Preparation for Science Fair Projects

Savvy Students Spend Summers Planning Science Fair Projects

July 7, 2005 - Evanston, IL -- Science fairs are intensely competitive, which is why serious, self-motivated students begin thinking about their projects months before the school year begins. According to educator and counselor Madeline Binder, indecisiveness over picking a category is usually the reason students get off to a last-minute start. Since the timeline for completing a science fair project is lengthy, that initial delay can sabotage a student’s efforts all along the way. Ms. Binder’s website, www.super-science-fair-projects.com, is designed to keep students on track and motivated during the process.

“Students succeed in completing their projects by picking a topic that is interesting to them,” she says. “The lazy days of summer are perfect for exploring all kinds of different subjects, from bugs to clouds.”

She also suggests getting inspiration by looking at previous projects that students in their school have created. When the child registers for school in August, he or she should make an appointment with a science teacher to discuss potential projects.

One middle-school teacher she spoke with recommends actually beginning during the summer if the project involves growing anything. Then, when school starts, the student will be off and running—ahead of the game.

“This veteran teacher told me that it doesn't make any difference how old or smart the student is,” Ms. Binder says. “The key to completing a science fair project on time is giving students a time line and helping them to map out when each step has to be completed. They have to be reminded to stay on track.”

So... preparation for science fair projects over the summer months and keeping a timeline is essential to science fair success.

Super Science Fair Projects was recently chosen for inclusion in SBC’s Blue Web’n, an online library of over 1,800 outstanding Internet sites categorized by subject, grade level, and format for use by nearly 27,000 educators worldwide.