way for students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in their own creative way. Newly coming into the middle school program for our school, the first thing that I wanted to create was a large scale science fair.
It was a daunting project for everyone involved. For the students, this was the first time they were given such a large scale project. For organizers, like myself, none have created a project this big and involving all the middle school classes. In total they were given seven weeks to understand the scientific proecess, to research and to conduct their experiment. In time, we teachers taught the scientific process, guided students in creating their project and provided feedback to student progress.
In the end, the fair turned out quite successfully. On the fair day itself, the entire school and community were invited to observe the fair. I particularly enjoyed how older students were patient and became teacher-like with younger groups. I think there was a sense of pride among the participants as the struggle of the last few weeks accumulated into many successful projects.
For all the end-project success, there was a real struggle for everyone to finish. A few days after the fair, the classes had an opportunity to discuss what worked and didn't. The biggest complaint among students was the stress involved, especially as the fair date approached. I take much of the responsibility of that. Although the time lines were good, they were not committed to. Students procrastinated and teachers allowed them to get behind. I would change that in the second iteration of the fair.
science_79_unit_overview-_science_fair.docx | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
File Type: | docx |