The Three Types of Exhibits

A science fair project for our school can be one of three types: Collection with classification, demonstration/model/display, or experiment. This corresponds to the types for the regional science fair. Here is my take on the three types:

Collection with Classification

The collection should be somewhat science-y. A collection of leaves would be pretty good. A collection of toys, not so good. The collection must be classified according to some criteria, hopefully also scientific. Classifying leaves according to the number of lobes or what type of tree they came from is good. Classifying leaves according to which type is the prettiest is not so good.

Some people write this type off as something for a Kindergarten or First Grade student -- Sort of a starter science project. Sure, it can be simple, but a collection can also be quite sophisticated. Lots of important science types are known primarily for gathering a bunch of stuff, slapping labels on it, and putting it in a museum. Carl Linnaeus made a pretty good name for himself classifying stuff.

If you have seen the Indiana Jones movies, you know that a Collection with Classification science project could be the gateway to an exciting life of romance and adventure.

Demonstration, Model, or Display

Lots of kids like this one the best, because it basically is find something cool and show it. Again, the subject should be somewhat science oriented, and sometimes it is a bit hard to explain to junior that just because something is cool does not mean it is a good subject for a science project. A demonstration of the Carnot cycle is a good science project. A model of the liver is a good science project. A detailed diorama of the Battle of the Alamo, while undoubtedly cool, and educational, and in general a glorious beacon of inspiration to all freedom-loving peoples, is not such a good science project.

A successful demonstration/model/display requires that your child learn a lot about the subject, and can be a rewarding science project indeed.

Experiment

This one is generally considered to be the hardest type, because it requires that the student go through the process of observation, formation of hypothesis, testing of hypothesis, and so forth. Lots of parents think that this is the only type to do, and I used to agree. Not anymore. I would rather see a demonstration or collection that the student obviously did and enjoyed rather than an experiment where the parent obviously dragged the kid kicking and screaming through the whole procedure.

On the other hand, some might assume that an experiment is too sophisticated for a kindergarten or first-grade student. Not necessarily so.