Tips to prepare your child for Science fair
IF you have school going children, you’ve probably seen their excitement when it comes to extracurricular such as Spelling Bee contests and Science fairs. No doubt the projects say a lot about the hard work and research that goes into them.
Science fairs have become important, out of the class learning technique for students and many schools prefer to let their students participate in them. Not only is it refreshing to their young minds, but it's also a fun way to learn, who would mind creating a miniature volcano all on their own.
The learning aspect associated with science fairs has been the major reason why many American curriculum schools Dubai have added them to their extracurricular. All over the world, the participation in these events is encouraged by students.
IF your school goer has been excited about the science fair that he wants to participate in here’s how to help him out with a few simple tips:
Let the child choose their topic
Allowing your child to choose the topic they are interested will not only save you from nagging your child continuously in the days leading to the contest, but it will also ensure that your child works hard to get his individual project or group project right, and prepared well in time before the science fair.
Always have spares on hand
With all the supplies and equipment that's being used in the project, one thing or another is bound to break, stop working or malfunction. Be prepared for everything. Carry spares of any equipment, battery that might come in handy. Also, remember to take with your any basic supplies that you might need for your project even though the venue for the fair may be offering it, e.g. water
Carry reference material
Reference books may serve as an essential aide when it comes to projects. Just in case the judges inquire about them, your child should be carrying and well versed about each of the references and their works.
Read complete requirements beforehand
Science fair notifications come with rules and regulations and a complete set of requirements and guidelines. Make sure that you read through each of these and then reread them just in case, you might have missed something. To prevent disqualification at later stages make sure you follow these guidelines to the last bit.
You don’t want your child’s effort to have gone to waste just because you forgot to read the guidelines carefully!
Good behavior is essential
Before your kid sets out for the fair, make sure you explain to them the type and the importance of behavior that is expected at science fairs. Children should know not to touch other people’s projects, how to accept awards, how to congratulate other winners, how to behave if they don’t win and all relevant situations.
Remind them that it is a friendly competition
If taught well, science fairs are ideal opportunities for children to display their sportsman spirit. Motivate them to say good things about other people’s projects and highlight the positive aspects they could use the next time they participate.
Practice with your children before the big day
In order to display confidence your child must be confident himself. Practice a question-answer session with your child and ask them some of the expected questions the judges could as. This practice will not only help them know what they should be expecting but once they know what it’s going to be like they might feel more confident about acing it.
Let you child toil
Although most parents do help their children with their projects, however, it is essential to understand the importance of your child completing the project and the research behind it on their own. Although they might not glue things correctly, or use too much of it, be there to apply your expert touches but ensure that they know they're aware that they are alone in this and they have no one to count on.
Invite family members
What other way to let your kids know you’re proud of their effort than by inviting family members to the science fair to see your child in action. Not only will it be practice for them before the actual judges arrive but it will also help boost their confidence
Take away!
Science fairs are an excellent opportunity for children (individual or as groups) to display their creativity skills. The extensive research that goes into a project’s planning to execution not only helps increase your child’s knowledge but also allows practical learning which remains an essential part of any curriculum
Considering the benefits of science fairs and learning associated with them, schools globally, have introduced them as extracurricular activities. American curriculum schools in Dubai and all over the world encourage their students to participate in science fairs, in an attempt to help them learn away from their classrooms.
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