Copy of Science Project Letter and Expectations

                                                                                    December 2, 2013

Dear Parents,

            It’s time to begin thinking about the required science projects for this school year!  Your child will be able to choose what type of project he/she completes, but they must complete one of the activities listed below.  Please discuss the options they have and circle the one they prefer then sign and return to their Science teacher. All projects will be presented orally and  should be written in the student’s own words (no copying/plagiarism from resources), and should include a simple bibliography. All projects should include notecards along with 3 different resources.

All projects must start with a question!
Example: Why is the sky blue?

Research Projects:

Classification - Classify an animal or plant. Must include 5-10 facts along with resources and notecards. Present using
                             powerpoint/prezi along with pictures.

Cells - Research 3 different types of body cells and compare and contrast the functions and parts. (Brain, nerve, blood,
            muscle and skin cells) Draw and label the different cells.

Chemistry - Present a chemical change, explain the process and why it’s considered a chemical change. Present with
                     model or technology along with notecards and resources.

Genetics - Research your own genes and find out what traits you and your family members possess. Determine if traits
                   are dominant or recessive. Present using technology/poster with notecard and resources/pictures.

Electricity - Create a working model using parallel or series circuits. Explain how each component was made so that it
                     would work correctly. Research should include information on wiring, switches, etc.

    - Create your own electromagnet and explain real world use of an electromagnet.  Must create a model and               

       explain research on magnets and how they work.

Fossils - research and explain how fossilization works. Have examples and a model of your own fossil.

Landforms - research divergent and convergent plates or subduction zone.

                        - research erosion vs deposition include a model

                        - build a dam or windmill to generate electricity.

Research Project with Models

This project should include research to determine how to realistically build the model and explain how it works. The model itself should be student designed and neatly constructed. No volcanoes, solar systems, or tornado tubes will be accepted.  

4 – H Project

            The County Project Achievement Projects, that are completed through 4 – H and presented to the County Extension Office, may also be presented at school as an option as long as they are Science related and research based. This is not a typical 4-H demonstration but a Science project that also relates to a 4-H topic.   Details on 4-H projects may be obtained through the County Extension Office. See your science teacher before you begin this project!

Science Fair Project

            This project must follow the steps in the scientific method (research topic, organize and form a hypothesis, experiment, examine results, draw conclusions), have a well-organized and neat backboard that displays their information, and a handwritten logbook in a composition book.  If you choose to do this project, I will have additional information and forms for you to fill out. See your Science teacher before beginning this project!

These projects are due on or before January 14, 2014.  We will begin presenting them beginning January 14, 2014

My child _________________________ will complete the following project _______________________________ and turn it in on or before January 14, 2014.

________________________________       

Parent Signature