Science and Engineering fairs offer opportunities for educators to conduct outreach as well as for students to start to become curious, life-long learners. Students who complete true inquiry science fair projects learn and participate in the scientific process, gain interpersonal skills through interviews with judges, and have the possibility of earning rewards or scholarship money for their participation. Over the past five years at Auburn University, a National Science Foundation funded program called STEM-IQ has taken hold and changed the science fair landscape of the southeastern region of Alabama. This outreach program was intended to help the Greater Eastern Alabama Region to raise the rigor of the current science fairs, increase the number of projects in the region, create a sustainable science fair infrastructure, and cultivate a culture of STEM through science and engineering fairs. These tasks, while daunting, have illuminated some “best practices” for teachers interested in starting science fairs at their schools.

Science and Engineering Fair Outreach: Tips to make the experience more than just a volcano

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.