If so, then you may be feeling the effects of a science fair or mathematics competition, annual events in which kids compete for various levels of recognition by designing and carrying out scientific investigations or by solving math problems. The types of projects students are expected to complete will probably vary by grade level. Younger children may simply build models or collections, or exhibit basic demonstrations of scientific phenomena. Older children are often expected to test a scientific hypothesis through a detailed, controlled experiment. The rules that govern science fair projects also can vary across schools.
Some schools allow kids to complete group projects, while others require individual work.
Children may be asked to present their project results to teachers, classmates, or outside judges for evaluation. Many kids enjoy participating in science fairs, but others may need a bit of encouragement from teachers and parents. Help your child prepare a realistic timeline for completing the project. Most science fair investigations take a good deal of time to complete and analyze. Help your child gather materials early.