Do you have a college near by? We do and we had college kids who have science related majors be the judges.We also asked them to do a break out session with interactive science stuff of their own. Our kids loved it. We didn't give out prizes but we had the college kids come up with categories of their own and we made up certificates based on those. It was nice that the judging was not done by parents or teachers.
Thanks everyone for your help. Lisa that's awesome that you posted it on facebook...thank you!! Stacie your imput is invaluable, its great to hear and learn someone elses experience!!! Since this is the first time this should be quite and experience for me!! So any and all help is appreciated. It's nice to see all of the ideas...keep em coming!!!
I organized the science fair at the elem school last year and will do it again this year. It was the 1st time for me and fortunately there was information passed down from previous years.
1st we had an assembly to get the kids excited (this was about a month prior).
We sent home 'applications' so we would know who was entering, what kind of project was being entered and to know if an outlet was needed or extra space. The app gave details as to what was allowed and what wasn't. For ex., if you have kids in the school w/ severe allergies to mold, for instance - no growing mold experiments. No fire, no volcanoes, no large containers of liquid, etc. Now, if they wanted to do those kinds of projects they could do them at home and take pic's to document and make a detailed display.
Day of judging: I had folders for ea parent volunteer with a project location (tables held two projects and were labeled 1a 1b 2a 2b, etc.), child's name, and time of review (for the kid to explain about their project). I had sample questions. There was a review sheet for each kid where the judge entered (all positive) comments (I even had a sheet of positive comments so the parents didin't draw a blank). A participation ribbon was attached to the review sheet and placed w/ the project for pick up at the end of the day. The principal also signed a participation certificate (can buy cheap at amazon) that the kids could frame, scrap, etc.
At this level - there is no 1st, 2nd, etc. place. Everyone is sharing. It was awesome.
check out steve spangler's website -and while you're there watch his videos - they are hilarious! My kids and I have done lots of his experiments at home just for fun. He will have lots of ideas.
We want to do a 6th grade science fair at our school this year. I saw the article in the PTO Today magazine that just came but I wanted to know what others do for their science fairs. What do you judge on, prizes you award, etc.
