Science fairs are a wonderful way for children to learn more about scientific areas, use the processes of science, organize and complete a task, and provide the opportunity to enjoy science. It doesn't matter what age a child begins this endeavor. In fact, the earlier the better!!! A young child might start with a very basic scientific problem with discovering the different colors that create light or discovering whether bubbles float higher and faster in a warm indoors or a cold outdoors. An older child might study about whether color affects people's moods or whether ocean water aids in the healing of human wounds. There is so much to learn about God's creation!! The earlier a child is introduced to the science fair the more comfortable they will become with it, and their projects will become more complex. Does this sound scary for you as a parent?
Let me help walk you through this process one step at a time. I will give bits of information to you, and our formal talk will be scheduled in February, followed by our science fair in April. Below are some common questions that I have had many parents ask. If I haven't addressed your question place it on the bulletin board and I will answer it so that others who have the same question can view it. 

What is a science fair? A science fair involves taking a scientific problem and studying that problem using the scientific method (forming a hypothesis, etc.) in which the results are then viewed among a group of other projects before judges.

How difficult is it to do a science project for a science fair? Easy. The younger the child the more basic the project. The older the child the more complex the project.

Can a child get scholarships for college because of a science project? yes. There is a lot of college scholarships for children who have done winning science projects. In fact, in 1993, 46 Scholarship Awards with a total cash value to recipients of more than $363,000. Barry University offers a full paid scholarship of $16,000. Florida Institute of Technology offers one full tuition scholarship. The list goes on from colleges to companies and organizations, such as Coca-Cola Foods or American Society of Civil Engineers.

How are the projects judged? The judges are given criteria to grade the projects, which I will give you later (February). The elementary grade projects are graded on creativity, scientific thought, clarity, etc. while the higher grades are judged more competitively on the research and collection of data, etc.

How can I help prepare my child for the science fair? Start thinking about your child's interests. Is he or she fascinated with weather, cars, animals, etc. Start asking questions about the different areas that interest them. For the younger child you might ask questions about what object will fall faster to the ground (a small rock or a large rock). Investigate this together.

Write it using the scientific method:

- Purpose (stating the problem)
- Hypothesis
   (scientific guess as to the outcome)        
- Experimentation                                          
1. materials and equipment
2. investigative procedure followed
3. data collected, observations
Discussion (pertaining to results)
Conclusion;
(statement based on hypothesis and result of experiment or investigation)

Where will our science fair be held? It is too early to reserve a place. I will do that after August. We will hold our first FOCHE science fair in April.

Who will judge the science projects? I hope to get some objective candidates (those who aren't involved with the projects). I would like to find a candidate who has experience with the local science fairs and a few who are members of FOCHE.

I pray that this science fair will be a blessing and enriching experience for all who are involved. If you are interested in having your child submit a project, email me. I need to know if enough children will be participating.

God bless,
FOCHE Science Fair Coordinator