Science fairs are not a standard or required activity at most public schools. One mother completely organizes the science fair at our school. She explains the scientific method to each class, distributes instructional packets (w/ project suggestions), convinces local scientists to be judges, orders the prizes, ribbons, certificates, etc. The teachers were less than enthusiastic, they seemed indifferent (at best) or quietly irritated. At least one teacher said that she "doesn't have time for science fair". (The projects are completed at home and the fair takes place after school.) An Earth Day assembly took place one month prior to the fair and classroom activities/fundraisers for cancer research took place the week after. (I think both activities were great and should have happened.) But would it really take that much time or effort to encourage student participation or do a classroom experiment? Who will save the earth or find the cure for cancer? Scientists? But, I could be wrong. Shouldn't schools encourage creative science activities? The kid whose project answers the age old question, "Which brand of microwave popcorn produces the most popped kernels?" may save us all. You never know.
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