Students in elementary school will focus on the facts and figures contained in their physical surroundings when they develop a project for science class. This real world approach is appropriate for these grade levels of students. As they progress to the seventh and eighth grades, the teachers will expect more depth to the presentations they make for junior high science fair projects. These junior high science fair projects will often be a challenge for students. This is due in part to the leap some students experience in moving from elementary school to junior high school. There is more responsibility placed on the students as they must change classes and take a bigger role in their own education. This is a good time for parents to increase their participation in their child's education. The junior high science fair projects will require the students to exhibit a greater understanding of scientific concepts while applying some of their own thoughts and ideas to the demonstration.

Many parents are willing to assist their children with school projects. The demands of junior high science fair projects may require extra effort on the part of the parents. This, however, does not mean that the parents should actually do the project for their children. Some parents, for various reasons, feel that they should complete the junior high science fair projects themselves. This is doing your child a great disservice. The adults may know all the answers and want to simply tell their children what is correct. If you do this you are denying your child the opportunity to learn. If you are assisting them, make sure it is only assistance and not simply giving them the answers or completing the work for them.

Many students will need parental assistance with the junior high science fair projects, and will pressure their parents to take the lead in the process. Parents should remember that these junior high science fair projects are some of the best learning experiences that students have available. Let them discover the answers and processes themselves. Ask thoughtful questions that will lead your child to discover the understanding and knowledge for themselves. Most importantly, resist the urge to simply do the project for them. After all, it is their opportunity to learn, so do not deny them this chance.