HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010

It’s Science Fair time!

Here's your chance to work on a project and to learn about something new. The fair is open
to all Healdsburg Area students, kindergarten through twelfth grade, who want to challenge
themselves with a technology and/or scientific method project.
Projects categories include Technology, Life or Physical. You may enter a project in any or all
categories.
TECHNOLOGY: If you enjoy making things and want to try a bit of mechanics and physics,
try a Technology project or come to the hands-on Technology Fair. Specific details are
described inside.
Technology Day (HJH) ……………………………………………………March 20 (Sat)
K-5 Come, Explore, and Learn ……………………………………………………….……… 10:00-11:30am
Hands-on science activities
3-5 Elementary Rube Goldberg ………………….………………………………… 11:00am – Noon
(Registration and set-up begins at 10am)
6-8 Junior Rube Goldberg ………………….………………………………………….Noon – 2:00pm
(Registration and set-up begins at 11am)
9-12 Senior Rube Goldberg Machines………………………………..………….2:00 – 4:00pm
(Registration and set-up begin at Noon)

LIFE or PHYSICAL: If you have an interest in the world around you – animals, plants,
chemistry, mathematics, you should think about a Physical/Earth or Life Science project.
These types of projects start with the question ‘why’ or ‘how’. You may want to talk to
friends, teachers and your parents about ideas for your project. Need additional help…
catch Science Fair Night at the Healdsburg Library or join us at a Mentoring Clinic at the
Healdsburg Public Library. See Judging criteria on page 3.

Project Registration(Villa Chanticleer) March 21(Sun) 3:00 – 8:00pm

1248 N. Fitch Mountain Rd March 22 (Mon) 7:00 – 9:00am
Public Viewing (Villa Chanticleer) …….. March 24 (Wed)………. 9:00am – 8:00pm
March 25 (Thurs)……. 11:00am – 7:00pm
Project Pick- Up (Villa Chanticleer) …….March 25 (Thurs)………….. 4:00 – 7:00pm
(Projects left after 8pm will be discarded)

Dates to Remember:
Science Fair Library Night ………………… January 27 (Wed)…… 7:00 – 8:00pm
Mentoring Clinics …………. February 17 (Wed)…. 4:00 – 6:00pm
March 3 (Wed)…………. 6:00 – 8:00pm
March 10 (Wed)……… 6:00 – 8:00pm
Science Fair Week ……………………………. March 20 (Sat) to March 25 (Thurs)
Awards Ceremony (Villa Chanticleer) ….. March 25 (Thurs)……….. 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Villa Chanticleer 1248 N. Fitch Mountain Rd / Healdsburg Junior High (HJH) 315 Grant St.
 HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010

TECHNOLOGY PROJECT - RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE CONTEST

This contest is to combine simple machines and build the zaniest contraption you can
imagine to perform a trivial task. (Can you guess the task below?)

Each of the three age groups will get different tasks and rules, but the principles are the
same. The machine must complete the assigned task in the prescribed number steps (or
more) and include the prescribed minimum number of the six simple machines described
below:

• Incline: a ramp or slanted surface (i.e. slide, stairs)

• Wedge: shaped like an incline, but a moving incline (i.e. nail, ax)
• Screw: a cylindrical body with a helical groove cut into its surface (i.e. bolt
threads)
• Lever: a bar that turns around a point called the fulcrum (i.e. stapler, shovel)
• Axle and Wheel: a wheel rotating about an axle to bear a load. A gear is a
wheel with teeth in it. Gears are used to change direction, and to control
the speed of things
• Pulley: consists of a wheel and axle with a grove usually in the middle of it
in which a rope or belt runs to raise or lower weights

Rules Summary: Teams are limited to four (4) students. A step is defined as a linear
process; a ball rolling down a ramp and triggering a mousetrap is one complete step.
The first step of the cycle is considered the first human intervention starting the machine
and the final step of the cycle completes the specified task. In creating this contraption,
students use odds and ends, recycled materials and their ingenuity to build the machine.
Pretty much anything goes, the only restrictions are that no flammable, or toxic
substances or animals (dead or alive) be used. Maximum voltage is 12Vdc. No hammering
or other pounding of the floor is permitted. We encourage appropriate adult supervision
and guidance in this process.
 HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010
RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE CONTEST (cont.)
On the day of the competition, we ask that students set up their own machines without
the help of parents. Please note that the area may not be level. Each team must submit
5 copies of a clear and concise step-by-step description of the machine to the judges. The
machine must complete a full cycle, be reset and complete a second full cycle within the
specified time. Each team may claim one free restart without penalty if within the time
limit. To be eligible for awards, contestants must remain on-site to run the machines
and/or answer questions until the judging is complete.

