Homemade volcanos, paper, and wire hanger solar systems – it’s Science Fair time! Preparing a project for the science fair is a great way to spend quality time with your child, while helping them learn something new and gain independence as they complete the project. Science fair projects are a great way for children to learn about the world and for fathers to help their children learn. Instead of memorizing facts and figures, science fair projects allow students a hands-on way to understand the scientific method and conduct independent research, which will continue to help them, both in and out of school, for years to come. Here are some resources to help your child get started with their science fair project.
Tips & Best Practices
- Explore resources including project ideas, project guides, ask an expert, and science careers. The nonprofit Science Buddies provides quick, free, and easy ideas on science fair project ideas, resources, and help in all areas of science, from physics to food science and meteorology to microbiology. There are sections for parents and students.
- Engage students and help them prepare for future careers.The Home Depot and Discovery Education have joined forces to help Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM)-power classrooms and homes across the country as students prepare for the careers of tomorrow. Resources include project ideas, project steps, and presentation tips.
- Learn of opportunities to turn your backyard into a science laboratory. DragonflyTV presents real-life science investigations featuring everyday kids exploring their own science and engineering questions. As they tell their own stories, they communicate the infectious excitement that comes with making their own discoveries. DragonflyTV engages children, parents and educators in accessible, relatable activities. By modeling and celebrating children’s science capabilities, DragonflyTV shows that if kids can dream it, they can do it!
- Explore more science fair project ideas. This site includes a vast collection of science fair project ideas written by science teachers, professional scientists, and educational consultants on popular science fair topics ranging from physics and chemistry to biology and even sociology. There are free science fair project ideas suitable for every grade level, be it preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school.
I have treasured memories of my son as a little tot, but I also remember those teen years when it often felt like he was tuning me out. Even though these years can be challenging, Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent’s Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration points to the desire that sometimes goes unspoken from many teens not only to be heard but also to be given advice.
FAQS
How do I help my child choose a science fair project?
You can help by working with your child to brainstorm and discover something they really want to learn more about. Science Buddies has a Topic Selection Wizard that dads can help their child use in selecting a project.
How does participating in a science fair help my child?
The goal of a science fair project is to give students the opportunity to apply the scientific process to a topic of their choice. Learning that a hypothesis was incorrect is still learning something new. Participating in a science fair also helps children develop an interest in science and learning how to figure out how things work!
How much should I help my child with their science fair project?
It’s important for children to feel that it is their own science fair project. Help your child come up with ideas for their project but let them make their own decisions. Provide encouragement and guidance throughout the project, but do not do the work for them. Find more tips to help your child with a project.
