Why are science fairs important? What makes the science fair process valuable? It’s an excellent question and a good way to start a class discussion about this time-honored tradition. First and foremost, why DO we ask our students to work on a science fair project year after year? The answer, in a nutshell, is to help them learn how to think like scientists. Scientists find answers to questions that interest them. In other words, your students simply need to ask themselves, What do I want to know more about?
Science Fair Discussion Starters
January 24, 2018
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College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level, science fair | Tagged: agriculture, awesome science experiment, discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, environmental science, experiments, food science, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, homeschool activity, materials science, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science, science fair project, science fair project for kids, STEM, topics for science fair, variables | 
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
Science Fair TV
January 24, 2018
Whether you’re a science teacher, a parent, or just a science buff, you probably know plenty about how rewarding—and stressful—a science fair can be. If you’re looking for the best way to communicate with your students about the steps involved in developing a science project, we’ve got you covered. Each of the videos below explains how to plan and execute a great science fair presentation.
Enjoy! If you find a video on science fairs that you’d like to share with us, please leave a comment!
Leave a Comment » | College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level, science fair | Tagged: awesome science experiment, discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, homeschool activity, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science fair project, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
All about Science Fair Judging
January 24, 2018
By Dr. Maille Lyons
Judges are the “referees” in the sport of science fair. As with most refereed sports, the losing teams will often blame the referees for failure and, in some cases that is accurate. In other cases you just got beat.
Since there is no appeal process, no coach’s challenge, and no instant replay for review, the science fair judges’ decisions stand (and will not be explained no matter how much you beg…). SO KNOWING THAT, your project must be well executed and well communicated so that the “bad calls” are minimized.
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Posted by Donna Giachetti
You Said It! Science Fair Product Reviews
January 24, 2018
A science fair project is made of researching, planning, experimenting, analyzing… and of course, choosing the right materials! That’s where Educational Innovations comes in. We specialize in materials that really bring science to life—uniquely memorable, phenomenon-based products. Whether your students want to perform science fair experiments on density, thermodynamics, ultraviolet light, electricity or anything else, we are your resource.
If you have a favorite science fair experiment or product, please let us know in the comments section below!
Leave a Comment » | College level, Elementary level, High School level, Middle School level, science fair | Tagged: awesome science experiment, discrepant event, DIY, Educational Innovations, experiments, fun experiments, hands-on activity, homeschool, parent friendly, PBL, phenomenon based learning, phenomenon-based science, science fair project, STEM, variables | Permalink
Posted by Donna Giachetti
Teachable Moments with the Static Snowstorm
November 17, 2017
by Priscilla Robinson
What can a teacher do when the season’s cold, wet, or snowy weather makes curious and rambunctious children go stir crazy? This was exactly the predicament I found myself in with my five-year-old grandson last year. After sledding and playing in the snow, Henry and I looked for something else to do. I reached deep into my Nana brain and unlocked my inner teacher. “What’s your teachable moment today, Nana?” I murmured.
All weekend long, we had been experiencing the crackle and pop of static electricity as a result of the house’s warm, dry air. Henry himself had been zapped a half dozen times. Petting the family dog, he marveled as her hair stood on end. He was curious: what was this invisible power?
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Posted by Donna Giachetti