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2009-2010
September 2009
Dear Student:
The week of March 22 - 26, 2010 has been scheduled for the MAST Academy Science Fair. This notification will allow you ample time to pursue your scientific investigation and improve the quality and depth of your scientific research.
All freshmen and sophomores are required to do a research-based science project. All juniors and seniors are highly encouraged to follow a specific research interest and conduct an in-depth scientific investigation for the school’s science fair competition. Juniors and seniors are required to conduct a science research if mandatory by their science teachers. Students enrolled in physics have the option to construct a structural engineering product – a bridge, for example.
In addition to the thrill of learning and finding answers to scientific questions, students who complete a quality scientific research project will earn several grades during the third grading period (number of grades will be determined by your science teacher.) Scoring and evaluation criteria are attached to this packet. The successful completion of a science research project will open many interesting opportunities in the areas of mathematics and science.
Students who place Superior in the MAST Science Fair will have the opportunity to participate in the 2010-2011 Miami Dade Science and Engineering Fair. Students with projects rated Superior at the county level will have the opportunity to participate in other science competitions, e.g., Dade County Research Paper competition, Florida Junior Academy of Science, the Junior Science, Engineering and Humanity Symposium at the University of Florida, etc.
If you have questions regarding ongoing scientific research or an idea for a scientific investigation you wish to pursue, please notify your math or science teacher, Dr. Claudia Ochatt or Dr. Wafa Khalil. Mentoring and full support are available throughout the design and experiment period. We are also available to discuss the results of your investigation.
Attached is a school calendar, a list of science fair sites on the internet, International Science and Engineering Fair Category descriptions, an abstract form and abstract sample, and a scoring guide. Other materials and forms will be provided to interested students.
Working with your teachers and the school’s research mentors will improve your inquiry-based science skills and expand the quality of the school’s scientific research environment. We hope to work with all of you!
Sincerely,
Wafa Khalil, Ph.D.
Science and Mathematic Department Chairperson
c: Mr. Thomas Fisher, Principal
Claudia Ochatt, Ph.D.
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Proposed Time-Line
Inquiry-Based Science Project: Time Line
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Project set-up in Auditorium March 22, 2010
Project Judging, auditorium at MAST March 23-24, 2010
Award Ceremony & Parent Night; auditorium at MAST March 25, 2010
Science Projects checked out from auditorium March 26, 2010
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Some helpful Science Research web sites
National students research center:
http://www.youth.net/nsrc/webs.html 
Students independent science research
http://facweb.eths.k12.il.us/chemphys/science_research_papers.htm
Science research for the high schools:
http://www.albany.edu/scienceresearch/
Sound waves:
http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2005/01/outreach2.html
Science Buddies
http://www.sciencebuddies.com/
Science Buddies provides free science fair project ideas, answers, and tools to teachers, parents, and students. The Science Fair Project Guide is an online encyclopedia for how to do science research and science fair projects. It includes step-by-step guidance, actual sample assignments, photos of science fair projects, tips for success, and self-grading checklists for students. There is also an interactive Topic Selection Wizard; Ask an Expert which helps students with their project questions using an online forum staffed by volunteer scientists and talented science students; and the Teacher Resources section includes information to help teachers guide their students to do research projects or conduct a science fair. (added 11/18/07 , reviewed 11/18/07 )
High school science fair projects
http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/high-school-science-fair-projects.html
Dade County Science Fair
http://mathscience.dadeschools.net/scifair/
Helpful science fair links
http://science.dadeschools.net/scifair/helpLinks.htm
Intel Science research
http://www.sciserv.org/
Math Ideas for Science Fair Projects
http://mathforum.org/teachers/mathproject.html
Part of Swarthmore College's Math Forum, this website looks at math in a more interactive manner. The science fair resources may be a little late for this year's science fairs, but the list of resources is very useful. If your class is studying earthworms, check out Math Fun with Spirolaterals. (added 3/27/00 , reviewed 1/8/02 )
EnergyNet Community Web
http://www.energynet.net
In this science project, "students evaluate their school's heating and lighting systems, and then share their data. Students thus form scientific research communities in which they learn about the production, cost, and management of the energy upon which both their school and their society depend." (added 1/17/96 , reviewed
California State Science Fair
http://www.usc.edu/CMSI/CalifSF/
The California State Science Fair is the final science fair of the academic year for California grade 7-12 students. This site offers information about the Fair and includes a help section for students. (added 3/14/96 , reviewed 9/16/99 )
Global Warming Facts and Our Future (Koshland Science Museum)
http://www.koshlandsciencemuseum.org/exhibitgcc/index.jsp
Climate Warming Is a Global Problem; but the impacts and potential solutions will affect us locally and in many different ways. The challenge for each of us and for our policy makers is to pursue effective responses that are as fair as possible to all people and nations. In this exhibition the National Academies provide scientific information to help us make informed decisions and to help answer some important questions. Sections cover The Greenhouse Effect , Carbon Cycle, Causes of Change, Past Change, Predicted Change, Impacts of Change, and Responses to Change. While the focus is on visiting the Koshland Science Museum, there are additional pre- and post-activities which adhere to the National Academiesâ™ National Science Education Standards in the Teaching and Learning section. (added 10/4/04 , reviewed 10/4/04 )
Fuel Cells and Energy (GM)
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/edu_k-12/5-8/fc_energy/autonomy_hywire_011303.html
The secret to harnessing hydrogen's power is the fuel cell.The fuel cell's only emissions are water vapor and heat. The power produced can be used to run electric motors. From General Motors, this site is part of their larger K-12 educational offerings. Take an interactive tour, use links to related articles from other web sites, read an interview with a fuel cell engineer, play games afterward to test what was learned. Although located in the grades 5-8 section, it can be enjoyed and used by a wider audience. Lesson plan ideas involving energy can be found at http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/edu_k-12/teachers/plans/index.html (added 5/2/03 , reviewed 9/25/03 )
Nye Labs Online
http://nyelabs.kcts.org/
As Bill Nye fans might expect, this site has a quirky, inventive approach to science. Includes demos that can be done at home, information about the tv show, and much more. (added 6/28/96 , reviewed 4/22/99 )
EnergyNet Community Web
http://www.energynet.net
In this science project, "students evaluate their school's heating and lighting systems, and then share their data. Students thus form scientific research communities in which they learn about the production, cost, and management of the energy upon which both their school and their society depend." (added 1/17/96 , reviewed 7/28/99 )
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