Planning a Homeschool Science Fair
Guide for Displaying Kids Science Projects and Organizing Exhibits
A science fair is a great way to get children interested in science, to teach the elements of the scientific method, as well as a way for them to display their science projects and experiments in a social setting. Participating in a group project, and creating a display and receiving a certificate can be important things to include in a homeschool portfolio. Here’s how to plan such an event.
Science Fair Display
The most common way to display science projects at a science fair is by using a display board. These can be purchased at any office supply store or superstore and offer three upright panels on a sturdy base.
Difference Between Science Projects and Science Experiments
Science projects generally seek to display or explain a scientific principle or law. For example, a science project entitled “Growth of a Seed” might show diagrams, photographs or real-life examples of different stages in the growth of a seed. Similarly, “The Metamorphosis Of a Butterfly” could be displayed as a science project, as could a researched biography on the life and times of Marie Curie or a report on vaccine preservatives or a homemade model of a volcano.
Science experiments serve to find the answer to a question, based upon a hypothesis. For example; “Which commercial weed killer kills a dandelion faster?” Or perhaps “Can you really burn an ant with a magnifying glass?” would both be suitable experiments to display at a science fair.
Homeschool Science Fair
If you’re planning a science fair for your local homeschool support group you’ll need to notify the group members several months before the event. Some families might need to tailor their science lessons to prepare the children for participation. Making a display board and choosing a topic to highlight can take time and you’re more likely to have participants if they’ve had time to prepare.
Ask families to sign up a few months in advance so you can be prepared to accommodate each entry. Consider charging a nominal fee to each participant to cover the expense of snacks, certificates or ribbons, room rental or cleaning, and table rental.
Secure a location with plenty of room for banquet tables. Many churches have banquet tables available with the room rental. You should be able to fit two displays easily on each table. Allow children the opportunity to set up their display the night before the event and offer a light snack to the families who attend. Encourage the children to invite their grandparents or friends. Ask for volunteers to help clean up.
Public Display
With the consent of your support group and participating families, consider inviting a newspaper reporter to cover the event or inviting the public to attend. Homeschooling is becoming more and more popular and a science fair is an event many people can relate to. Potential homeschooling families are often comforted and encouraged when they see that their community is supportive of home education and that the children aren't suffering from a lack of socialization.
Plan a Homeschool Science Fair
Volunteer to plan a local homeschool science fair, or encourage your homeschool support group to sponsor an event. It's a great experience for children and families. Using display board to show off the year's best science lessons, experiments and science projects makes for some unforgettable fun. Public displays of homeschool science lessons are good ways to educate the public about the benefits of homeschooling and give children opportunities to get feedback from a wider circle.
