Are your children signing up for the science fair this year? Have you begun the arduous task of looking for science fair projects that might pique your child’s interest? Or do you have a child who already has ten ideas they have been dying to try?
The science fair is a great school tradition and a memorable experience for many children (I still remember the life size plaster penguin I made in 5th grade), and if your school doesn’t conduct one, consider starting it!
Rainbow Rubber Eggs Instructions in Project #9
This year if you are on the lookout for science fair projects I challenge you to think beyond the vinegar volcano (we have “Volcano Alley” at our school because there are so many volcano projects every year). I know, vinegar volcanoes are like a rite of childhood passage, but there are so many other amazing science ideas out there! I have compiled a list of 30+ science fair projects for kids based on their grade level below. Before we get started I wanted to share some tips for getting the most out of the science fair.
Science Fair Tips
- Don’t do the project for your child! This is my number one tip. Many parents have a tendency to jump in and make children’s work “more presentable” or to assist their child so much in the project that it’s hard to know who actually did it. Listen I get it, science is fun and you want your child to have a wonderful presentation…but that’s not really what the science fair is about. It’s about your child learning how to do scientific research and present their findings in their own way. Think of yourself as a helpful guide NOT an assistant, and definitely not the boss.
- Choose something age appropriate When your child is choosing the science fair idea they want to try, make sure it’s age appropriate. Sure we’d all love to make a working robot but there’s nothing more frustrating than trying a project that may be too advanced for the skills of your child. And that’s when a lot of parents resort to doing the project instead. Not a good solution. So make sure your child is capable of completing the steps them self.
- Make a list of three ideas Have your child select three project ideas and then go over the choices with them. Make sure they understand the steps involved in each project and wether or not they feel comfortable in executing those steps on their own with your guidance.
- Follow your child’s interests Encourage your children to explore some ideas based on interests they already have. Here’s a list of science books with projects based on things your child already loves!
- STEAM it up! STEAM projects rock the science fair!!! A great way to get kids to become more familiar with STEAM concepts it to pick science projects that crossover into art, math, engineering and more! Our STEAM Kids ebook will get you started with some great ideas!
