- Double click on the Microsoft PowerPoint icon on the desktop.
- Click on Start --> Programs --> Microsoft PowerPoint
STEPS TO SUCCESS SCIENCE DAY 2007-2008
6th. and 7th. grade students Science Day Parents Letter
Dear Parent,
This year Queen Anne School’s sixth and seventh grade students will be participating in a special kind of Science Day based on student science interests as the theme. Science Day is designed to promote your child's problem-solving skills and creative-thinking skills. Your child will be following the provided guidelines for his or her project. Students will receive a grade on their research paper, project model and on their knowledge of their subject based upon their verbal presentation during their Power Point presentation. Students are required to write a two-page research paper including a works cited page, create a project model and create a Power Point presentation. Please staple the two-page research paper and the Works Cited page together. Please do not put the research paper into a binder or folder. All work will be done at home. Students may work together in groups consisting of two to three team members from the same grade level and from the same class. The names of the team members are to be submitted on the Project Proposal form, approved by parent/s and the science teacher. Once approved, group members cannot be changed. Specific work done by each team member will be documented and the same grade/s will be earned by all team members in the group.
Workshops: During Science Day students will be attending workshops in the Science Building. We invite presenters from various centers around our area, such as, the University of Maryland/College Park, the Baltimore Aquarium, Maryland Paramedics, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Baltimore Science Center, Owens Science Center, Horsehead Wetlands Center, and the Smithsonian Museums.
Science Day Steps
1-Complete and return signed Proposal Sheet
2-Once project is approved by Ms. York, begin your research.
3-Order kits and supplies needed for project/experiment.
4-Type research paper and Works Cited page.
5-Complete experiment, build kits, digital photos taken.
6-Power Point completed and burned to CD
7-Make certain Power Point CD is
compatible
with school computers.
Due Dates
1/3/08 Introduction to Science Day.
2/4/08 Last day to receive Project Proposal Forms. Students not turning in this form by the due date will have a project assigned to them with 5 points deducted from class participation grade.
3/3/08 Research Papers, Power Point on CD-R disc, Project Models due. 5 points deducted per day for late work. Do not use a CD-RW. This is the Due Date for all students even if they are not assigned to my class on that particular day. Projects/model are taken to the student's Advisory room not to the science room. Please do not e-mail any attachments of research papers or power point presentations to Ms. York as it over loads the network.
3/3/08 Classroom Project Demonstrations/Power Point /Verbal Presentations begin.
3/14/08 Science Day Celebration. Students attend fascinating science workshops along with a variety of other events.
4/08 MAESA Fair (tbd)
Note: Five points will be deducted for each day the above assignments are late during the week of March 3, 2008. Work received after March 7, 2008 receives a zero. We will begin preparation for Science Day in September by having the students learn about a wide range of science topics from which to choose. By doing so, we hope the students will gain an appreciation for the process and thus be better prepared to create their own projects. The first step is the actual process of finding an idea for their project. Your child will be encouraged to choose a project in an area of science that is of particular interest to him or her. Your interest and encouragement at this stage will help to make the process a fun learning experience for your child.
PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM (to be returned to teacher for approval)
Please see the specific guidelines on my webpage by clicking on Science Day. Scroll down to see the wide range of topic choices and webpage sites where you and your child can choose one specific Science Day topic idea. Once you have found a topic of interest, go to various websites/resource books to determine if this is the topic of your choice as well as determining the project/model that your child will make to go along with this topic.
After you and your child have settled on an idea and researched it to make certain that the idea is workable, return the attached project proposal form signed by yourself and your child. Once the project proposal form is signed, returned and approved by the Science teacher the research, projects and Power Point presentations can begin. Projects cannot be changed without approval of the parent/s and teacher. Teams cannot be changed once the project proposal is approved without the permission of teacher and parent/s. Students may use kits to create their project, but are encouraged to use items from around the house or from the craft/hardware store to create their own projects. All work will be done at home.
As your child begins the actual process, your continued interest and encouragement will be helpful. Discuss the progress he or she is making and any problems that are encountered. Remind your child that although scientists and inventors often experience failure along the way, they remain persistent and keep trying and thinking of new ideas to solve a problem. Students will receive a grade on their research paper, their project and Power Point/presentation.
The grades are based
on their knowledge of their subject learned from their research paper and their verbal fifteen minute presentation and demonstration of their project during their Power Point presentation in class.
Research Paper: Students are to submit a 2 page Research Paper including the 3rd page to be a Works Cited page, using 12 font, double-spaced, Times New Roman, following MLA format. MLA guidelines examples are on my webpage. Research notes are written on index cards along with works cited information. Students should have at least five different sources, such as, books, journals, magazines, or Internet sources. Examples of journals are: "Scientific America" or "National Geographic". These sources should be no older than 3 to 5 years. Do not use wikipedia as it is not a valid source.
