SCIENCE FAIR IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The elementary students will all be engaging in an Elementary Science Fair this school year. The big event will take place on February 27. However, the work has already begun! Students in the Upper Elementary (grades three through six) have received their Science Fair Booklet, and will meet their first deadline this Monday, November 5. They will be working at home, and submitting different documents to their homeroom teachers periodically. Students in the Lower Elementary will be working on a class project with their homeroom teachers.

What is the best way to help your child? When is help too little or too much?

That is a questions that all parents face, and that teachers need parents to understand. Here are some things to consider:

• It is important for the students to do the project themselves. A parent should not try to manage it for them.
• Students may need guidance and direction when it comes to setting time aside to work on the project, and to obtain the necessary material to do it.
• A parent can contribute by reminding his or her child about deadlines that need to be met, and making sure the child does the work.
• It is very easy to take control of a student’s project, especially if you think it should be done differently. This should not happen.
• Remember that this project is a learning experience for your child, and he or she will not benefit from a project performed by you.
• If your child is performing all the necessary tasks to an acceptable standard and is not requesting assistance, your job is to supervise. If your child asks for help, appears to be struggling, or is performing below acceptable standards or with disregard for safety measures, then you may wish to offer assistance

The booklet that was given out during Parent-Student-Teacher conferences is very user friendly. Talk to your child’s teacher if you have any questions. We all want to make this experience a successful and pleasant one for our students.