A science fair is generally a competition where contestants present their science project results in the form of a report, display board, and models that they have created. Science fairs allow students in grade schools and high schools to compete in science and/or technology activities.Although writing assignments that take a long time to complete and require multiple drafts are fairly common in US schools, large projects in the sciences (other than science fairs) are rare. Science fairs also provide a mechanism for students with intense interest in the sciences to be paired with mentors from nearby colleges and universities, so that they can get access to instruction and equipment that the local schools could not provide.
In the United States, science fairs first became popular in the early 1950s, with the ISEF, then known as the National Science Fair. Interest in the sciences was at a new high after the world witnessed the use of the first two atomic weapons and the dawn of television. As the decade progressed, science stories in the news, such as Jonas Salk’s vaccine for polio and the launch of Sputnik, brought science fiction to reality and attracted increasing numbers of students to fairs.
The origins of the science fairs in the United States began almost thirty years before the first National Science Fair in Philadelphia in 1950. Its beginnings can be traced back to newspaper mogul E.W. Scripps in 1921. Scripps created the Science Service as a nonprofit organization to popularize science by explaining technical scientific findings in a jargon-free manner to the American public. Under the watchful editorial eyes of Edwin Slosson and Watson Davis, the original weekly mimeographed Science News Bulletin evolved by the end of 1920s into the Scientific News Letter, a weekly magazine.
Davis used his influence at the Science Service to forward science education for all American children. With sponsorship from the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company in 1941, Watson expanded the science club movement begun 14 years earlier by the American Institute of the City of New York into a national movement –Science Clubs of America. As a result of the Science Service’s efforts, some 600,000 young scientists were organized into 25,000 science clubs. The early efforts of the science clubs were reported in dispatches appearing weekly in the science newsletter. The clubs were inclusive and very much based on the wonder of science and discovery.
The work of science clubs began to culminate in science fairs held locally as part of the science movement. A science fair was originally defined as the followings at the first national science fairs in Philadelphia in 1950.
During the first fifteen years, projects were marked by individual creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Science News Letter contributor, Allen Long argued: “…getting into the competition is not hard. A student decides upon some project and builds an exhibit around it. Frequently, however, the projects are the outgrowth of scientific hobbies the students have been pursuing in their spare time.” Several times during the period, the SNL printed advice on how to complete a project. The advice was void of the scientific method.
Choosing The Best Science Fair Projects
While there may be no shortage of topics for science fair projects, selecting the most appropriate one may prove to be the most challenging step of the overall process. Searching in an unorganized fashion, despite having many available resources, may lead to indecision as well as frustration. Having some idea as to what may be a good topic for you prior to starting your search may help you avoid a number of potential stumbling blocks and setbacks.
One of the key factors to having a successful outcome and experience is to pick a topic that means something to you. Ideally, selecting a topic that interests you may allow you to remain focused and on task as you work to complete your project. In this way, the end result may be a perfect representation of the hard work you thoughtfully put into your finished project.
While drawing upon your particular experiences or interests may be helpful, it would also be advisable to select a topic that is actually possible for you to research. Selecting science fair projects that are interesting but difficult for you to research adequately may lead to frustration, and a less than satisfactory end result. In addition to selecting a topic that is interesting and researchable, your topic should be fairly specific in scope as well.
Whether you search online or choose to peruse library volumes, for example, your selection process will most likely be less cumbersome and time consuming if you have already narrowed your focus at this point. Spending less time on choosing a topic should allow you more time to begin your research, and be sure that the topic of choice is one that you will want to stick with and see through to completion.
Using any available resources would be strongly advised as well. Considering family, friends, or school connections, for example, may lead you to a variety of helpful routes. For instance, a family member engaged in a particular pastime or occupation may be an invaluable source of assistance and information.
Exciting and appropriate science fair projects may be found where you may least expect them. Local or current topics, popular magazines, as well as more traditional journals and publications may yield helpful information. With a bit of forethought, your science project experience may prove to be enjoyable, engaging, and successful.
