EARThS Science Fair Parent Informational Meeting

Who can participate? Extending learning Encourage your child to participate individually, but science fair is an optional activity. Grades K-2 can choose a model or an observation Grades 3-4 can choose a model, observation or an experiment Grade 5, choose a model or experiment, an experiment is highly recommended! For individual projects, partners are OK but recognize more time is involved due to scheduling.

How do I get an idea? It is BEST if the project you choose connects to what your child has been learning this year. (Ex. 2 nd grade studies geology, so a geology related project would extend learning) Ask your child’s teacher if you can bring home your child’s science notebook. This is a great place to get ideas! Ask your child what they most enjoyed studying this year in science and go from there.

Note: This is a checklist to help guide you and your child from the model handbook.

How can parents help? Review with your child, science topics they have studied in class (ask your teacher if they can’t remember units, especially in the younger grades) Take a lot of time talking about a topic they would like to do and what it might look like. Meet with your child during each time frame and check in with them about their progress. Ask them to share with you what they have completed. Take time to ask your child about their thinking-what have they completed? What are they going to do next? Ask your child if they need any materials or support from you along the way.

Important Notes: Notes about independent challenge: While this project is done at home, it is meant as a student discovery project. Support your child, not helping them too much. Acknowledge effort, even if the final product is not what you would do. Allow your child to take ownership for their own project. Due date: Bring projects to the physical science lab on THURSDAY 5/12, they will be on display during Open House for families and school viewing and for all students and teachers to view at the serpentine (whole school walk through) on Friday morning.

What might it look like?

Questions?? Once you and your child have decided what type of project you would like to do, please print out the appropriate handbook from the school website and take it from there. -Contact your child’s teacher for curriculum related questions or ideas -Contact for science fair related