It’s science fair season! And everyone hates it. Right? Of course not. If you’re reading this, you are probably a Science Fair Believer. And you’re not alone!
Reasons Science Fair is good for kids
- They will practice science process skills – asking questions, carrying out investigations, analyzing data, using math, constructing explanations, engaging in argument, and communicating information.
- They will investigate something that interests them.
- They will practice critical thinking.
- Some kids love science fair. It’s their chance to shine. Don’t forget that.
- Individual projects can be differentiated to suit different learning styles.
- They will practice writing.
- They will practice speaking as an authority.
- They will hit roadblocks, iterate solution, ask for help, fail sometimes, and recover with your guidance.
- They will observe for themselves a little bit of how the world works.
The very best resource for all facets of Science Fair – for teachers, students, and parents – is a website called Science Buddies.
I discovered Science Buddies in 2008 when I ended up running our school’s science fair in my first year as a middle school teacher, and guiding about 100 students through their own projects. Science Buddies saved my sanity that year. It has only gotten better since then.
Top 7 Best Science Buddies Resources:
- Topic Selection Wizard. A science fair personality test to help you get started.
- These graphics on the Scientific Method and the related but different Engineering Design Process.
- This explanation of Variables and how defining them up front is critical for the rest of the process. There’s also Variables for Beginners.
- This comprehensive guide to Display Boards, including things to consider about your particular rules.
- Grading rubrics and other teacher resources.
- Judging scorecards, including a Basic Judging Scorecard for beginners, and other resources for science fair planners.
- A store! It’s totally okay to use a kit for science fair, especially if the student isn’t particularly interested in winning awards at a high level, which is a lot of kids. Plus, the store lets you financially support the rest of the website, which is free and always has been.
Check out Science Buddies, especially if you are new at teaching or planning science fair.