Science fair projects can seem overwhelming for high school students as they are learning the different types of science, getting more in depth in the world of science and not wanting to produce something that is uncool to their friends. Plus, science fair projects are often the first time a teen will be working on an independent project. While all of these aspects of science fairs make the projects not easy to do, they are wonderful learning tools for high school students. Parents should be prepared to help.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Length of time given for the science project assignment.
Here's How:
- When your teen first comes home with their science fair assignment, model an appropriate response. Be excited, offer your help and use a positive attitude. Your teen will pick up on these cues and respond positively as well.
- Attend any 'help for parents' sessions your teen's teacher may have scheduled. Read all of the material about the project brought home by your teenager. Email or call the teacher with any questions you have. Write down any dates and times when parts of the project may be due into the teacher and mark them on both your and your teen's planners.
- When searching for a science fair project idea, encourage your teen to look into things that interest them as well as things they can do with supplies that are available. You can also encourage them to try a new hobby and make it part of their science fair project. Examples would be star gazing, gardening or artifact collecting.
- Spend time with your teen discussing and developing their project. Let your teen do most of the talking, help find resource material to answer questions they may have and listen for any problems that they may face, presenting it to them as a challenge rather than a hurdle.
- Help your teen make a list of all of the supplies they will need. You will also need to help your teenager gather those supplies. While many science experiments can be done with at home supplies, some require special items or equipment. Ask your teen's teacher of there is some way to get these supplies form the school or where they can be purchased.
- Protect your space. Provide your teen with ample space that they may perform their science experiments without worry of breaking or ruining something in your home.
- Give your teen time to work out the results of their experiment or project study on their own. Do not give them the answers as part of the object of their experiment is to work that out and learn.
- The day of the science fair, provide transportation for your teen's project if needed. They may also need you to help carry the project in and set it up. Follow their lead.
- Attend the science fair and take pictures. This is a proud moment for many teenagers and even if your teen still thinks science is silly, it is a fun moment to remember.
Tips:
- If you have a teen who wishes to compete in science fair competitions, by all means let them. The will gain positive learning experiences, whether or not they win.
- Be available to help when asked, but do not take-over and control their project - even if they want you to. Your teen needs to take responsibility for their assignment, not watch you do it for them.
- If their science project gets your teen interested in the sciences, get them a book to try other projects and experiments on their own.
What You Need
- Science project supplies
- Notebook or log book to record observations and research
- Presentation supplies
- Safety equipment
