1. Why Do Science Fair?

2. Skills Development

3. By planning and completing a research project
Strengthen science and math skills
Gain self satisfaction
Improve skills that the State of Texas tests each year such as TAKS

4. Strengthens writing skills
Students are forced to write and rewrite and then rewrite again. This forces them to improve this valuable skill.

5. Leadership qualities are developed
As their self esteem improves, these students often become leaders in their school and community

6. Gains Self Esteem

7. Strengthens verbal skills and allows them to develop an interview style that makes them comfortable with peers and adults

8. Awards, Awards, Awards

9. Cash Awards
Summer positions
Listings for their college admissions

10. Science Fair is Fun
Really, it is! I promise

11. Students meet world renown scientists
Develop friendships with people that they see at competition after competition

12. Watching students talk about their research and taking ownership in their research is really fun and refreshing

13. Mentorship

14. Develops a true mentor/student relationship
Rewards not only to the student but to the teacher as well

15. How do I know what will work best at my campus?

16. Should this research project be required?

17. Community Involvement

18. It is important to involve your administrators, parents of your students, and community leaders in your program
Remember to ask for help

19. Common Stumbling Blocks

20. Procrastination

21. Set deadlines for the students so that they stay on schedule
Make sure that they MEET the deadlines
Help them set reasonable and obtainable goals

22. But…..
Only those students that work in “real labs” are successful
This is NOT TRUE!

23. Since 1992, students attending ISEF from the DMN Regional Science Fair
Karen Shepherd
PSHS Research Sponsor

24. Isn’t student success in not only high school, but in college and life enough of a reason to do this?

25. Then….
JUST DO IT!

26. Presented for the Dallas Morning News Get and Edge Workshop
August 27, 2005 By
Karen Shepherd
Research Sponsor
Plano Senior High School
2200 independence Parkway
Plano, Texas