Thank you for expressing an interest in conducting a local science fair. First, here are a few general comments. The title "advisor" is being used to include teachers, mentors and adults, who are advising the student on his/her science fair project. If students are to participate in the SC/SW MN Science & Engineering Regional Fair, first, schools must sign up, then student projects/papers, etc. need to be registered. Forms are available in hard copy (PDF format) online Or student registrations may be conveniently completed online. All schools – public, private, parochial or home – are eligible to participate!
The purpose of science fairs is to develop or reinforce the student's interest in science. The student's effort while working on the project, the conferences with parents and teachers, and the discussions with other students doing projects and with the judges – all of these reinforce the student's interest and are valuable learning experiences.
The organization throughout our region varies. Some schools have local fairs; the winners then go directly to our regional fair. In some school districts, local fairs are held in individual schools, the winners then exhibit in a district fair, and the district winners are then sent to our regional fair. In smaller schools that have no local or district fair, the advisor may send one to a few students who are working on a science project directly to the regional fair. In all cases, note that registration takes place through the advisor. Home schools can also send students directly to the regional fair.
The regional fair is the top level for the elementary students, grades 3–6. Students in grades 7–12 are eligible to continue to the Minnesota Academy of Science State Science Fair. Exception will be the Society for Science and the Public (SSP) Middle School Program. This competition will be made available to the top 10% of the 5th-8th graders as selected by the Science Fair Director. Additional work will need to be done (according the the competition's booklet). Finally, students in grades 9–12 are eligible to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Many elementary fairs successfully utilize senior high science students as judges. Good sources for judges at all levels, elementary, junior high, and senior high, are medical doctors, dentists, scientists employed by local industries, teachers from neighboring schools, or any adults with science background or interest. Try not to have the student's parents or teachers doing the judging, as this places both in an uncomfortable position when the winners are announced. Obviously, teachers, advisors and parents can be involved in other ways in the fair.
Awards stimulate interest. Both ribbons and certificates can be purchased locally, or through Showboard, E.G. Staats, Inc. or Dinn Brothers. Special awards may be financed through the PTA, service organizations, and/or local businesses and industries. Incidentally, some advisors and/or schools hesitate to involve community businesses and industries with respect to judges or finances. From our experience, they are eager to help as long as they are not "hit too hard" and receive some recognition.
Should science projects be required? Responses to this question vary from school to school and teacher to teacher. If science fairs are a learning experience, which we believe they are, then all students should profit from the experience. Remember, the goal is to have the students "experience science," not to turn out a doctoral dissertation. The quip "try it, you'll like it" may be appropriate here. A requirement may be the necessary stimulus for the students to try a science project. Incidentally, we have heard the comment from students, even a few international winners, that they probably would not have gotten involved in a science project and the fun associated with competition if they had not originally been required to do a project.
At the elementary and junior high levels, a science project not only reinforces classroom learning, but introduces them to the scientific process, therefore, depending on the school, a requirement might make sense. At the senior high level, requiring a project may or may not be practical or necessary. For example, those students with a science interest may already be involved in science projects through a science club. By the time the students reach this level, they are working more independently and the teachers tend to work with fewer students on a more selective basis. Still, in some senior high schools, science fair projects are required; in these schools the fair generates much enthusiasm and community involvement.
Incidentally, experience indicates that if you are starting a science fair in your school for the first time, a class requirement works best. Later, after students see the interest generated by the fair and notice that other students, like themselves, do well in the fair, the requirement can be lifted.
The time necessary to develop a good project varies from project to project and from one grade level to the next. At the elementary level, a time period of two or three months is usually adequate, although some students may work on their projects longer. At the junior high and senior high levels, the projects tend to be more involved and require longer periods of time. Some students work for a year or more on their projects. Others, who select a topic that can be completed in a shorter period of time, may complete an excellent investigation in a couple of months.
Once again, thank you for expressing an interest in the science fair program. If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to call Mary Van Duynhoven, Secretary at the South Central/Southwest Minnesota Regional Science & Engineering Fair Office at (507) 389–2849 (voice–mail is available to leave messages) or Bill Bessler, Director at (507) 389–1887. We hope to see you and some of your students at our regional fair!
