Science Fair: A Successful Venture

Abstract

SCIENCE fairs are growing in popularity in the USA, as well as the world. Participation in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) has reached an all-time high. At the 1993-44th International Science and Engineering Fair in Mississippi Beach, MS, the ISEF reached an all-time high of 831 participants (Science Service 1993a). They also had 416 affiliated fairs (an all-time high). The second highest number of participants was in the May, 1990, International Fair in Tulsa, OK. The 1993 fair included projects from 46 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam and Puerto Rico. Sixteen foreign nations were also represented: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of China (Taiwan), Sweden, United Kingdom and Uruguay (Science Service 1993a). Nine of the 16 foreign nations were added during the 1992-93 school year, along with American Samoa, giving the fair a more international balance. Is science fair for you? Many teachers who are now entering the teaching profession in the various fields of science are wondering if science fair work is worth their time and effort. Most school systems across the nation do not give any extra money for teachers' participation in science fairs. This article's intent is to show some of the great and rewarding things that can be accomplished in this endeavor.