Knowing the rules and expectations ahead of time will help avoid problems or even disqualification down the road. Make sure your child is aware of all project assignments and deadlines. Some teachers require literature searches, written reports, or in-class presentations in addition to the investigation itself. Many science fair contests require kids to give an oral report to one or more judges, who can then ask questions about the investigation. Listen to your child rehearse the oral presentation, and try to anticipate questions the judges may ask.
Teachers can help by providing judging criteria for students and parents to consider.
Math Competitions Like science fairs, math competitions generally have local, regional, state, and national levels of competition and awards, but in other ways they differ fundamentally. Most math competitions involve student teams, and most are extracurricular, so they generally are not part of a regular math class. But there is tremendous variety in the types of competitions that are held. Winners then proceed to state competitions, and winners at the state level go on to compete nationally. Though a school can select only one team for competition, there is no limit to the number of kids who can compete on an individual basis.