Help your child with science fair projects
Did you know that 75% of science Nobel Prize winners have reported that their passion for science was first sparked in non-school environments? Additionally, a recent study of students in the state of Minnesota found that 88% of science fair students reported having “a firm understanding of the scientific method,” whereas only 34% of non-science fair students did. 81% of science fair participants felt that they are “aware of current scientific issues,” whereas only 20% of non-science fair students did.
Science fair projects are a great way to learn about the world. Instead of memorizing facts and tables, projects allow students a hands-on way to understand science, and provide them with a key understanding of the scientific method, which will continue to help them, both in and out of academia, for years to come.
For 70 years, SSP’s science education programs—the Intel Science Talent Search (formerly the Westinghouse Science Talent Search), the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS—have been built on science fair participation and children engaging in hands-on activities and research. These competitions have inspired generations of science enthusiasts, including Nobel Laureates, Lasker Awardees, National Medal of Science recipients, and nearly 50,000 other distinguished alumni.
However, it can be difficult to know how to get started or to think of an idea. Here are some resources to help you:
- SSP’s guide on completing a science fair project
- SSP’s collection of videos highlighting the research projects of past Intel ISEF Finalists
- Science Buddies – A non-profit organization providing science fair ideas, resources, answers, and tools. Including a Science Fair Project Guide and an Ask an Expert online bulletin board, staffed by volunteer scientists and top high school students.
- Hands on activities provided by the National Science Teachers Association and the USA Science and Engineering Festival
We also encourage you to read recent articles we have published with science fair as theme:
- Young scientists work together and win, Broadcom MASTERS competitors qualified with individual projects, but won based on team challenges
- Young scientists come to Washington, Thirty middle school students compete in the inaugural Broadcom MASTERS science challenge
- Science fairs: Teaching students to think like scientists, Top prizes awarded in Broadcom MASTERS science competition for middle schoolers
- Surf zone study earns young scientist first place
- First Broadcom MASTERS finalists selected, Thirty middle school students will come to Washington, DC to share their projects
SSP believes that educating and inspiring the scientists of tomorrow, whose vision will usher in new solutions to global challenges, is vital to our common future.
We hope you and your children will learn more about each of our competitions and perhaps even participate!
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