This handbook represents an attempt by UNESCO to give a broad picture of the kinds of out-of-school activities that are designed to engage the participation of young people in different parts of the world. Out-of-school activities, as used in this publication, refers to educational activities undertaken or done outside the formal teaching periods…

Examines the practice of holding competitive science fairs. Offers suggestions on judging, competition and recognition, student participation, and alternative experiences. (MA)

Describes two contests in which students: (1) build bridges from balsa wood; or (2) construct whizzers (self-contained motorized devices for movement on tight steel wires). Testing situations and guidelines for these contests are included. Points out that physics enrollments have increased as a result of the contests. (DH)

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

Described are the events and results of the Physics Olympics held in February, 1976, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Included are highlights of various events. (SL)

A description and analyzation of science fairs in three developed countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom) in which they have been held for a number of years. (DF)

Presents National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) policy statements of 1968 and 1969 with respect to the (1) use of natural resources for teaching purposes, (2) use of live animals, (3) teaching of human reproduction and sexuality, (4) functions of science fairs, (5) teacher liability for laboratory safety and field trips, (6) national…

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…

Outlines the steps necessary to conduct a science fair project and examines two specific examples of how a basic idea for a science fair topic can be followed to its completion. Provides examples of day-to-day operational science in a basic botany project and a lunar geography project. (JJK)

Explains how to do a science fair project and lists the necessary steps. Provides Internet resources. (YDS)

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)