Students in grades kindergarten through eight are invited to participate in this year's science fair. Students may enter projects as individuals, as groups of two to five, or as classes of fifteen or more. They may also enter as an individual AND a group or a class if the projects are totally unrelated. MHEA encourages and welcomes all types of projects at all grade levels. Some winners may be eligible to compete in the Shelby County/Memphis City Schools Science Fair held in late February at the fairgrounds.
- To be eligible for competition in the Shelby County/Memphis City Schools Science Fair, grades K-3 must be class projects and grades 4-8 must be individual or group projects.
- A class is defined as eight or more students.
- A group is two to five students.
- All students must be MHEA members.
- All projects must be accompanied by a written document.
- Students in grades K-3 must have a project summary or project journal.
- Students in grades 4-8 must have a project paper or project journal.
- A project summary is a one-page report of what was learned. The summary may be text, pictorial, or a combination of text and pictures.
- A project paper is a report of no more than five pages. The report should have a cover and list at least two references. The report should contain research about the topic, analysis of finding, and conclusion.
- A project journal is maintained throughout the development of the project.
- Activities, notes, sources, data, observations, and any other project-related activities, or information and analysis of findings should be recorded. Entries should be dated.
PRESENTATION/PROJECT MODES
Experiment -- This utilizes the scientific method. The exhibit should include a question, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, and conclusion. One variable should be held constant and another variable manipulated. Results can be displayed in a graph or table format.
Demonstration --This demonstrates a particular science
principal or fact. The demonstration showcases how something works, a scientific phenomenon, or how something is created naturally. Examples include "What is gravity?" "How do birds fly?" "Why are sunsets different colors?" "How does a generator make electricity?" "How do muscles make bones move?"
Research --This investigation involves choosing an area of science and consulting primary and secondary sources. Students will consult materials from libraries, museums, and government agencies. Experts such as scientists, health care workers, and county agents can also be interviewed. Examples include "How are vaccines developed?" "What is the history of TB treatment?" "Which diseases are prevalent in Shelby County?"
Collections -- The student assembles a collection of science-
related items such as rocks, types of plants, classes of levers, insects, etc. This can be an extension of a hobby or free-time activity. The display board and accompanying paper provide an explanation of the collection.
Apparatus -- The student displays some kind of scientific apparatus or instrument and describes its use or function in detail. The display board and accompanying paper can discuss the history and development of the equipment as well as its current use. Examples include the microscope, a thermometer, or a spring scale.
Display size/dimensions --
48 inches wide (side to side)
24 inches deep (front to back)
72 inches tall