Friday 24 February 2017

Science Fair Update

Here are suggestions for completing the final stretch of Science Fair:

Logbook Dividers could be labelled:

  • Daily Entries
  • Scientific Process
  • Application
  • Reflection
  • Credits
Suggested Order for Logbook:
Title page, table of contents, daily entries, scientific process, application, reflection, credits
*** don't forget page numbers!

Adjusting Documents to Print:
1. All fonts should be very clear!! Suggestions would be Arial or Times New Roman
2. Headings and dates are BOLD
3. Application and Reflection should each be on their own page! 
4. Font sizes should be 14 for documents

Adding Page Numbers:
Option 1: Print everything, and use a pen to write numbers neatly
Option 2: Create a new document, copy and paste all your information into that document, then click insert, page numbers.

Backboard-- PLEASE EDIT FIRST:
1. Make a copy of your Scientific Process document. Call it SF Backboard.
2. Go to FILE--- PAGE SET UP. Change to LANDSCAPE.
3. Adjust sizes of the headings and information, separate onto different pages, etc.
4. Print, cut out (neatly!), mount on construction paper (if that's your plan) and start laying out on your board!!
*** Remember to be aware of the order!! Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, Method, Observations, Conclusion, Application (variables can go after hypothesis if you'd like, but reflection and research should stay in your logbook)

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Science Fair Backboards

Today in class, we talked about what a backboard needs to have for Science Fair. I am including a picture of a backboard from a few years ago that is really well done. Please focus on simple, information based displays!

Here is a good link for more information on backboards as well!
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml

The Scientific Process should be in order from the left panel through to the right (Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, Method, Observations, Conclusion, Application). Research, reflections, and credits will stay in logbooks, and Variables can be added if there is room on the board, otherwise it can also stay in the logbook.

We're almost done!



Thursday 16 February 2017

Science Fair

I have a few students who are saying they have completed their experiments and are ready to continue working on more Science Fair things. They are welcome to start their conclusions (information is in their Science Fair Booklets). I plan on teaching them all about conclusions throughout the week next week as well.

Two other areas the students can move forward on are APPLICATIONS and REFLECTION. Both of these sections can be completed on their Scientific Process Document in their folders.

The Application section requires the student to write about how their experiment applies to real life. The temptation for all grade 5 students is to, of course, answer in one sentence. This is far less than what is expected! I am looking for a paragraph formed answer that should be 5-7 sentences. How is my experiment relevant? What areas of study would it apply to? Why should people care about my experiment?

The Reflection section requires the student to write about their experience with Science Fair. It should cover strengths, weaknesses, and things to consider for next time. Again, the temptation is there for one sentence answers, but please help me encourage your child to think a little deeper and write out a meaningful reflection.

In terms of backboards, students can definitely start planning out what they want to put on them, but I encouraged them not to glue their information on until it has been checked to make sure nothing is missing! Backgrounds, extra pizazz, and title letters can be done now though!

Thank you for all the work you have been putting into this project with your child. I realize it is a big commitment, and it would not be a success without your help!

Tuesday 31 January 2017

Science Fair Update

Right now, we have a few documents going for Science Fair. Each student has these documents in their Science folders are would be more than happy to show you what they have accomplished! Here is an outline of the documents we have made to support Science Fair.

1. SF LOGBOOK Daily Entries- In this document, students are supposed to be keeping track of absolutely every single thing they do for science fair. Whenever we do something in class, the students need to update it, but it needs to be continued at home! Also, keep your receipts if you purchase anything for science fair!

2. SF Scientific Process- In this document, students are keeping track of the scientific process as we move closer to do our experiments. So far, we have Purpose, Research, Hypothesis, Material, Method completed, and we are working on Observation charts to record data from the experiments. This document serves two purposes. It will be printed off to put in each student's logbook AND we will simply enlarge the headings and information to be put onto backboards when that time comes.

3. Weekly Assignments (Project Proposal, Research, Project Sheet)- These documents have been completed, and I have spent time with each student to discuss any changes or suggestions for their projects.

So what does your child still need to work on? 
1. They need to have an accurate list of materials - SF Scientific Process Document
2. Their plan needs to be outlined in clear, numbered steps (anyone should be able to duplicate their experiment by following the steps exactly)- SF Scientific Process Document
3. They need some sort of chart to record their data for their experiment- SF Scientific Process Document

Monday 12 December 2016

Science Toy Gallery Walk

Today we did a Science Toy Gallery Walk. It was the highlight of the project for the students! They've been waiting to play with each other's toys for so long! It was a part of the day where you couldn't move without being pelted by a marshmallow from a catapult, and you had to be careful where you stepped from rolling gumballs and bouncy balls, but all in all, activities like these are the ones the students will remember in grade 5!











Monday 28 November 2016

Science Design Toy Projects

There is no shortage of creativity in 5P! What an exciting morning of building our simple machines toys! The students are now moving on to tackling their tests to see if their designs are sturdy/strong and work consistently. 

The students will be working on presentations for their projects over the next week or so!









Tuesday 15 November 2016

Poppies and Research

We have been busy as usual! The students participated in an art project using oil pastels, and I'm sure you heard the tales of the red hands from all the blending they had to do! The students did a fabulous job! Here are some pictures in case you are not able to see our beautiful art before it comes off the boards...




We also started working on our first major research project of grade 5. The students have each been assigned an Indigenous group, and within that group, 1-2 topics to be researching. Students will be focusing on finding the main ideas of websites and books, putting information into their own words, and recording their sources. When their research is done, the students will meet with their group, and form one essay. It is a very valuable project that teaches useful skills that will be used as they go through Middle Years and Senior Years. 

Below you will see pictures of the groups getting started with choosing topics. I'm looking forward to seeing the students grow in their knowledge and independence as they dig into books and websites to find their own information!