Why Technology Helps Make Great Science Fair Projects

September 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Like it or not great science fair projects will include technology!

great science fair projectsOne of my fears is that with all the techno stuff out there today kids one day will just sit and do great  science fair projects  from their computers with some kind of virtual gizmo program.  Hopefully that is light years away, but there are  some things that computers and technology available can do to help kids with the quality  and finding the best science fair projects.

Here are five things technology does to help make great science fair projects:

  1. Labeling:  This is when you need to put a label on a picture or hand drawn graph or something. The problem with labeling for elementary school kids has always been sizing.  It is simply hard for many elementary students to write small enough in capital letters for a good label.  The lables are bigger and longer than the picture!  A computer can  get it printed out exactly the right size.
  2. Pictures:  Taking pictures of the project or getting pictures from the internet is a breeze, and you don’t have to spend hours looking in magazines and cut and paste pictures rr run and find a 1- hour photo lab to to print them.  Your photo-printer will take care of all of that. High quality photos adds an element of polish to any project.
  3. Data reporting:  With spreadsheets you get instant graphs and can do all sorts of comparisons with them and they look great.  The point of a graph is to give a visual  look at the data, to see the differences you discovered  from your data clearly.  It doesn’t really help the learning to spend an hour making a graph or pie chart, the data is what it is. With a spreadsheet it just takes one click to tun data into a chart.
  4. Do overs:  Erasing is pain and ultimately and you can never get it totally clear, so you can usually see it, or start over.  Measuring wrong to center the title means you have to get a whole new board or poster and  do it again.  Technology do overs a a breeze, change the font size and print.  Go back and spell the word write and print.  This way the kids can keep at it until they get it looking professional ( in their minds) without taking up too much time.
  5. Research:  The first four had to do with the final presentation, but this one is the amount of time searches on the Internet can save you when looking  for research to use in your final write up and in fact to find great science fair projects to begins with.  No more spending hours in the library, you can most of what you need at home, at least for elementary kids!

 

Here is a resource you will love!  It comes with spreadsheets built in to make the project all about the child, and research links all set up for you to get the kids to legitimate quality sites to gather information! 

Visit 24 Hour Science Projects today and get five great science fair projects science for your kids to use today, tomorrow or for their next project!

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Earth Science Science Fair Projects With Metamorphic Rocks

August 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Why not build a model for “earth science” science fair projects?

 

earth science science fair projects
Kids will be doing an “earth science” science fair project frequently throughout their school live. One early fun project for kids is to make a model of a metamorphic rock. People tend to forget that one of the five types of science fair projects includes making a model. Often when you are older the model will be included with the final presentation of an investigation project.

This project will show the effects of compression on metamorphic rocks. Heat and compression are what is needed over millions of years, to form these rocks, this earth science experiment shows the compression piece.

All you really need is modeling clay of different colors and and wax paper. And something really heavy. Five or six different colors of clay would make it easier to see when you are finished…

  • It will be a simple process. Take the wax paper and spread out some clay on top of it, let them experiment with how thick it is Then layer the different colors of clay on top of each other, again they can make each layer a different thickness or make them all the same. You could make two sets of modes,l one with them all the same thickness and another with a mixture of thin and thick.
  • Once you build you layers, put another layer of wax paper on top of the pile. Now you will be ready to make it metamorphic. Place a really heavy object on top of this pile. Three or four heavy dictionaries, or encyclopedias would work. Kids will have fun looking around the house for something really really heavy, to use.
  • Let it sit awhile and when you pull it off you will see the effect of compression and how the different colors were pressed into each other, and one of your “earth science” science fair projects is complete.

This is just an example of an easy science fair project for kids to do,  where visual “look” of the model becomes the best teacher.  That is the whole point, isn’t it?  You want the kids to learn something about science!  This is just one of the many benefits of using simple, easy science fair projects for your kids next science fair.

Besides earth science science fair projects there are other fun and interesting quick and easy science projects that can be done in less than a day with this link to 24 hour science projects.

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Practice makes Perfect! Demonstration Science Experiments for Elementary Students

July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With the right sorts of Practice, you’ll have success with demonstration science experiments for elementary students!

science experiments for elementary studentsTo demonstrate an interesting science fair project in front of your class or  with your display area at your science fair, you need to keep those science experiments for elementary students simple to help make it a success.

