Many people can remember the days when science fairs consisted of making a volcano out of chicken wire and papier mache. The young scientist would cause the “eruption” by mixing baking soda and vinegar. Other popular entries included connecting a wire to two batteries and illustrating how electricity works and explaining the inner workings of a beehive. Compared to what you find at some science and technology fairs today, these entries seem very quaint. Instead, many fairs, especially those put on or sponsored by specific science and technology organizations or companies, may concentrate more on presenting the advancements that have occurred in these fields.
This does not mean, however, that schools cannot continue to hold science fairs that welcome a variety of entries. Teachers can actually use these venues to encourage students who may have already expressed an interest in an area of science.
These events may also spark the interest of those students who previously had not considered pursuing a career in science or engineering.
There are companies whose sole purpose is to provide communication opportunities for teachers and others who are interested in continuing to hold science and technology fairs. These companies give teachers and students information on the latest advancements by the scientific community, as well as advice on how to prepare for and hold these improved fairs.
The suggestions and information offered by these companies make it possible for teachers to adapt them to their students’ abilities, as well as to the amount of materials and time they have available. This allows teachers more flexibility in choosing those projects that they believe their students will enjoy the most.
Without sufficient education, it’s difficult to have a career in the fields of science and technology. Anything that teachers can do to stimulate the interests of students in these areas can be helpful. Science and technology fairs can help them accomplish these goals.