Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair

 Objectives: 

The Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair (KSSEF) competition will involve students in dynamic scientific investigations. The participating students will gain perspective of the world through science and math and will develop skills necessary to persist in today’s society.

In the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair competition the main emphasis is on individual scientific research. Students learn through this process how to conduct valid scientific research and how to communicate their findings both written and orally. The Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair is part of a progressive opportunity for students to compete at local, regional, state and international levels. Students who participate in the fairs have the opportunity to win numerous awards that include tropies, savings bonds, and scholarships.

A good way to start the science fair journey is to visit with a science teacher at your school about a project. You may also want to contact the director at a regional fair for more information about fairs in your area. You can find information about the Kansas State Science & Engineering Fair (KSSEF) in this brochure.

Divisions

The state science fair will have two divisions. Division I is for students in grades 9-12. Division II is for students in grades 4-8. Both divisions are subdivided into categories containing specific content.

Purpose of the Organization:

This venue provides students with experience in critical thinking, leadership, and creative problem solving. Students from around the state are given an opportunity to showcase their talents in this academic setting, and earn rewards and honors. Attending one of the five regional science fairs within the state is a prerequisite of attending the state fair.

Duration of the Project:

Across the state local science fairs will be completed, usually before February, prior to the dates set forth by the regional fair in their area. The regional fairs must be completed by the last weekend in March. The Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair is an ongoing annual project, occurring on April 3 and 4, 2009, in its second year. 2008 marks the first state fair in about half a century. We propose to make this yearly event meritorious and desirous. Teachers and students across the state will be inspired to work toward an increased standard of excellence in science and math. Participation in science fairs provides means and motive for educational goals set forth by the State of Kansas and the National Board for Science Education Standards.

Constituency Served

Students receiving Highly Superior ratings at local science fairs advance to regional science fairs. Then, the top 10 projects or top 5% of the regional’s participants (whichever number is greater) will advance to the KSSEF. Division I includes students in grades nine to twelve and Division II includes students in grades four through eight. The state fair should consist of about 90+ projects. The regional fairs typically display around 300+ projects, and the local fairs that feed into the regional fairs potentially have 100+ students at each. Science fairs reach thousands of Kansas’s students each year.

Community and Volunteer Involvement:

Volunteers in science and math related jobs in Wichita and the surrounding area are scheduled to interview the students and judge the projects at the Kansas State Science and Engineering F air. Local TV coverage is also scheduled.

Composition of Board Members:

The Board of Directors for the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair is comprised of individuals from across the state that were interested in starting the fair. These individuals include Nora Strasser, professor of Math at Friends University; Sarah Evans, professor of Biology at Friends University; Joel Walker, Director of Education at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center; Kimberly Ring, 7 th and 8 th grade science teacher at USD 389 and co-coordinator of the Eureka Regional Science Fair, Eureka, KS; Pam Collinge, 5 th and 6 th grade science and technology teacher at Marshall Elementary, USD 389 and co-coordinator of the Eureka Regional Science Fair, Eureka, KS; Steve Yuza professor of biology at Neosho County Community College and co-chairman of the Neosho County Community College Regional Science Fair; Betty Paulsell Program Director of Science Pioneers, Inc. in Kansas City and Heather Click-Cuellar Education Program Consultant in Science Standards and Assessment Services, Kansas State Department of Education.

Project Result Measurement:

The science fair will be judged and winners in each division will be chosen. The all winners in Division II and the 2 nd and 3 rd place winners in Division one will receive scholarship savings bonds. The First place winner in Division I will receive scholarship savings bonds and funding for the student and parents to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair that is held in May, in different locations around the United States each year.

Rules and Requirements

The KSSEF will adhere to the rules and requirements set forth by the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) that will be held in May 2009 will be in Reno, Nevada. Information can be accessed at this web site: http://www.sciserv.org/isef/

Entry Guidelines.

Teacher Rewards

The teacher of each of the top three winners in both divisions will be awarded a mini-grant of $500 to use for classroom supplies.

Primary Source of Funding and Continuation:

Funding for the Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair will continue to come from donations made by our sponsors. Donations to help fund the KSSEF may be sent to Kim Ring, EJSHS, 815 N. Jefferson, Eureka, KS, 67045. We plan to acknowledge our sponsors during the duration of the fair, on our website, on TV, during interviews, and in any advertising we pursue.

At this point in time, our funds are being housed in an activity account in USD 389 Eureka. Our website is hosted through Neosho County Community College. Facilities for the fair are being provided by Friends University. All of the entities involved fall in the realm of tax-exempt status, govern the expenditure process of the state fair, and will insure non-profit status.