The annual Philbrick Science Showcase is a family event that celebrates students' science learning and highlights an ongoing partnership with the Boston Nature Center, a Massachusetts Audubon Society sanctuary within walking distance of the Philbrick school. At least twice a year, students visit the Nature Center to extend the science curriculum,…

The purpose of a child's participation in a science fair is to experience learning. Seven steps to creating a successful project are described. (MT)

Presents answers to 11 basic questions for teachers involved in science fairs. Selection of topics, judging criteria, parental cooperation, project safety, state/national competitions, and other topics are addressed. Each answer includes references to other related literature. (DH)

This book presents a selection of articles published in "Science and Children", "Science Scope", and "The Science Teacher", all journals published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), that cover all grade levels from elementary through secondary education. It describes how to organize and conduct a successful science fair. Contents…

A science fair for learning disabled (LD) students is described. Includes a profile of the LD class, change in student attitudes during the fair, and comments on the sense of student accomplishment generated as a result of the fair. (Author/JN)

Describes how to design, organize, and implement a student-centered physics fair. Involves fifth grade students teaching physics concepts to kindergarten students. Indicates that "students" retained what they learned, exhibited increased understanding of the scientific method, and gained confidence in their ability to be "scientists" while…

Suggestions for developing creative and original science fairs include trying new categories, issuing a challenge, and involving the community. (DF)

Explores the experiences of preservice elementary teachers with science fairs, attitudes resulting from their participation in science fairs as students, and the importance of these past histories for their students. Results indicate that most teachers felt that science fairs are beneficial, but those who rated them as most worthwhile had never…

Analyzes science fair choices of 2149 students for diversity of topics and scientific merit and matches them with teachers' recollections of topics thought most likely to be chosen. Reports that teachers recollections of topics seldom matched students' choices and teachers assumed more gender-based diversity in students' choice of topics than…

A pretest/posttest administered to 480 fourth-graders revealed an increase in correct responses for 9 of 10 questions following participation in an agricultural science fair. Significant increases were related to knowledge of how agriculture affects everyday life. A teacher survey (n=89) indicated that it was a positive learning experience but…

Describes the effective use of performance-based assessment for evaluating fifth- and sixth-grade student achievement as demonstrated by student exhibit presentations at a science festival. Individual evaluation scores and group negotiated evaluations were consistent. (Author/MM)

Describes how two science coordinators involved their whole school community in ensuring their "Science Week" was a great success. (Author)

This guide introduces the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Award Program and includes information on competitions, science activities, and tips on how to facilitate invention programs. Sections include the following: (1) "Introducing the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program"; (2) "Teaching Invention"; (3) "Young…

Describes a science fair designed as a teaching tool rather than as a contest. Includes the fair's objectives and lists of possible science fair topics. Topics are organized under these areas: human body; animals and plants; earth and universe; physical principles, machines, and technology; and miscellaneous topics. (JN)

Maintains that inventing, which is a creative problem-solving approach in science, should be a part of the science curriculum. Invention fairs, an alternative to science fairs, can be an exciting and educationally sound addition to the curriculum for a wide range of students. (BB)