Inspired by the positive impact of serious games on science understanding and motivated by personal interests in scientific outreach, we developed "Bacttle," an easy-to-play microbiology board game with adaptive difficulty, targeting any player from 7 years old onward. Bacttle addresses both the lay public and teachers for use in…

This paper highlights some of the challenges and milestones inherent in building partnerships between institutions of higher education and public-school systems from an interdisciplinary approach. It discusses lessons learned from a Mathematics Science Partnership (MSP)-Start Partnership that was funded by the National Science Foundation from 2008…

The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of globalization, foreign direct investment, and multinational corporate responsibility on the curriculum and teaching practices in Costa Rican K-12 schools. The study was also designed to understand the relationships among the Ministry of Education, Coalicion Costarricense de Iniciativas…

Experiments are essential for both doing science and learning science. The aim of the German youth science fair, "Jugend forscht," is to encourage scientific thinking and inquiry methods such as experimentation. Based on 57 interviews with participants of the competition, this study summarises students' conceptions and steps of learning…

We have developed the traditional science fair format into an ocean science fair model that promoted the integration of Western science and Alaska Native traditional knowledge in student projects focused on the ocean, aquatic environments, and climate change. The typical science fair judging criteria for the validity and presentation of the…

In standards-based science fairs, children learn more about what they are interested in. They deepen understandings of how science works and improve inquiry skills--including the ability to communicate and share research results. Parents learn more about science inquiry and their child's science abilities. The standards-based science fair builds…

One major contributing factor to the low number of students receiving degrees in engineering is the two decades of steady decline in student enrollment in engineering disciplines. Evidence in the literature suggests that this decline can be linked to K-12 students' lack of knowledge of engineering careers and their perception of engineering as…

This research investigates how eight undergraduate African American women in science, math, and engineering (SME) majors accessed cultural capital and informal science learning opportunities from preschool to college. It uses the multiple case study methodological approach and cultural capital as frameworks to better understand the participants'…

Describes a regional science fair in Indiana. Presents guidelines for organization and registration, rules and regulations, display and presentation, science fair advancement opportunities, and other competitions. (SAH)

The purpose of this ex-post facto study was to determine whether or not all students have an equitable chance of winning in science fair competitions. Winners and nonwinners at local, regional, and state levels of 1994 Mississippi science fair competitions were compared for the following variables: project cost, status of participation (voluntary…

Examines the sources and kinds of help that students who were required to participate in science fairs considered fair and reasonable, and the kinds of help they actually received for their projects. Confirms the previously reported gap between potential and actual sources and kinds of help. Indicates that pressure of time was the most highly…

Examines the influences on research design selection and success in competition of 22 finalists at the 44th International Science and Engineering Fair. Findings show students are largely accurate in self-reports of design and interact with mentors on several levels outside influences reflect shifts in motivational orientation and success…

Provides a range of practical suggestions and experiential advice for organizing a science exposition. Presents three case studies of school expos. (CCM)

Describes the 2000 Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program and some of its winners who invented innovative tools to help others and make their work easier. (ASK)

Lists the awardees from the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program and relates the stories behind the inventions. (MM)