Supplemental Science Fair Activities

Once you have all of the essential activities planned for your Science & Engineering Fair and have volunteers lined up, then you might consider organizing supplemental activities around your fair. Supplemental activities can include inspiring events, fundraisers, or carrots for student participation.

Gauging Science Fair Volunteer Needs

Science Fairs can take a lot of resources to be successful. Not all schools have the people power to go all out on Science Fair. Below is a summary of different components of your Science Fair and recommended numbers of volunteers for each component.

Fair Day Logistics Made Easy

The logistics of the day of your Science & Engineering Fair can be hard to get your head fully wrapped around. There are a lot of moving pieces that need to be in sync for a smooth fair day. Here’s an example of what the days of your fair might look like.

Science Fair Checklist

The final push to organizing your Science & Engineering Fair can be tough. Use a checklist two weeks before your fair to help you feel confident that you are ready to go. Here are some examples of items to be sure are set in place.

Create a Support Structure for Students

Keep in mind that not all children have access to support at home during their Science & Engineering Fair projects. If a student doesn’t have any adult support and they participate in fair, then it is easy for them to feel incapable when compared to other students who have access to necessary support and tools.

Communication is Key

Clearly communicating your Science & Engineering Fair expectations will help to reduce family stress, motivate students to participate, and save you loads of time in the end. Getting all of your communication materials readily available to your school community early in the season will streamline your whole experience.

Create Effective Science Fair Signups

If you want students to participate in your school’s Science & Engineering Fair and for adults to support you during your fair, then you will need signups. Gauge whether online or paper signups will be most effective at your school. Consider that not all families have access to or are receptive to the use of internet tools. We’ve seen schools use online only, paper only, or the combination of the two.

Lay Down the Science Fair Rules

It is essential to be very explicit about your Science & Engineering Fair rules. There are good reasons for setting strict rules – health & safety, for one, and implications of being too lax, another. Your Fair’s rules should not be taken lightly.

Build your Dream Team – The ideal committee roles

Organizing a successful Science & Engineering Fair takes a lot of volunteers. We recommend that you start forming a committee at least 4 months before your fair. Take a look at the committee member positions and roles that we’ve found ideal. If you only have 2-3 committee members, then divide and conquer!

Set Dates & Confirm Rooms

Now that you have the principal on board with your school’s Science & Engineering Fair, it’s time to get others on board to set essential dates and reserve rooms. The sooner, the better. Be sure to include school administrators and parents (or PTA, PTSA, PTO, etc.) when evaluating dates. They might have insights on events that are in the pipeline that you might need to consider.  The table below summarizes a few ideas for essential fair events, timing, and venue.