Dear Parents and Guardians,
Your student will be completing a science fair project this school year! Included in this letter is the project timeline and due dates. Due dates have been spread out as to allow ample time for students to complete the work at a steady, but comfortable, pace. A grade will be issued for each item due.
A science project challenges a student to solve a problem/answer a question using the scientific method or design process. It is a great way to excite students about science, teach them to think like scientists, develop organizational skills, and enhance their writing and oral-presentation skills. Lessons have been worked into the curriculum to explain the process of conducting a science investigation to guide them on their way. All work must be completed by the student. Parents/Guardians can help by offering students support and encouragement, as well as monitor the student’s progress in the coming weeks. In class, we will discuss evaluating websites, researching topics of interest, and how to write a testable question. It should be noted that a successful project does not have to be expensive. Some of the best projects can be completed using materials found around the home.
The project must be experimental in nature as opposed to research oriented. We encourage students to choose a topic that they are interested in learning more about. Projects should be meaningful and relate to real-world experiences. Students should explore problems they see in the world around them to create a project.
Sixth grade students may work in pairs to complete a science fair project. Each seventh and eighth grade student must complete their science fair project individually.
We are very excited to announce our annual Bartlesville District Science Fair will be in person this year! Science Fair will be held on February 10, 2023 for 6th grade and February 11, 2023 for 7th and 8th grades. It is not required for students to enter their science fair projects in the district science fair, but it is strongly encouraged. In addition, Madison Middle School will be hosting our first “MAD Scientists from Madison” event on February 9, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Our scientists will be displaying their science fair projects. Family, friends, and community members are invited to come tour our student science fair projects and vote on their favorite for each grade. Awards will be given in the following categories: Top 3 in each grade and “fan favorite”.
We are looking for sponsors to help provide awards for our MAD Scientists. 1st place winners will receive $25 each, 2nd place will receive $20 each, and 3rd place will receive $15 each. Our “fan favorite” winners will receive $10 each. Total award costs are $210. If you would like to sponsor an award, please email Mrs. Herard at herardca@bps-ok.org. Awards will be issued during Bruin Time on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 8:10 AM in Madison’s auditorium.
We are looking forward to working with you to make this a valuable learning experience for your students. Thank you in advance for supporting your child in such an exciting process of discovery!
Respectfully,
MMS Science Department.