As I continue to plan my first science fair, I’m learning a lot about the process. So far, my biggest challenge has been to just get kids to sign up. At first, I only had four kids signed up. I had to extend the deadline to try and get more kids.

It isn’t an easy task, convincing elementary age children that committing to extra work and research after school and on the weekends is good for them. It also isn’t easy to convince parents that science fair isn’t the daunting, overwhelming task it appears to be.

After all, last year, I was one of those parents. I had a first grader who loved science and I myself had never participated in a science fair when I was younger. I had no idea where to start and I definitely didn’t understand the difference between performing an experiment and doing a science fair project. I remembered something about the scientific method but couldn’t name a step if I had to.

I’ve been planning this year’s science fair with that in mind. I’m putting together a packet that will help step students through the process and help parents in their support role. I’m reaching out to students and working to get them excited about science. I’ve also found a lot of support from the school staff and teachers.

I had a slow start on the march to get participants, but things are picking up. I have 55 kids signed up. Last year, they only had 30. I’m now more stressed about finding enough space and tables instead of filling the emptiness with four students.

I received a huge reward last week for my efforts. No, it wasn’t a gold medal in science fair planning. A friend of my daughter’s told me I was her inspiration for joining the science fair. The experiments and science activities I have brought into the classroom over the past two years excited her about science.

Up next, ordering ribbons, picking a science experiment giveaway and plotting the space. I think this is the fun part of planning? Maybe not .