Author: Heather Welch, Fifth Year BA/MT, Astronomy-Physics and Secondary Education

Amount Requested: $2010.00

 

Today’s science fair has seen little innovation since its inception in the fifties.  Although one of the original ambitions of science fairs was to give students relevant and authentic experiences in science, they have fallen short of attaining this goal.  As the fair stands today, students can compete and even win a science fair with little or no understanding of the science involved in their projects.  Additionally, science fairs further emphasize the inequality of available resources among different students and schools

 

With more study of the current science fair and successful alternatives, the science fair can be redesigned as an experience that reveals opportunities, gives students more authentic experiences in science, and recognizes hardworking, young scientists.  This new event, the Science Expo, will call on local resources such as colleges, businesses, industries, and relevant organizations in the community to contribute to the growth and experience of science students.  These resources will provide mentors and equipment to students who wish to conduct research beyond the means of their home or school. 

 

Through involvement in the Science Expo, students will develop a more complete and accurate view of the scientific enterprise.  Additionally, they will develop skills for critical thinking, research, cooperative learning, problem solving, and presentation.  Not only will these skills help students in future careers and studies, they will help create a more scientifically skeptical community of consumers.  In a world increasingly dependent on science and technology, the Science Expo will make an important contribution to the development of informed members of society.