Below you will find the booth name, in some cases the essential question the booth was based on, and the standards used in the creation of the booth. These were submitted by different teachers for projects done in grades K-12.
Hydroponics – How will a hydroponics system work on Mars? – Mars is our future. The exploration of the red planet by humans is slated to begin by 2032. We believe one way to help the astronauts maintain life on the planet is by setting up a self-sustaining hydroponics system. We will discuss how this could be cost effective for the space program and work towards further developments of living on Mars. Using recyclable materials, we have created several types of hydroponic systems to best determine what would work best. We have also been following the trials and errors of the International Space Station and learning about the effects of space and growing plants. When you visit us, we will educate you on how to build a hydroponics system and show you how easy it is to start one of your own.
Life Science:
S-LS2: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms
MS-LS3: Growth, Development and Reproduction of Organisms
MS-LS1-4: Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animal and plants respectively.
RC Cars – How does aerodynamics affect the different shapes and sizes in RC cars? – In the world of RC cars, faster is better. Come see how aerodynamics of a car’s body design can increase its speed. At our booth, you will be able to determine for yourself which RC car’s design will perform the best. We will also show you our wind tunnel to demonstrate how important air flow is in aerodynamics.
Physical Science:
Structure and Properties of Matter
Forces and Interactions
MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Sleep & Growth – How does sleeping affect my growth? – Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Sleeping is sometimes taken for granted. This booth explains how important sleep is to our physical development as it shows how we grow while we sleep. It also explains how our sleeps affects our emotional well-being. There is an interactive yoga mat activity to teach you ways to sleep better. Come see our group to learn how sleep works, how much sleep do you need by age, what happens during sleep and get some helpful tips to sleep better!
Life Science:
MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
MS-LS1-3: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage of memories.
Forces and Interactions:
MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Clean Water– Why do we need clean water to live? – Why should people come to our booth? Well for starters, our interactive activity is very interesting and has to do with looking inside our schools very own microscope and everybody gets to see what’s really floating around in our water we drink. Is it safe? You’ll have to come and find out! We also have the answer to why we need to have water to live. There are some obvious answers, yes, but there are other key things that people don’t know about why water helps us survive. Did you know that our body is 60% water? If you didn’t, now you do! We also have interesting facts about what kind of water we should and shouldn’t drink and why we shouldn’t drink it. Hopefully everyone will come to our group and find out because we have the answers!
Life Science:
MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
MS-LS1-1: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
MS-LS2: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
HIV & AIDS – How can we prevent HIV and AIDS? – Come visit our HIV booth during the Science Festival. The purpose of our group is to inform people about HIV and how to be safe. You may not know but there are about 335 people in Duval County with HIV. This booth explains the virus, how it is contracted, how it is spread and how to prevent the spread of the virus. This booth aims to create awareness about the virus.
Life Science:
MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
MS-LS1-1: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
Physical Science:
Structure and Properties of Matter:
MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
Energy Drinks – How do energy drinks affect my body? – Ever wished you had enough energy to last you the whole day? Energy drinks are marketed to provide that boost of energy you need. But what really is inside an energy drink? Our group looked into different kinds of energy drinks. We researched how energy drinks affect our bodies – what is in it and how it helps to give you instant energy as they claim. You will learn about different energy drinks and how much sugar is in them. You will be surprised with what you are about to discover. You decide if energy drinks are really good for you!
Structure and Properties of Matter:
Chemical Reactions:
MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
Physical Science:
MS-PS1-1: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
Recycling – Why is my role in recycling important? – Our project is about recycling and how it affects our lives. Our booth focuses on the importance of recycling and how you can do your part to make this a better place. Did you know that most of our trash can be recycled? Yes, almost all of our trash can be recycled. Learn how to recycle efficiently and get more tips on what can be recycled. Our booth created a house out of recycled materials as we talk about how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Come see and visit our booth.
