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PARTICIPANTS IN THE
SUMMER
1994 SMILE+ PROGRAM
CREATED THESE PAGES BASED UPON YOUR
EXPERIENCES AND OTHER SOURCES.
PORTER JOHNSON
PROFESSOR EMITERIUS
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CHICAGO IL 60616-3793
SCIENCE FAIR PACKET
ASSEMBLED MARCH 1995
PORTER W. JOHNSON
SMILE CO-DIRECTOR
ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SMILE CO-DIRECTOR
BASED UPON INFORMATION
GATHERED BY PARTICIPANTS
IN THE SMILE+ PROGRAM
AUGUST 1994
Science Fairs and Mathematics Expositions:
What is their purpose?
Summary
of Discussion at SMILE+ Meeting
17 August 1994
Introduction
I.
Why are there fairs in science and not in other
disciplines?
Fairs were started by local
science teachers
to foster scientific research.
They obtained support from
sci-tech
businesses.
Science, home economics,
industrial arts, and
fine arts are "optional" in
high school, and thus thrive on
publicity.
"Original research" is
emphasized in science,
but not in mathematics.
However, computer projects may
be novel and
individualized.
Science fairs are investigative
in nature,
like science itself.
Science/technology is
celebrated and respected
in American society.
Paradoxically, we have fewer
and fewer
students with math & science
abilities.
II.
Interdisciplinary aspects of science fairs
To initiate ideas for its
Mathematics
Exposition, Disney School uses
"everyday math".
Science teachers are
"interactive" and
actively involved in school
activities.
Science fairs should be
interdisciplinary, but it is often difficult to
solicit help from busy
faculty
members. Some of them are "afraid" of
science. A TIMELINE
with a
schedule of activities and responsibilities
will help.
Students need to have a
solid base in
mathematics before they can be
successful in
science.
Phenomenology can interest students in science and
mathematics.
III.
Basic Purposes of Science Fair
Recognition of the
school's ability to
be competitive.
Winning.
Developing student
self-esteem and
presentation skills.
IV.
Strengthening performance in the fair
Work directly with
students before the
fair to improve performance. To
encourage participation
in the fair,
give prizes [from places such as
Radio Shack] at the fair.
Teachers should collect
ideas all year
long, attend other fairs, analyze
winning trends, and seek
organizations
[Newberry] that combine fairs from
different disciplines.
V.
Integration of Science Fair into the Educational
Objectives of the
School
We can use the science
fair/math expo to
combat anxiety and intimidation
in students, parents,
faculty, and the
public.
Computers are important
for arousing
interest in school, including in
science and mathematics,
and in helping
with research projects.
We need to find ways of
encouraging
students who "don't get it". Science
fairs help.
There is more access and
availability of
science materials as a result of
science fairs.
We need to merge textbook
materials and
other curricular materials with
science fair/math expo.
Administrators must be
persuaded that
certain properly supervised games
are instructive as well
as entertaining.
VI.
Summary
Unique informal
educational experiences.
Expanded teaching
materials.
"Risk-taking" is
encouraged.
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