Why every school should organise science fairs

Science exhibitions are one of the most common and frequently organised events at the school level. The ultimate outcome of such events is far below that of science fairs. The science exhibition focuses on assembling various components to create working or static models, whereas the science fair offers students opportunities to exercise their inherent sense of curiosity and develop their own ideas to complete research-based projects.

Science fairs are common scientific events and are greatly admired in developed countries, which is a clear indication that research is being integrated with academics from the primary level in schools.

This mid-phase of the academic year is well-suited for students to engage in research-oriented projects through participation in science fairs. The Science fair is all about finding an answer to a question; it involves independent research and is a genre that facilitates the use of the scientific method.

How does it work?

A student, out of curiosity and observation, raises many questions: How does the length of the strings affect the swing periods? In which type of soil do tomatoes grow faster? And many more.

To find its answer, the scientific method is employed systematically: Conducting background research in response to the question posed, formulating a hypothesis that represents a possible answer, conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis, and finally, analysing the data and drawing a conclusion.

Students can choose from various categories, including life sciences, physical sciences, and environmental sciences, for their projects. They can choose either an individual or a group project depending on the nature and scope of the research involved. However, an individual project is advisable, particularly for high school students, as it offers more opportunities to think and act.

The completed projects are presented through a tri-fold display board. Its left panel comprises an abstract, hypothesis, and conclusion, while the middle panel includes details such as questions, results, data, charts, and pictures. Finally, the right panel contains important aspects, such as the materials used, the adopted procedure, and the future plan or study.

Science fairs can be organised within a school or inter-school, in both cases, wider exposure is crucial. People from various professions enjoy visiting and interacting with the students, asking questions about different aspects of the project.

Many benefits

Since students progress through different phases of the project and complete it independently, they appear fearless and bold. Their confidence level in presenting scientific ideas with courage and certainty reaches a new level. The answers to the queries nicely reflect their creative and analytical skills, which blend well with an understanding of the essence of the scientific phenomenon involved.

Science fair is not just distinctly different from a science exhibition; with its unique features, it takes students beyond their textbooks to engage in exploring the world around them. It strengthens the spirit of collective learning among teachers and the peer group, and ensures the constructive involvement of parents. It provides students with opportunities to share their ideas with a wider audience, enhancing their communication and creative skills. Eventually, with their thought-provoking and research-oriented activities, they form a strong and meaningful bond with society. 

The lack of research opportunities at the school level may result in a dearth of quality scientific minds in future. Providing scientific research facilities at schools not only addresses this academic and intellectual challenge but may also help our students excel in the field.

(The writer is the director of a Raichur-based academic institution)