STEM Fair

Types of Projects:

A science project will give your child the opportunity to expand their knowledge of a particular scientific topic or idea that they find interesting. It will allow your child to share the results of their investigation with fellow students and families. This scientific investigation can be developed in one of five ways:

1. Experiment: An experiment can be a test made to demonstrate a known scientific fact or it can ve a test to determine if a hypothesis (your student’s educated guess of what will happen) is accurate! An example of this, would be determining if Plant Food A outperforms other brands.

2. Model: A model is a small object, usually built to scale, that represents some already existing object. For example, a model of plate tectonic and an explanation of the theory.

3. Demonstration: A demonstration is an illustration or explanation of a scientific principle that shows how and why something works. For example, using a switch to demonstrate and explain how an electrical switch operates.

4. Collection: A collection is a grouping or gathering of various objects, which must be scientifically oriented, that show what your student has learned through the process of collecting and categorizing. Items should be categorized and labeled correctly. For example, a rock collection defined by three types of rocks with explanations about their differences and similarities.

5. Invention: An invention is the creation of a new device or process used to improve conditions, solve problems, or fill needs. Inventions can be completely new ideas or they can be improvements on something that exists today. For example, fertilizing golf tees which fertilize the grass after being left in the ground when broken.

Tri-Fold Display:

The purpose of the tri-fold display is to provide a summary of your work and help others to learn from it. You may use written materials and include graphs or photos. Tri-fold boards can be found at Staples, Target, Michael’s, or Amazon.

Identifying Information:

All SCIENCE projects should display the following information:

1. The STEM area you are submitting your project under

2. Student(s) Name(s) and Grade(s)

3. Project Title

Types of Projects:

1. Website Design

2. Code a Project/Game/Program

3. 3-D Printing: Design and Print an Original Project

4. CAD Design

5. Original Wood-Working/Hand-Tools Project

6. Fabrication

Approach:

Show how different technologies (i.e. computers) help advance engineering and science.

Tri-Fold Display:

The purpose of the tri-fold display is to provide a summary of your work and help others to learn from it. You may use written materials and include graphs or photos. Tri-fold boards can be found at Staples, Target, Michael’s, or Amazon.

Identifying Information:

All TECHNOLOGY projects should display the following information:

1. The STEM area you are submitting your project under

2. Student(s) Name(s) and Grade(s)

3. Project Title

Types of Projects:

1. Robotics

2. Building a Working Model

3. Simple Machines

4. Electrical Circuits

5. Sound Projects

Approach:

Use the six (6) steps of the engineering method to invent something:

1. Define the Problem – What real world problem needs a solution?

2. Research – Visit the library, search online, or talk to someone who is an expert on the topic to learn as much as you can about it.

3. Specify Requirements – How should your invention operate and what is needed to do so?

4. Build Prototype – Design and build a working model.

5. Testing – Try out your model. What happens? Re-build if necessary.

6. Conclusion – Record and explain your findings. Did your invention solve your real world problem?

Tri-Fold Display:

The purpose of the tri-fold display is to provide a summary of your work and help others to learn from it. You may use written materials and include graphs or photos. Tri-fold boards can be found at Staples, Target, Michaels, or Amazon.

Identifying Information:

All ENGINEERING projects should display the following information:

1. The STEM area you are submitting your project under

2. Student(s) Name(s) and Grade(s)

3. Project Title

Types of Projects:

1. Apply a math concept to a story or context

2. Show mathematical patterns in real objects

3. Show multiple strategies for solving a real world problem

4. Present a mathematical puzzle

5. Show geometrical shapes that appear in real projects

Approach:

Use the six (6) steps of the inquiry cycle:

1. Connect – What do you already know about the topic?

2. Question – What would you like to learn?

3. Investigate – Make a plan! What materials will you use? How will you show your work? Take notes, make observations, and collect data as you work.

4. Create – Show your work, label, organize, and explain your process.

5. Share – Display your findings

6. Conclusion – What were your findings? What should the viewers understand about your findings?

Tri-Fold Display:

The purpose of the tri-fold display is to provide a summary of your work and help others to learn from it. You may use written materials and include graphs or photos. Tri-fold boards can be found at Staples, Target, Michaels, or Amazon.

Identifying Information:

All MATHEMATICS projects should display the following information:

1. The STEM area you are submitting your project under

2. Student(s) Name(s) and Grade(s)

3. Project Title

Below are important dates and deadlines for the STEM Fair. Please contact the Eaton PTO at info@eatonpto.org should you have any questions. We are always happy to help!

Beginning of March – STEM Fair registration opens to all grade levels. 

March 29 – Last day to register. All STEM Fair registration forms need to be entered online no later than 5:00pm on this day. Due to time restraints and the level of preparation that is required for this event, no applications will be accepted after this date. Registration confirmation will be sent as soon as the Google Form is submitted.

The STEM Fair has a few rules and policies that are listed below:

1. Work should reflect the student’s own abilities, however, please feel free to assist your child.

2. A free-standing, three-sided display board may be used.

3. The display board and project should not occupy more than 48 inches of length and 16 inches of table depth. Any other space requirements must be indicated on the registration form for approval.

4. Students should be prepared with a maximum of three (3) minutes oral presentation for their mentors and visitors of the STEM Fair.

5. Each Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten project musthave a parent supervisor throughout the duration of the STEM Fair, including the mentor presentation.

