Thank you for your interest in AOMS’s Science Fair! Participation in the Science Fair stimulates a student’s interest in science and engineering beyond what is taught in the classroom. Through research, experimentation, visual displays and oral presentations, the Science Fair offers students a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills.
The Science Fair is open to all students currently enrolled at AOMS. Participation is entirely voluntary. Students first will present a project idea by submitting an application. Upon approval, they will complete the project. They will submit a video of themselves presenting their project the day before the science fair. On the day of the Fair May 22, the projects will be viewed and judged by a panel of science experts and projects will be on display for student viewing during lunch. A panel of judge(s) will then select three (3) projects per grade level to be recognized for exceptional work at the afterschool ceremony. Projects will be judged based on the originality and quality of their experimental or engineering designs, execution and presentation.
While it can be tempting for parents to become deeply involved in their child’s project, this is strongly discouraged. Learning and growth are maximized when students perform their own work. A minimal amount of parental guidance can be helpful, but the student should always be in charge and performing the work.
To participate in the Science Fair, all projects must be pre-approved by submitting an application. To access the application, students must add themselves to the google classroom for the science fair - code - npd5boz
To celebrate student’s scientific discoveries, there will be an afterschool ceremony and popsicle party on the day of the Science Fair-May 22nd from 1:30-2pm in the AOM Auditorium. All student participants will receive a certificate, and there will be prizes for first, second, and third place in each grade. ALL Science Fair projects must be taken home at the end of the afterschool ceremony, May 22nd.
Important Steps & Dates:
ASAP - Students add themselves to the google classroom, npd5boz
April 18 - Applications Due (form found on google classroom)
April 22 - Final Application Decisions
May 21- Submit video of project presentation to the “Science Fair 2025” to google classroom
May 22 - Science Fair!- Drop off your project at AOM Gym in the morning BEFORE school starts! Science Classes will come through classes that day and view projects
May 22 - Evening ceremony for participants- 5:30-6 prior to open house, awards given out, and take project home.
This Participant Information Guide is designed to help parents and students understand the requirements for Science Fair projects and to think about the project they may enter. If after reading this guide you have additional questions, please email leslie.searl@carlsbadusd.net
TYPES OF PROJECTS
There are two types of Projects accepted at the AOMS Science Fair: experiments, engineering designs, demonstrations or collections.
1. An Experiment
The student uses the scientific method to investigate a problem or question. Choosing this type of project gives students an opportunity to utilize and build upon their critical thinking skills.
Examples: The Effects of Detergent on the Growth of Plants; Which Substance Is Most Absorbent?
2. Engineering Design
In this type of project, students design a product to accomplish a certain task. It involves designing, building and testing of the product.
Examples: Building a bridge; marble launch; doodling robot.
Information on judging criteria for each type of project can be found HERE
RULES & GUIDELINES
EXPECTATIONS: Participants must enter a project individually. In addition to creating a project, participants are required to complete a display board explaining their project and to present their project orally to volunteer judges and during class tours.
COSTS & VALUE: Project costs should be low. The investment should be primarily in time and effort. Store-bought projects are not allowed. Neither the school nor the volunteers are responsible for valuable models or collections. Although everyone is careful, projects can be lost or broken.
SIZE & SET UP: Every project is given space for one self-supporting tri fold display board with table space in front of it for collections, models, experimental equipment or materials relating to the project.
SAFETY: Safety is essential at the Science Fair. Any project deemed to be unsafe or inhumane will be prohibited. The following rules seek to assure the safety of exhibitors and visitors:
No dangerous or caustic chemicals
No open flames or flammable liquids
All electrical devices must be safe
No containers of live mold, bacteria or fungi are allowed at the Fair
No live animals, vertebrates or invertebrates, are allowed at the Fair
No running water, drainage, gas or compressed air will be provided
Projects that do not comply with these rules will not be allowed.
DISPLAY BOARD GUIDELINES
The display board forms the background for the project and provides a structure for displaying graphs, charts, photographs and other printed or written information.
SPECIFICATIONS & SIZE REQUIREMENTS: The display board must be a tri-fold design that it is freestanding and stable. No backing support will be provided. Self-standing tri-fold display boards are typically available at Michael’s, Office Depot, Target and others for $10 – $20. Students may also construct homemade display boards out of sturdy materials such as a large cardboard box. Display boards should be no larger than 36 inches high and 48 inches wide.
PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN
Suggested Display Board Design for Experiments:
For more information including step-by-step directions, examples, and ideas for designing your experiment click HERE
Suggested Display Board Design for Engineering Designs:
For more information including step-by-step directions, examples, and ideas for engineering designs click HERE
PROJECT IDEAS
Students should come up with their own idea for a project, but sometimes that can be difficult. In that case, the internet can help. There are many websites that offer ideas for projects. A few good places to start are:
List of Science Fair Project Ideas
Browse Science Projects | Education.com
50 of the Best Science Fair Project Ideas
ChatGPT and other large language models can be excellent resources for coming up with ideas. Prompts such as “Top 10 (insert category here) Science Fair ideas for a ______ grader” will generate a lot of options.
KEYS TO A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE
It is important for the student to elect to participate
Encourage your child to create a project that is appropriate for his/her age level and ability. It should be interesting and require a minimum of adult assistance
Assist your child in planning a schedule to avoid last-minute rushing. Once the topic is chosen, plan time for each step
Feel free to guide your child and give suggestions, but do not do the work
Ensure that your child uses safety precautions where necessary
The goal is to expand the student’s understanding of science and develop critical thinking skills. “Learning through Science is Fun!”
