Homeschooling Help

Homeschool Support Groups-Project Ideas

Every year our local homeschool groups host three major events:

• A homeschool Science fair
• A homeschool Social Studies fair
• A homeschool International fair

The science fair is a terrific way to encourage students to enjoy science and to dig deep into an aspect of science that interests them.

Students begin by researching a scientific question or area of interest and conducting necessary experiments to test their hypothesis. They will then present their findings or demonstrate their experiments to all of those who attend the science fair. It is an outstanding outlet for kids to speak to a group; to learn research skills; to plan and put together an attractive and informative display; and to become an expert on their chosen topic.

The Social Studies fair is similar to the science fair.

Students can choose to study an individual (such as Crazy Horse); an event (such as the California Gold Rush), the history of a particular field (such as jazz music, baseball, computers, etc.), or geography (such as Glacier National Park). They will spend the first part of their project researching and writing a research paper on their chosen topic, then develop a presentation board for the fair.

At the fair, attendees travel from display to display and listen to the presentations. I am always thrilled to see just how animated my children can be when they are truly prepared.

The International Fair is a little different.

At this fair, entire families work together for months (sometimes all year), studying a specific country. At the fair, each family presents the history of the country, significant individuals (including scientists, artists, musicians, authors, leaders, etc.), the geography, interesting places to visit, customs, food, culture, wars, contributions . . . anything of significance about that country. In the process, we create incredible unit studies that include science, math, writing, research, reading, history, art, music . . . you get the picture). The International Fair is a culmination of that study and adds another element to the unit-public speaking.

When we arrive at the fair, our children receive a “passport” to carry with them as they visit each country and they begin their world travels. At each display, they hear a 20 minute presentation (from the entire family) on that particular country and participate in various activities planned by the presenting family. It is an incredible day, filled with learning, fun, food and opportunities to share what they have learned throughout the school year.

Other enjoyable events we have enjoyed in the past have been:

1. Medieval History Day (where each child presented a different aspect of medieval history and demonstrated for the rest of us). Some chose to demonstrate the art of archery, sword play, cooking, chivalry, etc.; others spoke about the different classes, castle life, dungeons . . . What a fun day!
2. Egyptian History Day–where we participated in the mummification process (somewhat), building a pyramid, and a cooking demonstration, while also watching demonstrations on all different aspects of ancient Egypt

Sound like a lot of work?

Not really. Because each family worked on one part of the day and then we came together to celebrate what we had learned.
When planning a homeschool event like those listed above, the biggest job is in the planning. Gather a group of homeschool moms, go out to dinner or dessert and put your heads together. Everyone will have different gifts, different ideas, different passions . . . but when you put it all together you can create the plans for an exciting, fun-filled day for the whole family!

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