Is your child considering participating in a school science fair? Are you wondering if the benefits are worth the time commitment? Participating in a science fair is a great way for kids to explore their world and how things work. Science fairs first became popular in the 1950’s when the invention of the television and atomic bomb piqued the interest of budding scientists all over America. (The University of Chicago Press Journals) Today, with the growing popularity of STEM education (focusing highly on the study of science, technology, engineering, and math) in our schools and the potential for a drastic increase in STEM related jobs in the future, science fairs are more popular than ever. Kids who participate in science fairs will learn skills that can be used for problem solving and critical thinking throughout their lifetime.

            Investigation

            The first step in participating in a science fair is to come up with an idea. Kids will have the opportunity to choose a topic they are curious about, plan an experiment that will help answer their questions, and conduct an experiment. This fosters their creativity and problem solving skills. It will also encourage them to question how things work and make them aware scientific principles all around us.

            Project management

            Once the child has planned their science experiment, they will need to manage their project. This is no small task. Kids will need to use time management, stay within a budget, acquire the materials needed, conduct the experiment, and meet deadlines. The ability to successfully manage a project is an invaluable skill that kids can use now and in the future as they continue their education and enter the workforce.

            Analysis

            When the science experiment is complete, the child will need to compile the data, analyze it, and create a chart of graph of the findings. The answers to their questions will not be from a textbook, but will come from their own hard work and experience. Reflection is key as they have an opportunity to think about what they would do differently, what they have learned, and why. The ability to analyze and problem solve will be skills they use throughout their lifetime.