When it comes to a demonstration of a science project, it does not matter how interesting the science experiments for elementary students are, if the presentation is a flop your child will think they failed and in some cases the grade will be affected. When the truth is, the best learning already took place while they were doing it at home, so your child has already experienced the benefits from doing an interesting science fair project.

Here are some thoughts on making a successful demonstration :

  • When creating a demonstration project that is done in front of a group of people, simple becomes important, the science does not have to be simple but the project itself must be easy to pull off. This includes materials that are not flimsy, and will firmly hold up not only while you do the demo but you have to consider transportation from home to school Cardboard boxes are a great example. Some are firmer than others. Some stay firm once and then the more you use them or if it gets bent, forget it. Plastic straws will be better than paper ones. And plexiglass won’t break if it accidentally falls like glass containers do.

 

  • It could be as simple as the containers used to send the experiment off to school lets use a volcano project for example, that really involves simple ingredients, baking soda, vinegar and food coloring. By using water bottles for the ingredients, (each in a separate bottle of course) with firm caps and with a funnel that did not tip over when trying to use it, the kids could then mix the ingredients to make their volcano work. If the container was too small you run the risk of stuff falling out, if it is too large, young hands have trouble manipulating it.
  • Another idea would be to send two or three spare sets of ingredients. With a demonstration project the “Wow” factor kicks in and classmates may want to see it done a second (or third) time, and if that happens there will be spares right there ready to go. It also can be the saving grace when something goes wrong the first time, spills, dropped bottles and such.
  • You can’t say enough about practice with a demonstration. The child needs to do this project at home, standing in front of their family, or even just one person and go over again and again what they are going to say. The cheat sheet should be just a sequence of key words to jog their memory, otherwise with nerves they will try to read it and then you lose the audience. This also needs even more extra ingredients to use for each practice demonstration. Even the most interesting science fair projects come across poorly with a spiel that has not been practiced.

The simpler the process, the better for any science experiments for elementary students and demonstrations in particular. The science concept does not have to be simple, you can explore complicated science with simple experiments. I’ve seen a science fair project that shows atoms and electrons with just a paper plate! http://www.24hourscienceprojects.com/wordpress/static-electricity-science-project/

  • A demonstration with multiple steps, multiple ingredients, long wait times for things to happen, and need more than two hands to do would be considered complicated and a recipe for disaster when in front of the class.
  • The set up is another area that should not be too complicated. The child has to get everything set up so hauling in a big box with many things that need set up, clamped, balanced or moved around can cause problems too.

Get started on some quick and simple demonstration science experiments for elementary students that are sure to turn out to make an interesting science fair projects here.

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How to Find Science Experiments for Kids

April 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

winning-science-projectKids of all ages are always curious about how the world works, why things are the way they are, or how stuff works. By engaging their attention with a fun science experiment, you can help them understand the world around them, and hopefully have fun at the same time. Unless you’re a teacher or scientist, it might be tricky to know what experiments are best, what materials you need, or what to look for in an experiment. Luckily, if you know where to look, you just might have access to lots of great kids science experiment ideas in places you visit everyday.

Public libraries or school libraries often carry books geared toward children full of fun and age appropriate projects. Be sure to look for one with good instructions and pictures to help you along. Your child’s teacher or science teacher might also be a great resource for finding a science experiment  that is relevant to what your child’s class is studying in science at that time. Finally, the internet has many websites geared toward science experiments for kids. Searching for kids science experiments will yield tons of helpful results,  many of which are free like the science project guides you can find at http://www.24hourscienceprojects.com/guide.pdf. Remember to have fun by doing a project your child is interested in, and always be safe!

Visit 24 Hour Science Projects and get started on your science experiment for kids today!

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How to Find Science Experiments for Kids

April 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kids of all ages are always curious about how the world works, why things are the way they are, or how stuff works. By engaging their attention with a fun science experiment, you can help them understand the world around them, and hopefully have fun at the same time.

Unless you’re a teacher or scientist though, it might be tricky to know what experiments are best, what materials you need, or what to look for in an experiment. Luckily, if you know where to look, you just might have access to lots of great kids science experiment ideas in places you visit everyday.  

