Abstract:

In Turkey called ‘’This is My Work’’ science and mathematics project science fair for elementary school students has been investigated this qualitative study from perspectives of administrator, teacher and students about engaging motivations, difficulties, increasing of involving and productivity, mentorship role, contributing of science education, collaboration with corporation and institutes at project preparing process and quality of science projects. This study was conducted at 2009-2010 educational term, and its sample students engaging from A city at B Regional Fair and their administrators and teachers. Semi-structured interviews, observations, projects reports, attitudinal survey used as collecting data tools. Results form data analysis; engaging motivations administrators that school reputation, teachers stated that pressure of administrator and student willingness, students stated that viewing project. Although teacher are positive attitude towards science fair, they stated that ‘’If my district did not require participation, I would not involve my students in science fair competitions’’ mostly. Administrators, teachers and student mostly stated that mentorships or parents are more effective role at projects making. Findings which qualitative investigating of projects determined serious mistakes at using scientific method, data analysis and searching resource. It should be taken importance to the teachers who are key role at science fairs, if it wants to achieve the science fairs’ aims. It should not be ignored the dimension of ethics and moral education at science fair.

Keywords: