Instead of a science fair, the author's intermediate school holds an invention convention. Guided by an Inventor's Log, students must problem solve, think creatively, and budget their time and resources to brainstorm and build an invention. The inventions are built at home, with parental support and supervision. Then, when everyone is ready, the…

This publication presents changes and modifications for 2007-2008 to the "International Rules for Precollege Science Research: Guidelines for Science and Engineering Fairs." It is written to guide fair directors, teachers, scientists, parents, and adult volunteers as they pursue their work of encouraging students to explore and investigate their…

This book is designed to provide guidance and ideas for science projects to help students learn more about science as they search for answers to specific problems. The 20 topics on electricity in this book suggest many possible problems to solve. Each topic has one detailed experiment followed by a section that provides additional questions about…

This handbook is designed as a guide for teachers and students in choosing and developing mathematics projects. Included are materials ranging from simple demonstrations of mathematical problems or principles that the teachers had assigned as classroom learning experiences to complex, sophisticated exhibits intended for fairs and competitions. The…

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)

Current research shows that the number of science fairs and science fair participants is increasing. However, other than the growth of participant numbers, there is very little research investigating the benefits of these science fairs and assessing whether science fair projects are worth the time, effort, and money spent on them. The purpose of…

This guide introduces the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Award Program and includes information on competitions, science activities, and tips on how to facilitate invention programs. Sections include the following: (1) "Introducing the Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program"; (2) "Teaching Invention"; (3) "Young…

Describes a science fair designed as a teaching tool rather than as a contest. Includes the fair's objectives and lists of possible science fair topics. Topics are organized under these areas: human body; animals and plants; earth and universe; physical principles, machines, and technology; and miscellaneous topics. (JN)

Surveys about science projects and science fairs of (n=191) high school science department chairpersons found strong support for preservice training in structuring independent science research projects, belief that doing science research projects taught lessons that could not be duplicated by classroom instruction, and a slight majority agreement…

Investigated gender patterns with respect to entry rate, project topic, and project type in a state-level science competition. Reports that for the past 20 years the participation rate has been greater for girls than for boys. Boys are more likely than girls to prepare physical, earth, math/computer, and experimental research-based projects. (45…

Presents information for teachers on science fairs including international competitions, finding research students, and starting research classes and science clubs. Provides advice for helping students with research. (PR)

Describes a science festival on human body systems and physical sciences for middle school students. Introduces the exhibits and the procedures. (YDS)

Describes the first Student Biotechnology Expo which came about through the cooperation of high schools, universities, local biotechnology and biomedical companies, and research institutions with the purpose of providing opportunities to high school students to explore science related careers. (Contains 13 references.) (YDS)

The purpose of the article is to describe step by step procedures teachers can use to successfully engage their students in the development of science fair projects. The article further explains how the student should prepare their science fair project for science fair competition. It is expected that increasing student participation in science…

Science fairs offer students the opportunity to develop skills in inquiry, writing research proposals, working with peers, verifying results, and sharing experimental findings. However, the science fair itself does not necessarily translate into a student's attainment of such skills. Project quality and a student's successful achievement of good…