This document outlines plans for developing a Next Generation Science Fair that focuses on scientific literacy through a Kids' Inquiry Conference (KIC) model. It discusses how KIC aims to develop students' understanding of scientific inquiry through choosing testable questions, designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating results using various presentation mediums. The document provides resources and guidelines for teachers to implement KIC, including inquiry planning sheets, developing student research and presentations, and checklists for conference coordination. The goal is for students to engage in authentic science experiences and become experts in their topics through guided and student-initiated investigations.

1. The Next Generation of
Science Fair:
Alissa Royal
K-12 Engineering Coordinator
aroyal@melissaisd.org
Dollie Green
5th Grade Science Teacher
dgreen@melissaisd.org
The Next Generation of Science Fair Webpage

2. How has the student’s understanding of
scientific literacy been develop through
this process?

3.  Question Boards
 Types of Investigation
 Data Collection Posters
 Inquiry
 Claims, Evidence & Reasoning
 Embedded Process Skills
 Technology

4. Science Fair Kids’ Inquiry Conference
 scientific method  scientific method
 competition  non-competitive
 rigid guidelines  choice
 showing of work through  showing of work through
display boards variety of mediums to
audiences
 authentic experiences
 fosters collaboration
 become experts on topic
 integration of technology
beyond word processing

5.  Get others excited about science
 Investigating with focus
 Authentic, non-competitive
environment
 Students sharing science
experiences
 Greater awareness of their own
science knowledge
 Strengthened presentation,
communication and technology
skills

8. Structured Guided Student-
Initiated
Student: focuses on focuses on more focuses on
one aspect than one aspect all aspects
Teacher: model and guide model and guide defines
supporting aspects supporting aspects learning goals
guide reasoning guide reasoning guide reasoning
with discretion
Stixy.com
Scientific Inquiry Model: NW Regional Educational Library

9. How does changing the applied force
affect how high the cork flies?
FOSS Scientific Reasoning/Variables

10.  What is a question board?
 Setting the stage…
 Start with an investigation where
the question is provided
(structured or guided inquiry)
Testable vs. Researchable Card Sort

11. Choosing the testable questions
1. Choose from the question board
2. Last year’s KIC question and change variable
3. Differentiated for students with deep content
knowledge on a specific topic
Part 1: Choose the testable question

12. Sorting Activity

13. An Analysis of the Descriptive, Comparative and Experimental Scientific Research
Designs in the 2009 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
by Sandra S. West, Ph. D.

14. Part 1: Choose the testable question
Part 2: Type of Investigation/Hypothesis/Variables
Part3: Tools
Part 4: Designing Scientific Investigations
Part 5: Diagram & Data Collection
Part 6: Communicating Results

15.  Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation Medium
 Acceptance Letters
 Biography
 Research
 Investigation
 Blurb
 Journal Article
 Presentation development
 Rehearsal
 KIC Conference

17.  Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation Medium
 Acceptance Letters
 Biography
 Research
 Investigation
 Blurb
 Journal Article
 Presentation development
 Rehearsal
 KIC Conference

18.  JA Guidelines
 Rubric
 Research www.bibme.org
 Writing Process
 Publication www.lulu.com
 Cover Art Contest

19.  Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation Medium
 Acceptance Letters
 Biography
 Research
 Investigation
 Blurb
 Journal Article
 Presentation development
 Rehearsal
 KIC Conference

20.  Guidelines
 Rubrics
 Tech Trainings
 Peer Experts
 Rehearsals

21. Websites
Demonstrations
Videos
Photostory/Vodcast
Display Boards
Oral Presentations/PowerPoint
Live Streaming

22.  Video  Photo Story or Vodcast
 Flipvids  Digital camera
 Microsoft Photo Story
 8mm video camera
 Demonstration
 Microsoft MovieMaker
 Presentation with Visual Aid
 Webpage
 Microsoft PowerPoint
 TeacherWeb  Prezi
 Google Sites  Animoto
 Glogster  Podcast
 TeacherTube  Audacity
 Weebly  Live Streaming
 MOODLE  ustream.tv

23.  Inquiry Planning Sheet/Presentation Medium
 Acceptance Letters
 Biography
 Research
 Investigation
 Blurb
 Journal Article
 Presentation development
 Rehearsal
 KIC Conference

28.  Self selecting
 Journaling
 Questioning

30.  Decide what type of KIC: single school or multi-
school
 Determine location: rooms for presentations and
demonstrations, welcome area, keynote address
 Determine date: time of year and day of week
 Determine time: begin with KIC Pep Rally, how
many sessions, length of sessions, morning
group and afternoon group.
 Determine needs for implementation:
technology, materials, volunteers, mentors
Coordinator and Teacher Checklist

31. How has the student’s understanding of
scientific literacy been develop through
this process?

32. Dieckman, Dona, Charles R. Pearce, and Wendy Saul. Beyond the Science
Fair: Creating a Kids' Inquiry Conference. Chicago: Heinemann, 2005.
Print.
"The Kids' Inquiry Conference Homepage." The Elementary Science
Integration Projects. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2010.
<http://www.esiponline.org/kic/
Flippers Investigation. FOSS Field test unit. Delta Education.