Works Cited Page: The last page (third page) of the research paper and the last slide (13th slide) of the Power Point presentation is the Works Cited page. Please refer to my website for detailed information on the proper MLA format. There is a Works Cited program Citation Machine at website www.citationmachine.net <http://www.citationmachine.net/> Please choose MLA format when using this program. Click on the MLA link and not APA.
Projects: Size of project can be no longer than 28 inches and no wider than 23 inches as two student projects should be able to fit on a student table.
Project models can be a variety of creations: a diorama, a working model, an artistic rendering, a robot, plate tectonics that move, models of cells, models of insects created using legos, a mobile, a demonstration using magnets, a terrarium, a handmade telescope, a space station docking, ecosystems in an aquarium, plants representing convergent evolution of cacti, etc. Please no home videos----projects need to be demonstrated; not viewed as a video. No projects/experiments with animals, fire, or fuels. Please no cardboard boxes; craft stores sell wooden boxes at reasonable prices.
There are many science catalogs available where you can purchase equipment or kits for your project, such as:
Carolina Biological Supply Company www.carolina.com 1-866-815-2450
Schoolmaster Science www.schoolmasters.com 1-800-521-2832
Power Point: The Works Cited Page is required to be the last slide on the Power Point presentation. Include all works cited from the research paper as well as works cited that are used on the power point presentation. Pictures taken from the Internet need to be listed on the Works Cited pages. Save the Power Point Presentation only on a CD-ROM so that it is compatible with Queen Anne School computers. Power Point presentations should have a total of 12 slides. Presentations need to be fifteen minutes long. It is suggested that students include the Scientific Methods: Problem, Objective, Hypothesis, Materials, Methods/Procedure, Conclusion. Please do not use the timer option, no sound effects and no video segments as this is a scientific presentation. There is a Microsoft Power Point Tutorial on the web which explains each step of creating a Power Point presentation as well as of of the features available.
Note: Students are required to attend the Science Day event as this is the final compilation of their hard work and effort. Research Paper 100 points Power Point and Presentation 100 points Project and Demonstration 100 points
We know your child will enjoy and benefit from this experience. Although we want you to encourage your child in this process, we ask you not to become overly involved in your child's project. Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Please contact me by e-mail if you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance. myork@queenanne.org
Information/Dates Subject to Change
SCIENCE DAY PROPOSAL SHEET
Once the project proposal form is signed, returned and approved by the Science teacher the research, projects and Power Point presentations can begin. Projects cannot be changed without approval of the parent/s and teacher. Teams cannot be changed once the project proposal is approved without the permission of teacher and parent/s.
PARENT/S SIGNATURE ______________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE _______________________________________
APPROVED BY MS. YORK
STUDENT NAME (PRINT) ___________________________________________
CLASS/PERIOD ____________________________________________________
DATE FORM SUBMITTED ___________________________________________
Group Members 1________________ 2_______________3________________
Project Title _________________________________________________________
Interest _________________________________________________________
Question _________________________________________________________
Model _________________________________________________________
Methods _________________________________________________________
Materials _________________________________________________________
Research _________________________________________________________
Presentation/Power Point_________________________________________________
REMEMBER TO HAVE PARENT/S SIGN AT THE TOP OF THIS FORM AS THIS SIGNATURE SHOWS THAT PARENT/S HAVE APPROVED OF THIS PROJECT.
Example:
Project Title Stars
Interest I am interested in star constellations.
Question What are the names of the constellations in our galaxy?
Model I will create constellations.
Methods I will use glow in the dark stars and black felt to make constellations.
Materials Glow in the dark stars, black felt, large box.
Research I will visit a planetarium and research books/internet.
Presentation Power Point will demonstrate stars in motion. I will use my model to discuss constellations.
Example:
Project Title Telescopes
Interest I am interested in how telescopes are made.
Question Can I build a small telescope?
Model I will try building a small telescope.
Methods I will try using a tube from paper towels to build a telescope.
Materials Paper towel tube, old eyeglass lenses, glue
Research I will research the history and invention of the telescope.
Presentation Power point will present a history of telescopes. I will use my model to demonstrate
various uses of a telescope.
Example:
Project Title Mars Rover
Interest I am interested in learning more about the way rovers are used on Mars.
Question What jobs do the rovers do on Mars?
Model I will try to build a diorama showing a robotic rover picking up moon rocks.
Methods I will try using legos or a kit to build my rover.
Materials Legos, shoebox for diorama, different size rocks, construction paper.
Research I will visit the Maryland Science Center to see the rover kits.
I will research Internet sites (NASA) and research magazines/ books.
