1st Grade science projects can be the seeds for even greater science projects for 4th graders
I’ve been thinking a lot about 1st grade science projects and what can be done at that level to make things easier for science projects for 4th graders, when kids are sent off to do a project on their own.
So I started keeping an eye out for tidbits on the subject…
I ran across an interesting article that caught my attention since the title was “A Science Fair Makeover in Your School Library!” Well you can imagine the pictures that went through my head of a library with exploding volcanoes, or mice in mazes or a worm farm so I couldn’t help but wondering what this librarian was thinking!
Once I got into the article, I realized they were emphasizing the importance of the librarian in any school level science fair project that follows the accepted educational standards for both library science and science teachers.
What section in any elementary school library is where your 1st graders gravitate to? It is the science section! They love books on bugs, animals, outer space, rockets, sea creatures, weather and all of that.
- When it comes to supporting your data with research, where is the most logical place for kids to go? The library of course.
- One of the largest collections a libraries science section is science fair ideas.
- Now beyond all of that, the library is also one of the largest rooms in a school. It also has build in counter tops and table that are perfect for display boards and you don’t have to fight with the Phys Ed teacher about taking up their gym.
- Read the full article that goes into great detail on how to partner with the librarian for the science fair here.
So the article got me thinking more about First Grade.
Mostly a 1st grade science project is based on a theme, and you also want them to learn early on how research is a key element. The librarian as a partner from beginning to end, will help with surveying the literature, they can help focus their attention to one area, they can even teach kids how to take an idea an turn it into a good science question. Then there they would be again, to either help the child look for an appropriate project, or work with the teacher to find a list of books or online project in their theme and is designed for a 1st grader to do. They would work ahead of time to create a display of research support books, as well asd websites the kids can use for their facts.
I somehow think 1st grade science projects that followed some great ideas for making a project look good from their school librarian could be really cool! Not to mention how excited 1st graders can be about showing off anything they do!
…and those 4th graders?
It looks like you really can build some good habits, and have some fun along the ways so science projects for 4th graders might go more smoothly and independently, not to mention the friendly librarian there to help them along the way. You will get some really great display boards by then!