In this article Andrew Bell describes how he developed science capital at his school by involving his class in a Family Science project. He finds that the Family Science project has many impacts including: (1) substantial increase in science activity at home; (2) interest in families in sourcing their own science activities; (3) parental interests…

As a science teacher educator and former science teacher, the author has long known that the science fair should be part of his professional experience, but he had not given it much thought until recently. As he worked with his daughter's project, he became convinced that it is time to reconsider the range of activities one calls "science fairs."…

Explores a semi-formal intervention in the public learning and understanding of science (PLUS) by involving school children and their family adults in project work in astronomy. Considers outcomes at three levels: general evaluative comments, gains for the family teams involved, and gains in the general public understanding of science. (Contains…

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

More than 200 videos, produced primarily by students, have circulated to families since a Virginia middle school's Home Visions Program began during the 1997-98 school year. Videos show students and teachers in action and contain valuable information on how parents can help their child succeed academically. Science projects figure prominently.…

Sixteen different suggestions are given to parents for helping their children with science fair projects. Among the 16 suggestions included are contacting people who have expertise in science, helping the child obtain pertinent information, keeping a daily log of research activities. (DS)

This paper examines parenting practices reported by 29 seniors who won scholarships in the 1990 Westinghouse Science Talent Search (STS) for projects in mathematics or science. It uses measures of parenting developed by Sanford Dornbusch and others: Parents are "authoritative" if they encourage family discussions of controversial topics, prefer…

Presents classroom activities designed to teach elementary students about soil, seeds, and sprouts and to guide them in gardening. The article also includes extension activities, home projects, and a student journal page. Curriculum materials are listed. (SM)

The problem examined in this study deals with the extent to which parental help in preparing for a science fair and parental support for the project affect students' attitudes toward the science fair. Fifty subjects were randomly selected from a group of 110 6th-grade students. There were 28 girls and 22 boys selected from the central-Virginia…

This digest comments on various aspects of school science fairs. General expectations for science fair projects and participants are discussed, and tips for choosing a topic and completing a project are given. Organizational strategies for teachers charged with conducting science fairs are presented. Guidelines for parents in helping children with…

Presents an insider's view of the judging process at science fairs from a former student participant who has performed as a judge at many science fairs. Discusses who the judges are, on what judges tend to focus, parental involvement, gifted students and outside help, the interview process, and the formal rules of judging. (JJK)

Presents a cooperative activity between home and school in which parents and students examine the growth of a variety of bulbs. Bulbs are taken home to sprout and returned to school to monitor their growth. Students gather data, hone observation and graphing skills, and communicate with their parents on the project. (MDH)

Since 1975, the Association for Childhood Education International has published a column called "Classroom Idea-Sparkers" in each issue of Childhood Education journal. The column provides practical help for classroom teachers, preschool through middle school, offering educators ideas and activities to help extend learning and make it more relevant…

Discusses the use of answering machines to teach astronomy to students while they are home. Provides directions on prelesson instruction; how to prepare the taped lessons; parent involvement; and lesson implementation. (MDH)

Reports on a case study that examines the beginnings of gender differentiation during a naturally occurring academic activity designed to support and guide young children's interest in doing science. Contains 25 references. (DDR)