What are the qualities great science fair projects?
Great science fair projects might not be what you think……
When you walk around a science fair whether elementary or middle school level there is always are variety of projects, some are pretty typical that you see all the time, some use a different twist and others seem to be really cool. But what are the really great science fair projects?
They are not always the biggest and snazziest, the great ones also have other qualities. It is easy for kids and their parents to get sidetracked at a science fair by the biggest displays, the fanciest demonstrations, and all the extra trimmings. Sometimes those projects are done with the goal to impress, and not to learn! You absolutely want your science fair project to look great and be interesting, but you also cannot forget the point is to learn something interesting about science.
I should mention here, we are not talking about a demonstration science fair project, those are usually more classroom events. A demonstration project is supposed to wow the crowd, and teach you something at the same time. We are talking about the types of projects typically seen at a science fair which are investigations that use an experiment , are collections or possibly where you build a model.
Great science fair projects for elementary and middle school students…
random order 
…are easy to read display boards, poster
…clearly teach you a concept of science
…make an adult say, I never knew that
…are not visually overwhelming with too many words, colors and designs
…follow the directions exactly
…include all the elements in the display
…are ones the kids can easily explain what they did to you
…have charts and graphs for experiments
…have pictures or the actual items for collections…do not have the parent polished look
…is something the child wants to take home
…involve observations about every day life
…do not deal with obscure science concepts adults don’t understand
…deal with stuff the kids like and are interested in
…are handed in and set up on time
You can see that the idea behind great science fair projects is just as much about what they go through to learn about it, that it is about the kids, and following the plan the teacher set up. It is true the final display can make or break a project, but to be truly great the kids need to be excited about the project and something they do themselves.
Grab your free copy of “The Non-Scientist Parents’ Guide to a Science Project” here!
I found a resource that in my eyes are really great science fair projects that are kid tested and teacher approved, many of which can be completed in as little as one day!
Use this link : 5 great science fair projects