MS-LS2: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS2-1: Analyze ad interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
Physical Science:
Structure and Properties of Matter:
MS-PS1-3: Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
Human Body – How to understand my body better? – Ever remember why our parents always say “Eat your Veggies”? Balanced meals are so important that it is always promoted as the ideal meal. Our booth explains and provides the health benefits of different types of food. Our activity will be a picture of a human body, and the people can match up the food that helps each part of the body. For example, with the eyes one would attach the carrot near the eye because carrots help with eyesight. Calcium helps with most people’s bones so one would attach a glass of milk to the arm. Not all food has the same nutrients. Stop by our booth and learn what and how nutrients affect our bodies.
Life Science:
MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
MS-LS1-3: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
Climate Change – What are the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans? – If you weren’t concerned about climate change before, recent extreme weather and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December may have gotten your attention. Our collaborative booths explore the relationships between global warming, ice melt, rising sea levels, changes in ocean currents, and the effects of all of these on the notably affected species, sea turtles. One of our teams is collecting data on sea currents as part of a Jacksonville University project, initiated last year by Dr. Jeremy Stalker of the Marine Science Research Institute. For that project, these students are building a drifter equipped with GPS and monitored by NOAA. Visit our booths to see the drifter, Bob, before it is launched; to participate in a demonstration of how temperature affects currents; to witness the astonishing rivers of melting ice in Greenland; to see maps of the current and projected sea level rise in Florida; to learn how Raine Island, an essential sea turtle nesting ground in the Pacific, is being reclaimed from inundation. Learning is power. Visit our collaborative booths to see how we can Save Our Oceans in the face of climate change.
SC.912.E.7.2: Analyze the causes of the various kinds of surface and deep water motion within the oceans and their impacts on the transfer of energy between the poles and the equator.
SC.912.E.7.9: Cite evidence that the ocean has had a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat, carbon, and water.
Sea Turtle – What can be done to prevent sea turtle extinction? – Sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth, first appearing some 250 million years ago and persisting essentially in their modern form for 110 million years. Yet in the last century human activity has pushed sea turtles to the edge of extinction. Visit our collaborative booths to learn why sea turtles are important; what threatens these ancient creatures, including the FP virus; how cutting edge research, such as that at the University of Florida Whitney Lab in St. Augustine, is investing in saving these species; and what you can do to help sea turtles and so help Save Our Oceans. Enjoy learning with our multiple games and activities, including Bobbing for Sea Turtles, Sea Turtle Trivia, Plinko, Turtle Trash Toss, and a sea turtle coloring table.
SC.912.L.17.16: Discuss the large-scale environmental impacts resulting from human activity, including waste spills, oil spills, runoff, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and surface and groundwater pollution.
Ocean Trash – What are the effects of trash in our oceans? – Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Ocean Cleanup Project, Seabin Project, Sea Turtles Threatened with Extinction, and Pollution: Controversial, right? Come to our collaborative booths and learn about the importance of these topics. Learn why the Ocean Conservancy lists trash as the greatest threat to the world’s seas; learn how you can help Save Our Oceans! And come join us for a variety of Hands On learning activities, including Jeopardy, arts and crafts, face painting, and a whole new game of basketball. If you are wondering, “What are the effects of trash in our oceans,” come ask us. Let our booths be your Google. Meet our surprise guest. Swim with the Trash. Interested yet? Check out our booth and you will be astonished.
SC.912.L.17.14: Assess the need for adequate waste management strategies.
SC.912.L.17.16: Discuss the large-scale environmental impacts resulting from human activity, including waste spills, oil spills, runoff, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and surface and groundwater pollution.
Astronomy
ESS1A-Science assumes that objects and events in natural systems occur in consistent patterns, understandable through measurements and observations.
Biohacking
LS1.A The student will understand and investigate that at every step of the biological hierarchy, structure and function are connected.
Vanity and the Environment
ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
Scientists and engineers can make major contributions by developing technologies that produce lass pollution and waste and that preclude ecosystems degradation.
