The Science Fair: A Critique and Some Suggestions

Abstract

L THE SCIENCE FAIR FAIR? I was prompted to explore this question by a variety of experiences that I have found I share with others. Kinsey and Pomeroy learned during their initial studies of human sexual behavior that what may have originally been interpreted as a perversion may indeed be more nearly the norm when society as a whole is surveyed. Likewise, what I have been interpreting for years as isolated and local perversions of the science spirit appear increasingly as the norm, especially when the broad experiences of others are considered. My professional frustrations may have taken root during my first year as a junior high school science teacher when a student, prompted by overzealous parents, made unrealistic demands on me. In my naivet6, I contributed many hours in support of a very successful science project that attained its goal-personal notoriety for a student more interested in self than science. I am also prompted by memories of a lengthy letter that, as a science director, I was compelled to write in response to a student's accusation of unfair judging. Though I later learned that the criticism was encouraged by parents who could not cope with their son emerging as second it was the student who was the real victim of unnecessary and unfortunate pressures. I recall the agonizing compromises I have had to make when defining the time periods in which science judging had to take place. Because of the constraints of twenty-four hour days and available human resources, I have never been satisfied that every student got a fair shake. I also remember my own son's dismay when he reported at home one evening that the judges had said so what! after he had explained his project to them. His interest in sciences fairs came to an abrupt halt on that date. I hope not to be heard as a frustrated director, disillusioned teacher, or angry' father. Instead, I wish to be heard as a concerned science educator sharing some ideas that I think will contribute to making participation in science fairs a valuable experience-something better than an unrealistic and artificial exercise. First, a word of acknowledgment is in order. I know that many successful science fairs are conducted annually unblemished by the problems referred to in this article. To those who are responsible, I say congratulations! You are proof that it can be done. At the other extreme are a few totally unsatisfactory fairs. The remaining fairs are average; I take the position that most fairs are, at best, only average. The average science leaves much to be desired; it is not always fair.