Soaring to a Global Future--- The Flint Area Science Fair

Soaring to a Global Future--- The Flint Area Science Fair

Your Future Starts Now…

Your Regional Science Fair Serves Students in Grades 4-12 from:

Genesee CountyLapeer CountyShiawassee CountyTuscola County

51st Annual Flint Area Science FairMarch 16-18, 2007

Location: Kettering Universitywww.kettering.edu

INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

The Flint Area Science Fair, as your regional fair, is affiliated with the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Each year 4 FASF Senior Division students win an all-expense paid trip to the ISEF (2007 is Albuquerque, NM)

What is a science fair?Science Fairs are a fun way to practice your skills in science and to use your curiosity….Judged competition that recognizes how effectively you use scientific methods to solve problems. Projects are grouped by subject and grade level.To level the playing field a specific format must be followed.

Why enter a science fair?Explore neat stuff and gain confidence in your ability to understand new things Find interests and talents you did not know you haveIf you are interested in a career using science (e.g. doctor, engineer or scientific research) this is a great way to beginYou also learn how to present yourself both through a written presentation and verbal interviews with judges who are professionals in your chosen field

Why enter a science fair? Satisfaction and opportunities

Gain recognition for your talents—Colleges and Universities value science fair recognition and often award scholarships based on science fair achievementsEarn scholarships and prizes that can help pay for collegeThe satisfaction of doing something with your brains and your hands

What is a science fair project?

Projects involve doing an experiment using the scientific methodYou select the topic Your project and the display you present at the Fair must contain:

Title—what your project is aboutHypothesis –what you expect to findProcedure – how you do your experiment Data/Results – the results of your experiment /or the answer is….Conclusion– what you actually found and learned

What if your results do not match your hypothesis?

It’s OK. That means you have learned something!And that is what science is about…

Juicy Juice

(Elem. Div.)

LED Tail-lights

Safety Feature or Driving

Hazard(Middle School Life

Sci)

If You Drop Oil the

Planet Will Spoil

(Middle School Environmental

Sci)

Mutagenic Effect of

Tobacco on Microorganisms

(High School Div Life Sci)

IMPAXXDesigning Better

Playground Surfaces with Finite Element

Analysis(High School Engineering)

How do I get started?Pick an area of science that interests youCome up with a question that could be answered experimentally Talk with your teachers, parents or neighbors who know something about what interests youThe FASF web site has many great resources and links to help you identify possible topics. Mentors are also available to help you.

How do I enter the Science Fair?

You must complete an application at least two weeks prior to the Flint Area Science Fair (by Friday March 2, 2007)

Applications can be submitted on line at www.flintsciencefair.org OR The application form in the printed handbook can be mailed

What are the rules?Complete rules are in the Handbook or on the FASF web site www.flintsciencefair.orgRules primarily exist to make sure no one is harmed during the experimentation or displayTreatment of animals rules are based upon currently accepted scientific ethicsThe ISEF has specific rules relating to display and documentation and as an affiliated fair we must comply. Complete international rules are available at www.sciserv.org/isef

Examples of rules for project displays:

Size – project displays must be no more than 48” wide, 30” deep or 108” from the floorSafety – No Petri dishes with microorganisms, no tissue samples and no hazardous chemicals or voltages. You should present your results though pictures and graphs, not do your experiment at the fair No food products may be displayedComplete rules are in the Handbook or on the FASF web site www.flintsciencefair.org

How will I be judged?Who? Judges are local professionals who volunteer their time to interview students and judge projects. Judges review all projects and project reports on Friday night to decide which projects are “Finalists”Finalist projects are reviewed by teams of judges who talk with students Saturday morningWhile judges select which projects are of special merit and worthy of prizes, they also enjoy helping students learn.

How will I be judged?Judging is really an opportunity to learn and talk with people who are knowledgeable in the field your project is in, people who are eager to talk with you because of your interest in something they value….

Elementary division projects are judged as follows:

Creative Ability Creative Ability 20%20%

Scientific Thought/EngineeringScientific Thought/Engineering20%20%

ThoroughnessThoroughness 20%20%

SkillSkill 20%20%

ClarityClarity20%20%

Junior division projects are judged as follows:

Creative Ability 25%Scientific Thought/Engineering25%Thoroughness 20%Skill 15%Clarity15%

Senior division projects are judged as follows:

Creative Ability 30%Scientific Thought/Engineering30%Thoroughness 15%Skill 15%Clarity10%

What are the prizes?

Flint Area Science Fair each year awards prizes, trips, scholarships and bonds totaling over $25,000Many local universities and organizations also give scholarships, awards and monetary prizesEveryone is a winner and receives at least a ribbon and a bag of fun prizes

Prize and Award SponsorsAir and Waste Management AssociationAmerican Meteorological SocietyAmerican Psychological AssociationAmerican Society of Civil EngineersAssociation for Women GeoscientistsCertified Hazardous Material ManagersChildren's MuseumCompliance Resources Technology, Inc.

Cross Veterinary ClinicDavid C. & Doris Hill Chemistry AwardDiscovery Young Science ChallengeEastern Michigan ASHRAEFisher ScientificFlint, City ofGenesee County Farm BureauGenesee County Medical SocietyGenesys Regional Health Center

Prize and Award Sponsors (Cont)

Hurley Medical CenterIntel Computer AwardInternational Society of Optical EngineeringKenton Nieman Memorial AwardKettering UniversityMcLaren Health Care CorporationMeijer'sMichigan Society of Professional EngineersMU Alpha Theta

National Association for Biology TeachersNational Youth Leadership Forum on MedicineScientific AmericanState of Michigan / Governors OfficeStockholm Jr. Water Fed.U. S. ArmyU.S. Air ForceU.S. Department of HealthU.S. Metric AssociationU.S. Navy / Marine Corp

How far can I go?– Elementary Division (4th and 5th grade)

Up to eight 5th graders are invited to apply to participate in the Discovery Competition in Washington, DC. Each year FASF has had at least one student be among the 40 from across the USA accepted for Discovery Competition.You can go as far as your skill and desire will take you.Join the FASF Junior and Senior Divisions as you advance in school

How Far Can You Go?

How far can I go?– Junior High Division (6th through 8th grade)

Up to 15 6-8th graders are invited to apply to participate in the Discovery Competition in Washington, DC. Each year FASF has had at least one student be among the 40 from across the USA accepted for Discovery Competition.You can go as far as your skill and desire will take you.Earn recognition, prizes, awards and scholarshipsJoin the FASF Senior Division as you advance in school

How far can I go?– High School Division (9th through 12th grade)Winners in each category can participate in the State Science and Engineering Fair where they compete for additional prizes and scholarshipsFour Senior Division winners receive an all-expense paid trip to compete in the INTEL International Science And Engineering Fair—the 2007 ISEF is in Albuquerque, NM

Dates to Remember for 2007February 16, 2007 Last day for local fair reps to arrange for block entriesMarch 5– Last day for individual registrations to avoid late feeMarch 12– Last day to register (with a $10 late fee)March 16 (2:30 to 6:30) Project set-up at KetteringMarch 17—Judging interviews 8-noon & open viewing afternoonMarch 12– Award CeremoniesMarch 19—Projects on display for school field tripsMarch 20 (3-7PM) Project removalMarch 31– Michigan Science & Engineering FairMay 13-19—INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, NM

Science Fair Web Sites

• International Science & Engineering Fair www.sciserv.org/

• Flint Area Science Fair, FASF www.flintsciencefair.org

Application and Handbook are available on line

If questions call Dr Welch, GISD at 810-591-4442