Elementary Science Fair Projects

Entering an elementary science fair project into a competition involves more than just completing a fun science experiment. The student needs to have an informative and eye-catching display along with presentation and interview skills.

Demonstrations help students explain fair projects.

Elements of quality kids science projects include not only conducting an original experiment, but also imparting the information learned to the judges and public in an exhibit. Most science fairs establish guidelines for creating the display, and children, parents and teachers should familiarize themselves with the rules.

Students usually follow the scientific method when conducting experiments and often have a record of their discoveries. Include journals, photographs and videos in an exhibit that combines low tech and high tech displays.

A simple way to present projects is to make a large tri-fold display board. Get discarded cardboard from a local retailer company, about the size of a refrigerator. Use one long side, and fold it into thirds. Cover with rolled poster paper (available at office supply companies and school supply companies). Use stencils to cut out letters of the project title, pasting them onto the top of the board. Then, add large matted photographs, outlines, and diagrams to the board that represent the project from start to finish.

Some projects lend themselves to the creation of three-dimensional models that help demonstrate components of the project. For example, some students may want to build a roller coaster or create a solar system craft project to illustrate particular points in their projects.

A tape player and/or DVD/VCR cart can be set up with any audio and visual components. Edit and cue the tape(s) to the correct spot before the science fair begins.

Computer technology lends itself to science fair projects easily. Elementary students often have enough computer knowledge to create slideshows, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations or even short animated illustrations of their project. Projects that involve the Internet or computers themselves should include computer technology in the exhibits.

If possible, have a working model of any robotic or mechanical science project available for judges and guests to view. A chemical or electrical project should also have a working model or experiment available for demonstration. Projects that make it impossible to have a working demonstration on hand (due to expense, space constraints or safety reasons) should have as many parts of the project on hand as possible.

Elementary school science projects at fairs often include a communications and English component, too. After all, children need to discuss their project not only with the judges, but also with visitors and other contestants. It is imperative they understand their project hypothesis, project steps/experiment instructions, how and why it did (or did not) work, and the conclusions reached after the project was completed.

Young elementary students (below grade two, usually), should pick easy science projects for the fair that does not involve a lot of parental oversight. After all, they need to understand and explain what they are doing. Older students will have a broader and deeper understanding of complex scientific subjects, making it easier for them to choose a project that is more difficult.

In addition to a question and answer session with judges and a general meet and greet time with the public, students at some fairs may need to give a formal presentation. The presentation should cover:

• What sparked the child’s interest in the particular area of science
• Original hypothesis regarding the elementary science fair project
• How the experiment or project was conducted (materials used, steps taken each day or hour to reach the conclusion)
• Whether the student modified his/her original theories regarding the project as it progressed
• Conclusions regarding the results of the project

Elementary students should attempt to memorize as much of their presentation as possible, although the youngest students may have difficulty. Referring to index cards or an outline is usually acceptable at a science fair, although kids should check the rules to be sure.

Elementary science projects take on an exciting meaning if kids know they will be entering a science fair. A little extra time spent on the exhibit and presentation will put the finishing touch on any project, from tornado experiments for kids to science fair organic vs. non-organic projects.

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