Every new year begins a flurry of activity in my kitchen….not delightful new recipes cooking on the stove, but project boards, photographs and experiment materials. As an educator, I should be thrilled to have the projects covering our home, but I haven’t quite been able to get there…..Should science projects be illegal? I am a proponent of the educational process, but I don’t like projects being sent home that require intense parental guidance. If a student is assigned a project, then the student should be able to fulfill the requirements with a reasonable amount of additional assistance.

Regardless, I don’t think my view will be the new trend in education. I’d like to dig in my educational toolbox and share sources that may be helpful as you help your own children complete their projects. I have also made a resolution that we will tackle the 2011 projects this summer so that we can enjoy the scientific process without the distraction of other homework assignments and extracurricular activities that keep us busy during the winter months.

Home Supplies

Cardstock supply – white and various colors

Sharpie Markers, assorted colored pencils, tape, glue sticks

Craft scissors – Keep a variety pack of specialty scissors to give projects a professional appearance

Photography supplies if you print photographs from home

Die-cut letters – Pre-packaged letters can be purchased from craft and school supply stores.

Copying Machine – If your budget will permit, this is a wonderful tool for all school projects.

Science Fair Project Ideas

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/categoryO.htmle

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com/elementary-science-fair-projects.html

The Automatic Bibliography & Citation Maker

http://easybib.com/

Create a Graph

http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createAgraph/default.aspx?ID=cbd4fe19f042467ab9b69a6983b41fde

Science Fair Project Board Examples

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_display_board.shtml

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html

What are your thoughts? E-mail me at Familiesforhim@gmail.com