What is a Science Fair?

A science fair is generally where students create projects related to science and/or technology. A successful science fair project does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. However, it does require some planning and careful thought.

For example a first or second grader might do a demonstration or a model, and third through fifth graders might do a research project or a simple to complex experiment.

At every level the student proposes a topic, develops an understanding about the topic, explores it a bit further, and reports his or her findings to an audience. Students attempt to investigate a problem, perhaps even solving it in an innovative way, and teach themselves science through their discoveries. Projects may be in any area of science. Science Fair time can be an exciting period of days, weeks, or even months in which students make new discoveries about the world around them, and about themselves.

Science fair investigations require time management skills. Students must budget their time, completing tasks, keep to an overall schedule, and complete their experiment early enough to have ample time for making conclusions and retesting results if necessary for confirmation and confidence.

Science fair projects present students with opportunities to use reading, writing, mathematics, science, technology, creativity and more. Long term benefits of science fair projects have been identified as well. Students find projects which relate to their everyday lives.

What are the rules and guidelines?
All students must refrain from doing experiments which may be hazardous to themselves, others, or animals. Please visit the link below to learn more about the general requirements, project size, and items not allowed in the project.

A complete list of rules can be found at: http://www.sciserv.org/isef/about/rules_regulations.asp

Science Fair Links on the Internet

The internet is a great place to look for science fair information. The links below point toward some excellent sites offering science fair help and loads of fund and exciting project ideas! The Science Squad strongly encourages student scientists to translate research information into their own words as much as possible (age appropriate). Remember, part of the fun is creating your own original project. Have Fun!

The Scientific Method

What is the scientific method and how is it used?

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci030.htm

Getting Started

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci050.htm

Keys to a Successful Project

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci040.htm

General Information

Science Project Encyclopedia

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci002.htm

CyberFair - The Virtual Science Fair

http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/

Scifair.org

http://www.scifair.org/

Discovery Education's Science Fair Central

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/

The WWW Virtual Library: Science Fairs

http://physics.usc.edu/ScienceFairs/

Science Fair Handbook

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/handbook/

Internet Public Library - Science Fair Resource Guide

http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/

Experimental Science Projects: An Introductory Level Guide

http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjIntro.html

Experimental Science Projects: An Intermediate Level Guide

http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/resources/cf/SciProjInter.html

Canadian Science Fairs Homepage

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/

Project Ideas

1581 Project Ideas

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci060.htm

Science Fair Central Project Ideas

http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/ideas.html

Primary Projects (Grades 1 - 4)

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/primary.html

Elementary Projects (Grades 4 - 6)

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/elem.html

Intermediate Projects (Grades 7 - 9)

http://www.cdli.ca/sciencefairs/intermed.html

What Should My Project Look Like?

A Gallery of Science Project Presentation Ideas

http://www.cpet.ufl.edu/sciproj/sci210.htm

Another Useful Link

www.sciencebuddies.org

Additional Websites for information on Science Fairs and Projects:

http://www.plu.edu/~scifair/

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html

school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/sciencefairs/primary.html

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/scifairstudio/handbook/display.html.

For Additional Information contact:

Jaci.woodson@comcast.net, vhorton@osd.wednet.edu or lisa.perry@comcast.net

Tom Gries-Hoff (grieshoff@qwest.net) has kindly offered his help for a parent who would like more advice on Science Fair projects.