Public libraries or school libraries often carry books geared toward children full of fun and age appropriate science projects. Be sure to look for one with good instructions and pictures to help you along. Your child’s teacher or science teacher might also be a great resource for finding a science experiment. Your teacher might also be able to help you find a kids science experiment idea that is relevant to what your child’s class is studying in science at that time.

Finally, the internet has many websites geared toward science experiments for kids. Searching for kids science experiments will yield tons of helpful results,  many of which can be found at places like 24 Hour Science Projects. Remember to have fun by doing a project your child is interested in, and always be safe!

Get your science experiment for your kid today at

24 Hour Science Projects!

 

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Meniscus Schmiscus

February 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

I try very hard to be one of those down-to-earth folks.  I don’t like to wear my degree on my sleeve; I can discuss diaper rash or the latest TV show with the best of ‘em.  I hate when people drop ten dollar words to show off their pedigree.  However, occasionally I do slip up and assume that someone knows exactly what I’m talking about.  For example, last week I was showing a friend how to use a sewing machine.  After my five minute discourse on how to make a bobbin, she sheepishly asked, “What’s a bobbin?”  Oops…teacher FAIL!

In my last post, aimed at my peer group (parents), I mentioned teaching your children to love science for a lifetime.  I casually used the example of demonstrating a meniscus to your kids.  A dear friend, whom herself is well-versed in science, admitted she didn’t know what a meniscus was and had to look it up.  Oops again.  My mistake.  I’ve used the concept for so long (since I was a sophomore in high school, which was…ahem, cough cough…a couple years back) that it is as second nature as riding a bike.   So, here goes:

Meniscus [mi’ nisk?s]:  the curved surface (produced by the surface tension) of a liquid standing in a tube; concave if the sides are wet, convex if not.

Ok, so in everyday-speak, what does that mean?  Well, I think of it a lot like my bra…where there is support (ie the glass sides of a graduated cylinder or measuring cup), the liquid holds “up” (surface tension).  Where there is no support (in the middle), you have sag.  Hee hee.  When measuring liquid, the fluid will stick to the sides of the container and “sag” in the middle.  (This is very subtle, but does happen)  If you look at the liquid height at eye level, you should read the amount as the bottom of the meniscus.  In even simpler words, the top of the liquid is observed from the side, it will look like a bowl.  The correct measurement is the bottom of the “bowl,” not the sides.

Hope that helps. 

Cecilia

PS:  Ok, so now that you know the nitty-gritty on liquid measurements and that’s enlightening, what about that science fair project that’s due next week?  Go to 24 Hour Science Projects to help you on your way!!

Filed Under: Choosing a Science Project Topic, Elementary Science Projects, Science Project Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

What Makes A “Good” Science Project?

December 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

What makes a good science project? Well, there are many answers to that question: From a philosophical standpoint, one that encourages your student to enjoy science (instead of fearing/dreading it). From an academic viewpoint, one that gets a high grade. From a parenting standpoint, one that requires minimal supervision, assistance, and hair-pulling/nagging. For this discussion, however, I am going to look at what makes a “good” science project from a SCIENTIFIC viewpoint. In other words, I am going to discuss good scientific priniciples to consider when you are approaching a scientific investigation, whether it is on the elementary, middle school, or high school level.

1. Be creative. While you may read suggestions from books, friends, the internet, etc., approach each project as a unique experience. In other words, add your own “twist” or different approach. The whole point is to be discovering NEW things, not doing the exact same project that Susie did last year. This also personalizes the project and increases interest from a student when they have added their own preferences.

2. Be a control freak. Yes, you read that correctly. When setting up your project, you want to eliminate unnecessary variables that may skew your results. Basically, you want to keep things as uniform/standard EXCEPT for the variables you are testing. For example, if you are investigating the effect of soil on plant growth, you want to ensure that the plants are getting the same amount of sunlight, equal pot size, same room temperature (if you are growing indoors), and of course equal amounts of plant food/water. In other words, you want SOIL to be the only thing that differs in your experiments. You want to be as “scientific” as possible….when measuring, use a graduated cylinder or measuring cup (and yes, use the same measuring utensil unless you are using laboratory grade glassware; household measures can vary greatly from one to another). While most students won’t be doing their science projects in a laboratory, try to mimic the standards of laboratory protocol as much as you can.  Take copious notes and include this as part of your presentation!

