Then the science fair is for you!
Share your love of science by researching a topic, building a model or designing an experiment.  You’ll make a display for everyone to admire and maybe even win an award.

LPES Science Fair Basics
  • To participate in the Science Fair, students will design and complete an experiment, build a model, or research a topic and make a display to share their work with the LPES community.
  • Displays should be brought to school on January 6th or 7th. (3rd-5th experiments).  Or January 17th or 21st (K-2 & 3-5 demo).
  •  Projects will be judged at the school by scientists from the community. 
  • Families will have a chance to view the projects and awards at STEAM night on January 23rd.

How can parents help with the Science Fair?

We need judges!
We need people from the community with a background in science to serve as judges.  If you can help us with this important and FUN task, please sign up here.  Judges  will need to come to the school during a 2-hour judging session the week of January 6th or 21st.  We will have day and evening judging times.  Exact dates will be shared in December.

If your child has a project in the Fair, that’s ok.  We’ll have you judge a different category!  If you have a friend or family member in the sciences, encourage them to sign up too!

We need prizes!
We will be awarding small, science related prizes.  These might include science books, science kits, a day at a science camp, museum passes, gift cards to science stores, or other fun stuff!  If you are able to donate a prize or money to purchase a prize, please click here: Prize Donation  .  Donations to the LPES PTA are tax deductible.    A Science Fair team member will contact you to pick up the prize and get you tax information.

Questions?
Contact Laurel Voelker and Mary Masui at LPESScienceFair@gmail.com

I’m ready!  What do I do now?

Step 1: Pick a Topic and Choose Your Category
The first thing you’ll want to do is pick a topic that interests you.  If you are in 3-5 grade and want to be eligible for the Regional Science Fair, you must do an experiment that follows the scientific method.  See the Resources Area below for topic ideas and information on the Scientific Method.
  • You are not permitted to grow mold, bacteria, or other things that can be cultured. There can also be no use of flames/fire or dangerous chemicals. If animals or human participants are being used, prior approval is needed. Please refer to the Regional Fair section below to find these forms.
 
Students can enter in the following categories:

  • K-2:  This category is open to students in Grades K-2.   Students may work alone or in group  of up to 3 students. Awesome prizes will be awarded for things like Best Science, Best Display, Most Creative Project, Messiest Project and other fun stuff!  These projects may be an experiment, model, or report.  Students in this age group are not eligible for the Regional Science Fair. 
  • 3-5 Model/Demonstration/Report:  This category is for students in Grades 3-5 who are interested in building a scientific model or doing a demonstration or report of a scientific topic rather than doing an experiment.  For example, entries in this category might be a model of the solar system or water cycle.  Students may work alone or in a group of no more than 3 students.   Prizes will be awarded for the best entries in this category, as well as fun honorable mentions.  Since these projects are not experiments, they are not eligible for the Regional Science Fair.
  • 3-5 Experiment:  This category is for students in Grades 3-5.  Projects in this category must include experimentation and follow the Scientific Method.   Students may work alone or in a group of no more than 3 students.  Please see the Regional Science Fair Section below. Prizes will be awarded for the best entries in this category, as well as other fun honorable mentions.  The top 3 projects and 1 alternate will be chosen to move to the Regional Science Fair.  https://ncsefreg3a.stemwizard.com/
 
Step 2:  Register for the Science Fair 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!  Registration will close December 15. 

Step 3:  Complete your project
Check our Resources area for tips! 
Remember to make careful notes and maybe even take some pictures!
 
Please note that the bulk of the work will be done at home. Students will be given project guidelines and timelines at school, and teachers will check in with them periodically. However, much of the work will be self-directed. Parents are encouraged to offer emotional support and reminders, but to allow children to do the projects by themselves.  See the Parents Role section of the Resources area. 
 
Step 4:  Build your display!
Use a cardboard, self-standing, tri-fold display board (no more than 3' tall by 4' wide when completely unfolded) to create a visual display of your project.  Display boards are available from Target, Walmart, Michaels, AC Moore, office supply stores, and some drug stores for less than $5. Electricity and running water will not be available for your display at the science fair. 

Step 5: Bring it to school!
Students with projects in grades 3-5 experiment category should bring them to school January 6th and 7th.  Students with projects in the other 2 categories should bring them to school January 17th or 21st.  

You will have a chance to share your project with your class before taking it to the main display area.

Step 6:  Come to STEAM night!
Science Fair projects and awards will be displayed at STEAM night on January 23rd.  Come have a great time and show off your hard work!

What if I want to compete in the Regional Science Fair?
The eligibility requirements for the regional fair include:
  • The project has been completed by 3 or fewer students within grades 3, 4, and 5.
  • The project follows the scientific method and involves experimentation. Demonstration, models, or reports are not eligible.
 
The Regional Science Fair will be held on February 1, 2020 at Hillside High School in Durham.  Students must be registered for the fair by January 17, 2020.  Judging will be completed in time for our LPES representatives to register.
 
Detailed information about the Regional Fair can be found here: https://ncsefreg3a.stemwizard.com/