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ISSUE FOCUS:
GETTING STARTED IN RESEARCH

> Here's How to Succeed in Science Fairs

Participating in a science fair can take you way beyond what might show up on your report card - it can be the springboard to a fascinating new interest. Approaching science fairs with a focused and determined strategy can mean the difference between just going through the motions and getting on the path to an exciting career. 

A typical science fair is an academic competition in which participants present their projects to each other and to judges. The projects can cover a spectrum of fields, such as biology, physics, and chemistry, or be focused on just one. Not only can the projects differ, but so can the competitions themselves. These fairs can start as early as elementary school and go all the way to national competitions for secondary students. But no matter what level you're working at, to succeed in any science fair you need to understand what to expect - and what's expected.  READ MORE

 
PATHFINDER

> Resources and More


Science Fair Do's and Don'ts:

Do
  • Find a mentor
  • Research thoroughly 
  • Record data
  • Stay organized
  • Rehearse your presentation
  • Create an engaging poster 
  • Include all aspects required by       your fair
  • Don't
  • Begin with an "if-then" statement
  • Collect too little data
  • Introduce too many variables 
  • Forget important due dates
  • Keep sloppy records
  • Ignore your mentor's advice
  • Forget to thank those who               helped you

  • A Click Away: Building a Project
     
    FIRST STEP

    > Find a Science Fair Topic

    Even the most passionate students can get stumped when coming up with a science fair project idea. Here are a few possible sources:
    • Personal experience. Is there an aspect of your own life, like our jogging example in "Here's How to Succeed in Science Fairs" above, that could be subject to scientific research? Sometimes thinking outside the academic setting can help unlock your inspiration. 
    • Websites. Some online sources offer sample projects, including hypotheses and experimental designs and illustrations of independent and dependent variables, that can be springboards for your own ideas. See "A Click Away: Building a Project" above. 
    • Scientific journals. Check out what actual science professionals are researching. With the help of your mentor, you might be able to replicate higher-level research. Just don't forget to cite your source and explain clearly that you're purposefully re-creating another's work. 
    • Mentors and teachers. If you're still stumped, don't forget the people who want to help you. Your mentor may be able to help jump-start your creative process.
    NEWS FROM AISES

    AISES is requesting proposals from student members to make the AISES mobile app. The selected team will receive free registration to the 2016 AISES National Conference in Minneapolis.

    Through ExxonMobil's generous support, AISES is offering up to 10 $3,000 scholarships in the 2016-2017 academic year to assist students pursuing degrees in the geosciences in financing field work and research.  

    AISES has partnered with Certified Federal Surveyors to allow it to better serve its members, who are professional land surveyors or land surveyors in training. Five $1,200 scholarships will be offered.

    The registration deadline for the NAIVSEF Junior Division has been extended to Feb. 29. AISES awards cash prizes to Senior and Junior Division winners.

    SAVE THE DATE

    2016 Leadership Summit
    April 14-16
    Rochester, Minn.
    Register here.

    AISES Regional Conferences
    The Regional Conferences provide an opportunity for AISES College and Professional Chapters to gather and share information, form partnerships, network, and more. Learn more here.

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