Each year, there are many homeschool co-ops and one day academies that host science fairs. This can be scary or fun depending on the approach you take while guiding your child through the process. We prefer to take the fun way.
I’ve heard parents say over and over that their children simply aren’t fond of science. I beg to differ. Science encompasses so much that simply “not being fond of it” would mean that the child isn’t fond of anything. We certainly know that nothing could be further from the truth. It is all about how you teach science to the child. Participating in a science fair is a good place to start.
(Note: If you are a parent who uses reality discipline to guide your child and you have chosen to give the child the choice of participating or not, may I suggest that if the child chooses not to participate in the actual science fair that you still require the child to put together a project. This is an extremely beneficial activity to increase your child’s interest in all things science.)
Let’s take a look at the most used categories in science fairs:
- Anatomy
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Natural History
- Physics
- Physiology
- Zoology
Does your child know that building a K’nex bridge uses mathematics and could very well be the basis for a science project? Does your little girl know that her favorite necklace contains rocks that could be explored in further detail in a geology project? Does your little boy know that you can power a small tin-foil boat using only water and soap? Seems that would make chemistry look a bit different to a child, wouldn’t it?
The best science projects are the result of a process to answer a question as to “why” something is as it is such as:
Do plants always grow towards sunlight?
Does everything that goes up really come back down?
Does something make a sound if no one is present to hear it?
The options are endless for topics to choose from.
Some recommended books that give you ideas are:
Championship Science Fair Projects: 100 Sure-to-Win Experiments
More Award-Winning Science Fair Projects
The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! (Everything Kids Series)
Once a question or topic has been chosen it is time to prepare the presentation. You should now conduct an experiment to answer the question and research any information relative to the experiment. Understanding the background information will help your child to form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a mere assumption or guess as to what the outcome of the experiment will be. The main purpose of the experiment is to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
The child should take notes during the experiment to record his or her observations and keep a list of all materials that were needed. These will later be used to write a report or prepare an oral presentation of the project. It would also be beneficial to take photos which can lat
er be used on the presentation board. Other ways to document your findings include video, charts, graphs or sketches.
While conducting the experiment be sure to practice good safety measures. Wear goggles, gloves and work in a ventilated area if necessary. If any form of life is used during the experiment, be sure to treat it with the utmost respect and care.
When putting the final presentation together, keep in mind the following design of a completed project:
Additional notes:
- If your child is doing a written report, be sure to proof it for spelling and grammatical errors.
- If your child is doing an oral report, be sure to encourage them to practice in front of the family before the big day.
- If your child’s project requires assembly then know that it is okay to help them as long as the thinking work is done by the child and not by you.
- If prizes are awarded and your child does not win then that’s okay. It is good for children to learn that they cannot win everything in life. They will not always be hired for every position they apply for. The best thing to do is use each experience (or experiment) as an opportunity to learn. Help them treasure that.
Congratulations Angie (mommyp4) on winning this giveaway!
Today we are giving you a chance to win a Mad Science Egg Drop kit.
This kit dares you to drop an egg without breaking it! Use creativity, knowledge, and the included pieces to design and build a protective structure for your egg. Now drop it! Did it survive the freefall and landing? Over 30 reusable pieces (including a practice egg) are included for unlimited design possibilities! Hone engineering and problem solving skills while learning about gravity, terminal velocity and more.
To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment before Friday the 23rd at 10:00pm EST!!
Married to her best friend and “main squeeze”, Amy Bayliss is a 4th year homeschooling mom to three boys. She enjoys writing about the eclectic teachings that bring a glimmer of curiosity to the eyes of her sons. In addition to being the co-owner of Heart of the Matter, she writes for Internet Cafe Devotions. Be sure to visit her blog, In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 and her family’s homeschool blog: Integrity Academy
I planned to have my six year old and five year old participate in the annual science fair this year. As you said in the beginning, this can be “scary” only because I tend to think it needs to be a big production and don’t ever know how to direct them. I’m still not sure if they will, but appreciate the suggestions and believe we may use a few in our own science studies.
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My husband and I just got custody over my 15 and 12 yo nieces about a month ago. Not long afterward, someone asked me if we were going to participate in the science fair in Feb. As much as I would enjoy seeing them participate, since they have never done a science project, I feel as though they would be rushed and it would not be complete in the few weeks we have. It seems as though your blog came at a time when I really needed it. Thank you!
Natasha’s last blog post..Gymnastics
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This looks great. Please enter me.
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I could certainly use help in the science experiment department!
Liz’s last blog post..What We’re Enjoying Lately…
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Hi, I would like to win this book to add to our school library. We are trying to grow our own library. Thanks.
gahome2mom’s last blog post..Win Archibald’s Swiss Cheese Mountain by Sylvia Lieberman
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My three kids love science! Maybe it is because I am trained in biology and my hubby is an engineer. I’d love more ideas on channelling their curiosity. Please enter me.
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I remember doing an egg drop in junior high. We got to choose from any type of materials, and my egg made it! Woohoo! Fun times
. Hope Canadians can enter!
Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family’s last blog post..Product Review: Sunkist Naturals Smoothies & Juices
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Thanks for the article. My kids love science and asking the “why” questions. They can often get the answers from a book, but projects and experiments are so much more fun and meaningful. We’d love to win the egg drop kit. My younger child is all about building stuff whil my older is about nurturing. This kit would combine their interests well.
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cool contest! my three boys love science-especially the experimenting part! we would enjoy winning this very much!!
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My 9th grade honors student in public school just did this experiment- how much fun it would be to do it at home with her 6 and 4 yo sisters? What an interesting post- and great giveaway!
gina’s last blog post..time management
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We love science at our house and my kids would really enjoy trying out the Egg Drop kit. My son is always making up his own science experiments. I recently wrote a post on my blog about our science/nature table and how that inspired my kids.
Amy’s last blog post..Homemade Stage and Puppet Theater
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This is a wonderful article and right on time. Our HS group was just putting the wheels in motion for a chance to put a science fair together for our kids. The ideas, guidelines and book suggestions are great! Thanks!!
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What a fabulous article!! We are going to be participating in our very first Science Fair this year- so thanks for all the great ideas!!
Thanks for the great giveaway- my kiddos would LOVE to win this!!
Jenn @ One House Schoolroom’s last blog post..Eleven Collection Review and Giveaway!!
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We are having a science fair/presentation with our homeschool group. This would be great!
Angie’s last blog post..More to come… I promise
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I love this comment:
“Science encompasses so much that simply “not being fond of it” would mean that the child isn’t fond of anything.”
That is so well put!
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Our co-op has done a few of these thinking type activities and I really love how it turns on the creative juice.
We will be doing a Science fair soon, so this article was very timely.
Thanks!
Robin’s last blog post..Inauguration Day
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Wow, how my kids love science. I think it’s the one class (besides Bible Study) we can really all do together (they are 13, 9, 5 and 1). THanks for the great ideas!
Blessings, KimO
http://www.redheado.etsy.com
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What an inspiring lesson you have given me today. My dd is very intuitive in find God’s science in everyday things. She longs for experiments and projects daily!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this kit. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
shan walker
grandbaskets@yahoo.com
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