The Scientific Method

March 15, 2016
Dear Science Fair Family Project Participants,
Happy Tuesday!
We would like to thank you for your interest in participating in this year’s Science Fair. It is stated in the Science Fair Guidelines that the scientific method will be used in making the science project. Scientific method is a way of doing a science experiment or hands-on demonstrations.
Doing a science experiment is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of observing, predicting, investigating and testing. It is important to give the children the chance to experiment where they need time to investigate things on their own and generate their own questions. Brainstorm with your child prior to starting the science project.
A sample of the scientific method: With guide and instructions
Topic or Title: Soil Exploration
Problems or Questions: What are the living things and non-living things that are found in the soil? (Before the children can test their ideas, they need to discuss possible questions.)
Prediction or Hypothesis: This is the possible answer to the question. (Answer the question/s). I think that there are things found in the soil. Children can make their own predictions. Whatever was discussed should be written in their paper or notebook.
Materials: Tray or bowl, Wood stick, Backyard soil, Magnifying lens, Notebook and Pencil
Procedure/Do the experiment: Give the children a tray and collect soil from the backyard. Let the children dig in some soil and put it on the tray. Parent may dig in, too. Our goal is to let the children make their own discoveries and observations. Slowly and little by little use a stick to see if there are things mixed with the soil. Use a magnifying lens to enlarge the tiny or small things.
Observations: Watch anything that moves, describe the shape, color and texture, even the smell, identify and record in the notebook. Ask the children to tell something about what they observe and see. Children can make their own interpretations.
Drawing: The children may draw what they saw, label the names of the living things or non-living things they identified.
Conclusion: Discuss outcomes. How did the living things (ants, earthworms, leaves, twigs) go in the soil? Where do ants come from? Ask the children to go to a different spot in the backyard and dig in soil again. The children may compare the first soil with the second soil. Children relate and compare experiences with what’s happening to increase their understanding. Pictures of the science experiment may be posted as highlights onto the bulletin display board.
On the day of the Science Fair, Wednesday, March 30th, all projects will be displayed in the courtyard. When it is the child’s turn to present his/her project, the teacher will bring in the project into the classroom.
Classroom participants will have their space to display their science projects in the courtyard. All projects will be taken home at the end of the day.
The class presentation for rooms 2, 3, 4, and 5 will start at 9:00 A.M. Class presentation will be for the children only as the classroom has limited space. Parents are welcome to view the family projects at 1:00-4:00 P.M. in the courtyard on Science Fair Day.