Changes in brick-and-mortar educational experiences as a result of COVID-related health issues have resulted in a significant shift in how students participate in their education. Many schools are meeting partially online (hybrid) or entirely online (virtual), requiring them to modify a variety of hands-on activities that would typically be part of their curriculum. In most cases, there are ways to conduct the event virtually, and the popular science fair is no exception. This post will discuss how you can host virtual science fairs to a greater extent.
Hosting a virtual science fair may appear to be a pipe dream, but with the appropriate preparations, it may become a reality – and a successful one! While most aspects of project planning and execution will stay the same, the significant change will be the addition of a virtual platform for the fair itself. However, there is no need to be concerned because technology like VeeSpaces can do more than capable of supporting such situations with virtual add-on features.
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Tips to Host Virtual Science Fair
Collaborate your ideas
Students should not be exclusively responsible for developing their science fair projects since they are at home. Instead, teachers and teaching assistants should assist students, just as they would at a science fair. In virtual science fair, teachers can utilize office hours to develop ideas, negotiate experiment logistics, and iron out technical details about how the project will be presented. Students can even collaborate to submit collaborative work if living at home limits their resources or knowledge. Not only will cooperation make tasks easier, but it will also provide students with an opportunity to mingle, although virtually.
Maintain the Same Customs
You don’t have to adjust anything just because you’re presenting from home. Keep the tradition of people dressing up, follow the same in virtual science fair platform too. If there are generally community sponsors, include them digitally. Remind everyone to have some hot chocolate on hand if they consume it (if possible). If it is generally held in the Multipurpose Room, have someone give the opening remarks from there using the breakout room features. Keeping all of these traditions intact will assist in creating a comparable environment to your in-person fair.
Choose Appropriate Method Virtual Platform or Video Recording
We’ve seen virtual science fairs operated in two ways: live on an internet platform or through recordings displayed in a video “room.” At the former, you must choose a day and time and configure the technology for that period. You will also need to decide on a presentation order and ask students to upload their projects and ideas. But this will showcase a new experience which helps students to project their ideas in virtual reality.
VeeSpaces helps to give a real touch to science fairs, projects & exhibitions in three-dimensional AR environments.
If you choose to accomplish it via video, you will need to have equipment that enables video uploading and viewing. You will be responsible for instructing students on how to record their videos and uploading all recordings.
Think about it twice and choose the one that suits all your requirements.
Perform a Dry Run
You should plan to perform a dry run of the technology whether you are holding a live meeting or a video room. Furthermore, students should be encouraged to rehearse their presentations ahead of time. Teachers may even choose to pair up participating students so they may practice their presentations together. Not only will instructor support boost the children’s confidence, but it will also help them perfect their ideas and make the virtual science fair run more smoothly.
Involve the Parents
Just because no teachers are physically present does not exclude adult supervision. Your school’s virtual science fair should be a collaborative endeavor including parents, students, and instructors. Parents may assist their children in brainstorming and carrying out their experiments by providing them with the essential supplies and assisting them with any tough sections. It’s also a good idea to have parents oversee the actual fair because some science projects require extra vigilance. Make careful to disclose the facts to parents as soon as possible so that they can plan accordingly. It is also a great opportunity for family bonding for those that participate.
So, there you have it; some tried and true methods for making your virtual science fair a success. Just remember to have fun! Give new experience for students to explore their science project in the virtual reality world. Do contact us and walk onto our platform demo today.