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!!
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.
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!
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!!
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!
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.
