Hi Division 3,
As promised here are all the details of the science project that I have spoken about in class this week.
Here is the step-by-step Future Energy Project Outline that each one of you have been given a paper copy of. So if you misplace yours, please download it here.
Below are the answers to all your frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Important Dates:
Due Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Presentation Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Gallery Tour: Tuesday, December 10, 2019
On Tuesday, November 26th, you must bring to class:
(1) Your finished model of your invention
(2) Your finished poster of your invention
(3) Your confidence and presentation voice
What if I can’t come up with an idea?
Remember, all great science ideas requires time and patience to research and experiment. I’ve spoken with most of you on Tuesday and I’ve heard tons of amazing ideas. If you are still hitting a road block, think of products you or other people around you use on an everyday basis. Think about how these objects are currently being powered. Could we possibly power this objects with a renewable source of energy that is good for the environment? It is realistic to do? Does it still make the object convenient to use? Are there any disadvantages or drawbacks to using a renewable source of energy to power it instead?
Think, think, think, research, think again!
When will you work on this project?
At school, you will be given class time to work on this:
(1) in our science blocks on Tuesday morning for the next 2 weeks
(2) flex block from 2:00pm-3:00pm on Tuesday afternoon for the next 2 weeks
(3) flex block from 2:30pm-2:50pm on Monday and Thursday afternoon for the next 2 weeks
You are also expected to work on this project at home over the next 2 weeks in addition to the given class time.
Remember: it might be difficult to bring your model back and forth if your model is fragile, so it might be best to work on the model at home.
What can you make your model out of?
This really depends on what your invention is, but here are some possible materials to help you brainstorm:
(1) cardboard
(2) styrofoam
(3) popsicle sticks
(4) lego
(5) plastic containers
(6) pop can containers
(7) play-doh
(8) straws
(9) pipe-cleaners
(10) pompoms
(11) aluminum foil
(12) bottle caps or corks
(13) peltier tiles
Use your imagination and the resources around you! It wouldn’t hurt to take a look at the dollar store. This is not meant to be an expensive project, please do not break the bank buying supplies.
Remember: it is a BONUS if you can get your model to actually work/function/light-up with the renewable energy source you have selected. This is NOT required. A simple model of your product with a clear indication of its parts and which renewable resource it uses to power it will be more than acceptable.
How should your poster look like to have that “wow” factor?
- Colourful
- Catchy title of your invention
- Big clear subheadings
- Has pictures of your invention, your renewable energy source, and how it works
- Text is typed and big enough to read (minimum size 14 font)
- Contains information that answers all the 5 questions required for this project (questions are in the outline)
- A good balance between text and pictures (remember you want an audience to be drawn to it)
This is where you get to show off your artistic and creative skills. Here are two great Science Poster Examples.
Where can you get your poster board?
If you would like to use regular poster board, I can give you one from the art room at school. That type of poster won’t stand on its own. If you would like to get a firmer one like the ones shown in the examples, you can buy those at the dollar store or Staples.
What if you won’t be here on Tue, Nov. 19 because of WE Day?
WE Day students must meet with Ms. Liu on Tue, Nov. 12 to have their one-on-one “investor’s meeting” about the project. Because you will lose class time to work on this project on WE Day, you will have to find extra time to work on it at home.
That is all I have for now. Have fun tinkering and innovating!
Ms. Liu