Science Star Search

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library  (T-LCPL)  has worked for a number of years with the District 2  (generally Northwest Ohio) Science Day staff in co-sponsoring a workshop for students –grades 5+ --and interested adults, relating to Science Fairs.  District 2, of course, is specifically concerned with those students who are interested in competition.  T-LCPL’s goal has been to provide reference tools and information while encouraging science fair participation from the classroom fair and school-wide fair through more advanced levels.

Science Star Search has been an annual 2 ½ hour evening program that has covered instruction on easily accessed databases and reference materials available through local libraries; basic research skills; positives and negatives of Internet research; topic selection; what to expect when participating in science competition on any level; and for those whose interest is Science Day (competition), the importance of pre-planning your project and correctly doing the paperwork.

Each year we endeavor to cover all the above in a variety of different ways.  In 2008, we did it with handouts and presentations that included information on the positive benefits of science fair participation; two expert panels – one with students, the other with adults; and hints on what judges look for in evaluating projects.  All this and we had pizza, too!

Yearly, the T-LCPL and District 2 staff get together in the spring and discuss the Star Search from the previous year – what went well and what should be changed.  Timing has been a big concern.   Separate advanced and beginner students or not?   Hold the session at Main Library (Downtown) or at a branch?  Hold the event during the week or on the weekend?   What is the best way to contact students, teachers, and homeschoolers?

Each year the Science Star Search program has changed and grown.  T-LCPL’s participation in these workshops has inspired us to think about new ways to serve both students and teachers.  We believe this has caused us to become a better resource for everyone who has been assigned to do a science fair project, whether they came to the workshop or not.

For more information go to: www.toledolibrary.org