50% of the score is based on number of steps, number of simple machines, use of recycled
and unique materials, design creativity, and unified theme. The other 50% is based on
the success of the first and second runs.

Grades 3-5; Elementary Rube Goldberg Contest

Task: Apply a stamp onto an envelope
Minimum number of steps: Five (5)
Minimum number of simple machines: Two (2)
Time limit: 10 minutes total to Run machine, Reset, and Run again.
Size: No larger than 4 ft x 4 ft x 6ft high
For questions grades 3-5 call Craig Urasaki 484-9888 or curasaki@juno.com

Grades 6-8: Junior Rube Goldberg Contest

Task: Raise and wave a flag
Minimum number of steps: Ten (10)
Minimum number of simple machines: Three (3)
Time limit: 10 minutes total to Run machine, Reset, and Run again
Size: No larger than 4 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft high
For questions grades 6-8 contact Eric Smith at wineguy101@gmail.com or Michael
Miller at mikemi@calpine.com or call 431-6931

Grades 9 – 12: Senior Rube Goldberg Machine Contest

Task: Dispense hand sanitizer into a hand
Minimum number of steps: Twenty (20)
Time limit: 10 minutes total to Run machine, Reset, and Run again.
Minimum number of simple machines: Four (4)
Size: No larger than 5 ft x 6 ft x 5 ft high
The competition for this category is governed by the national rules. Contact Rob
Lee at Healdsburg High School at 431-3420 or Rlee@husd.com for a complete set of
rules and answer any questions.

Various prize categories will be awarded. The perpetual Rube Goldberg trophy will be
presented to the winning Grade 9 – 12 Machine.

For a complete list of Rules and Judging Forms go to www.healdsburgsciencefair.com.

For even more information go on line, look up Rube Goldberg Machine Contest.
 HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010

LIFE & PHYSICAL/EARTH PROJECTS

REGISTRATION: Bring your PROJECT to the Villa Chanticleer at 1248 N. Fitch Mountain
Road. REGISTRATION FORMS are available there.
Sunday, March 21st (evening) 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Monday, March 22nd (morning) 7:00 am- 9:00 am
You may work with more than one partner. Group projects are judged in the grade
category corresponding to the highest grade of the students (i.e., a 5th and 6th grade
student work on a project together, the project is judged in the 6th grade group).

CATEGORIES: Projects are placed and judged in one of the following:

A. LIFE SCIENCE: Plants, Animals, Human or Animal Behavior, etc.
B. PHYSICAL/EARTH SCIENCE: Chemistry, Physics, Geology,
Astronomy, Computational Science, Mathematics, etc.

Remember: The projects should involve students doing actual research into a

question to which they do not know the answer. Investigations that involve observations and data
gathering but not experiments are also appropriate. While collections, demonstrations of known
information, models, etc., are good things to do, they are not appropriate for our Science Fair. The
old baking soda and vinegar volcano demonstration or an insect collection would, therefore, not be
appropriate.