6. It is each parent’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their child’s project. Materials that are not allowed are as follows

   1. Hazardous Materials

   2. Wet Cell Batteries

   3. Open Flames

   4. Container(s) of Mold

   5. Unsafe Electrical Devices

   6. Live Animals/Insects/Microorganisms

7. If the project needs AC electrical power, please ensure that the wiring is safe and completely insulated. Projects with open wires will not be allowed to be powered. All projects that need an electrical outlet (to plug-in something) must have this noted on the registration form.

8. Parents who are uncertain whether their child’s project is acceptable due to safety concerns should contact the Eaton PTO prior to registering the student for the STEM Fair. If in doubt, please send an e-mail to stemfair@eatonpto.org

9. All participant registrations must follow the deadlines as specified in “Dates and Deadlines“.

10. Expensive, irreplaceable, or fragile items should not be displayed. Valuable items that are essential to the project should be either simulated or photographed.

11. Eaton Elementary is not responsible for the STEM Fair exhibit and all students participating and their parents or guardians agree to indemnify and hold Eaton Elementary and the Eaton PTO harmless against liability.

12. All students participating and their parents or guardians agree that all exhibits may be photographed and used for publicity purposes.

By registering your child, you are agreeing to abide by these rules and policies. 

Volunteers:

Volunteers at the STEM Fair are absolutely essential to its success. Per Cupertino Union School District policy, all volunteers must have their fingerprints on file, as well as, a current TB test. Volunteers must check-in with the office, if assisting during school hours, before proceeding onto campus.

Volunteers can sign-up to help with the following tasks:

• Project setup assistance the day of the STEM Fair

• Cleanup 

Mentors:

A mentor can be a parent, grandparent, other relatives, older siblings (high school age or older) of Eaton students or friends and co-workers of Eaton parents. Per Cupertino Union School District policy, all mentors must have their fingerprints on file, as well as, a current TB test. Mentors must check-in with the office, if assisting during school hours, before proceeding onto campus.

What is Mentoring?

At the Eaton STEM Fair, we have consciously decided not to create a contest-like atmosphere. We want students to create their projects without the worry of winning or losing. We want to encourage students to develop their presentation skills by describing the process of their project. For this important purpose, we have mentors. The mentors actively listen to the students present their projects and provide positive feedback, encouragement, and constructive suggestions for future projects. 

What Does a Mentor Do?

Each mentor will be assigned approximately six (6) to eight (8) projects to review. This will allow the mentors sufficient time to spend on each project during the STEM Fair. Mentors do not play any role prior to the STEM Fair itself. 

Mentors will:

• Listen to the student’s presentations and ask questions

• Provide encouragement and suggestions to participants about improving or extending the work

• Evaluate assigned science projects for problem definition, research/data collection, project display and presentation

• Give completed Mentor Evaluation Form, Participation Certificate

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. However, if you find yourself with a question that was not answered, or if you need clarification on a topic, please feel free to contact the Eaton PTO at info@eatonpto.org

Question: What should the display look like?

Answer: A free-standing three-sided (tri-fold) display board should be used.

Question: How much space will a project get?

Answer: The display board and project should not occupy more than 48 inches of length and 16 inches of table depth. Any other space requirements must be indicated on the registration form for approval.

Question: Where can I buy a three-sided (tri-fold) display board?

Answer: You can buy them at Staples, Michaels, Target, or any other art/office supplies store. They can also be found on Amazon.

Question: Can my student do a project with other students?

Answer: Yes! Your student can form a team with a maximum of three (3) participants. This allows your student to achieve more complex goals, learn to work cooperatively, and expand their time management skills!

Question: Can Transitional-Kindergartners and Kindergartners participate?

Answer: Yes! We encourage all Eaton Elementary students to participate. Please help your child pick an age-appropriate project, if needed. A parent is required to remain with their Transitional- Kindergarten or Kindergarten student at all times when the STEM Fair is open to the public.

Question: Can parents help students with the project?

Answer: Yes! Please feel free to assist your child. However, please also keep in mind that the work should reflect your child’s abilities.

Question: When will the registration be confirmed? When will the table locations be known?

Answer: Please refer to the Dates and Deadlines section for a detailed breakdown of this information.

Not sure where to start? Here are some real examples from previous years to inspire you, ranging from simple experiments to advanced engineering.

Science (Chemistry, Physics & Biology)

• Fruit Battery: Using lemons or potatoes to power a small LED light.

• Paper Chromatography: Separating ink colors using water and filter paper.

• Magnetic Field Mapping: Visualizing invisible magnetic fields using iron filings.

• The "Unpoppable" Balloon: Using chemical reactions (baking soda & vinegar) to inflate a balloon without blowing.

• Optical Illusions: A scientific study on how our eyes trick our brains.

• Jalatarang (Water Xylophone): exploring how water levels affect sound pitch.

• Water Purification: Testing different methods to filter dirty water.

Engineering (Building & Mechanics)

• Cardboard Gachapon Machine: Building a working coin-operated toy dispenser.

• Buzz Wire Game: Creating a circuit game that buzzes if your hand slips.

• Wind Turbine: Designing blades to generate the most energy from wind.

• The Pythagoras Cup: A cup that spills its contents if you fill it too high (ancient engineering!).

• Boat Buoyancy: Engineering a boat hull to see how much weight it can hold before sinking.

• Homemade Drone: Building a flying device from scratch.

Technology (Coding & Robotics)

• Line Following Robot: A robot programmed to follow a black line on the floor.

• Voice Controlled Light: Using sensors and code to turn lights on with sound.

• Micro:bit Magic: Using a microcontroller to "teleport" a digital duck between screens.

• Autopilot Lego Car: Coding a vehicle to navigate obstacles.

Math (Data & Patterns)

• Lego Ratios: Using Lego bricks to visualize and explain complex mathematical ratios.