I am planning on meeting with each student individually during the next class period to offer feedback and encouragement. Many students have been picking projects, but really don't know the science behind what they want to do. I shall try to steer them in the right direction. If all students would think about the TESTABLE QUESTION that they want to ask that would help focus our discussion when it's time for us to meet. I will be passing out the Variables and Hypothesis worksheet to help you determine your variables. Remember, to meet with each student is the goal and I hope to meet it by the end of Tuesday if not Thursday.
Parents, you can help by finding out from your child what the question really is. They need to test only 1 variable at a time. The more variables they want to test, the more trials they will have to run. With having an adequate sample size, that will increase the amount of materials they will need. Remember, go through the Gizmos available and maybe you can help your child find a simulation that will serve them well. Everyone who wants to test what happens to the boiling point or freezing point of water should check out the Gizmo on Colligative Properties. It's really a good one for a basic project and you will learn the science behind your question.
Another note to remember, all the equipment you need for your experiment will need to be provided by you. So if you are planning to use a specific piece of equipment please find out its cost before you commit to the project.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Choose your project - choose your project wisely.
Students and Parents
The Science Project is so much more than a fair. It is an opportunity for a student to choose a topic, ask a question, and draw conclusions. It is also an important benchmark in our 6th grade curriculum.
To make it easy for all of us I am using much of what the Science Buddies website has to offer (http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml). I do require more than they suggest when it comes to references and sample size. Each student will need 5 good references. The sample size is dependent on what the experiment requires. If it's seeds then 100 for each group is a good sample size. If it's plants, then 25 in each group. I know that this is a lot of expense and samples of this size will probably overwhelm our homes and budgets. That's why this year I am suggesting that students use GIZMOS as simulations where sample size or the question just is overwhelming for a student.
Scientists run simulations in the lab when hands-on experiments just aren't practical or possible. Some examples are earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The purpose of the project is to ask a question, to read background information, to develop a hypothesis for testing and a way to test it, and to draw conclusions. Then the student scientist presents to peers. The purpose is NOT to make families spend all of their available resources when there are so many time and monetary demands on all of our lives.
Rather than just pick something from a book or even from Science Buddies - check out GIZMOS. There are plenty of GOOD simulations that will be acceptable to use to test a testable question. There are other simulations on the web that are very good also. Another idea is a game you might play on-line or on your game system such as Runescape, football, or soccer. You might be able to use one of them to test a question. A student once used Runescape to experiment with chopping wood with different axes. He had fun and got to play his game while doing his data collection. Of course, that project just didn't generalize into real life, but it gave him a good 6th grade project.
The Science Project is so much more than a fair. It is an opportunity for a student to choose a topic, ask a question, and draw conclusions. It is also an important benchmark in our 6th grade curriculum.
To make it easy for all of us I am using much of what the Science Buddies website has to offer (http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml). I do require more than they suggest when it comes to references and sample size. Each student will need 5 good references. The sample size is dependent on what the experiment requires. If it's seeds then 100 for each group is a good sample size. If it's plants, then 25 in each group. I know that this is a lot of expense and samples of this size will probably overwhelm our homes and budgets. That's why this year I am suggesting that students use GIZMOS as simulations where sample size or the question just is overwhelming for a student.
Scientists run simulations in the lab when hands-on experiments just aren't practical or possible. Some examples are earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. The purpose of the project is to ask a question, to read background information, to develop a hypothesis for testing and a way to test it, and to draw conclusions. Then the student scientist presents to peers. The purpose is NOT to make families spend all of their available resources when there are so many time and monetary demands on all of our lives.
Rather than just pick something from a book or even from Science Buddies - check out GIZMOS. There are plenty of GOOD simulations that will be acceptable to use to test a testable question. There are other simulations on the web that are very good also. Another idea is a game you might play on-line or on your game system such as Runescape, football, or soccer. You might be able to use one of them to test a question. A student once used Runescape to experiment with chopping wood with different axes. He had fun and got to play his game while doing his data collection. Of course, that project just didn't generalize into real life, but it gave him a good 6th grade project.
ESSAY CONTEST
Please check out the website below for an essay contest that really goes along with our next unit.
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/
http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Moving Towards Science Projects
All classes have been introduced to the website http://sciencebuddies.org/ and http://nefrsef.org/ .
Both sites have many helpful hints. NEFRSEF is our regional science fair and because we affiliate with it we are governed ny the International Science and Engineering Fair Rules http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ .
Yes, there will be forms for each child to complete and for parents to sign in BLUE ink, but not today.
A-day students should have a testable question to bring to class on FRIDAY, 09/16/2011 and B-day students should have theirs on 09/19/1955. Go to http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body for lots of good info. Handouts were distributed for the Scientific Method and The Science Fair Project Question. You can access this info at science buddies.
Each student will complete a Project Proposal Form which will need to be accepted by the teacher and signed by the parents. This is NOT the FORMAL PROPOSAL that will be assigned in a few days. More will be posted about that next week.
If the question is not accepted, then it's back to the drawing board to find a good testable question that can be the beginning of a good project.
Both sites have many helpful hints. NEFRSEF is our regional science fair and because we affiliate with it we are governed ny the International Science and Engineering Fair Rules http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ .
Yes, there will be forms for each child to complete and for parents to sign in BLUE ink, but not today.
A-day students should have a testable question to bring to class on FRIDAY, 09/16/2011 and B-day students should have theirs on 09/19/1955. Go to http://sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml?From=body for lots of good info. Handouts were distributed for the Scientific Method and The Science Fair Project Question. You can access this info at science buddies.
Each student will complete a Project Proposal Form which will need to be accepted by the teacher and signed by the parents. This is NOT the FORMAL PROPOSAL that will be assigned in a few days. More will be posted about that next week.
If the question is not accepted, then it's back to the drawing board to find a good testable question that can be the beginning of a good project.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. They also invited students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The student contests focus on the theme “Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Business – Past, Present and Future,” and Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, http://www.floridahispanicheritage.co/
“Throughout our state’s history, Hispanic business leaders have helped make Florida the national leader we are,” Governor Scott said. “The cultural contributions to our state and country continue to leave a lasting legacy of strength, determination and pride.”
“The essay and art contests are a great opportunity for Florida’s children to learn about people who have made our state such a great place to live,” Mrs. Scott said. “As Florida’s students grow to become the leaders of tomorrow, it is important they learn about a variety of successful role models.”
About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.
Essay Contest for Grades 4 - 12 – The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guideli
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a check for $1,500. Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest entries and educator nomination forms must be mailed to:
Florida’s Foundation
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month
820 East Park Avenue, E-100
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
All entries must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2011.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974 when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.
For additional information about Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests. They also invited students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The student contests focus on the theme “Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Business – Past, Present and Future,” and Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, http://www.floridahispanicheritage.co/
“Throughout our state’s history, Hispanic business leaders have helped make Florida the national leader we are,” Governor Scott said. “The cultural contributions to our state and country continue to leave a lasting legacy of strength, determination and pride.”
“The essay and art contests are a great opportunity for Florida’s children to learn about people who have made our state such a great place to live,” Mrs. Scott said. “As Florida’s students grow to become the leaders of tomorrow, it is important they learn about a variety of successful role models.”
About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.
Essay Contest for Grades 4 - 12 – The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guideli
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a check for $1,500. Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest entries and educator nomination forms must be mailed to:
Florida’s Foundation
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month
820 East Park Avenue, E-100
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
All entries must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. EDT, September 23, 2011.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974 when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.
For additional information about Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
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