Oster Science Fair

Registration opens: January 10, 2025

Registration Deadline: January 24, 2025
Project submissions due: March 13, 2025
Science Fair event: March 14, 2025

What is the Oster Science Fair?

The Oster Science Fair is a showcase, not a competition. It's designed to help students explore the scientific method, ask questions, and solve problems in a fun and engaging way.

The Science Fair offers all Oster Elementary students the chance to be curious about their surroundings while applying the scientific method. Our goal is to create a positive learning experience where students can ask questions, think critically, set goals, manage projects, and, most importantly, have fun with science.

Parents are encouraged to support and motivate their children as they work on projects suitable for their grade level, but should refrain from completing the tasks on their behalf.

What is the Scientific method?

The scientific method is a process used to solve problems. It helps identify issues, encourages close observation, promotes learning, and guides students in finding solutions. It's also a tool that helps students better understand the world around them.

Check out Jack Hartmann's "Scientific Method" song, join Robo and Reem on their adventure with the Scientific Method, or explore the "Think Like a Scientist" activity from Go Noodle!

How do I run my experiment?

Run the test more than once to ensure reliable results.
Change only one variable at a time each time you run the test.
Record your results and observations in a table, graph, or through photos.
Write a clear conclusion: "What did you learn?"
Students are encouraged to involve family members for guidance and support, but family members should not complete the project for them!

How do I choose a project?

Tip: Use your 5 senses!
Start with a question—think “Why,” “What,” or “How.”

Examples of scientific questions:

Will the rock float or sink in water?
Where do raccoons live?
On which surface does a basketball bounce highest?
Will it rain today?
How far will my paper airplane fly?

Examples of non-scientific questions:

Who is my neighbor?
Can I play now?
What is my favorite color?

How do I record my experiment?

Record like a scientist!
Did you answer your question?
Write down the steps of your investigation before you begin.
Include your data.
Charts, graphs, diagrams, and pictures are encouraged.
Use words like "First," "Next," and "Last" to show the order of your investigation.
State facts and observations, not opinions.

How do I choose my experiment?

Look at everyday activities—there are countless things you can question!

Ask a question about something you see or do regularly.
Identify a problem you can solve.
Run your experiment multiple times—good results should be repeatable.
Only change one variable at a time and record the outcomes.

What if my experiment doesn’t work?

Not all experiments succeed, and that's okay!
Try changing one thing at a time.
Keep your experiment simple.
Don’t give up—try again!
If it's still not working, ask the Science Fair team for help.

Example

Ask a question:

What is the best setting to toast wheat bread?

Gather information:
There are 3 settings on my toaster.

Form a hypothesis:
Toasting wheat bread on setting 3 will make the best toast.

Test the results:

Toast the wheat bread on setting 3 and taste it—do I like it? Does it look like I imagined?

Toast the bread again on setting 3—does it still taste and look the same?

Toast the bread on setting 2—does it taste and look the same?

Share the results:
“Toasting wheat bread on setting 3 does not look exactly as I imagined, but it tastes great!”

Evaluations

Remember, this is not a contest. It is organized by parent volunteers, who are not professional scientists.
The goal is to have fun, learn something new, and share your findings with the Oster community.
Parents, siblings, and grandparents can offer guidance, but they should not do the project for the student.
Please do not use store-bought science kits.
Your experiment should be conducted using resources you have at home—don’t forget about the kitchen!
The science fair project should not require any purchases.
Oster HSC will not provide any funding or materials for student projects.
All content on the poster must be handwritten by the student.
The experiment selected must be appropriate for your student's grade level.

Poster Details

You can use a standard tri-fold poster or make one at home. For instructions on creating your own, check out this video: DIY Poster Instructions.

The poster must be handwritten by your student and should include the following:

Question
Hypothesis
Materials Used
Procedure
Data / Results
Conclusion

Charts, diagrams, and pictures are encouraged to help illustrate the experiment.

Online Resources

Energy Experiments

https://www.eia.gov/kids/for-teachers/science-fair-experiments/

Nasa at home activities

https://science.nasa.gov/engage/nasaathome/activities/

Some youtube videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBuH1b0Dqm0&t=67s

California academy of science

https://www.calacademy.org/blogs/educator-news/activities-using-household-materials

Tech interactive

https://www.thetechathome.org/activities

Curiodyssey

https://curiodyssey.org/learn-explore/science-experiments-for-kids/

FAQ

Will my student be presenting?
Presentation is not required, but your child is welcome to stand next to their poster and share their findings with family or friends.

Will my student need to bring all the materials used for the experiment and perform the experiment on Science Fair day?
No, the experiment is not required to be done at the fair. The poster should reflect the process and results of the experiment.

What if my student cannot attend on March 14?
Unfortunately, if your student cannot attend, they will miss the Science Fair event. Please make sure to plan accordingly.

What if my student and their friend choose the same project?
No problem! Science experiment results will be accepted as long as the results are consistent. It will be fun to compare results with a friend!

Can my student team up with an older sibling?
No, the project must be done individually by your student.

Can my student team up with a friend or twin in the same grade?
Yes, if they are in the same grade, they can work together on the project.

My student didn’t register. Can they still bring in the poster on March 14?
No, registration is required ahead of time. The Science Fair team needs to plan for all posters in advance, and no last-minute submissions will be accepted.