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Science Fair Guide
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Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

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PART 1: RESOURCES
FOR

TEACHERS

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SCIENCE FAIR GUIDE

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PART 1: RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

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Hands-on Science
The most obvious goal of a science project is to extend a student’s understanding of science. Science is hands-on by nature, and there is no doubt that hands-on experiencesfacilitate the learning process. The scientific method allows scientists to collect and analyze data in a strategic and unified manner. When students use the scientific method to design and execute a project, they use the same steps professional researchers use to gather new information. Building Scientific Confidence More importantly, science projects make science more fun and relevant to thestudent. Every student, regardless of aptitude, can benefit from planning and executing an inquiry-based science project. A science project can be a great way to spark a student’s interest in science or to help a student develop a broader interest in research.

Philosophy of Science Fairs
Science fairs range in scale from a single class of students sharing their projects to an international eventoffering scholarship money as prizes. From the largest science fair to the smallest, science fairs generally share a common philosophy and similar values: • emphasis on using the scientific method • investigation by experimentation (inquiry-based learning) • development of critical thinking skills • opportunity for a positive learning experience • extension of formal science education

While ascience project is entirely the product of a student’s ingenuity and work, motivation from teachers and parents is invaluable. The Science Fair Guide leads teachers, parents, and students through the process of developing a science project. What’s in This Guide Using the scientific method, this guide divides the science project into five phases: • Phase 1: Generating an Idea • Phase 2: Research andPlanning • Phase 3: Data Collection and Analysis • Phase 4: Writing a Report • Phase 5: Creating and Exhibiting a Display For each phase, you will find a set of management tips for teachers, an instruction worksheet for students, and a handout encouraging parental involvement. This guide also provides three progress reports, allowing each participant—the teacher, the student, and the

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HOLTSCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

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PART 1: RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

parents—to monitor the student’s work. Also included are sample timelines, rubrics, and safety guidelines. For additional resources on ideas and equipment, see pp. 28–29. Rules, Rules, Rules Often a school will conduct its own sciencefair. The winners of the school science fair may enter a citywide science fair, and the winners of a citywide science fair may enter a regional science fair. Before assigning the project, consider whether your students should prepare their science project to meet the requirements of subsequent science fairs. Regulations vary from science fair to science fair and even from year to year, so it isessential to contact the science fair sponsors for current listing of rules and regulations. Some science fairs have registration fees and cutoff dates, lists of materials that students are not permitted to use, and requirements for reports and displays. It is extremely important to be prepared with the necessary information before assigning a science project.

Before you begin Phase 1,...