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.