Presentation My Power Point will have film clips of the Mars rover. I will use my rover to
demonstrate picking up moon rocks and navigating across rough terrain.
Science Topics
Lists of web sites categorized by subject areas within science.
Students may research these Science Topics further by a search for Science Projects Middle School along with the topic of their interest.
Earth and Space Science · Aeronautics
· Aerospace technology
· Astronomy
· Atmosphere
· Climate
· Cosmology (origin of the universe)
· Energy sources
· Environment
· Geology
· Natural disasters
· Oceans
· Plate tectonics
· Pollution
· Rock cycle
· Satellites
· Seasons
· Solar system
· Space exploration
· Stars
· Telescopes
· Water
· Water cycle
· Weather
History of Science
· Ancient civilizations
· Scientists/Inventors
Life Science
· Adaptations
· Anatomy
· Animals
· Behavior
· Biochemistry
· Biodiversity
· Biotechnology
· Cells
· Conservation
· Ecosystems
· Energy Cycle
· Environment
· Evolution
· Genetics
· Health
· Insects
· Life cycle
· Microbiology
· Physiology
· Plants
· Population
· Physical Science
· Chemistry
· Atomic theory
· Chemical properties
· Electricity
· Energy
· Forces
· Gravity
· Heat
· Light
· Magnetism
· Matter
· Motion
· Newton's Laws
· Optics
· Organic chemistry
· Periodic table
· Physical properties
· Simple machines
· Sound
Careers
· Scientists/Inventors
· Minorities in science
· Women in science
·
Informal education
· Planetariums
· Museums
· Zoos
Process skills
· Critical thinking
· Problem solving
· Observation
· Measurement
· Data collection
· Classification
WORKS CITED PAGE
Please use your MLA Handbook as well as the information found on my webpage for the correct format for a Works Cited Page.
SCIENCE DAY SCORES
Student __________________________________________________
Grade/Class Period _________________________________________
Earth Science/Life Science
Title of Project _________________________________________________________
Advisor _______________________________________________________________
Circle the appropriate rating (Note: 4=A, 3=B, 2=C, 1=D)
1-Does this project identify and address a science topic of the student’s interest?
4 A unique idea.
3 Shows insight.
2 Addresses a science topic.
1 Minimal or no effort in choosing project.
2-How well has this student done research?
4 Carefully documented.
3 Sufficiently documented.
2 Adequately documented.
1 Minimal or no documentation.
3-How knowledgeable and enthusiastic is the student about this project?
4 Able to converse at length about the project.
3 Understands and can discuss the project.
2 Adequately knowledgeable on the project.
1 Minimal knowledge of the project.
4-How well has the student shown that the model reflects the project?
4 Model directly reflects the project.
3 Model sufficient reflects the project.
2 Model partially reflects the project.
1 Model minimally reflects the project or not made.
5-How well is the model designed and constructed?
4 Model shows much attention to detail.
3 Model adequately designed and constructed.
2 Model poorly designed and constructed.
1 Model minimally designed and constructed. Or, model not made.
6-How effectively has the student created the power point presentation?
4 Shows eye-catching, interesting presentation which clearly articulates project.
3 Shows much attention to detail and articulates the project.
2 Shows adequate attention to detail and to partially articulates the project.
1 Shows minimal design and inability to articulate the project. Or, not made.
7-The student has provided required documentation.
4 Excellent documentation following MLA guidelines.
3 Good documentation; partially following MLA guidelines.
2 Adequate documentation.
1 Poor documentation. Or, none.
Overall Recommendations ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Presentation/Power Point ___________
Project Model ___________
A VARIETY OF SCIENCE DAY TOPICS GATHERED FROM THE INTERNET.
THE SCIENCE TEXTBOOK HAS EXPERIMENTS AND TOPICS LISTED AS WELL.
How can I best preserve a Christmas tree?
Does temperature affect how long holiday punch stays carbonated?
What concentration of bleach is needed to kill mold?
Can I make a wind generator?
Can I forecast the weather by myself?
Can I make a real working telegraph?
Can I build a puzzle showing how tectonic plates move?
Which plants are easiest to clone offspring from?
What temperature do germs grow best at?
Which colors and materials cool the fastest?
Can magnetism get rusty old iron out of nice clean sand?
Is solar energy really practical?
How does the salt content of water vary in an estuary?
Do temperature changes affect the growth and survival rate of aquatic plants?
How is sound obtained from a compact disc?
How can a train run on a magnetic field?
What is the physics of a roller coaster?
Can I use a kit to simulate how cigarette smoke effects a human lung?
What is the pH (acidity) of many common substances?
Can I vary the properties of elastic polymers by changing the formulas?
Did dinosaurs have feathers?
Did some dinosaurs fly?
How do dinosaur bones compare to the skeleton of modern day birds?
