Frequently Asked Questions about the STEM Fair @ Root
How do I enter the STEM Fair @ Root? Great question! We're glad you want to enter. The entry form and guidelines are posted on our website. You should turn in your entry form by December 18. The confirmation form is due January 15. Your project is due on February 26, and your presentation will be scheduled on February 27.
I can't think of any good ideas! Help? We bet you have lots of good ideas...but sometimes it is hard to remember them. Try looking at science fair books to jumpstart your brain. The public library and the Root Media Center have a lot of good books, and Ms. Dozier has a bucket full of books in the STEM Lab. Our links page has suggestions for webpages. We have brainstorming help sessions at Root. You can also look at the world around you and ask yourself, "What would happen if I changed..." (and then try it). You can also ask, "I wonder why..." For example, you might notice that bridges usually have triangle shapes, and ask, "I wonder why bridges have so many triangles? What would happen if I built a bridge with squares instead?" Be sure you are comparing two different conditions, so it is an experiment.
What is an "experiment"? Usually an experiment involves comparing two different things. One might be the usual way of doing something (the "control" condition) and the other might be a new way of doing it (the "experimental" condition). You pick one thing to do differently in the two conditions--this is the independent variable. You try to keep everything else the same across the two conditions--the controlled variables (things that are under your control). Some things you can't control because they depend on the thing you are changing--these are called the dependent variables and they are what you are measuring and observing. For example, you might wonder what would happen if you built a bridge with squares instead of triangles. The usual way of building bridges is with triangles (the control condition), and the new way is with squares (the experimental condition). In this example, the bridge design (triangle vs. square) is the independent variable. You might use the same wood and glue to build both bridges, and you might test them with the same weights (things you control, the controlled variables). You could observe how many times you can roll a bowling ball across each bridge before it collapses, or how many cans of beans can each bridge hold--this is what you are measuring and observing, the dependent variable.
If I do a really careful job, can I do it one time and be finished? No, a good scientist always does experiments more than one time. That is how you know you can trust your results. If you do it once, it might just be luck. If you get the same result after doing it a lot of times, you can start to believe in your results as science, not just luck. Some experiments you do over and over (like the bridge example). Some experiments you repeat with different people to see if there is a pattern. For example, you might predict that right-handed people are more likely to kick a soccer ball with their right foot. You could get a group of right-handed people to kick a soccer ball several times, and compare that with a group of left-handed people. The independent variable is whether the person is right-handed or left-handed. The controlled variables might be that you use the same soccer ball on the same soccer field. The dependent variable is which foot they use to kick.
What if I show something really cool and awesome? If you compare two different conditions and control the rest (like we talked about above), then it is an experiment and perfect for the STEM Fair @ Root. If you just show something, it is a "demonstration" and not a good fit for our STEM Fair. For example, if you build a volcano and make it erupt, that definitely gets a "wow"...but, it is not an experiment. If you compare two different shapes of volcanoes to see which one erupts higher, or you compare whether baking powder or baking soda makes a bigger eruption, you have now created an experiment that is great for the STEM Fair @ Root.
Okay, I have an interesting question about whether orange juice is sweet or sour, and I'm going to ask 100 Root students for their answers. How about that? That is actually a "survey," and will not work for the STEM Fair @ Root. How could you make it an experiment? Let's think. You have to compare two conditions and measure the outcome. So, what if you gave 50 of the students a cup of sugar water to drink first, and 50 of the students drank a cup of water first...and then you asked the question? You might hypothesize that everything tastes sour after a lot of suger, so people who drink sugar water first are more likely to say the orange juice tastes sour, and people who drink plain water first are more likely to say the orange juice tastes sweet. Your independent variable is sugar water (versus plain water), and your dependent variable is whether they say orange juice is sweet or sour. Your controlled variables include the amount of sugar in the sugar water, the amount you give them to drink, how much time between the water and the orange juice.
