Science Fair
Ready to make your mark in the world of science? Dive in and make something extraordinary happen!
Ever wondered what makes the world tick? Got a burning question you just have to answer? The Thompson School District Science Fair is your chance to turn curiosity into discovery! Whether you're designing experiments, engineering solutions, or exploring the mysteries of the universe, this is where innovation comes to life.
In This Section
Elementary Divisions
Elementary Divisions
- Kindergarten/1st Grades
- 2nd/3rd Grades
- 4th/5th Grades
Elementary students may compete in the following categories:
- Life Sciences projects ask questions about living things such as plants and animals.
- Earth Sciences related to rocks, dirt, water and space.
- Physical Sciences study matter, energy, and chemistry.
Students will compete within their divisions and categories.
Steps for your project
- Review the Thompson School District Science Fair Display and Safety Regulations
- Complete the Elementary Research Plan Template to prepare for your official, online project submission.
- Modelo de plan de investigación primária
- To request research plan template translations, contact Kristi Mutter and indicate the language required.
- View videos to assist you with your board, presentation, and journals (optional).
Questions? Contact Kristi Mutter
Rubrics for a successful project
Lower Elementary (K-3) |
|
---|---|
Problem |
Is the investigation guided by a question?
|
Information |
Data connecting the research to the problem is present.
|
Hypothesis |
The hypothesis is brief and complete, testable and shows a connection to the research.
|
Experiment |
Is there evidence that an experiment was conducted? Was proper equipment used?
|
Results |
Are the data described and/or summarized?
|
Conclusion |
Is there an attempt to relate the results to the problem/question?
|
Visual Display | Is the project presented in a manner that makes the purpose procedure and results clear? |
Upper Elementary (4th-5th) |
|
---|---|
Problem | States problem as a question, provides evidence that it comes from the student's personal interests or experiences, and represents a genuine learning opportunity for the student. |
Information | Cites 2 or more different sources. Student clearly connects the research to their problem in their own words. |
Hypothesis | Hypothesis is brief and complete, testable and clearly addresses the state problem. |
Experiment | Experimental design is a well-constructed test of stated hypotheses. Procedures are outlined in a step-by-step fashion that could be followed by anyone without additional explanation. All materials are listed. |
Results |
Performed experiment several times. Summarizes the data in a way that describes what was discovered using graphs and charts with no errors or omission. Discusses connections between variable or points out patterns. |
Conclusion | Conclusion completely answers all aspects of the problem, states if the hypothesis was supported or rejected and clearly cites evident to explain why. |
Visual Display | Project display is appealing, neat, and readable. It is well organized and clear. Use of language and spelling is correct. |
Secondary Divisions
Secondary Divisions
Steps for your project
- Review the Thompson School District Science Fair Display and Safety Regulations
- Complete the Elementary Research Plan Template to prepare for your official, online project submission.
- Modelo de plan de investigación primária
- To request research plan template translations, contact Kristi Mutter and indicate the language required.
- View videos to assist you with your board, presentation, and journals (optional).
Questions? Contact Kristi Mutter
Secondary Divisions and Categories
- Middle School
- High School
Secondary students may compete in the following categories:
- Animal Science
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Sciences
- Energy and Transportation
- Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics and Computer Sciences
- Medicine and Health
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Plant Sciences
Animal Science
Behavioral and Social Sciences
The science or study of the thought processes and behavior of humans and other animals in their interactions with the environment studied through observational and experimental methods. For example – clinical & developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, physiological psychology, sociology, etc.
Chemistry
The science of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. For Example – analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, general chemistry, general biochemistry, biochemical metabolism, structural biochemistry, etc.
Earth and Space Sciences
The study of sciences related to the Earth and anything in the universe beyond the Earth. For example – climatology, weather, geochemistry, geology, petrology, mineralogy, paleontology, geophysics, landforms, tectonics, theoretical or computational astronomy, observational astronomy, cosmology, etc.
Energy and Transportation
Engineering
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, processes and systems. For example – bioengineering, civil engineering, construction engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering and processing, material science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace & aeronautical engineering, thermodynamics, robotics, etc.
Environmental Sciences
The study of pollution sources and their control, ecology and conservation. For example – air pollution & quality, soil contamination & quality, water pollution & quality, bioremediation, ecosystems management, environmental engineering, land resource management, forestry, recycling, waste management, etc.
Mathematics and Computer Sciences
The study of the measurement, properties and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. The deductive study of numbers, geometry and various abstract constructs or structures. The study of information processes, the structures and procedures that represent processes and their implementation in information processing systems. For example – algebra, analysis, applied mathematics, geometry, probability & statistics, algorithms, data bases, artificial intelligence, networking & communications, computational science, computer graphics, software engineering, programming languages, computer systems, operating systems, etc.
Medicine and Health
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Requirements for the TSD Science Fair
Video instructions for some forms are linked below the form.
- Research Plan Instructions (1A page 2)
- Secondary Research Plan Template
- Approval Form (1B)
- Approval Form Video Instructions
- Read the International Rules
(A science fair journal is not required, but is highly recommended.)
Additional Requirements When Advancing to the Regional Science Fair
Video instructions for some forms are linked below the form.
- Checklist for Adult Sponsor (1)
- Student Checklist (1A)
- Risk Assessment Form (3)
- Abstract Instructions
- Abstract Form
If a project includes hazardous materials, animals, or humans, please include the applicable form(s) with your submission.
Video instructions for the forms are linked below each form.
How to Start a Science Fair at Your School
How to Start a Science Fair
If you are interested in starting a science fair in your school, below are links to documents to help you out:
- ScienceSample Parent Letter Fair Parent Letter– Send to parents to introduce them to the concept of the fair and inform them of the requirements. Includes a parent permission form.
- Science Fair Participant Packet – Send to kids who elect to participate in the fair and have returned their permission form.
- Science Fair Research Plan- Sample research plan that helps students walk through the process, step by step.
- Student Knowledge Guide – Outlines basic requirements and what students should know at the different elementary grade levels.
- Emcee Information – Things to remember to announce on the day of the fair.
- Display and Safety Regulations
- Display and Safety Regulations (Espanol)