Getting elementary students to independently participate in a science fair project can be a daunting task. I have found that for my students to be able to independently complete a project, they must have a clear grasp of what is expected of them and clear guidelines to help them along the way. In addition to small group and whole group experiments, I developed a management system that has worked for years. I start with breaking the project down into smaller tasks and require them to work on it every week. This prevents that last minute rush of getting it done the weekend before. I give my students a timeline of when assignments are due and I have something due every week. I color code the forms, staple them in reverse order of use to the timeline sheet and students have an easier time remembering what is due this way. I have put together a science fair booklet that includes an experiment from the beginning to end, showing all the parts explained. There is a slide show that goes along with the booklet so you can review with the students the entire process. I also have included a tracking sheet for grading as well as a form that can be used for judging or grading. I have found giving the students due dates of individual parts has really helped them stay on track. I have been able to conference with my students each week with their log book and guide them along. I know which students are getting help and which are not. Even though the students are allowed to seek parental guidance, some do not have the same guidance available. This has been so successful in my third grade class that my principal had all the teachers in grades three through five use the booklet, timeline and forms. I have put everything together in a pack for sale at
Teachers Pay Teachers.
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| Science Fair Management |
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| Science Fair Handbook |
