Science Fair at Parenting

When Parenting magazine wanted to come up with a way to help moms and dads get their kids excited about science, technology and the environment, they took a very hands-on approach: the Virtual Science Fair. The contest encourages kids to share their love of science by submitting a photo or video of a science experiment they completed, along with step-by-step instructions for the experiment. "The winner will be chosen by Parenting editors and an all-star cast of science education experts from the National Education Association, Popular Science magazine, plus Emmy-award winning science teacher and YouTube sensation Steve Spangler," says Heidi Corn, who runs the initiative at Parenting.

The top ten finalists and their entries will be featured on Parenting.com and the winner will get USD 5,000 and a mention in the June 2012 issue of Parenting School Years magazine.

"Parenting sponsors this kind of initiative because it allows us to connect with our audience beyond their children's early years," says Corn. "It allows moms with school-aged children the chance to be a part of their children's interest in science."

The team had a lot of fun working on the project since it brought back their own first experiences with science and a true appreciation for how the project will have an impact on kids in the years to come, Corn says. And while getting kids excited about science is important, it isn't easy.

"The biggest challenge is securing entries," says Corn.  "While the contest seems so simple in nature, getting children and their parents to enter and meet the criteria can be a challenge in and of itself. "

March 11 is the deadline for entries to the contest, which is open to children ages 6-12.