Get ready to explore, discover, and create! Our STEAM fair is all about having fun with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. There are no winners – it's a chance to learn and share your amazing ideas with everyone. You can work on a project by yourself or with a group of friends or family. 

 

 

Phase 1: Idea Spark (Now - May 5th)

This is the exciting part where you brainstorm and come up with your project idea! Think about things you're curious about or problems you'd like to solve.

 

  • Explore Your Interests: What do you enjoy learning about? Do you like building things, conducting experiments, or solving puzzles? Talk about your interests with your family and friends. Here is a site with many ideas: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects/elementary-school
  • Look Around for Inspiration: Ideas are everywhere! Think about things you see in nature, at home, in books, or online. Consider a scientific investigation or an engineering design (processes outlined next two pages)
  • Science: Why does the sky look blue? How do plants grow? What makes things float or sink?
  • Technology: How do computers work? Can you design a simple game? What makes a robot move?
  • Engineering: Can you build a strong bridge with straws? How can you design a better way to carry things?
  • Art: How can you create art using natural materials? What patterns can you find in math? How can you express an idea through sculpture?
  • Math: Can you find patterns in music? How can you measure the speed of something? What shapes make up your favorite buildings?
  • Choose One Idea: Once you have a few ideas, pick the one that excites you the most and seems like a good fit for the time you have.
  • Share Your Idea (Due May 5th via Online Form): Tell us about your project idea by filling out the online form using this QR code or the link:

https://forms.gle/z638E35A6YrYWUyg7

  •  You don't need all the details yet, just the main idea!

 

Phase 2: Planning and Creating (May 6th - May 19th)

Now that you have your idea, it's time to plan and bring it to life!

Plan Your Project: Charting Your Course

 

  • Think about all the steps involved in bringing your idea to life. What will you do first? What comes next? It can be super helpful to draw a picture of what you want your final project to look like. You can also write down a simple list of steps. 
  • For example, if you're building a tower, your steps might be: gather materials, plan the base, start stacking, test for strength. If you're doing an experiment, your steps might include: gather supplies, set up the experiment, observe what happens, and record your observations. Remember, your plan can change as you go, and that's okay!

 

 

Gather Your Materials: Your Project Toolkit

 

  • Now it's time to collect everything you'll need to build, experiment, or create. Look around your home for things you might already have. Cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, bottles, craft supplies, and simple tools can often be repurposed. 
  • If you need to buy specific materials or use tools that might be tricky, make sure to ask a grown-up for help. Safety first!

 

 

Build, Experiment, or Create: The Fun Zone!

 

  • This is where your idea starts to take shape! Follow the plan you created, but don't be afraid to try new things or make adjustments if your project isn't working exactly as you expected. Sometimes, unexpected results can lead to even cooler discoveries! 
  • If you're building something, test it out. If you're experimenting, carefully observe what happens and write or draw your findings. If you're creating something artistic with a STEM twist, let your imagination soar!

 

 

Take Pictures (Optional but Recommended): Capturing Your Journey

 

  • As you work on your project, consider taking photos of the different stages. These pictures can be useful later when you're putting together your display board. They help show everyone the process you went through and how your project evolved from an idea to a finished creation. Plus, it's fun to look back at how it all came together!

 

Phase 3: Preparing Your Display (May 12th - May 21st)

You will receive your trifold poster board at school on May 12th. This is where you'll showcase your amazing work!

 

  • Think About Your Story: What did you do? Why did you choose this project? What did you learn?

 

Organize Your Information: Decide how you want to arrange information on your board. Here are some ideas for what to include: 

 

  • Title: A catchy and interesting title for your project.
  • Your Idea/Question: What were you trying to explore or find out?
  • Your Plan/How You Did It: Explain the steps you took to create your project.
  • What You Learned: What did you discover or figure out?
  • Pictures or Drawings: Show off your process and your final project.
  • Your Creation: If your project is portable, you can display it in front of your board.

 

Make it Colorful and Clear: Use markers, crayons, or printed text to make your board easy to read and visually appealing.

 

 Plan Your Presentation (Optional): On May 22nd, during our Open House and Art Show night, you have a few ways to share your project: 

 

  • Poster Display: Your poster can stand alone and tell the story of your project.
  • Demonstration: If your project involves action, you can show how it works!
  • Practice Sharing: Think about how you will talk about your project with others at the STEAM fair. Remember, it's a busy night with the Open House and Art Show, so keep your demonstrations and explanations concise and engaging!
  • Video: You can create a short video to explain your project or show it in action.

 

Phase 4: STEAM Fair Day! (May 22nd)

This is your chance to shine!

 

  • Set Up Your Project: Bring your poster and any materials for your demonstration or video to the cafeteria at 8:15pm. 
  • Share Your Enthusiasm: If you choose to share your project that night, be ready to talk to others about your project and what you learned. Be curious about other people's projects too! Since it's Open House, families will be moving around, so be ready to share your project with lots of different people!
  • Have Fun! This is a celebration of your hard work and creativity.

 

Remember, the most important thing is to explore, learn, and have fun with STEAM! If you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to bagby.pc.abc@gmail.com. We can't wait to see all your amazing projects!

 

 

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