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 County Lapeer County Shiawassee County Tuscola County

51st Annual Flint Area Science Fair March 16-18, 2007 Location: Kettering University

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 have If you are interested in a career using science (e.g. doctor, engineer or scientific research) this is a great way to begin You 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 achievements Earn scholarships and prizes that can help pay for college The satisfaction of doing something with your brains and your hands

What is a science fair project? Projects involve doing an experiment using the scientific method You select the topic Your project and the display you present at the Fair must contain: Title—what your project is about Hypothesis –what you expect to find Procedure – 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)

IMPAXX Designing Better Playground Surfaces with Finite Element Analysis (High School Engineering)

How do I get started? Pick an area of science that interests you Come up with a question that could be answered experimentally Talk with your teachers, parents or neighbors who know something about what interests you The 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 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 Rules primarily exist to make sure no one is harmed during the experimentation or display Treatment of animals rules are based upon currently accepted scientific ethics The ISEF has specific rules relating to display and documentation and as an affiliated fair we must comply. Complete international rules are available at

Examples of rules for project displays: Size – project displays must be no more than 48” wide, 30” deep or 108” from the floor Safety – 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 displayed Complete rules are in the Handbook or on the FASF web site

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 morning While 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 20% Scientific Thought/Engineering20% Thoroughness20% Skill20% Clarity20%

Junior division projects are judged as follows: Creative Ability 25% Scientific Thought/Engineering25% Thoroughness20% Skill15% Clarity15%

Senior division projects are judged as follows: Creative Ability 30% Scientific Thought/Engineering30% Thoroughness15% Skill15% Clarity10%

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

Prize and Award Sponsors Air and Waste Management Association American Meteorological Society American Psychological Association American Society of Civil Engineers Association for Women Geoscientists Certified Hazardous Material Managers Children's Museum Compliance Resources Technology, Inc. Cross Veterinary Clinic David C. & Doris Hill Chemistry Award Discovery Young Science Challenge Eastern Michigan ASHRAE Fisher Scientific Flint, City of Genesee County Farm Bureau Genesee County Medical Society Genesys Regional Health Center

Prize and Award Sponsors (Cont) Hurley Medical Center Intel Computer Award International Society of Optical Engineering Kenton Nieman Memorial Award Kettering University McLaren Health Care Corporation Meijer's Michigan Society of Professional Engineers MU Alpha Theta National Association for Biology Teachers National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine Scientific American State of Michigan / Governors Office Stockholm Jr. Water Fed. U. S. Army U.S. Air Force U.S. Department of Health U.S. Metric Association U.S. Navy / Marine Corp

How far can I go?– Elementary Division (4 th and 5 th grade) Up to eight 5 th 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 (6 th through 8 th grade) Up to th 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 scholarships Join the FASF Senior Division as you advance in school

How far can I go?– High School Division (9 th through 12 th grade) Winners in each category can participate in the State Science and Engineering Fair where they compete for additional prizes and scholarships Four 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 2007 February 16, 2007 Last day for local fair reps to arrange for block entries March 5– Last day for individual registrations to avoid late fee March 12– Last day to register (with a $10 late fee) March 16 (2:30 to 6:30) Project set-up at Kettering March 17—Judging interviews 8-noon & open viewing afternoon March 12– Award Ceremonies March 19—Projects on display for school field trips March 20 (3-7PM) Project removal March 31– Michigan Science & Engineering Fair May 13-19—INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, NM

Science Fair Web Sites International Science & Engineering Fair Flint Area Science Fair, FASF Application and Handbook are available on line If questions call Dr Welch, GISD at