Do you really have to do a science fair project? - Science Fair Session, part 1 {Episode 47}

Few things strike fear into the hearts of parents like the science fair project. And I believe that the fear is rooted in a lack of knowing how to approach a science fair project – after all it seems like a huge assignment to complete. But if you break it down into simple steps the task becomes much more manageable.

So, in our next conference session, I aim to ease your fears and remove those doubts surrounding the science fair project by sharing the eight steps my husband and I have developed to help you complete a science fair project. In today’s episode, we’ll listen to the reasons for doing a science fair project and find out the first two steps.

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Highlights

Why should you do a science fair project?

• The science fair project is the best way for our students to practice the scientific method from start to finish.

When should you do a science fair project?

• I recommend beginning to do a science fair project with your students once they are in 5th grade.

The Scientific Method:

• Step 1: Ask a Question
• Step 2: Research the Topic
• Step 3: Formulate a Hypothesis
• Step 4: Test with Experimentation
• Step 5: Record and Analyze Data
• Step 6: Draw Conclusions 

The first step of the science fair project is to choose a topic. You can help your students to do this by guiding them to:

• Decide on an area of science.
• Develop several questions about the area of science.
• Choose a question to be the topic.

The second step of the science fair project is to do some research. You can help your students to do this by guiding them to:

• Brainstorm for research categories.
• Research these categories.
• Organize the information.
• Write a brief report.

Takeaway Tidbits

The science fair project is the best way for our students to practice the scientific method from start to finish. (Pin this Tidbit)

The scientific method trains the brain to examine and observe before making a statement of fact. (Pin this Tidbit)

I recommend doing a science fair project with your students once they are in 5th grade. (Pin this Tidbit)

Additional Resources 

See the full conference session - Eliminate your fears and doubts surrounding a science fair project.

Check out the following articles for more tips to help with your science fair project:

•  A Simple Explanation of the Steps of the Scientific Method
• The Science Fair Project Selection Wizard
• The Index Card System

Or get the full book - The Science Fair Project: A Step-by-Step Guide.