Diesel vs hybrid
E553.C-Human Impacts on Earth systems
Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them. But they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air, and other living things.
EV Cars
E553.C-Human Impacts on Earth systems
Things that people do to live comfortably can affect the world around them. But they can make choices that reduce their impacts on the land, water, air, and other living things.
Einstein
ESS1.A: The Universe and its Stars
The sun is a star that appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is closer. Stars range greatly in their distance from Earth. (5-ESS1-1)
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
The orbits of Earth around the sun and of the moon around Earth, together with the rotation of Earth about an axis between its North and South poles, cause observable patterns. These include day and night; daily changes in the length and direction of shadows; and different positions of the sun, moon, and stars at different times of the day, month, and year. (5-ESS1-2)
Hover Board
PS2.A: Forces and motion.
The student will investigate and understand the interrelationships among mass, distance, force, and time through mathematical and experimental process.
(3-PS2-1)
Each force acts on one particular object and has both strength and a direction. An object at rest typically has multiple forces acting on it, but they add to give a zero net force on the object. Forces that do not sum to zero can cause changes in the object’s speed or direction of motion.
PS2.B: Types of interactions
The student will investigate and understand that quantities including mass momentum, and charge are conserved.
(PS2-3)
Objects in contact exert forces on each other.
(3-PS2-4)
Electric and magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require that the object be in contact. The sizes of the forces in each situation depend on the properties of the objects and their distances apart and, for forces between two magnets, on their orientation relative to each other.
Robotics – “How can Robots help us in the future?” – Robots, from Wall-e to Terminator, Teen Titans to Star Wars have always been seen as part of our future, but how can they help us? We believe that one way is in a search and rescue situation where robots can go where humans cannot. At our booth, we have a device called an ollie that can be controlled with a phone app. Stop by and help the ollie reach its destination in a race against time to save lives!
Physical Science: MS-PS1-3: Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
Forces and Interactions: MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Electricity – “How can controlling electricity help those without it, learn how to use it?” – Electricity, it surrounds us every day! It’s in the things we use and it’s even in the air around us. Yet it’s shocking that many people in the world live without it. We believe that if you teach people how to control electricity, they can learn how to use it just like the Ancient Greeks did. The Ancient Greeks found that they could control it by discovering static electricity. Come to our booth for an electrifying experience and compete in a game where you can control electricity!
Matter and Energy: MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Matter and Energy: MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
Aquaponics – “How can Aquaponics help us save our resources?” – Our non-renewable resources are depleting every day. Electricity is costing more and more. We believe if we set up a self-sustaining Aquaponics System, we can save our resources and hard earned money. If you develop an Aquaponics System that can run on a hydro-mini generator, you can create electricity simply by using water. At our booth, you will experience making a lightbulb turn on by using the hydro-mini generator we have constructed. Stop by and learn how we can make a more positive impact on our environment!
Growth, Development and Reproduction of Organisms: MS-LS1-4: Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animal and plants respectfully.
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems: MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
Electric Scooters – “How Can Electric Scooters help the environment today?” – Gas emissions from our cars lead to global warming, causing environmental changes. We propose that if more people use other forms of transportation like hover boards, we can cut down on pollution. Hover boards require the use of balance. At our booth, you can experience virtual balancing by using the AccelMeter app. Young children can discover the world of hover boards by constructing one out of Legos. Stop by and help us in our efforts to create a cleaner environment!
Forces and Interactions: MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Forces and Interactions: MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Japanese Technology – “How can Japanese Technology Affect us today?” – Robots, gadgets, and bullet trains! Japanese technology is taking us rapidly into the future. Their focus and will to take risks, has them leading other countries in the technology race. The Japanese also see technology as a form of entertainment, taking even board games to the next level. We are following their lead and created a game you can play. You and another player will engage in a game of soccer using robotic Ollies. Come join the fun and take a step into the future!
Physical Science: MS-PS1-3: Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impacts society.
