St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair Information

        

Eligibility Criteria: Any student in public or nonpublic education in grades 6-8 (Junior Division) and grades 9-12 (Senior Division).

        

Abstract: “Science Fair is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their interest in science and their understanding of scientific methods. Participation will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific literacy, and communication. A successful science project clearly reveals that science is more than a body of knowledge; it is a way Of thinking and a way of understanding. These skills and processes help prepare students for a changing and challenging future.”

        

Full Description: The Maryland and National Standards require that students be involved in the processes of science in the course of learning concepts in science. This includes experimental design. The Science and Engineering Fair is an excellent vehicle for implementing experimental design, extending understanding, and applying scientific concepts in the classroom. Students are challenged to inquire, hypothesize, develop procedures for testing, analyze data, and draw conclusions based upon results.  Findings are presented, defended, and judged at the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair.  Winners in various categories may go on to compete at the Prince George’s Regional Science Fair, which is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

        

Categories:

Animal Sciences

Earth Science & Planetary Science

Mathematical Sciences

 

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Engineering: Electrical & Mechanical

Medicine and Health Sciences

Biochemistry

Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering

Microbiology

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Energy & Transportation

Physics and Astronomy

 

Chemistry

Environmental Management

Plant Sciences

Computer Science

Environmental Sciences

 

        

History:  This year’s Fair will be the 49th annual event. An all-volunteer board administers the Fair. In the past seven years, St. Mary’s County students have won grand prizes at the Prince George’s Regional Science Fair seven times. Several students have won scholarships. Seven students have attended the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the past eight years.

        

Needs: Donations for operating expenses, awards (monetary or other) for competitors, mentors for students, volunteers (for planning, set-up, etc.), support for students/chaperones attending the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and judges for various categories.

        

Contact:  Allan K. Hovland, President, St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair Board

 

Phone: 240-895-4354        E-Mail Address: president@sm-sef.org