The document discusses the roles of school librarians in assisting students with science fair competitions. It outlines the scientific method process and provides tips for students to have the best results in their science fair projects. The school librarian can help students with the initial research and literature review stage as well as guiding them through the experimental research stage. Standards from organizations like the American Association of School Librarians and guides to the research process are referenced to help students structure their projects.

1. Nothing is as Real World as Competition “School librarians’ roles with students and teachers in science fair competition” Mirah J. Dow, BSE, MLS, PhD Associate Professor School of Library and Information Management Emporia State University Emporia, KS USA mdow@emporia.edu

2. Students tend to not ask librarians for help. Don’t make this mistake!

3. Why read this? Purpose of Presentation Doing a research project can be a challenge. You will need assistance from your school librarian (who has expertise in information seeking and technology use), science and math teachers, parents, and/or perhaps someone in your community who has specialized expertise. Each slide will help you to focus and help you to see what to do.

4. Competition Motivation Excellence Creativity Recognition LOCAL REGIONAL STATE NATIONAL MATH, APPLIED SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

5. Get Involved

6. Achievement

7. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) & School Library Standards for the 21st Century Learner (AASL) Your school librarian, science and math teachers can enable you to: inquire, think critically and again knowledge; draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations and create new knowledge; share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society; and pursue personal and aesthetic growth. Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf STEM Education Coalition http://www.stemedcoalition.org/

8. Scientific MethodFrancesco Redi, 1626-1697 Formulate a scientific question Make observations Research the question Form a hypothesis Design a study Conduct an experiment Analyze data Draw conclusions Communication results

9. Student ↔ STEM Educator ↔ School LibrarianTwo Stages of ResearchThis is stage #1. Preparation Stage Literature Context Research -> Topic -> Observation -> Question(s) -> Hypothesis ->

10. Student ↔ STEM Educator ↔ School LibrarianTwo Stages of ResearchThis is stage #2. Experimental Stage Data Context Research -> Design -> Conduct ->Analysis ->Conclusions -> Communication

11. Guided Inquiry-Research Process Model K – What do I Know? Literature review, research area, topic, context W – What do I Want to know? Research Questions F – How do I Find out? Method: What is the design of my study? Who will I question? What method will I use for data collection? L- What did I Learn? Results: data and data analysis U – How do I Use what I learned? Conclusions: Answer your research questions – What’s new? How does it apply to what is already known? N – What will I do Next time? Conclusions How can my study inform next research steps? Guided Inquiry model from Kuhlthau, C., Maniotes, L. K., and Caspari, A. K. (2007). Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st century. Libraries Unlimited. Representation of the Research Process model from Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Open University Press, pp. 8-9.

13. One Page Research Proposal(Include these subheadings in your initial proposal.) Name, Grade, Today’s Date Research Category Title Problem Research Question Permission Request Plans Materials Needed Procedure Proposed Timeline

14. Tips for Best Results Ask your school librarian for assistance by partnering with you and your teachers. Select a topic that matters and will address current needs of people in today’s society. Read and study about the topic so you really know it well. Ask your school librarian and science teacher to hold an informational meeting. Invite the adults who will assist you. Keep everything in your paper and/or electronic notebook; make good use of the electronic space (such as MyBackpack) provided at school. Complete assignments on time. Give yourself plenty of time to collect significant data. Learn the steps in the scientific process; know how this process can be applied to solving problems in everyday life. Create a clear, concise poster; fully explain data and conclusions; compare your findings to findings in prior studies. Write an excellent research paper. Use the required writing style, format and outline for contents. Present your study to many different audiences; speak with confidence and conviction. Have fun.

15. References Academic Success: How library services make a difference. ACRL Thirteenth National Conference. Pg 141 - 157. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/events/national/baltimore/papers/141.pdf American Association of School Librarians (2007). Standards for the 21st Century Learner. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Open University Press, pp. 8-9. Common Core State Standards Initiative http://www.corestandards.org/ Dow, M. J. (2011). Broadcom MASTERS: School Librarians’ Roles in Middle School Science Fair Competition, School Library Monthly, to be published in November issue. Kansas Science and Engineering Fair http://kssciencefair.org/ Kansas Science and Technology Fair, State Standards http://kssciencefair.org/resources/state-standards Kuhlthau, C., Maniotes, L. K., and Caspari, A. K. (2007). Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st century. Libraries Unlimited. Learning Skills for Information, Communication, and Media Literacy http://kssciencefair.org/content/upload/files/ictmap_science.pdf STEM Education Coalition http://www.stemedcoalition.org/ Society for Science and the Public, Broadcom MASTERS Competition http://www.societyforscience.org/MASTERS What Students Don't Know. Inside Higher Ed. August 22, 2011: http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/08/22/erial_study_of_student_research_habits_at_illinois_university_libraries_reveals_alarmingly_poor_information_literacy_and_skills