A Springboard for New ideas

In the First and Second Grade, Science Fair Projects can often be models rather than experiments or models that include some application of scientific thought.

Parents who are helping with these are encouraged to remember that children at this grade will be evaluated at their developmental level. Projects are assessed according to a check list that often includes some combination of the following criteria:

• Creative Ability
• Scientific Thought
• Skill
• Thoroughness
• Clarity

As a guideline you can keep in mind:

Your model or collection must be scientific in nature.

• Details of the model or collection must be accurately and clearly labeled in scientific language.
• Scientific facts, as well as personal observations and conclusions about the model or display are helpful in showing that you understand your project well.
• Include a poster with your collection or model. The poster should display your project title and any interesting information you would like to mention.

Some suggestions for models:

• Make a model of a cross section of wheat using clay.
• View an Example
  
  Extending this idea:
• Sprout a grain of wheat
• Bring in examples of processed Wheat: Wheat Germ, Essential Gluten, Wheat Flour, and Wheat Starch. Link these to the model.

Always remember to discuss how this affects someone who cannot eat wheat.

* Make a model of a cross section of the small intestine using a dryer hose.

Some online printouts from Enchanted Learning can be found at:

• Digestive
• Label Easy

If a child is affected with DH here is a printout of the skin.

• Cut the hose in half the length of the section.
• On one half label the ridges as villi
• On the other half wrap the tube with wither foil or plastic wrap. Label this as a Celiac's small intestine who is not on a gluten free diet.
• One can demonstrate how food travels through the intestines by placing the two tubes on a 75 degree angle.
  • Pour a cup of gluten free jello down the villi lined small intestine.
  • Pour a cup of cream of wheat down the damaged small intestine.
  • This is a dramatic representation of the small intestines damage.

EXTENSION: Put holes in the damaged small intestine showing what will happen to the vitamins that should be absorbed into the body.

THIS WEBSITE IS STILL IN PROGRESS. THESE IDEAS WILL BE EXPANDED.