1. Running a Science Fair at your school

2. Why? Something academic Lift the profile of Science Showcase student’s work Practice at oral communication Instant feedback Because it is fun

3. Things to do Choose a date Start a committee Get students started on their projects! Book venue Seek sponsors Invite judges Publicise event Decide categories Purchase prizes Plan awards ceremony Organise boards Present projects on boards Prepare program Organise judging Provide food Recruit helpers Prepare handouts Celebrate

4. Book a venue A large space Lots of desks Back to back rows A loud speaker

5. Seek sponsorship Write letters Visit in person Phone up Ask parents Network & follow up

6. Invite judges University Sponsors Industry Other schools Parents School library Ex-students Science teachers District Office

7. Publicise event School Newsletter Local newspapers

8. Decide categories Junior Yrs 7s & 8s Intermediate Yrs 9s & 10s Senior Yrs 11s & 12s

9. Plan Awards Trophies, cash & certificates MC and a few short speeches VIPs to present prizes e.g. local mayor & sponsors

10. Organise boards Cardboard or craftwood Tri-fold 1m tall, 60cm wide, 30cm deep Stand on table Cover table with cloth

11. Present projects CATCHY title Coloured backgrounds Proof-read “A picture is worth a 1000 words” Large font at least 24pt Brief statements Graphs not tables

12. Prepare program Forward on what it’s all about Timetable for day List of students & project titles List of sponsors and logos List of judges Thank you to helpers

13. Sample timetable 8.00-8.30Judges arrive, coffee 8.30-9.00Judge’s briefing 9.00-10.00Pre-judging without students 10.00-10.30Morning tea for judges Students arrive 10.30-12.30Judging 12.30-2.00Lunch for judges Viewing for rest of school Collating of results 2.00-3.15Awards Ceremony 3.30Debrief

14. Judging Pre-judging for one hour without students 10 minutes with each student Provide a list of suggested questions and a rubric

15. Provide food Provide lunch for judges Hospitality classes could help

16. Recruit helpers Help may be needed for: Creating a website Parking Directing judges Security Sausage sizzle Tallying scores Serving food and drinks Photographing the whole process Sample bags for students

17. Prepare handouts Registration form for kids Judging sheets Suggested questions for judges Score sheets for collators Evaluation forms

18. Afterwards Evaluation Thank helpers, judges, sponsors & VIPs Keep some boards for display Celebrate your achievement!