Is this the part of bringing up children that you have been dreading?  Do you have nightmares of putting something together at the last minute?   Well, worry no more!  Actually worry some.  The teachers at Lavaland would like every child to participate in the Science Fair.  We need your help, as parents, to work with each child.  If you read the following questions and answers and suggestions, we believe that your child can turn in a good science project.  Please read on. . .

Do I have to be in the Science Fair?

We would like to encourage everyone to enter.  It is a challenging experience, but it is worthwhile.  Student are usually very proud of themselves for entering a project and it is fun.

Why should I help my child do a science project?

Children need guidance to enter a project.  Parents are in the best place to know what they can do in each family.  Many times a student wants to do a challenging project.  Parents need to consider the time it takes, financial resources needed and what else is going on in the family.  If a new baby is due, this may not be the best time for a  challenging project.  Dad had to go away on a trip, maybe involve grandparents or an older brother or sister.  Teachers don't want a family to commit to more than they are capable of regarding the science fair.  Make only the commitments you really can.  If you have any problems, please talk to the teacher.  Don't wait until the last minute.

Who does the project, the adult or the child?

The child should do the project.  The parent can best help in choosing an appropriate project and guiding the child.  Children need a lot of help in thinking up the project.  Lavaland has many websites listed that can help you come up with ideas.  Books are available at the Lavaland library as well as the City libraries.  Books on science experiments are sold at bookstores and don't cost too much.  They are cheaper than video games!

Your child will usually need some help in putting the science board together.  Science boards are sold inexpensively at office supply stores.  Check to see if the school will be ordering some.  Science Boards can be saved from year to year.  One suggestion is to keep them under a bed.  Science boards need to reflect what went on during the experiment.  Pictures and descriptions are needed.  Photos, pictures from magazines, drawings of what happened are all good ideas.