What do I get/win if I enter the STEM Fair? The most valuable thing you get is the chance to try something new. You will also get the chance to talk with a real STEM professional about what he or she does in STEM work, and you will get personal feedback about what you did well with your STEM project as well as advice for how to improve it next time. Everyone who presents in the STEM Fair @ Root will be invited to the special STEM Fair Awards Ceremony (with food and drink). In addition to these invaluable rewards, you will get a special STEM @ Root mood pencil and scientific journal. You will also have a better chance of getting a seat on the STEM Magical Mystery Tour. If you get a lot of students in your class to do STEM Fair projects, your class will earn a special STEM activity.
How do I win first place? Is there a first place ribbon awarded for each grade? Although some science fairs and STEM fairs give out first place ribbons, we decided to make STEM Fair @ Root more like the real world of STEM. In the real world, STEM researchers value collaborating, or working together to solve problems and answer questions. At real STEM conferences, important research projects are presented, and some may get special recognition, but there are no first place ribbons. Even at the international level, like the Nobel Peace Prize, certain researchers and projects are recognized for their contributions, but there is no first place. We believe that every student who enters the STEM Fair @ Root is learning something valuable, and that we cannot single out one project as the "best." We may give a special mention certificate to projects that do a really good job in a particular area, but there is no "first place" in the STEM Fair @ Root.
How do I get a STEM Fair mentor or coach? What is a STEM Fair mentor or coach? Can someone help me with my project and answer my questions about the STEM Fair? Great questions. Some of our wonderful parents, teachers, and community members volunteer to help Root students get ready for the STEM Fair. In the past, we called them "mentors," but this year we are calling them "STEM coaches" because they coach you and help you improve your STEM skills. A STEM coach cannot tell you what to do or how to do it. A STEM coach will help guide you by asking you questions and showing you good resources. If you have questions or need help, come to one of our STEM Coaching Sessions. If we can't answer your questions during that help session, we will match you with a STEM coach who can help you. Your meeting times will depend on your schedule, your teacher, and your STEM coach.
Where do I get supplies for my STEM Fair project? What is a "tri-fold board" and do I need one? Some of the best STEM Fair projects use things you can find lying around the school--they are free. We recommend choosing a project and materials that do not cost much, and that you can find at a regular grocery store, hardware store, or convenience store. A tri-fold board is a big poster board that is folded into three sections. It is stiff enough that it can stand up by itself, which makes it a good way to show your STEM project. Most of the local stores have them (like Target, Walmart, Kmart, Staples, Office Depot), but you may want to get one now. If you wait until the last minute, they may be sold out. A good cardboard tri-fold poster board costs about $3.00 (unless you get a fancy plastic or laminated one, some of them cost more). If you do not have a way to get a tri-fold board, let us know and we will find one for you to use. Just send us an e-mail ([email protected]). Also, if you need help getting supplies for your project, ask us for help. You can e-mail us at [email protected] or come to a STEM help session and talk with one of the STEM coaches.
Do I have to work alone on my STEM Fair project? Can I work with friends? The 2013-2014 rules say you can do an individual project (by yourself) or you can work with one friend (a partner). If you want to work together with more than one friend ("collaboration"), then choose related projects or different ways of studying a similar topic. Let us know that you are collaborating and we will try to display your projects together at the STEM Fair. Remember, each poster can have 1 or 2 authors.
If I'm working with a partner, do we have to do everything together? Some things you need to do together. You need to plan together. You each need to turn in an entry form and you each need to turn in a confirmation form, but you can turn them in at different times. It is easier if you do the experiment together--that way you can keep one STEM journal instead of needing to keep two journals. It is easier to make your poster while working together. All the parts of the project need to be turned in by the deadline. You both need to attend the STEM Fair and you both need to be ready to answer questions about your project. Both of you should understand the project well enough to explain it--that shows us that you were partners.
