Ah, science fair time. We provide support. We endure those big kitchen messes, those last minute trips to the library, those crooked graphs and tables and the search for rare experimental supplies. We provide sympathy and dry the tears of frustration. But, some parents provide too much support. They are the ones who call me at my science museum office to ask for help with "their" projects.

Agree upon expectations

Start talking with your kids a month or more before, if possible. Review project guidelines and tips distributed by your science fair coordinator. Decide together if winning is really important. Perhaps a better goal is to have fun learning something new. You and your child should also agree upon the ground rules early by asking:

• How much should a project cost?
• How fancy should the display look?
• How much of your own time will you contribute?
• Who will clean up any messes?
• Who will do the computer work?

Take time to play

Educational psychologists tell us that playing helps children to understand their world. In a way, doing science is a lot like playing. (Read The Winning Forumula) You can introduce the scientific method through playful science activities like this one. (Hint: It happens to be the secret behind all those science fair volcanoes.)

Gather some plastic spoons and cups, some tap water, baking soda, and some vinegar. With a smock, a stool, and a sink, your child can make a little mess, have a little fun and learn a whole lot about doing a science experiment. Your involvement at this stage should be only to caution against wasting (or tasting) the ingredients. Even if you know what's supposed to happen, don't make any suggestions. Just let your child play.

After awhile, you can ask some open ended questions:

• "Tell me what you can do with this stuff."
• "Does it matter how much of each ingredient you use?"
• "Does it matter which ingredient goes in first?"
• "What kinds of sounds and smells do you notice?"
• "How high can you make the bubbles go?"

When they explain their observations to you, they are beginning to communicate like scientists.

It doesn't have to look pretty

The display only has to be readable - and make sense. In creating it, most kids will enjoy the chance to use their mathematical, verbal and artistic skills. As a labor of love, they will produce charts, drawings and written observations, in order to share evidence for their own discovery. You can help your kids use spreadsheet software to create data tables. Then it's an easy matter to produce as many graphs as they like.

Don't be a source of science facts

It's not your job to explain why the sky is blue! You don't have to know the names and sizes of the planets. In fact, admitting you don't know something is one of the best things you can do because it sets the stage for cooperative family learning of the best kind. If your child really needs or wants to know more about something, you can do what real scientists do: go to the library and study what has been written on the topic. Together, you can teach each other what you've learned.

Be recognized

An important, but often overlooked part of every display should be entitled "Credits."" Real scientists know how important it is to identify sources of support. The title page of every scientific paper acknowledges financial support and the help of cooperating scientists and institutions.

After all the help you've given your kids, you deserve some credit, too. Imagine, if Mom and Dad are acknowledged "for building the maze, for buying the guinea pig, and for secretarial services." What science fair judge wouldn't be charmed?

About the Author
Dr. Margaret Conover has been a science museum director for the last 10 years. She earned her doctorate in botany while studying in Australia, and lives now on Long Island, New York with her marine biologist husband and two teenage children.