Info for Parents with Children in the Classroom Scientists Program

What will my child learn?

The Science Buddies Classroom Scientists Program, formerly called the Ask an Expert Mentoring Program, offers students the opportunity to: gain a better understanding of scientific methodology, improve their speaking and writing abilities, strengthen research skills, and develop a greater enthusiasm for science in general.

Please Note: The Classroom Scientists Program will not be in operation during the 2007-2008 school year.

What is the role of my child's Mentor?

Think of the Mentor as a guide; your child must do his or her own work. Your child should be driving the project, performing the actual experiment, analyzing the results, writing the research paper, and preparing the display board. The Mentor is there to help your child overcome any obstacles that they may encounter as they proceed with the project.

What should my child be working on today?

We have a detailed schedule for every science fair. You can ask your child to show you his or her schedule in the Assignment Folder. Here is a sample Assignment Folder, but keep in mind that your child's schedule is likely to be different.

How can I as a parent help?

A science fair project is intended to be a learning experience for the child. So, if your child is to learn anything he or she must do the work on his or her own. Nonetheless, parents can give guidance and supervision:

• Feel free to guide your child to information that will help understand the theory behind the experiment. Do this early and your child will be able to answer his or her own questions as they arise during the balance of the project. (The Mentor should help with this as well.)

• Make sure your child follows all appropriate safety precautions when doing an experiment.

• Sometimes two hands aren't enough. It's OK to provide an extra set of hands when needed, but only under the direction of your child.

Science Buddies on Child Safety

Science Buddies has made every effort to ensure the safety of children online. Following are some of the precautions we have taken to ensure that children have a safe online educational experience:

Privacy Statement: Science Buddies does not disclose to third parties personally identifiable information. Any such information (e.g. name, address, phone, email) is used strictly for program administration.

Secure Online Forum: Science Buddies has developed safe, password protected online discussion boards that are only available to participants in the program and Science Buddies staff.

Monitored by Staff: Science Buddies staff members monitor all communications on the online discussion boards.

There are four parties involved in every online "conversation": Investigator (student interested in doing a science fair project), Mentor (high school student interested in helping another student), Advisor (science professional), and a Science Buddies staff member. Teachers who provide Science Buddies with an email address will receive updates on their students' progress.

No Access to Contact Information by Participants: All communication will occur on our online system, which does not disclose personal email addresses or any other personal information about participants.

Supervised Events: Science Buddies will occasionally arrange events for participants. These events will be communicated in our weekly announcements to participants, and will also be communicated to teachers via email. Teachers are welcome at any event. Staff members will always be present at Science Buddies events.

Background Checks for all Adult Participants: All adult Advisors will undergo public background checks prior to acceptance to the program.