Reviewed by Marilyn Cook
PreK-5 teacher
Got an hour? Hold a science fair. Your students can become scientists, see the application of content to everyday life, and even enjoy the process of discovery. This is just one of the many ideas presented in the anthology Science Fair Plus: Reinventing an Old Favorite.
This NSTA collection features some excellent ideas for traditional science fairs, carnivals, and the unique "one-hour science fair." Practical tips on preparation and project selection are supplemented with "potpourri" and points of view. Special emphasis about how to include all young learners (including special education and ESL students) will help teachers plan an event for the whole classroom.
The authors also consider how science fairs for the elementary student should be different from science fairs for older students. Suggestions are also given for "nonexperimental science fair projects," and a frank discussion addresses the reasons many science fairs do not necessarily promote the goals of science teaching.
These articles are reprinted from the NSTA journals Science and Children, Science Scope, and The Science Teacher. The NSTA position statement on science competitions is provided, as are a number of supplementary resources, including SciLinks weblinks that help the reader find the most appropriate websites. Sample schedules for the science fair and the alternative science fair such as the science expo are also included.
There are many science fair books on the shelves, but this one takes a fresh view. The reader will come away with new ideas and even look forward to doing projects with students!
Review posted on 4/7/2003
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