Science Fair Eleven Days Away!!
Final Registration Due and Volunteer Sign Up Opportunities
Project Tips, Register, Volunteer, Judge... It's all right here!
Friday set up help is needed. Click the link to view more!
Things to Remember - Science Projects:
- Every inquiry project begins with a question that can be answered by designing a “test” of the question.
- The hypothesis is the scientists first idea of what the results may be, and is based on known scientific knowledge, as reported in the “Background Research” report.
- Data can be rough data or nicely formatted, but should be original data including outliers and data that perhaps doesn’t fit the pattern of the results.
- Results & Interpretation as well as graphs are summaries of the data as well as generalizations of patterns found. Graphs should show trends in data.
- The conclusion should connect the results of the entire project with a larger application of how this project is relevant to the real world, outside of the lab.
Things to Remember - Engineering:
- Every engineering project begins with a problem that needs to be solved and an idea for a solution to that problem.
- Background research helps increases the engineer’s efficiency as they can utilize standard scientific principles and knowledge from engineers before them.
- Data/log book should include prototype drawings and other helpful information
- The “Design” is the idea that the engineer finally settles on as a solution, and is then made in to a prototype.
- Results, interpretation, and graphs can be flexibly displayed and should be based on testing and revisions of prototype built.
- The conclusion should connect the results of the entire project with a larger application of how this project is relevant to the real world, outside of the lab.
Frequently Asked Questions - What you need to know:
WHEN CAN WE SET UP DISPLAYS?
We encourage students to set up their displays on Friday, March 6th from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
The day of the fair displays can be set up from 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m.
ENTRANT TO FURNISH:
The entrant is required to furnish all materials needed to setup and show his or her exhibit (e.g., 9 foot long UL approved extension cord, tape, markers). Project sounds, lights, odors, or any other display items must not be distracting to other participants. WCSEF will furnish electricity for all projects. Any surge protection is the responsibility of the student. (See further rules under the “Exhibit Regulations” on the website: http://whatcomcountysciencefair.com/isef-exhibit-regulations/
WHEN DOES JUDGING BEGIN?
10:00a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Judging of Grade K-4 Projects
11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.Break for judges and transition for next group to move in
11:50 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.Judging of Grade 5-8 Projects / Grade 9-12 Projects
1:40 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Judging ends; gym is prepared to be opened for public viewing
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.Public Viewing
2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Award Ceremony
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Pick Up Projects to Take Home
NAME OF STUDENTS AND SCHOOL ON EXHIBIT:
Where the student’s name and/or school name appears on the exhibit, in the journal, or in the abstract, it must be hidden from view (erased, taped over, or otherwise covered for the duration of the fair.
JUDGING:
Your child will be interviewed 3 separate times by 3 separate pairs of judges for approximately 5-10 minutes. Teams of judges are made up of a minimum of two volunteers. The team goes through a training session prior to judging. We make every effort to assign judges who are both experienced and familiar with young students.
When the first group of judges approach your child’s area they will introduce themselves. They will then take a step back to view and score his/her board (this is about 2-3 minutes). After scoring the board they will step up and ask a few questions about the project. Younger students might be asked general questions like,” Where did you get the idea for this project? What research did you do? What was the hardest/most fun/most surprising? Who helped you? What experiment are you thinking about doing next year?” This conversation lasts anywhere from 3-7 minutes. If there are materials (other than the board) on the table this is the time when the judges will examine them and ask questions.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO STAY WITH THEIR PROJECT DURING THE JUDGING TIME?
Yes! It is very important they stay with their exhibit until their grade group is released OR they are released by the last set of judges*. Your child will be told when he/she can leave so they do not have to worry if they aren’t sure.
* Your child will be asked to stay if his/her project is in contention for top three in their age group. If this happens, he/she will be asked to stay for an additional set of judges to come by and conduct an additional interview. After that time your child is free to leave the judging area.
Your child is more than welcome to bring a book, tablet, deck of cards, or some other quiet (may want headphones) activity to help keep them busy while waiting for the judges. Wifi will NOT be provided. The WCSEF will not be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN EXHIBIT AREA.
WHEN YOU CAN I PICK UP MY CHILD’S PROJECT?
Projects can be picked up between 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturday. All projects must be left until after the award ceremony – please DO NOT pick up your child’s project during the award ceremony. If for some reason you cannot pick up your child’s exhibit, the Fair asks you to make arrangements with a classmate or friend. Exhibits left behind after 4:00 p.m. will be considered abandoned and disposed of accordingly.
WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR?
A concession stand will be serving snack and lunch items. There will be seating available outside of the exhibit area. You are also welcome to pack a lunch and snacks. Families are welcome to stay the day, or are free to come and go. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN EXHIBIT AREA.
Thank You to Our Title Sponsor!
Thank You Gold Sponsor Island Periodontics & Implants
Thank You Gold Sponsor Cascade Brain & Spine Center
Thank you Gold Sponsor Dairy Queen
Thank You to Kafe' our Radio Sponsor
Thank You Gold Sponsor Pacific Surveying & Engineering
2020 Fair Important Dates:
twines@thefranklin.academy
- Friday, March 6th – Students drop off & set up projects in Markell Hall at St. Paul’s Academy from 3- 5 p.m.
- Saturday, March 7th – Whatcom County Science & Engineering Fair from 9 a.m – 3:30 p.m. (Markell Hall)
- Saturday, March 7th – Open to the Public for Viewing 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. (Markell Hall)
- Saturday, March 7th – Award Ceremony 2:45 – 3:30 p.m
The Franklin Academy
Website: https://thefranklin.academy/
Location: 1509 East Victor Street, Bellingham, WA, USA
Phone: (360) 733-1750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinAcademyBellingham/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARBJZqnuWM2fzJSJOXO6X6qVO60w_ijnQdCgtmUFYZCSwnd0NO7wI_Jgq5_odVo2A3bLV76Yg91UH5TB
The Franklin Academy Points of Contact
Katie den Hartog, Associate Head of School, kdenhartog@thefranklin.academy
Dawn Regier, Administrative Assistant, dregier@thefranklin.academy
Rachel Lee, Administrative Assistant, rlee@thefranklin.academy
Sue Ann Crockett, Administrative Assistant, scrockett@thefranklin.academy
Theresa Wines, Registrar, twines@thefranklin.academy
Natalie Bennett, Admissions Director, nbennett@thefranklin.academy