Age for science fair participation?

[Anonymous]

Our ES is having a science fair this year for the first time since before the pandemic. Open and encouraged for all ages. Our DC is in 1st grade. The organizers emphasize how projects need to be "student driven" with little parental involvement, but also provided guidance on projects following the scientific method, etc. DC says they don't want to do it but I also don't know that they even understand the concept. They are still learning to read/write too so filling out one of those trifolds seems like a lot! What is a typical age to try to get your kid to participate in something like this? When I was in ES I remember science fair being for 5th graders only so this is new to me.

[Anonymous]

The idea of first graders doing a self-led science experiment and creating a trifold poster about it is pretty ridiculous. I can definitely see them doing a project (i.e. making a big mess), but you know its the mommies and daddies that are 99.99% directing the poster creation.

[Anonymous]

Totally not necessary for 1st grade. It’s fine if your kid *wants* to do something but I wouldn’t push, especially since, as PP said, you will definitely end up doing most of the work!

[Anonymous]

You have soooooo much time ahead to argue with your kid about school projects. Don't start down that road unless you have to.

First grade is a great time to plant some seeds in a paper cup and watch them grow. If you want to increase the complexity, introduce a variable -- sprout two in a dark closet and two on a sunny windowsill. Or plant one in potting soil, one in sand from the sandbox, and one in dirt from the front yard. Boom! Science without the science fair insanity.

[Anonymous]

Typically in elementary school they get to visit the fair and see everyone’s project so next year they will know what it’s all about and if they are interested.

[Anonymous]

If it has the be student-driven, and the student isn't driven, then it isn't going to happen

[Anonymous]

Our school allows students do models or an experiment of whatever they're interested in. It doesn't need to be a formal full tri-fold presentation. The idea is for kids to get excited about explore something.

The "student-driven" language is their way of asking you not to do your child's project for them. Alot of parents do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have soooooo much time ahead to argue with your kid about school projects. Don't start down that road unless you have to.

First grade is a great time to plant some seeds in a paper cup and watch them grow. If you want to increase the complexity, introduce a variable -- sprout two in a dark closet and two on a sunny windowsill. Or plant one in potting soil, one in sand from the sandbox, and one in dirt from the front yard. Boom! Science without the science fair insanity.

This is perfect. Or use balls and a flashlight to explain why the moon appears as different shapes.

Or test different solutions to see which make the largest bubbles.

Check here for more ideas, you can search by grade:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our ES is having a science fair this year for the first time since before the pandemic. Open and encouraged for all ages. Our DC is in 1st grade. The organizers emphasize how projects need to be "student driven" with little parental involvement, but also provided guidance on projects following the scientific method, etc. DC says they don't want to do it but I also don't know that they even understand the concept. They are still learning to read/write too so filling out one of those trifolds seems like a lot! What is a typical age to try to get your kid to participate in something like this? When I was in ES I remember science fair being for 5th graders only so this is new to me.

Um I just helped my 4th grader with her first science project and I practically did all of it.