Science Fair Projects: Parents Do’s & Don’t

Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do Be Positive. If you hated science when you were in school, now is not the time to discuss it. It takes time to design, develop, and prepare a display for a science fair project. So, it’s important to start on a positive note.

2. Don’t help too much. Remember that this is your child’s project and he or she needs to do the work. Don’t take over the project because you think you can make it look better. Keep in mind that you are a guide, not a partner in the project.

3. Do give clues. Instead of supplying all the answers, give clues so that your child finds the answers.

4. Do set boundaries. This means you are to guide your child without giving all the answers. For example, some children have so many ideas that it is hard for them to pick one topic. Other children don’t have a clue. You know your child, so gently direct him or her to ideas that will be interesting.
5. Do keep your child focused. Again, you know your child better than anyone. Remember to be positive as you gently nudge him or her to keep focused. Once the experiment has been set up, some children may forget to make observations on time. What kind of reminders works best with your child? A note on the frig? Maybe a scheduled time when the two of you will make observations together. Remember that you observe but don’t give answers. You could ask questions, such as “Does it look any different today?” or “How much bigger is it today?” This leads to measuring and recording observations. 

6. Do plan your time. Science fair projects have a bad name because too many kids wait until the last minute. Be wise and don’t let time “fly by.” During the planning of the project make a schedule that gives ample time for each part of the project. Know the due dates for each part of the project. Some teachers require that progress reports be turned in at different times. Know what is due and when. Help by reminding your child of due dates.

7. Do make notes. If this is your first experience with a science fair project, it most likely will not be your last.
You may wish to keep a binder with your own Do’s and Don’ts in it. But a small note book will be handy to keep notes in. You can put these in the binder late. Make note of the best sources of information as well as about things that did and didn’t work. This information can be shared with other parents as well as the organizers of the science fair. 

8. Do Have Fun! This is an opportunity for you and your child to spend quality time together–sharing ideas and learning science.