Forces and Interactions: MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Hibernation – “How Does Studying Hibernation in Animals Benefit Humans? Sleep, everyone loves sleep. We never seem to get enough. Yet if we hibernated like some animals do, it would actually harm us. NASA, however, has been exploring ideas on how hibernating humans might benefit in further space travel. Visit our bear cave and experience the effects of hibernation, monitor your heart rate, and enjoy our interactive bear crafts for children!
Growth, Development and Reproduction of Organisms: MS-LS1-4: Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animal and plants respectfully.
Physical Science: MS-PS1-4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle, motion, temperature and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.
Gas Giants – “How can Gas Giant mining benefit us?” – Every day we are burning through our resources and one day we will run out. When we do, the world as we know it will come to a halt. Space may hold the answers. Many of our needed resources can be found on Gas Giant and Ice Giant planets. Mining from these planets will continue to supply us with the power to keep things running. – We have created an interactive demonstration of how to mine those resources using a 400 watt compact gas fog machine. He who holds the resources, holds the power!
Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems: MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
Physical Science: MS-PS1-3: Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
Concussion – How can we prevent concussions in sports? – We believe that by better educating society about the severity and long term effects of sports injuries like concussions, we can create a safer environment for athletes. Come to our exhibit and we will explain how concussions affect the brain, and ways to prevent concussions in sports. Experience our prototype helmet set up with sensors for you to monitor your own brainwaves, and learn how modified equipment can make the world of sports a safer place.
Life Science:
MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage of memories.
Physical Science:
Forces and Interactions:
MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
Kombucha – How does Kombucha provide energy and aid in the detox process? – Step right up and let us introduce you to this magical drink that could save your life!! It’s called kombucha, It is made from the finest raw, and organic ingredients. Using good bacteria, this funky drink can ward off disease, increase mental clarity and promote longevity. Stop by today and learn about the many health benefits of kombucha, where it came from, and how you too could easily make it in your own kitchen.
Life Science:
MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
MS-LS2: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
MS-LS1-7: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
Physical Science:
Structure and Properties of Matter:
Chemical Reactions:
MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
Drones – How will drones affect the future? Come step into the future and experience the world of drones. Our team will display a drone called the Blade QX 350 for you to view. We will share with you how the drone works and how it can be used for delivering packages. We will also discuss the pros and cons of drones, how they will affect our future and what other possibilities they open up for us.
Physical Science:
Structure and Properties of Matter:
Forces and Interactions:
MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton’s Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
MS-PS2-2: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
MS-PS2-4: Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Amazon Rain Forest – How does the Amazon Rain Forest help us grow? – The Amazon Rain Forest provides many essential resources in which we use every day. A few of these are many varieties of foods, medicine, nuts, spices and oxygen. The project will consist of a walk-through rain forest built by the students. The students will guide visitors through the rain forest as they search for specific plants and animals and various life cycles. There will also be a live animal exhibit featuring animals native to the rain forest.
SC.K.N.1.1 – Collaborate with a partner to collect information.
SC.K.N.1.4 – Observe and create a visual representation of an object which includes its major features.
SC.1.L.14.1 – Make observations of living things and their environment using the five senses.
SC.2.L.16.1 – Observe and describe major stages in the life cycles of plants and animals, including bean and butterflies.
3rd/4th grade Science Festival Abstract (following 5 projects) – Overarching Essential Question: What Can We Learn About Human Growth and Development through the Science of Monsters?
What is Mummification? – There is much to be learned from the study of ancient civilizations. This group has chosen to look beyond the famous mummy monster and explore how the beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians influenced the practice of burial, as well as the science behind the process of mummification.
Visitors will learn the steps of mummification, the purpose of canopic jars, and can practice writing in the ancient picture language of hieroglyphics. Afterward, walk through a replica of an ancient Egyptian tomb, complete with a canopic jars and a “dummy mummy” in a sarcophagus. Group members have written a secret message on the walls on the tomb in hieroglyphics, which visitors may decode for a small prize.