I have a question that you didn't answer here...where can I get an answer? You can talk with your teacher, Ms. Dozier, or Mr. Peterson. You can come to a STEM Fair Help Session. You can review the STEM Fair handouts. You can also e-mail us...[email protected]
I can't think of any good ideas! Help? We bet you have lots of good ideas...but sometimes it is hard to remember them. Try looking at science fair books to jumpstart your brain. The public library and the Root Media Center have a lot of good books, and Ms. Dozier has a bucket full of books in the STEM Lab. Our links page has suggestions for webpages. We have brainstorming help sessions at Root. You can also look at the world around you and ask yourself, "What would happen if I changed..." (and then try it). You can also ask, "I wonder why..." For example, you might notice that bridges usually have triangle shapes, and ask, "I wonder why bridges have so many triangles? What would happen if I built a bridge with squares instead?" Be sure you are comparing two different conditions, so it is an experiment.
What is an "experiment"? Usually an experiment involves comparing two different things. One might be the usual way of doing something (the "control" condition) and the other might be a new way of doing it (the "experimental" condition). You pick one thing to do differently in the two conditions--this is the independent variable. You try to keep everything else the same across the two conditions--the controlled variables (things that are under your control). Some things you can't control because they depend on the thing you are changing--these are called the dependent variables and they are what you are measuring and observing. For example, you might wonder what would happen if you built a bridge with squares instead of triangles. The usual way of building bridges is with triangles (the control condition), and the new way is with squares (the experimental condition). In this example, the bridge design (triangle vs. square) is the independent variable. You might use the same wood and glue to build both bridges, and you might test them with the same weights (things you control, the controlled variables). You could observe how many times you can roll a bowling ball across each bridge before it collapses, or how many cans of beans can each bridge hold--this is what you are measuring and observing, the dependent variable.
If I do a really careful job, can I do it one time and be finished? No, a good scientist always does experiments more than one time. That is how you know you can trust your results. If you do it once, it might just be luck. If you get the same result after doing it a lot of times, you can start to believe in your results as science, not just luck. Some experiments you do over and over (like the bridge example). Some experiments you repeat with different people to see if there is a pattern. For example, you might predict that right-handed people are more likely to kick a soccer ball with their right foot. You could get a group of right-handed people to kick a soccer ball several times, and compare that with a group of left-handed people. The independent variable is whether the person is right-handed or left-handed. The controlled variables might be that you use the same soccer ball on the same soccer field. The dependent variable is which foot they use to kick.
What if I show something really cool and awesome? If you compare two different conditions and control the rest (like we talked about above), then it is an experiment and perfect for the STEM Fair @ Root. If you just show something, it is a "demonstration" and not a good fit for our STEM Fair. For example, if you build a volcano and make it erupt, that definitely gets a "wow"...but, it is not an experiment. If you compare two different shapes of volcanoes to see which one erupts higher, or you compare whether baking powder or baking soda makes a bigger eruption, you have now created an experiment that is great for the STEM Fair @ Root.
Okay, I have an interesting question about whether orange juice is sweet or sour, and I'm going to ask 100 Root students for their answers. How about that? That is actually a "survey," and will not work for the STEM Fair @ Root. How could you make it an experiment? Let's think. You have to compare two conditions and measure the outcome. So, what if you gave 50 of the students a cup of sugar water to drink first, and 50 of the students drank a cup of water first...and then you asked the question? You might hypothesize that everything tastes sour after a lot of suger, so people who drink sugar water first are more likely to say the orange juice tastes sour, and people who drink plain water first are more likely to say the orange juice tastes sweet. Your independent variable is sugar water (versus plain water), and your dependent variable is whether they say orange juice is sweet or sour. Your controlled variables include the amount of sugar in the sugar water, the amount you give them to drink, how much time between the water and the orange juice.
