The Display

The last step in the science project is creating the display for the fair. So why am I addressing it so early? Well, because if you are like me, this pulling-it-all-together step is the most daunting.

After all, we do science projects with our kids all the time. Whether it is out back in the yard looking at funny bugs or visiting a museum on Saturday, we are two steps away from a collection or an experiment or a display-type project. Those steps are documentation and layout, and those can be a big hurdle if you, like me, have difficulty with closure.

So lets make it easy:

1. Get some custom made tri-fold displays from a hobby store or an office supplies store. Get a few, because they come in handy. Get them early because they run out.
   
2. Review the rules for the type of project you are making.
3. Ensure you have documented all the elements for the type of science fair project your child is doing.
   
4. Glue the documentation to the tri-fold.
5. Submit!

Now a special note to all you scrapbookers out there: I know you have all sorts of color-coordinated papers and stickers and cut-outs and stamps and fancy little scissors just dying to jump out of your scrapbooking boxes and get to work. My advice: Restraint.

Let your kids do this part. Help and advice? Sure. A tasteful background for the photos? Certainly. Some of those adorable little punch-out letters? Of course. I'm not trying to be a monster here. But when you start to send little Timmy and Suzy off to play while you give those displays the treatment they really deserve, stop, take a deep breath and back off. Lay down with a wet washcloth over your eyes until the urge passes.

Even in kindergarten, it is amazing how much the child can do on his own. Let them.

The Presentation

One big difference between the school and regional science fair is that at the school science fair, the students present their projects to the class and to the judges. Your child will spend several minutes telling about their projects. Then the judges will ask a few questions about the project.

I like the presentations. It gives the teacher and the judges a better feel for how well the student knows the project, and whether the student or the student's parent did most of the work. It is also a lot of fun for the class as a whole, and most students enjoy being in the limelight, especially in front of actual, genuine, real-life scientists!

On the other hand some students who are very intelligent and science-oriented may be a little shy about getting up in front of the class, and may not present as well as some of their more extroverted classmates.

If the presentation is something that might challenge your student, prepare in advance. Look for some practice audiences. A family gathering is a good chance to trot out the project and let your child get some practice. Youth groups also are a good opportunity. At our Cub Scout meetings, we have show-and-tell, and other youth groups might have something similar. Perhaps you can get together with some other parents and organize a practice presentation session beforehand, or ask your student's teacher for a little extra help in this area.

October -- A Great Time to Get Started on the Science Project!

October is a great time to get started on a science project!

• There is still enough heat and sunlight to do solar based projects.
• Here in the great state of Texas, it is not too late to do plant-oriented science projects. You can get some gardening and a science project done!
• There is still plenty of time to consider different ideas to come up with that ideal project.
  
• Your child can go through several iterations of an experiment. You may find you could have done the experiment in a different, more interesting way. You may find the original idea was too ambitious or just plain no fun.
  
• There is no pressure. Lots of kids, if left alone, will naturally investigate and experiment. Those same kids, if pressured to come up with a topic will draw a blank.
• Halloween is a great science-oriented holiday, with things that glow in the dark, creepy-crawlies, things that fog and steam and lots of yummy candy to play with.
• It is before the holidays, so you can avoid the rush.
  

Events Weekend of October 6-7

This weekend, two notable events have some good science fair potential:

• The Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo is great for naturalists. It is down south by the airport, not far away, and has lots of good activities for the junior naturalist. If your child likes collecting critters, plants, or bugs, this is an invaluable resource. Even if you cannot make the expo, check out the learning resources, including the Young Naturalist series of on-line guides.
• The Austin Area Rocket Group has a launch on the first Saturday of every month. Contact them ahead of time for place and activities.