Raising WASL Science Scores in Washington State

Science Conference: Schedule
Planning and Conducting an Investigation
You will be conducting an experiment in which observations will be made over a period of three weeks.
January 25
Deadline for approval by teacher of your question, prediction, experiment procedure, variables.
January 25– January 28
Gather materials needed for your experiment and begin conducting observations by this date. Scientific journal is created and being used. Begin to plan your presentation board. Begin work on your board.
February 24 (three weeks of observations)
Observations completed by this date· Finish your display board.
February 25 – March 2
Meet with your partner to prepare oral presentation and Power Point.
Boards and Scientific Journals due March 2
March 3 - 6
Oral presentations
March 13
Science Conference!!!
Your project board must include:
Question: of interest to the student
Prediction: I think… because….. (site evidence)
Materials used~ include tools and amounts
Procedure: listed by steps, 1. 2. 3. etc… include observe and measure every (day/week) The last step must be repeat experiment.
Constant Variable (parts of the experiment that are kept the same )
Manipulated Variable (the only part that changes)
Responding variable: item that changed due to manipulation- (how it changed)
Data Collection: Use a table,graph, or form of communication that displays your data.
Conclusion: Written summary showing how your data relates to your conclusion. My prediction was (right/wrong). Based on the data (site high and low data) I know that ….. (use your science knowledge plus the data to support your ideas)
Application: You must show how this question has an impact on mankind.

Have fun and be creative! Your display should be accurate, informative, easy to understand, and a pleasure to look at.

Rubric for Exemplary 4
Presents all information required on the board in an organized and understandable display according to content format. Question, Prediction, Materials, Procedures, Variables Identified, Data Collection, Conclusion, Application, & research.
Clearly presented a complete understanding of the project, display and test results.
Lists all books, Internet sites, people and printed matter in a proper bibliographical format.
Question and prediction directly address this project’s testing.
Presents easy-to-follow steps, which are logical and adequately detailed.
Data table and graph neatly completed and totally accurate neatly printed.
Displays a logical explanation for findings and addresses all of the tests used in the project and includes new questions.
All grammar and spelling are correct.
Outstanding Graphics, Artistically presented, all items secure, functioning and Project Specific.
Worked cooperatively with a partner scientist.

Science Conference: Self-Evaluation Checklist

Self-Evaluation Sheet to be turned in BEFORE Oral Presentation
Student Name: _____________________

My project board includes:
1) An interesting Question that could not be answered with a simple yes or no.
2) My Prediction: I think _______ because_______ (site evidence… reason why you predict that)
3) A list of materials used. I was very specific listing amounts needed as well as tools I used.
4) The Procedure: I listed each step using 1,2,3.. and the last step said “Repeat the experiment”
5) Constant Variable(s) were identified on my board.
6) Manipulated Variable was identified on my board. (This should be the ONLY part that changed)
7) Responding Variable was identified.
8) Data Collection. I included a ______ graph ______ chart ______ table.
9) Conclusion: This was a written summary that showed how my data related to my conclusion. I started by saying, “My prediction was right/wrong.” Then I explained the date, citing the data range and concluded by saying I know ______________ because _____________________________.
10) I stated the application for my question. I showed how this question has an impact on mankind.
11) My display board is NEAT (typed).
12 ) My display board is visually appealing.
13) My information on my display board is accurate and informative.
14) I worked with a partner to provide reliable results (repeat the experiment)
Scientific Notebook:
1) Included All parts of my investigative proposal (question, prediction, materials, procedure, data collection and conclusion.)
2) Accurately recorded all data collected.
3) Was useful to me when drawing conclusions from my data.
4) Was NEATLY done. Others could read my notes.

Based on my self-assessment I think my grade for this project should be:
______4 ( I did all that was expected + more)
My notetaking was thorough and my results were accurate. If I made a mistake, (like having more than one manipulated variable) I corrected it. Display board and notebook is visually appealing.

______ 3 ( I believe I met standard expectations for this project. I did what was expected but did not extend my thinking. )

______ 2 ( There are some parts missing. I worked on this project, but did not spend the
time it takes to have a good result. If I did __________ my project could have met standard.