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What
are Science Fairs?
A
science fair is an exhibition of student science projects designed
to showcase their learning in all areas of science. The science
projects are an investigation using the scientific method to discover
the answer to a scientific problem. Science Fairs are great activities
for students at all grade levels. At the younger grades, the teacher
may choose to do science fair projects as a class whereas at the
older grade levels, individual projects are encouraged.
What
is its purpose?
The
purposes of a science fair are many and varied. They are a great
opportunity for staff and students to work together on a school
wide project and showcase their work to parents and the community.
In addition, they are great vehicles for teaching cooperation (most
science fair projects are done with a partner) and the scientific
method. Finally they are an opportunity for students to hone both
their writing and presentation skills
How
can I do it?
Get
together with your grade-alike teachers or with the school staff
to plan for a science fair. Decide on a common place, date, and
time. In your planning, be sure to include the school librarian,
as the students will need to access resources.
Undoubtedly
the most difficult part for students when planning for a science
fair is choosing their topic. Perhaps the biggest mistake students
make when they do a science fair project is that they choose something
they do not like! Because these projects require a lot of effort,
they should be encouraged to choose something they are interested
in! Finally they should consult the library and the Internet to
find science fair books and project ideas.
Note:
The YSF (Youth Science Foundation) is Canada’s promoter of
Regional Science Fairs and sponsors of the Canada Wide Science Fair.
It does not allow the use of live animals in science fair displays.
Please make students aware of this fact before planning begins.
All
science fair topics should be written in the form of a question
they are trying to answer – i.e. What is the best laundry
detergent? Which metals conduct heat? How can soil erosion be prevented?,
etc. Students will require class time to research their projects,
perform their experiments, write their findings and construct their
display. Since any one of these can involve a great deal of time,
students should be reminded that much of the work will, by necessity
have to be done at home.
On
the day of the Science Fair, students should setup their display
according to a preset plan by the teachers. Other students and parents
can view the science fair displays during the daytime. Consideration
might be given to having the fair in the evening to accommodate
more parents and community members.
How
can I adapt it?
The
making of a Science Fair project promotes skills of research, writing,
organization and presentation so there can be many spin-offs / adaptations.
Consider the following:
- There
are many other possible themes for fairs besides science –
arts fairs and heritage fairs, have become quite common
-
Having younger students work on a class science project or theme
-
Having older students get involved in building a Rube Goldberg
model
Assessment
and Evaluation
Assessment
and evaluation of science fair projects can take many forms. If
the projects are to be judged, the usual criteria are: creative
ability, scientific thought, thoroughness, skill, and clarity.
Teacher
Resources
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