This document discusses plans to transition from a traditional science fair format to a Kids' Inquiry Conference (KIC) model at a school district. It provides an overview of the key differences between a traditional science fair and KIC approach. It then outlines the steps needed to plan and implement a KIC, including establishing timelines, determining logistics, developing materials and ensuring support for student presentations through various mediums. The document emphasizes that a KIC aims to foster a more authentic, non-competitive learning environment where students can become experts on their topics and strengthen presentation skills.

1. Extreme Makeover:
Science Fair Edition
Alissa Royal
K-8 Engineering Coordinator
aroyal@melissaisd.org
Dollie Green
5th Grade Science Teacher
dgreen@melissaisd.org

3. 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

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

6.  Foster science inquiry in
classrooms stixy.com
 Start Question Boards early
in the year
testable vs. researchable questions
 Establish a student timeline
 Introduce KIC
 Establish parent roles
 Gather materials

7.  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

8.  Rubrics
 Roles
 Planning sheets
 Blurbs
 Presenters Bios
 Journal Articles
 Rehearsals

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

10.  Increase of student
conceptual understanding
 Increase in district and
state data
 Student ownership of own
learning
 Connects all processing
skills in a cohesive
experience
 “Being a scientist”
 Improves student cognition
 21st century skills: digital
literacty
 Business and community
partnerships

11. 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/
"Science Education Products and Supplies | ETA/Cuisenaire."
ETA/Cuisenaire: Hands-On Manipulatives and Supplemental
Educational Materials for Grades PreK-12. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2010.
<http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/department?deptId=SCIENCE
&d0=SCIENCE>.
"Melissa Ridge Elementary - KIC: Kids' Inquiry Conference." Melissa Ridge
Elementary - Index. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2010. <http://melissa-
ridge.groupfusion.net/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=3036&sessio
nid=fea16593c11b978dda2befd292dcf250

12. 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