GMA Science Fair 2010-2011

Stay tuned for information regarding the GMA Science Fair 2010.  Important dates are listed below.

• Gwynedd-Mercy Academy's 2009-2010 Science Fair will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010.
• Montgomery County Science Research Competition - March 17 - 21, 2010.
• Delaware Valley Science Fair - April 6 - 8, 2010 (unofficial date).

Information for incoming 8th Grade Parents

Posted by Mrs. Elizabeth Santangelo, 7th & 8th grade science teacher

Well, it is that time ... yes, you know it ... the time to begin planning for the Gwynedd Mercy Academy, Elementary Division Science Fair 2009-2010.  Your sons and daughters have already begun the process of topic selection. 

The theme for the 2009-2010 GMA Science Fair is: "Learning About Our World".

This theme was chosen so that the students would focus on questions about the world in which we live.  This is not limited to only "environmental-type" projects.  Rather it is challenging the students to see how science connects/applies to daily living. 

For topic selection: I introduced the website www.sciencebuddies.org to the students.  Select the purple tab on the site and it will take the students through a series of questions.  As the students answer the questions, the site will guide them to recommended topics based on their interests.  The first assignment for the students is their project topic selection.  This is due on the FIRST day of science class in the 2009-2010 school year.  They have a form that must be completed and signed by a parent.

The science fair project is a multi-step, long-term project.  Organization is critical for the success and gaining the greatest learning benefits.

It is important to note the time frame.  Historically, the science fair research was started in the spring of the students 7th grade year.  This year, research for the projects will begin in September 2009.   Mrs. Bellavance and I will provide guidance and give the students library time to utilize the school resources.  After the initial session, the students will be responsible to complete at home.  More detailed information will be distributed on Book Day 2009. 

If your child would like to begin work on their project over the summer, please contact me directly at esantangelo@gmaelem.org.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me.  Thank you in advance for all your support and assistance in making this a valuable learning process for your daughter/son.

Resources and Forms

Science Fair Starter Kit (pdf file)

Science Fair Starter Kit (Word format)

2009-2010 Science Fair Forms

2009-2010 Science Fair Rules