Science Fair

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                                                                         Science Fair Tips for Parents

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Some Helpful Dos and Don’ts Here are some tips to keep your sanity, keep order in the house, and to help your would-be scientists do a really good project, and perhaps even win an award. The goal is to have your willing and exuberant involvement help your child to avoid a stressful experience and instead have an exciting learning experience.

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• DON’T do the research for your student. Let your child find the project that he/she just cannot resist doing

• DON’T do any of the work for your child, but DO give him/her guidance, encouragement, and support whenever needed.

• DON’T stress the award factor. The most important aspect of the entire exercise is discovery, excitement, and learning.

• DON’T let your child do a project that uses dangerous chemicals, or is otherwise unsafe.

• DO make certain that your child allows enough time from start to finish. Six weeks is a good idea.

• DO make sure that your child follows the “scientific method”. This will include such topics as research, problem, hypothesis, experiment, and conclusion.

• DO make sure that your child has learned how to make the presentation (PRACTICE!!!)

• DO make certain that the child knows it is his/her project

• DO give your child the help they need in going to libraries, getting available computer time, making funds available for materials and the like

• DO volunteer to help with the science fair

• DO instill a sense of pride and accomplishment to your child for their efforts, but DON’T be afraid to give your child constructive criticism

• Be aware of the “perfect project” syndrome; allow yourself and your child to make mistakes

 

 

 

Repeat Your Mantra: “It’s my child’s project, not my project. It’s my child’s project, not my project…”