What substance attracts and holds the most solar energy?
What material melts and prevents ice most effectively?
Can I simulate a hurricane and predict the damage?
Can I ascertain if the water in my house is hard water or soft water?
How does the size of a pumpkin compare to the number of seeds in it?
Can I dye wool using natural dyes from various plants?
What are the effects of acid rain on seed germination and plant life?
How can a tomato plant be grafted to a potato plant?
Can I raise plants with only water and nutrients….hydroponic plants?
Can I raise plants without soil….air plants?
The effect of melting of floating ice on sea level due to global warming.
How can I help restore the Chesapeake Bay?
How much trash from my house can be recycled?
Global Warming in a Jar
Global Warming Experiment: How does the earth maintain a temperature range that can support life? What provides heat to the earth? What keeps the earth from getting too hot?
The Greenhouse Effect
Snow- what happens when it melts; what does it contain; structure of snow flakes; life in a snowbank
Sky Color- account for differences in color at different times
Wind and Clouds- what are the common wind patterns in your area and why? Is cloud formation related to height, weather systems and temperature? Study and record how clouds relate to weather patterns.
Frost formation- what must the temperature be to form frost; what are the effects of humidity? What is the make-up of frost and dew?
Rain- can you measure the speed and force of raindrops -What is the effect on soil, with and without ground cover? Could you simulate the effect of rain?
Weather records- Design and build an automatic recording weather device. Test it over a period of time.
MICROSOFT POWER POINT TUTORIAL (information below was found on the Microsoft Power Point Web Page http://www.bcschools.net/staff/PowerPointHelp.htm)
Click Here and You Will Be Directed To the Tutorial Page
Introduction into Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is a powerful tool to create professional looking presentations and slide shows. PowerPoint allows you to construct presentations from scratch or by using the easy to use wizard.
This tutorial will help you get started with Microsoft PowerPoint and may solve some of your problems, but it is a very good idea to use the Help Files that come with Microsoft PowerPoint, or go to Microsoft's web site located at http://microsoft.com/office/powerpoint/default.htm for further assistance.
Starting Microsoft PowerPoint
Creating & Opening a Presentation
After you open up Microsoft PowerPoint, a screen pops up asking if you would like to create a New Presentation or Open An Existing Presentation.
Opening An Existing Presentation
Create a Blank Presentation
After you select Blank Presentation a window pops up asking you to select the layout of the first slide.
Pre-Designed Slide Layouts (Left to Right)
NOTE: If you already know what you want in your next slide, it is a very good idea to choose one of the pre-designed layouts from above. However if you do not, then you can still insert what you want in throughout your Presentation anytime you desire. Just choose Blank Slide and insert items as you see fit.
Different Views That PowerPoint Demonstrates
There are different views within Microsoft PowerPoint that allow you to look at your presentation from different perspectives.
Normal View |
Outline View |
Slide View |
Slide Sorter View |
Slide Show View |
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Switches to normal view, where you can work on one slide at a time or organize the structure of all the slides in your presentation |
Switches to outline view, where you can work with the structure of your file in outline form. Work in outline view when you need to organize the structure of your file. |
Switches to slide view, where you can work on one slide at a time |
Displays miniature versions of all slides in a presentation, complete with text and graphics. In slide sorter view, you can reorder slides, add transitions, and animation effects. You can also set the timings for electronic slide shows. |
Runs your slide show in a full screen, beginning with the current slide if you are in slide view or the selected slide if you are in slide sorter view. If you simply want to view your show from the first slide:
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Adding Transitions to a Slide Show
You can add customized transitions to your slide show that will make it come alive and become appealing to your audience. Follow these steps when adding Slide Transitions.
Viewing The Slide Show
You can view your slide show by any of the following ways:
Navigating While In Your Slide Show
Pack up a presentation for use on another computer
Unpack a presentation to run on another computer
COPYING YOUR POWER POINT PRESENTATION TO A CD-R IS CALLED:
BURNING A CD-R
Note: The following directions are offered merely as a guideline. The directions may or may not be compatible with your computer’s program. Queen Anne School computer lab uses the NERO program.
*ONLY USE A CD-R (Do not use a CD-RW)
Right-click the file you want to copy
Select Send To, CD-R or whatever your CD writer is named
You should receive a message that the files have been added to the record list
Open My Computer, then your CD-R drive
Drag and drop (or copy) the files you wish to copy to the open window
It is now time to burn your CD-R
Put blank CD-R into your drive
Open My Computer and double-click the CD-R drive
Look for CD Writing Tasks section usually located at the top left of screen
Click WRITE THESE FILES TO CD-R
Windows CD-R burning wizard starts
Follow the prompts
After burning is done, check your CD-R to make certain that it opens to view your Power Point presentation.