Essential skills used: analyzing, questioning, sequencing
Standards Addressed:
- Earth is home to a great diversity of living things, but changes in the environment can affect their survival.
- Individuals of the same kind often differ in their characteristics and sometimes the differences give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing.
Number: SC.3.L.15 Title: Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms
Type: Big Idea Subject: Science
Grade: 3 Body of Knowledge: Life Science
How Do Chickens Develop Inside the Egg, and How is it Similar to the Development of a Human Embryo in Its Mother? – Upon adopting 5 chickens from the City of Jacksonville Entomology department, Foundation Academy students began to wonder about the life cycle of the chicken. After taking care of their chickens, research, and fundraising, they purchased an incubator and began the process of hatching their own baby chicks.
Visitors will follow the journey of the chicken, from embryo to hen, learning how an incubator works,
Essential skills used: Comparing, Organizing, Questioning
Standards Used:
Big Idea 14: Organization and Development of Living Organisms
- All plants and animals, including humans, are alike in some ways and different in others.
- All plants and animals, including humans, have internal parts and external structures that function to keep them alive and help them grow and reproduce.
- Humans can better understand the natural world through careful observation.
Number: SC.3.L.14 Title: Organization and Development of Living Organisms
Type: Big Idea Subject: Science
Grade: 3 Body of Knowledge: Life Science
Why Is Blood Important? – Students wanted to learn more about blood after a study of vampire bats. They first began wanting to know why vampire bats need blood, which then led to the essential question of “Why is blood important?” This question is not solely answered for vampire bats, but for humans as well.
Visitors will follow the study of this project through a variety of interactives, including learning about blood donation, the various components of blood, and extensive review of the circulatory, and many other activities!
Essential skills used: Comparing, Organizing, Questioning
Standards Addressed:
Big Idea 14: Organization and Development of Living Organisms
- All plants and animals, including humans, are alike in some ways and different in others.
- All plants and animals, including humans, have internal parts and external structures that function to keep them alive and help them grow and reproduce.
- Humans can better understand the natural world through careful observation.
Number: SC.3.L.14 Title: Organization and Development of Living Organisms
Type: Big Idea Subject: Science
Grade: 3 Body of Knowledge: Life Science
“How Does The Moon Affect Us? – Students were compelled to learn about the different phases of the moon. This interest developed after research on the myth of werewolves. Students learned about the geological make-up of the moon, the different lunar cycles, and how these activities actually affect human activity.
Visitors will learn about the lunar cycles through a variety of displays and interactives.
Essential skills used: Comparing, Organizing, Questioning, Storytelling
Standards addressed:
Big Idea 5: Earth in Space and Time
Humans continue to explore Earth’s place in space. Gravity and energy influence the formation of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, stars, the Solar System, and Earth. Humankind’s need to explore continues to lead to the development of knowledge and understanding of our Solar System.
Number: SC.4.E.5 Title: Earth in Space and Time
Type: Big Idea Subject: Science
Grade: 4 Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
How Does Disease Spread? – Students wanted to learn about the myth behind Zombies. They altered their perspectives from the conclusion that Zombies are “The Walking Dead” to the conclusion that Zombies are no more than people fighting a severe infection/disease. From this development, students began researching epidemics and pandemics. They explored all aspects of disease including symptoms and cures/vaccines.
Visitors will learn about epidemics and pandemics, as well as the various ways which disease is spread. Interactives include a game of infection, the creation of “zombie slime”, as well as encountering “real life” zombies.
Essential skills used: Comparing, Organizing, Questioning, Analyzing Perspective
Standards addressed:
Big Idea 15: Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms
- Earth is home to a great diversity of living things, but changes in the environment can affect their survival.
- Individuals of the same kind often differ in their characteristics and sometimes the differences give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing.
Number: SC.3.L.15 Title: Diversity and Evolution of Living Organisms
Type: Big Idea Subject: Science
Grade: 3 Body of Knowledge: Life Science