Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Northwest communities of Prince Rupert (January 30, 2010), Kitimat (February 20, 2010), Terrace (March 27, 2010) and Haida Gwaii (May 29, 2010) will have the opportunity to participate in the 2010 Northwest Science Fair Extravaganza coordinated by Northwest Science & Innovation and sponsored by Northern Savings Credit Union.

While working on science fair projects, students will learn about the scientific method through a hands-on approach, developing skills in project management, research, problem solving, communication and cooperation, to name a few.  Students will be encouraged to explore a topic they are interested in and will work individually or in pairs.

Students will need to choose a topic and begin their research.  We anticipate that most of the time required to do these projects will be outside of classroom.  Please encourage your child during the course of this project.  We suggest that your role would be as a guide instead of actually doing any work on the project.  NSIS will be holding a workshop sometime in January for students and parents to learn more about how to undertake a science fair project.

To support your child you can:   

• familiarize yourself with the Fair guidelines
• ensure your child is following all safety standards, especially regarding experiments on live animals, as well as those that use chemicals
• understand that the teacher works with many students and may not have the time to give your child extra support if required
• buy or help find materials for the science project, including the display board
• provide an area in the home where the science project can be safely worked on & stored
• listen to your child’s presentation
• provide transportation to places of research and to the Fair itself  

Avoid doing the project for the student.  This includes doing the research, typing, re-wording their written explanation, setting up the experiment, calculating the statistics, etc.  Ensure the project is primarily the work of the child.  Remember that the most important outcome of participating in this activity is that the child builds a positive attitude doing hands-on science, as well as the pride in having accomplished this through his or her own initiative and personal effort. We are very excited about hosting this Science Fair. Please contact NSIS at 638-0950 or contact@nsis.ca  if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Christine Slanz, Executive Director