Glue sticks? Baking soda and vinegar? Late-night run to the drug store for a forgotten poster board? It must be science fair season! Pro tip – save yourself that emergency trip to the store by keeping a couple of trifold boards on hand. They will be used! Science fairs are just getting started in the elementary years, and young students aren’t always the best at communicating deadlines.
Science fairs offer exciting opportunities for students to explore science concepts through hands-on experiments and share their findings. With roots dating back to 1928, science fairs have long promoted the study and pursuit of science for children. Nearly one hundred years later, science fairs are still a great way for scientists of all ages to research new topics and share scientific knowledge in a community setting. Science4Us is designed to introduce the youngest learners to critical foundational science topics and skills, preparing them for elementary science fair experiments and future science classes.
What are the benefits of science fairs?
Roughly 10 million students participate in science fairs annually in the United States. These projects provide students with powerful learning opportunities to combine science, math, language arts, critical thinking, engineering, and communication skills as they explore a topic of interest. Science fairs promote active learning, science literacy, increased confidence, and curiosity. For older students, science fairs also set the stage for advanced research skills they will encounter at the university level and beyond.
As students research and prepare for a science fair, they naturally engage with science and engineering practices aligned with state standards and NGSS. Science fairs allow students to conduct research and learn how to cite online and in-person sources using books, documents, and the Internet. These fairs also let students activate prior knowledge and get hands-on with experiments to record and observe phenomena.
What are common obstacles to science fairs?
Whether at the state, regional, or school level, science fairs have become a tradition in many communities. But for many students — and their parents — science fairs can be overwhelming. A science fair entry involves selecting a topic, gathering materials, finding time to perform a long-term experiment, and organizing information in a clear format. Without a clear understanding of the scientific process, students can be confused about the best place to start. As a result, a science fair project can become a parent-led endeavor instead of a student-driven presentation, which causes frustration for both parties. Not to mention, teachers can tell right away which elementary science fair projects were created by adults!
Planning and executing the experiments is eye-opening, especially for first-timers. It can also feel like the obstacles continue to mount as the process moves along. Time constraints, a lack of resources, and costs enter the picture early and quickly become blockers that become opportunities to use problem-solving skills. Parents – with the help of teachers who have been through this before! – realize that exploration and discovery are the most important parts.
Science projects for elementary students should be fun and engaging. Don’t get discouraged. There’s no stress required to foster a love of science and critical thinking!
Tips for elementary science fair success
How can teachers and parents help students have a successful science fair experience? Teachers can ensure students are familiar with the scientific method. The process will not be overwhelming or intimidating if hands-on classroom activities follow the structure that students must follow for the science fair. Parents and teachers can guide students to select age-appropriate projects and help them plan how to explore their ideas, collect data, and present their results. Don’t stress over the project choices. Easy science fair projects still provide critical learning opportunities.
Preparation is key – remember the trifold board tip. Start early with planning to alleviate any last-minute panicked moments. Develop a timeline for performing the actual experiment and designing the presentation that fits the family calendar. Make a list and shop for all necessary supplies. Will the experiment require safety gear like gloves or glasses? Are any of the items non-perishable? What else?
- Gather and store all materials in one space.
- Plan when, where, and how the experiment will take place. Young learners will need assistance, so plan for that, too.
- Write and organize presentation notes.
- Ask questions to help the student work through the process as independently as possible. Don’t provide answers – let discovery happen!
- Model the process of collecting data, but make sure the student has ownership of the task.
- Encourage students to use notecards and rehearse their science fair findings for confidence in the presentation.
Choosing a science fair project
What makes a good science fair project? The first thing to consider when choosing from the multitude of STEM science fair ideas is interest. It’s also important to consider possibilities and limitations.
For example, a student living in a land-locked area may not be able to perform an experiment that involves ocean water. There should be a clear question and a well-developed experiment. The presentation should have a visually appealing board and an enthusiastic discussion about the results.
Common projects can be simple or complicated. Categories range from environmental science to chemistry and biology. Popular ones include the baking soda volcano, the lemon or potato battery, and the tornado in a jar. Some students love to get their hands dirty with soil experiments.
Breaking down the science fair project process
Science fair projects aren’t intended to cause strife throughout the household. Remember that it’s a learning opportunity to work together! A positive experience in the early years sets the stage for all of the science fair projects to come.
1. Choose a topic- When the topic is something students genuinely want to learn, the process instantly becomes fun and engaging.
2. Ask a question- This should guide the experiment.
3. Plan and conduct an experiment- For young students, this requires supervision. There’s no need to do it for the learner – simply be there to assist as needed.
4. Analyze results- Refer back to the question and draw conclusions based on the data.
5. Communicate and present findings- This is when the notecards and trifold board become critical! Make sure all of the information is in the right place to make the presentation as easy as possible.
Support science fair projects with Science4Us
Even the littlest learners can participate in the science fair fun! Science4Us gives K-2 students a head-start in STEM with literacy-infused modules covering Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. Explore these elementary science fair experiments that align with Science4Us curriculum. Science4Us makes choosing and doing science fair projects easy because the content is delivered through age-appropriate lessons that bring young students into the learning process.
Early STEM knowledge is key to ongoing science achievement for science fairs and beyond. With evidence-based outcomes, Science4Us builds the foundation K-2 kids need for success. Lessons in physical science, life science, earth and space science, and inquiry science focus on everyday science topics and phenomena that spark students’ curiosity about the world around them.
In My Estimation
Help students hone their estimation skills using a small selection of objects of various sizes and a ruler.
Connection Point: Inquiry Science
Leaves in the Dark
What happens to leaves if they don't receive sunlight? The procedure plan provides questions for students to ask as they explore.
Connection Point: Life Science
Quick Changing Water
Will water evaporate faster in the sun or the shade? You just need a stopwatch, measuring cup, small drinking cups, water, paper, and pencil to find out.
Connection Point: Physical Science
Water Beats Rock
If a rock is placed in moving water, will it break down or weather faster? Follow the procedure and discover if something as simple as water is capable of breaking down rock.
Connection Point: Earth Science
Ready to bring inquiry and discovery to your classroom? Science4Us gives you the tools and training you need to excite your students about science. Experience the power of Science4Us in your classroom today with a 30-day trial.