By choosing to participate in the science fair, your child is demonstrating a keen interest in learning. It is also a pretty good bet that your child is anticipating a little parental aid will come his/her way. Both teachers and parents are hopeful that participating in the science fair will be both enjoyable and rewarding so that future such endeavours will be a welcome part of your child's education. The following message provides some helpful hints on how to coach your child through this learning process.

1. Convincing your child to do a science fair project.
2. Supporting your child as he/she does the project.
3. Rewarding your child for doing the project.

1. CONVINCING YOUR CHILD TO DO A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

Some children will find the whole idea of doing a science fair project a bit overwhelming. They may be afraid to commit themselves for fear of failure. You may be the best person to help them realize their potential if you go about it the right way.

• i) Offer to help! Help your child choose a topic and then continue to provide insight during the course of the project. This does not mean that YOU do the project. It is fine to give ideas or suggestions on how to do things, but the actual work and research should be done by your child. How do you know when you are helping TOO MUCH???? When you find yourself working alone on the project while your child watches television, does homework or plays with friends.
  

• ii) Suggest a group effort. Suggest your child invite a friend to work on the project as partners. Or better yet, suggest your child convince a couple of friends to do projects of their own. Then have your child invite his/her friends over on weekends for an afternoon of working on their projects. You provide some refreshments and maybe a movie when the work is finished.
  

2. SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AS HE/SHE DOES THE PROJECT

Believe it or not, it is actually hoped that you will guide your child as he/she works on his/her science fair project. This will make your child's teacher happy because it means less work for him/her. But more importantly, sharing in this learning experience with your child is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child as well as, to contribute to your child's education. While your child should be responsible for doing the actual research on his/her own, there are several ways in which you, as a parent, can help.

• i) Accompany your child to the library. Offer to help your child find appropriate resource materials.
  

• ii) Direct the project forward. Watch the progression of the child's work. Offer suggestions if you see him/her floundering. Asking questions can stimulate your child's imagination and help propel your child in the right direction.
  

• iii) Help with technical details such as building the display background or having photos developed.
  

• iv) Show interest. Ask questions, not only about the progress of the work, but about the content itself. Find out what he/she is learning and inquire what he/she will do next.
  

3. REWARDING YOUR CHILD FOR DOING A SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT

So the science fair is over and your child was not one of the "lucky" winners. Most schools will give each child a certificate of participation so that no one goes home empty-handed. Parents should also reward their child for a job well done. Along with verbal praise, treat your child to a special meal, or excursion, perhaps a trip to the local museum, science centre or IMAX theatre. Avoid cash rewards. It is better to show your child that hard work may not always reap financial gain but it will always build character, increase intellect and merit respect.