A. The purpose of the science fair is to promote and encourage students to experience and embrace science, scientific thinking and the scientific method in their day to day lives. The principles they learn through active participation will be valuable to them regardless of the profession chosen later in life.
Schools regularly encourage sports and arts activities but science is often neglected as an area to encourage kids in as well. In this modern age, science pervades every aspect of our life from the food we are served at the supermarket to the safety of the automobiles we drive. A good understanding of basic scientific principles is required to permit rational decisions at the personal as well as the societal level.
Finally, middle school curriculum and academics are markedly different from elementary schools. This is a time when there is droff in interest in science and math as the pace of instruction increases. The science fair hopes to make science more accessible to children through the example of what their peers are able do with a little curiosity, the right questions and a little science.
Through participation, children experience enhanced self-esteem, increased interest in science inquiry and hands-on learning (different modality of learning). They develop skills in writing, oral presentation, creative thinking and problem solving. They learn to take responsibility for a project conducted over weeks or months and how to communicate their results to their peers and adults through writing and speaking.
A. Relax. The best projects are ones that ask simple but interesting and relevant questions, apply ingenuity and a minimum of gadgetry. Award winning projects have been completed for under $10 and with existing resources at home and school. To ensure that no one is left behind, the organizing committee and the science teachers are available to assist anyone who believes they need help in this area.
A. Relax. First, the level of inquiry and projects should be appropriate to the child’s age and their middle school science curriculum. Second, the science teachers anchor the process by providing guidance and counseling in the classroom. Third, use the resources on this web site or pick up a book at the library and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll get over your fears. Finally, the organizing team will host a couple of clinics where kids or parents can come and brainstorm or seek advice on their projects. The team is also working with the JLS staff and counselors to ensure that any kids who need an extra hand will receive it. Consider encouraging your kids by showing an interest in their projects.
A. Phew. Glad to hear that you have an opinion. Please consider joining the organizing team and working to improve this event. Here is the outline of our philosophy for awards:
· We recognize that to achieve the goal of popularizing science and making it accessible, we need the broadest possible outreach and encouragement to students that participate. The specific awards, the amounts and how many kids we can include varies because of budget constraints.
o Every kid participating in the fair receives recognition of the effort they put in. Typically, this includes a certificate and ribbon. It may also include a certificate for ice-cream at a local store.
o A significant percentage of the kids (e.g. the best 10%) will receive additional recognition and awards (typically a medal and a gift certificate redeemable towards a science related pursuit).
· We understand the concerns about differentiated recognition. Middle school kids receive grades in school, awards, selection and recognition for activities ranging from music to sports and arts. The Science Fair is no different in recognizing all participants and highlighting the best projects.
· In addition to the material gifts and certificates, there are opportunities for recognition at a peer level (through yearbook photos, class announcements, school assemblies) and community level (local newspapers). In 2003, we will also have a featured speaker at school after the fair to which all kids are invited. The winners of the fair will have lunch with the speaker.
· We wish we could do more but this is a volunteer led activity. If your company is interested in sponsor the fair or you can help in some way with science related speakers, please contact the organizing team.