Coordinators

Create. Make. Repeat.

One of your first decisions will be which types of projects to have at the fair. You may wish to have only an investigation science fair or a STEAM event. You can also mix the two kinds of projects, which gives students a choice. In many ways this is the optimal model, as the more interest the student has in the topic as well as the type of hands-on process, the more motivation he or she will have to keep up the momentum throughout the six weeks.

Overview

An invention is an original design that serves a purpose and solves a real problem. It can also be something that improves an object previously invented by someone else or takes it in a completely different direction.

Students who are good problem solvers and especially students who like to think “outside the box” are good candidates to invent something for their science fair project. All students can become better at engineering, but for some, it is the most interesting way to apply their science skills.

Engineering uses a scientific approach and both inventions and investigations depend on good questions, planning, using appropriate materials, collecting data, making sense of the data to verify the results, and presenting the results to others for review.

Engineering Design Projects for Elementary School Students
Our planning sheet for younger students provides ideas and capture sheets appropriate for Kindergarten, grades 1-2, and grades 3-5.
Engineering Design Planning Sheet
Use our planning sheet to organize and conduct your investigation.

Parent Participation

Parents play an important role in supporting their children throughout the duration of the science fair process. They can also be a huge help by volunteering to help before and during the fair itself. Start off on the right foot. Establish good communication with parents early on so they understand expectations and anticipate deadlines.

Parent Letter
A sample letter that can be customized and sent home in backpacks.

Hands-on Activities

The Maker spirit is all about “learning-through-doing.” Infuse this spirit into your science fair or STEAM event with fun, hands-on activities designed to encourage exploration and spark curiosity in your students!

Kazoo Design an Instrument?
What construction techniques affect the sound of a kazoo?
Marshmallow Launch
How far can a catapult launch different types of “payload”?
Camouflaged Critters
How can animals hide from predators?
Build a Boat
Can you build a boat that will hold 20 pennies?
Don’t Crack
What is the best material to protect an egg when dropped from 10 feet?

Judging

Judging worksheets and scoring systems vary from fair to fair, but most follow similar criteria. Students are judged on their understanding of how well they used scientific methods or the engineering design process to develop and conduct their project. Both inventions and investigations involve planning, careful investigation, collection of data, and making sense of the data at the end.

Here’s a sample worksheet scoring sheet to give a sense of the categories, criteria and level of detail involved in judging science fairs. You may wish to have a separate area for the oral presentation. But in most cases, the presentation is meant to clarify the project display and provide anecdotal information that would not fit or be appropriate.

Judge's Scoring Sheet
A sample worksheet scoring sheet description here.

Steps of the Engineering Design Process

  • Define the problem
  • Background research
  • Specify requirements
  • Create another solution
  • Build a prototype
  • Test and redesign
  • Communicate results

Kids Workshops

To learn more visit, homedepot.com/kids

Kids Workshops provide a mix of skill-building, creativity, and safety for future DIYers every month in Home Depot stores across the country. After registering for the next Workshop, download these exclusive extension activities from Discovery Education. Each extension provides opportunities to reimagine or use their Workshop creation in an unexpected new way.

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