Silverbrook Elementary PTO

Register Now using this form

​

1. Determine the type of project you would like to create from the categories below.

​

Science Art Exhibit – “Amazing Art”

The Arts are a critical component of innovation. Expressing our creativity allows us to learn to expand our thinking processes and practice our design-related skills. This project opportunity asks to explore your creativity and curiosity as it relates to other STEM areas.

For your art project, consider the following topics and demonstrate how STEAM is used in relation to the project.

​

- Music: How is math used in creating music?  What effects does music have on the brain?

- Manipulative Arts – Use clay or other materials to demonstrate human anatomy

- Art in our World – Where do we see patterns in our everyday world? Fibonacci Sequence, cell development, computer coding

- Architecture – How did the Egyptians or Romans used math and art to create structures

​

One example would be, using artistic ability to design a project in the form of a drawing with a written explanation of the creation.  For example, draw the solar system with labels of the planets along with interesting facts or diagram how something works and label its parts (like a clock or an engine). 

Science Demonstration – “Show What You Know”

​

Present something learned from research.  For example, create a display of the kinds of snakes found in Virginia or make a volcano and explain how one works.  Be sure to include a list of sources for the information presented.

​

Observational Design – "Observe and Report"

​

Observe something to learn more about it.  Begin with a question and discover the answer through observation.  For example, study the behavior of a pet (how often a pet eats and sleeps in a day) or other people (do more boys or girls go into a comic book store).  Can any other conclusions be drawn?  Do other questions come to mind after reviewing the results?

​

Resources: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/observation-study-experimental-design

​

​

Science Invention – "A Modern-Day Invention"

​

Find a problem; then imagine a new thing that can solve the problem.  If possible, make a model of the invention.  If the invention is too complicated to make a model, create a line drawing instead.  Explain how the design works and name the invention.  Prepare a display for the invention and include the model or labeled drawing.  A model does not have to work but must represent your concept.  Describe the invention and its purpose and include a list of supplies needed.

​

Experimental Design

Experiments are projects that test a hypothesis and identify findings to answer questions or solve problems (examples: “What is the Best Environment for Yeast Fermentation?,” “Which Paper Towel is More Absorbent?,” or “The Effect of Detergent on the Growth of Plants”).  

The scientific method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments.  The steps of the scientific method are to:

​

• Ask a question

• Do background research

• Construct a hypothesis

• Write a procedure (experiment plan) and identify variables

• Test your hypothesis by doing an experiment, using variables

• Record and Analyze your data

• Draw a conclusion

​

For more information on the Scientific Method, visit: http://www.sciencebuddies.com/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml

​

2. Identify a topic.

​

Talk to your teacher and parents about topics that interest you.  With your parents help, search the internet for ideas or visit the library to find a topic that interests you and determine what you will need to do complete your project.  For help with project topics and ideas, website links are provided below.

​

3. Get project assistance when needed.

​

This is YOUR STEAM fair project, not your parents.  However, you may need assistance to find a topic, research, conduct your experiment, draw conclusions, and prepare your presentation.  And, that’s OK.  Reach out to your teachers and parents for help – just make sure that you do the work!

​

4. Start early – don’t wait until the last minute! 

​

Projects and experiments require a significant amount of time and prep work – make sure you plan ahead and are not rushed at the last minute.  Some experiments take weeks!