What do I get/win if I enter the STEM Fair? The most valuable thing you get is the chance to try something new. You will also get the chance to talk with a real STEM professional about what he or she does in STEM work, and you will get personal feedback about what you did well with your STEM project as well as advice for how to improve it next time. Everyone who presents in the STEM Fair @ Root will be invited to the special STEM Fair Awards Ceremony (with food and drink). In addition to these invaluable rewards, you will get a special STEM @ Root mood pencil and scientific journal. You will also have a better chance of getting a seat on the STEM Magical Mystery Tour. If you get a lot of students in your class to do STEM Fair projects, your class will earn a special STEM activity.
How do I win first place? Is there a first place ribbon awarded for each grade? Although some science fairs and STEM fairs give out first place ribbons, we decided to make STEM Fair @ Root more like the real world of STEM. In the real world, STEM researchers value collaborating, or working together to solve problems and answer questions. At real STEM conferences, important research projects are presented, and some may get special recognition, but there are no first place ribbons. Even at the international level, like the Nobel Peace Prize, certain researchers and projects are recognized for their contributions, but there is no first place. We believe that every student who enters the STEM Fair @ Root is learning something valuable, and that we cannot single out one project as the "best." We may give a special mention certificate to projects that do a really good job in a particular area, but there is no "first place" in the STEM Fair @ Root.
How do I get a STEM Fair mentor or coach? What is a STEM Fair mentor or coach? Can someone help me with my project and answer my questions about the STEM Fair? Great questions. Some of our wonderful parents, teachers, and community members volunteer to help Root students get ready for the STEM Fair. In the past, we called them "mentors," but this year we are calling them "STEM coaches" because they coach you and help you improve your STEM skills. A STEM coach cannot tell you what to do or how to do it. A STEM coach will help guide you by asking you questions and showing you good resources. If you have questions or need help, come to one of our STEM Coaching Sessions. If we can't answer your questions during that help session, we will match you with a STEM coach who can help you. Your meeting times will depend on your schedule, your teacher, and your STEM coach.
Where do I get supplies for my STEM Fair project? What is a "tri-fold board" and do I need one? Some of the best STEM Fair projects use things you can find lying around the school--they are free. We recommend choosing a project and materials that do not cost much, and that you can find at a regular grocery store, hardware store, or convenience store. A tri-fold board is a big poster board that is folded into three sections. It is stiff enough that it can stand up by itself, which makes it a good way to show your STEM project. Most of the local stores have them (like Target, Walmart, Kmart, Staples, Office Depot), but you may want to get one now. If you wait until the last minute, they may be sold out. A good cardboard tri-fold poster board costs about $3.00 (unless you get a fancy plastic or laminated one, some of them cost more). If you do not have a way to get a tri-fold board, let us know and we will find one for you to use. Just send us an e-mail ([email protected]). Also, if you need help getting supplies for your project, ask us for help. You can e-mail us at [email protected] or come to a STEM help session and talk with one of the STEM coaches.
Do I have to work alone on my STEM Fair project? Can I work with friends? The 2013-2014 rules say you can do an individual project (by yourself) or you can work with one friend (a partner). If you want to work together with more than one friend ("collaboration"), then choose related projects or different ways of studying a similar topic. Let us know that you are collaborating and we will try to display your projects together at the STEM Fair. Remember, each poster can have 1 or 2 authors.
If I'm working with a partner, do we have to do everything together? Some things you need to do together. You need to plan together. You each need to turn in an entry form and you each need to turn in a confirmation form, but you can turn them in at different times. It is easier if you do the experiment together--that way you can keep one STEM journal instead of needing to keep two journals. It is easier to make your poster while working together. All the parts of the project need to be turned in by the deadline. You both need to attend the STEM Fair and you both need to be ready to answer questions about your project. Both of you should understand the project well enough to explain it--that shows us that you were partners.
I have a question that you didn't answer here...where can I get an answer? You can talk with your teacher, Ms. Dozier, or Mr. Peterson. You can come to a STEM Fair Help Session. You can review the STEM Fair handouts. You can also e-mail us...[email protected]