Science Exhibition

To learn more about why we have academic exhibitions, please check out this link: Graduation Requirement: Eight Academic Exhibitions

It has recently come to my attention that the number of years that I have been teaching/tutoring science now outnumber the years I have not.  Whether it was tutoring pre-med students in college or teaching high school chemistry/biology/physics/physiology or middle school life/earth/physical science, I enjoy science and I really enjoy teaching science.

I realize that not everyone finds science interesting and in fact, they would consider it a waste of time especially if they are not going to be pursuing a career in a specific science field.  This, I believe, is one of the top misconceptions about learning science.  It is true that the concepts may not be relevant to everyone and certain facts will not be needed beyond tests but I personally believe the process of science is relevant for everyone.  Here are just a few of the things I believe science teaches us:
  • Using logic to come up with an answer to an important question
  • Using prior failed attempts as stepping stones towards success
  • Using trial and error, if necessary
  • Using models, when needed
  • Working towards a common goal as a group
  • Learning to perform different tasks but still come together as a team
Science Exhibition 2015

For this year’s Science Exhibition, 7th graders will carry out an experiment of their choosing.  The exhibition will be graded on three different elements: Written, Oral and Visual.

Written

A five paragraph essay mainly worked on in Language Arts. This research paper will be due Wednesday April 22.  Here are the guidelines for the essay:  Science Exhibition Essay Guidelines

Oral and Visual

The oral and visual portion of the exhibition will take place on Wednesday, April 29. Students will be required to speak for 15-20 minutes on their topic, accompanied by a visual presentation. The visual presentation will be a three sided board with the elements and specifics of the experiment.  Here is the guideline for the board:  Display Board


Rubric
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Preparedness
Completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed
Seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals
Is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking.
Does not seem at all prepared to present.
Organization and Content
Visual presentation is well organized, beautiful and easy to follow.
Visual element is organized and easy to follow. Addresses the topic thoroughly and gives background information
Visual element is somewhat organized and difficult to follow at times.  Pays some attention to the topic and information is hard to understand at times.
There was no clear or logical organizational structure, just lots of facts making it difficult to follow.  Little attempt to address the topic.
Presentation Style
Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time and generates a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic.
Speaks clearly and distinctly all the time and generates a some interest and enthusiasm about the topic.
Speaks clearly and distinctly most of the time but does not generate interest and enthusiasm about the topic.
Often mumbles or can not be understood and did not generate much interest in the topic being presented.

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