Science Fair Information and Sign Up

Cornell Science Fair Expo 2008

Dear Parents, Teachers, and Students,

The Cornell PTO is preparing for our seventh annual Science Fair Expo to be held on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Teachers may choose to assist students with some aspects of this project. However, most of the preparation should be completed at home. Therefore, you and your student(s) need to be organized and are encouraged to follow the time line included in this handout.

Students begin by choosing a science project. A list of possible topics, grouped according to age, is posted on the Cornell website. The website link includes references, an outline for conducting your investigation, sample content for your display board, and ideas for what makes a good science fair project. You are free to use additional ideas from web sites, science experiment books and science kits. It is important to begin planning your experiment soon so you don’t run out of time. The Cornell library has many books that can assist you in the planning stage. Teacher guided after school science fair support is also available on January 22nd and 29th from 3:40 – 5:00 pm in the extra 5th grade classroom. Contact Cathy Staudt at cathy.staudt@okemosschools.net for more info.

Choose a project that uses simple and inexpensive materials that can be done in a relatively, short amount of time. Science experiments, observations, models, and demonstrations are welcome. Creativity is encouraged! Science experiments are best if your project can answer a question or test an idea that interests you. It is important to plan a display that is self-explanatory. Your project will be set up on tables to be read and enjoyed by others. Students attending the fair will be asked to stand by their project for a brief time to answer questions. Your project must be displayed on a self-supporting board. All materials should be labeled, and all display boards should include your name and grade! Display boards will be available for purchase in the Cornell office for $3.50 starting January 23rd. PTO scholarships are available if this fee would prevent your child from participating. Boards may also be purchased from office, craft, or teacher’s supply stores.

Students may need parental assistance to prepare the project, but please keep in mind that the project should be completed by the student with limited parental assistance. Students can work together on projects and siblings are welcome to participate. When you decide the subject of your project, complete the attached entry form and return it to your child’s teacher no later than February 1, 2008. Please complete a separate form for each family member who wants to participate. Entry forms turned in February 1st will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a science prize. Each student who participates will receive a participation ribbon and their name will appear in the science fair brochure.

Please return your form by February 1st as we need to know how many students are participating to plan for tables and space. If you have further questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact science fair coordinators Steveanna and Paul Roose at (989) 834-2157 or roose2@freedombi.com or teacher Robb Shubel at (517) 349-0100 ext 2338 or robb.shubel@okemosschools.net. We are happy to give feedback on topic ideas and experiment designs.

Suggested Science Project Time Line

Now until Jan 23rd topic exploration and selection

Now - February 1st turn in entry form to teacher

Jan 24th to Jan 29th gather your materials

February 1st Deadline to turn in entry form for a chance to win science prize and have name included in science fair/expo brochure

Jan 23rd to Feb 8th purchase display board in Cornell office for $3.50

Jan 30th to Feb 6th run experiment, collect data

Feb 6th to Feb 10th create your visual aids: charts, graphs, or illustrations
design/assemble display boards

February 12th bring project to school (more details later)

February 13th student viewing 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

family viewing 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Science Expo 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

All projects must be removed from the gym by 8:00 p.m. on February 13th.

*Cautions for Science Projects*

Animals used in the experiments are welcome but must be contained at all times.

Projects involving water should be in covered containers.

Any molds must be in sealed containers (no exposed molds).

No dangerous or toxic materials. No high voltage batteries.

No expensive equipment. If equipment should not be handled please include a notice.

Cornell cannot accept responsibility for any equipment or supplies that accompany your project!

Science Fair Expo 2008 Entry Form
Return by 2/1/08

Yes--I want to participate in Cornell Science Fair 2008!

Student’s Name:_________________________________________

Teacher:______________________________________________

Topic/Title:____________________________________________

Special Needs (electricity, water, live animals, etc.): _____________________________________________________

Return this form to your teacher no later than February 1, 2008