3. Be honest. Part of science is trial and error. Some of the best science projects that I’ve seen had unexpected results. If your results are completely opposite of your hypothesis, still report your results honestly and accurately. If you have a disaster (my dog literally ate my science project), don’t be afraid to report it with candor and do the best you can with the results you have. Fudging, white lies, and made-up results are all the same thing: lying. And completely unscientific.

 

Hope this gets your young scientist off to a GREAT start on your “good” science project, at least from the view of this scientist!

Cecilia

PS: Need some help getting your ideas flowing for that good science project? Try 24 Hour Science Projects to get you started on your scientific journey!!

Filed Under: Choosing a Science Project Topic, Elementary Science Projects, Science Project Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Fifth Grade Science Projects

October 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Fifth Grade Science Projects

Fifth Grade Science Projects

By the time they do their fifth grade science projects, most students will already have entered the science fair. Projects done in the lower grades may have had somewhat lenient standards, but more is expected of a fifth grader. Here’s a quick parent’s guide to helping kids in grade five to have success as they head to the fair.

1. Have them choose the right kind of project. Most of the time, you’ll have to do an experiment that follows the scientific method – also known as an investigatory project. Collections, models, and even demonstrations are usually not accepted in sometimes not accepted in elementary school science fairs.

2. Make sure your child is interested in their science project topic. If he or she likes what they are doing, they’ll learn more. And that learning will be reflected in the final project. Teachers – and science fair judges – love that!

3. Have your CHILD do the project. This should go without saying, but I get emails all the time asking for a project that has all the answers already. Teachers will recognize a plagiarized project. They’ll also know if a parent did all the work.

4. Include all required elements. Experiment logs, charts, graphs, supply lists and even photographs are often part of the judging at the science fair. Make sure that you follow the directions exactly.

5. Provide supplies for an attractive science board. Be neat. Use bright colors, attractive fonts, interesting props, and clear pictures. Think of a catchy title so you’re science project will get noticed.

5th grade science projects provide one more chance for your child to become more interested in science. It also gives one more chance to learn – before all the middle school science fair projects roll around!

Parents, get a free guide to 5th Grade Science Projects- including how to find experiments with step by step instructions – at 24 Hour Science Projects.

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Elementary Science Projects

June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

elementary science projects

Science Projects. Elementary School teachers almost always require students to do at least one science project before they finish the fifth grade. Elementary science projects are easy to find, but finding the right project for your child can be a challenge. Here are five hints to help you find the best project for your grade school child.

1. Find out what type of project your science teacher requires. There are many types of projects, and most elementary schools give a range of choices. Does your teacher want an experiment, a demonstration, a collection, a report, or a model? Knowing what kind of project you need will narrow down your choices considerably.

2. Make a list of things that interest your child. What subjects catch your child’s eye on television or in books – space, animals, buildings, computers, explosions? Does your child need instant gratification? Consider a chemistry experiment with dramatic results, such as “Which Fruit has the Most Vitamin C?” Is your child concerned about the environment? Find out which toilet tissue is most biodegradable, or which type of insulation works best.

3. Set your budget for money – and time. If you don’t have a lot of money to invest, and if your time is limited, there is no need to look at anything that requires special metals to be imported from the Far East. Decide on how much cash you’re willing to spend, and create a generous time line for getting supplies. Keep in mind that you have to actually do the project after the supplies arrive.

4. Keep in mind that this is a science project for elementary school. Don’t choose a project with complicated instructions. You want your child to do the project with your help – and not the other way around.

5. Provide four or five science project choices. Ever notice how it takes longer to decide on an ice cream flavor when there are 31 flavors? Give your elementary school child a limited list of science project choices, and you’ll both be happier.

Now, get a free guide to science projects- including how to find experiments with step by step instructions – at http://elementary-science-projects.com/ Easy and fast, they’ll help you submit an outstanding – and maybe winning – science project for elementary school.

Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Science-Projects-in-Elementary-School&id=2395602

For step by step instructions on the projects above, visit 24 Hour Science Projects for the best science projects for elementary school.

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