Science Fairs

Though the term ‘science fair’ brings to mind school competitions and children, science fairs have grown to include not only national, but international science fairs for participants of all ages. Since the 1950s science fairs have been growing in popularity.

Science fairs first became popular in the United States in the early 1950s. The ISEF, which was then known as the National Science Fair was the first organized, large scale science fair.

Currently, the largest annual science fair is the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which is held in the United States. The 1996 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The 2012 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This exciting pre-college science fair takes place each May. More than 1400 students from over 40 countries compete in the science fair for scholarships, internships, tuition grants and scientific field trips. The grand prize in this science fair is a $50,000 college scholarship. All together, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair awards over $3,000,000 in prizes.

This prestigious science fair provides and opportunity for the best and brightest young scientists from around the world to share ideas and showcase cutting-edge science projects.

Before competing at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair entrants must compete in an Intel ISEF-affiliated science fair. Many Intel International Science and Engineering Fair entrants will have to compete in as many as four of these lesser regional science fairs before being accepted to compete in the international science fair.

The path to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair starts with participation in a local level or high school science fair. Next, participants can compete in regional or state science fairs. If a person wins at he state or regional level they may be eligible to compete at the Intel ISEF. Each affiliated science fair can send up to two finalists and one team consisting of up to three members to represent them at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Intel ISEF projects are grouped into categories including behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, medicine and health, microbiology, physics, space science and zoology.

When choosing a science fair project, start with an area that interests you already. This way you are more likely to remain interested and committed to the project. You should also try to choose a topic that can benefit your community or society in general. By taking a look around your community and addressing some issue or problem with your science fair project, you are adding to the wellbeing of your friends and neighbors in addition to learning something yourself.

It’s important to be creative during brainstorming sessions about your science fair project. Don’t be afraid to try things that may not work. Some of the most popular inventions came about by accident. You never know what result you’ll achieve until you risk a new solution.

It can be helpful to read science magazines like Scientific American or Science News to see what is currently being done in science. There are also tons of valuable resources on the internet. There are many sites dedicated to science fairs in general and have many useful tips and projects to start with. And don’t forget to talk to people. You may be surprised to find out that someone you know has a problem or solution that may make an excellent science fair project.

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.