DISPLAY: Following is a diagram of one way to present a project. It shows the maximum
size allowed and the ideas you need to cover in your project.
NOTE: Many people will view your project, and be interested in your work and handle
parts of it. Adults are on duty while the Fair is open to the Public, but the Science Fair
Committee cannot be responsible for loss or damage to your project or equipment.
 HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010
LIFE & PHYSICAL/EARTH PROJECTS (cont.)
RULES:
A. You may get advice from your parents, teachers, and friends, but YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN
WORK.
B. Your project may be up to 36" wide and no taller than 48". It must be able to stand on the table
by itself. Do not put your name or your picture on the project where the judges can see it;
place name on the bottom of the back side of exhibit.
C. You may not display a project that the Science Fair Committee believes to be unsafe. Electrical
outlets will not be available for any demonstration. A maximum of 24v supply voltage of
electrical power (battery) is permitted in active demonstrations. Dangerous chemicals or
drugs, open flames, sharp objects, explosives or apparatuses' with fast moving parts which may
pose a safety hazard may not be exhibited. The Science Fair Committee reserves the right to
disallow a demonstration that they feel compromises the safety of person or property.
D. Live animals are not allowed at the fair, nor may animals be harmed in conducting experiments.
E. Projects involving illegal substances or ingestion of alcohol are not acceptable.

JUDGING: A major goal of the Science Fair is to encourage the scientific method.
Therefore your project must contain the following:
• Question (About something in which you are interested)
• Hypothesis (Use if…Then statements)
• Experiment (Test your hypothesis. Use a control. Repeat or do multiple tests at the same
time)
• Observation and Analysis (Results and Data)
• Conclusion (Examine results) Remember it is ok if your data does not match your
hypothesis.

The judging criteria are explained below. For detailed Evaluation Guidelines, go to
www.healdsburgsciencefair.com.

Points Judging Criteria

5 QUESTION OR HYPOTHESIS
•Does the project ask or pose a clear question and/or hypothesis?
15 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
•Does the project show the steps followed, the materials used, and how data was collected?
20 OBSERVATIONS & ANALYSIS
•Does the project show what information was collected, and observations made? Were written
records kept? How is the information used to answer the original question (purpose)?
15 CONCLUSION
•Does the student clearly state what he/she learned? Is there discussion of why things may or may
not have happened as expected? How might it be done differently next time?
20 CREATIVITY & ORIGINALITY
•Does the work show originality of approach and handling?
5 CLARITY
•Will the average person understand what the project was about?
10 WORKMANSHIP
•Is care evident in the preparation, mounting, labeling, use of data, etc.? Does the Project attract
the viewer?
10 EFFORT
•How much thought or work was put into the project? How hard did the person try?
 HEALDSBURG AREA SCIENCE FAIR 2010
LIFE & PHYSICAL/EARTH PROJECTS (cont.)
The judges are local people involved in science and engineering. They work hard and study
your projects thoroughly. Your project is anonymous until the preliminary judging is finished.
Do not put your name or picture on the front of your project.

First place winners will be asked to meet a team of judges on Wednesday between 3:30 p.m.
and 5:00 p.m. to review their project for “BEST OF GROUP” and “BEST OF SHOW” Awards.

AWARDS: Everyone who does a Science Project is a Winner! You will have accomplished
something, seen it through and learned from your results. Everyone who enters receives a
participation ribbon and a certificate for an ice cream cone!

STUDENT BEST OF FIRST SECOND THIRD HONORABLE

GRADE GROUP AWARDED FOR EACH GRADE MENTION

K-2 60.00 30.00

3-5 60.00 30.00 Gift Certificates
6-8 100.00 50.00
9 - 12 100.00 50.00

Dean Darby Award (Best of Show Runner-Up) 75.00

John Max Award (Best of Show) 150.00 and Perpetual Trophy
An additional $2,000.00 will be given in teacher grants.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
In order to promote an awareness of environmental issues and an interest in finding ways to
resolve them, Sonoma Technology, Inc. offers an additional $75.00 prize for the Best
Environmental Project. Examples include projects relating to air pollution, water pollution, soil
contamination, waste management, recycling, global climate, urban and transportation planning,
noise, energy conservation, and alternative energy sources.

All award winners will be presented at the Awards ceremony,

7:00 pm, Thursday, March 25th at the Villa.

Your project must be picked between 4 - 7 p.m. Thursday at the Villa.

NOTE: Projects left after 8:00 pm will be DISCARDED.

Registration forms will be available at Project Registration at the Villa Chanticleer.

This information packet is also available on line at www.healdsburgsciencefair.com. Need

ADDITIONAL HELP or have concerns? Please call Mike Scrobonia (473-2244) or Lissa Beard (433-4301).