Science Fair Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to do the science fair project?

Why are we doing a science fair project?

What topic do I have to study for the science fair project?

Can you work with a partner?

Can my partner be in another class?

How much is the science fair project worth?

When is the science fair project due?

When is the actual science fair?

Who gets to go to the science fair?

Can I do a science fair project that involves my pet?

Will we be working on the science fair project in class?

What is the County Science Fair?

Do you have to do the science fair project?
If you want to receive a passing grade for the 2nd quarter, yes, you do have to do a science fair project.

Why are we doing a science fair project?
A science fair project allows you the freedom to choose the topic that you want to study over the next 3 months. It enables you, the student, to be in control of the curriculum. It also gives you a chance to apply the scientific method (the topic we have been studying since day 1) to your every day life and a topic that interests you.

What topic do I have to study for the science fair project?
You can choose any topic you want to study for the science fair project, as long as you can apply the scientific method to it. You must be able to identify the variable for your topic and conduct an experiment which will answer a testable question.

Can you work with a partner?
Yes. However you must choose a partner wisely and keep in mind the following points:

• The science fair project and all of the assignments associated with it are a large part of your grade for the 2nd quarter.
• If your partner is not reliable or irresponsible in any way it may reflect negatively on your grade.
• You cannot change their mind if they decide that the arrangement is not working out on their behalf.
• Both partners involved must complete ALL of the worksheets associated with the science fair project, of which you will be given an individual grade.
• You and your partner will turn in ONE science fair project display board, the board will be worth 100 points and the grade will be identical for both partners.

Can my partner be in another class?
No, you and your partner must be in the same science class.

How much is the science fair project worth?
The science fair project is worth 100 points. It will be graded using the grade sheet on pages 33 and 34.

When is the science fair project due?
The project will be due on _________________, but there will be worksheets to turn in along the way to keep you on a timeline (see timeline page).

When is the actual science fair?
The Buchser science fair is on ______________ and the district science fair is on ____________. This gives us some of time to improve your project if you are chosen to go.

Who gets to go to the science fair?
I will choose the top 30 projects from all of my classes to go to the Buchser science fair. At the Buchser science fair, the judges will choose the top third from the entire 6th grade. These projects will go to the district science fair.

Can I do a science fair project that involves my pet?
The only projects I allow that involve animals are ones that involve humans (such as behavior and taste tests) and tests on invertebrates (snails, worms, insects, etc.). All projects must be approved by me and I will not allow anything that could possibly hurt a human, or is intended is to kill an invertebrate.

Will we be working on the science fair project in class?
Yes, but not very much. Most of the project will be done at home for homework. In class we will do a project that will cover the same steps as you (ex. creating a question, forming a hypothesis, etc.) in order to show you how to do the steps and how to fill out the worksheets.

What is the County Science Fair?
What people call the County Science Fair is actually The Synopsis Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship (SSVSTC). It is a run by the county of Santa Clara and is sponsored by major corporations. The application process is very extensive and if you use animals of any kind or hazardous materials, there are certain procedures that you must follow and forms that must be submitted in advance. I encourage you to apply to the county science fair, and will help you in any way I can, but it will not be part of everyday instruction. If you wish to apply to the SSVSTC, please see me for an application. The deadline for application is ______________. It is ________________if you are using animals, humans or chemicals.