When I was in junior high school, I won an honorable mention in a science fair for an electric motor I put together. Though some might not think so, honorable mentions are important to kids. I am now 60 years old and remember it clearly. I went on to get a PhD in cellular biology and have helped judge science fairs for several decades as a result.
Dennise Richardson, PhD of Dallas:
When I was a senior in high school in 1964, I submitted a math project involving finite difference methods to the St. Louis Science Fair. It did not get past the first round. Over 30 years later I was a judge at the International Science Fair when it was held here in North Texas. While walking around, I came across a math project that was essentially the same as mine! I really enjoyed the fact that what I did turned out to be considered a worthy project after all. Guess I was just ahead of my time?!
We often tell young researchers to be thorough and complete when writing up their experiments. When judging a local science fair in Missouri, I came across one project that said, “After we weighed the animals, we stopped and had a Coke.” I couldn’t fault them for their completeness!
In another science fair, a young person had done a study with two hamsters. Because one of the hamsters died, it was reported as, “50% lived and the other one died.”
I have been judging at the Dallas Science Fair for about 10 years.
From Richard Browne, PhD in Dallas:
... But in 2005, I signed-up as a judge and was assigned to the Junior Physical Earth & Space. Lots of good stuff there! I find it fascinating to see what interests these kids and how well (and maybe not so well) they absorb the information and knowledge that’s out there. And it’s always a great experience to see how they’ve chosen to present what they’ve learned.
I also enjoy participating as a judge today, since I didn’t participate in any science fairs when I was young. Maybe it’s not fair not having been on the receiving end of such judgments, but it’s fun nonetheless. Why I didn’t I’m not sure, but truthfully, I don’t remember any such fairs being offered. I was always (relatively) good at math and enjoyed science classes, and liked hands-on experiments.
But I also excelled in art classes. When I got to high school, as a guy, naturally shop class drew my interest, too. But so did drafting, and I stayed with art and drafting all thru high school, as well as the physical sciences. So as I went off to college, I naturally chose architectural engineering as a major. Now, I practice civil engineering for land and site developments – funny how the road twists and turns `til we end up where we end up.
Jeffrey H. Cohen, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
Dallas, TX
Jupin is a Science Fair Grand Prize Winner and now a scholarship student at SMU.
Heather Zidow
Graduate of Plano ISD 2003
From my first science fair project on the patterns of fingerprints to my high school projects on the effectiveness of canine prescription diets, science fair played an integral role in my K-12 education. Through completing the projects, I gained a scientific writing style, an ability to statistically analyze data, and a familiarity with the scientific research process. I also developed mentoring relationships with several local veterinarians. Through presenting my research at science fair competitions, I had the opportunity to travel, meet other students with a passion for science, and advance my public speaking skills. Most importantly, my participation in science fair inspired me to pursue a career in science. Today I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin. In May, I will be graduating with a degree in honors biology, and in August, I will be entering medical school. For me, my love of science all began with science fair.
> Have you ever participated in the science and engineering fair while in school?
Yes. Dallas SF, attended Woodrow Wilson HS. Built a cloud chamber to see traces of alpha and beta particles. Took pictures, documented the process, did basic calculations on energy based on length of trace. Won division.
> How many years have you been involved in the Dallas Fair?
Judging the Dallas Fair since 1997 in Hr Engineering and Jr Science
> How did you become interested in science and engineering?
Father was an engineer. Attended SMU and graduated with BSME and MSEA.
Bob Stewart