This mixed methods research explored the autonomous experiences of South African school students when participating in a science fair. A prominent global goal for school science education is for students to partake in scientific inquiry in order to acquire understanding of science concepts, the processes and skills of science, and the nature of…

This research is based on the "Journey through Space and Time" (JTST) educational astronomy project for primary and junior high school science curricula in Australia, which seeks to improve students' astronomy content knowledge through science inquiry. The focus of the current project is on the learning needs of students for whom the…

Data collection, organization, and analysis are indispensable means of seeking solutions during the process of inquiry. Representations (called inscriptions by some educators) including graphs, tables, photographs, and equations are powerful ways of arranging and displaying data in visual form. This study aims to analyze quantitatively the use of…

Sixteen different suggestions are given to parents for helping their children with science fair projects. Among the 16 suggestions included are contacting people who have expertise in science, helping the child obtain pertinent information, keeping a daily log of research activities. (DS)

Summarizes the experiences of a former science fair participant and judge in an attempt to make the typical rules for science fairs more understandable to any prospective participant. Includes categories of judging, items prohibited from display, a list of most difficult projects, and the source for more information on science fair rules. (JJK)

This book for high school students presents 20 different science fair projects that provide an opportunity to learn how plants are affected by natural and man-made influences on their environments. Many experiments in the book were adapted from original International Science and Engineering Fair projects. Each project includes in-depth background…

Presents comments on problems voiced by teachers about conducting science fairs with middle school children, also cites some advantages of science fairs. A list of simple experiments is offered that are considered within the interests and intellectual range of middle school children. (Author/EB)

Discusses projects entered in the 46th Annual Science Talent Search and identifies the 40 successful competitors. Includes a listing of the winners by state and also names the student's school and city. (ML)

Article discusses educational benefits of science hobbies, citing specific accomplishments of British students. New courses in Engineering Science and recent development of scientific investigation and technological classroom projects are noted. Author relates how students have solved specific practical problems, such as devising games to develop…

A study was conducted to determine whether their were significant differences in effects of outside facilities and resources of winners (n=69) versus nonwinners (n=169) in high school science fairs in the state of Mississippi. Results indicate that access to a university and resource dollars positively enhances chances of winning. (MDH)

Discussed is a method for judging science fair projects considered to be more accurate than just an averaging of scores. The use of many categories so that the number of projects in each is relatively small is proposed. The advantages of using the consensus method are described. (KR)

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has assembled this collection of reprints to assist teachers in organizing a science fair, working with students and establishing equitable judging procedures. The NSTA position statement on science fairs is included. The 19 reprints in this volume are geared toward secondary school students and are…

Presents an insider's view of the judging process at science fairs from a former student participant who has performed as a judge at many science fairs. Discusses who the judges are, on what judges tend to focus, parental involvement, gifted students and outside help, the interview process, and the formal rules of judging. (JJK)

A science and engineering fair is a competition based on the quality of projects done by students, the results of which are reported through exhibits and oral presentations at the fair. Fairs operate on a step basis. Students who win in small, local fairs, move to a city fair, then to a regional fair, and may be chosen to represent that fair in…

A science and engineering fair is a competition based on the quality of projects done by students, the results of which are reported through exhibits and oral presentations at the fair. Fairs operate on a step basis. Students who win in small fairs such as a local fair, move to a city fair, then to a regional fair, and may be chosen to represent…