The history of the Science Fair dates back to the 1950s when students first began displaying projects with scientific themes for judging. Today, Science Fairs are international events with thousands of kids participating from around the world.

I spoke with Kids' Science Lady, Gayle Olson about the importance of Science Fairs, and how you can make them a rewarding, fun experience.

  What is the benefit of participating in a Science Fair?

You never know what spark of genius will be inspired by a science fair project. Your investigation and study could lead to an interest and passion about your project that can carry on for many years. Discovery is fun and exciting, your science fair project will teach you more about science and the scientific method, you'll be able to exercise and build upon your research techniques, build self-confidence, learn how to follow step-by-step directions, learn about cause and effect and how things work. If you are making charts, drawing illustrations, constructing models, or taking pictures for your project you will build upon these skills. Finally when your project is completed, what could be better than the feeling and satisfaction of completion!

How do you get started?

First you need to decide on a topic for your project. Each project answers a question. Think about a question you where REALLY would like to know the answer. It doesn't need to be complicated. Some of the best projects come from simple beginnings. Pick a topic that really interests you and that you will enjoy doing. One of the biggest mistakes is choosing something you feel is boring or that you know nothing about. For example if you love animals, perhaps you can start with your pet (make sure the fair allows animals, some don't). Once you have decided on a question topic it is time to plan your steps:

• Research your question
  
• Based on what you have learned from your research form a hypothesis.
  
• Test your hypothesis (don't worry if your hypothesis is wrong, many great scientists have made fantastic discoveries leading from a wrong hypothesis)
  
• Record your results.
  
• Record your conclusions.
  

Many science fair projects can take weeks or months so make sure to plan your time well! Never leave anything until the last minute!

It's a terrific idea to involve your parents in your science fair project as long as they remember this is YOUR project and not that of your parents. In fact, if the judges think that your parent helped too much you could lose points and it could affect your final grade! Some of the ways your parents can be involved includes:

• Give advice and suggestions for topics and brainstorm ideas, although the final decision should always be your own.
  
• Offer emotional support, sometimes you could get frustrated and parents come in very handy when you need it most!
  
• Help you plan your time and help you to set up a schedule.
  
• Point out the rules of the scientific method as your project develops.
  
• Supervise web searches, library research (and drive you to the library or other places you need to go).
  
• Give advice about plagiarism and copyright issues.
  
• Help you to buy or collect the tools and equipment you need.
  
• Oversee safety issues.

There are many terrific sources online for science fair projects, some help you come up with topics, others provide step-by-step resources to help you plan your schedule, and others provide examples of completed projects (remember you are not to COPY other completed projects, that would be plagiarism) but, completed projects by others can help you come up with your own ideas.

Good luck at your Science Fair! Have questions? Visit the Kids' Turn Discussion Forum!