Imagine middle and high school science classes without a science fair. Participation in science fairs is declining (Harmon 2011), a trend that some teachers, parents, and students find disturbing. The authors opine that the decline in science fairs calls for critically reviewing the potential disconnect between the aims and outcomes of science…

Problem solving is a valuable skill in the science classroom. Students often use a variety of inquiry strategies to identify problems and their implications; develop action plans; locate relevant sources, information, and data; and formulate solutions. Problem solving is a logical, analytical, and sometimes creative process. The less tangible,…

Science fair judges provide secrets to a successful science fair. Whether students are competing in science fairs at the high school, local, district, regional, state, or international level, their success is dependent on the judges' interpretation of their work. In this article, the authors present a series of questions and answers from past…

The more than five million English language learners (ELLs) in the United States represent over 10% of students enrolled in public schools--and this number is growing rapidly. From 1997 to 2007, growth of ELL enrollment exceeded that of overall enrollment by more than six to one. Regardless of where they teach, science educators will undoubtedly…

As a science teacher educator and former science teacher, the author has long known that the science fair should be part of his professional experience, but he had not given it much thought until recently. As he worked with his daughter's project, he became convinced that it is time to reconsider the range of activities one calls "science fairs."…

There are many types of inquiry activities out there: Demonstrations, guided or scaffolded inquiry labs, open- or free-inquiry labs, and problem-based or project-based learning activities are all staples in science education. The importance of inquiry is highlighted in such documents as the National Science Education Standards (NRC 1996) and the…

One goal of 21st-century education is to develop mature citizens who can identify issues, solve problems, and communicate solutions. What better way for students to learn these skills than by participating in a science and engineering fair? Fair participants face the same challenges as professional scientists and engineers, even Nobel laureates.…

Describes a student science exposition which includes individual research and team competitions, noncompetitive student exhibits, films, tours, workshops, and social events. Indicates that this combination of activities makes the exposition a real science "fair." (JN)

Concerns a follow-up survey of 239 persons who have won scholarships in Chicago Public Schools Student Science and Mathematics Conference. (BR)

Experiments by secondary school students which inflict pain and suffering are described. NSTA policy regarding the use of live animals is presented. An argument for the use of animals in research is given along with a recommendation by the author that animal projects should show a reverence for life. (AJ)

Gives guidelines for initiating science projects and encourages students to enter them in science fairs to instill confidence in their accomplishments. (LS)

Discusses the approach taken in a science project program at a math/science/computer magnet school. Explains the procedures, student requirements, and scheduling needs of the program. Contains a checklist of 17 steps for completion of the project. (ML)

Presents an analysis of student science projects at science fairs that judges are likely to encounter. Presents a challenge to the organizers of science fairs to define the goals of the fair and the criteria for selecting winners. The problems associated with the process are discussed. (SA)

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)