Science Fairs: Why and How? (continued)

Read here Norm Brooks' suggestion for an approach to judging, and a student generated Science Project Rubric.

Must projects follow the "Scientific Method"?

Many teachers use a traditional scientific method approach. It should be made clear to students that working scientists do not always follow such a rigid sequence of steps. On the other hand, for a project of this type, the students should clearly state their question, hypothesis, materials and procedure, present their results and a conclusion summarizing their findings. See the Web Resources below for a variety of models you might wish to use.

How does this relate to an Inquiry approach?

For me, this is the big question. I want my students to develop their curiousity, and their skill at developing and answering their own questions. If the science fair won't serve that goal, I do not have time for it! I see the science fair project as a chance for students to work more independently on the same kinds of investigations we have been doing in class. We have been learning to pose questions, to collect data, and to write conclusions that explain our results. I see the science fair as a chance for them to apply these skills. I hope we can add a more student-centered component to the District Science Fair, featuring students sharing their results with each other, rather than just creating a display as an end product.

Science Fair Web Links

Science Projects: Who Judges? (by Norman Brooks and A. Cody)

Science Fair Resource Guide: Very well organized reference, including how-to information, and lots of assistance for students.

T.S. King Middle School's Big Science Fair page: Resources for both teachers and students.

Science Fairs Home Page: Project ideas organized by grade level.

Cyberspace Middle School Science Fair 95 Ideas and tips on science fair projects.