Top 10: What We Love About Science Fairs
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Science Fair means a lot of things to a lot of different people. Many of the mind-blowing experiences of our lives have all happened because of our hard work that has led us to the school, regional, provincial, national and international fairs. Here's a list we've compiled of some of our favourite things:
#10. Not the same 'ol same 'ol
What other time would you possibly be able to furiously solder microchips in a classy hotel room the late night/early morning before judging? What other time would you have the opportunity to blind your eyes by umpteen flashing cameras and shiny spotlights? How else could anybody get the chance to meet fellow teen researchers that have made (potentially) significant scientific discovers in their fields, like finding a way to dissolve carbon nanotubes, inventing a new plane that can fly and dive underwater, or simulating sprites of a lighting storm in a laboratory? Getting away from the mundane day-to-day, and delving into a world with people can actually understand your research, conversations about significant things, and cool gadgets! Ranging from being a day to two weeks long, science fair is the greatest way to break away from your everyday boredom and finally be able to feel recognized for your hard work.
#9. Free Trips!
Traveling and discovering new places that you'd never have a chance to go to otherwise! Who wouldn't love having your regional fair or Youth Science Canada fund your all-expenses paid trip to interesting places like Truro (land of a million lobsters), Albuquerque (... where? New Mexico!), Saguenay (yay for military barracks!), Atlanta (ridiculously amazing) or Reno (Yay, Nevada)? All the food you can eat, a nice place to stay, and the fantastic opportunity to tour significant landmarks of humankind... for free!
#8. No Need for a Tour Guide!
Getting a whole cultural experience of travel, because your trip is put together by welcoming locals who know the best places to visit, not your travel agent! Sick of pseudo-tourist attractions developed for the purpose of eating your money, that end up really lame? Go on a science fair trip and it will never happen again! Examples of amazing tour opportunities include whale-watching in Quebec, going up the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico, visiting Parliament in Ottawa, and many more.
#7. Opportunities Galore
The doors that Science Fairs open to universities, more travel, more research, volunteer experiences, and more cool things! Just look at the piles of business cards and flyers left at your display board, eagerly awaiting for you to phone or email them! Canadian universities at CWSF and American colleges at ISEF are especially looking for bright young minds like you to recruit into their student body. Many finalists end up networking with their judges, obtaining even more connections and maybe if they're impressed with you, a research position at their lab! One ISEF finalist in Engineering has even gotten annual packages of electronics parts from his science fair judge that he uses in his new projects. Another continues to get update emails from a sponsor of her award. One student who won a scholarship from her local university still gets invites to attend fancy banquets with good food! There really are so many people out there interested in YOUR research that want to open doors for YOU.
#6. Swag!
Free Stuff! No, really: the science fair memorabilia is amazing. It is astounding how many now-are-bad-for-you plastic Nalgene-like bottles science fair participants have gotten over the years, from different universities and corporations that sponsor Youth Science Canada! One science fair student has given all her bottles to her parents to place in their antique cabinet. How colourful! Additionally, the opportunity to trade pins with other participants at CWSF provides you with a hefty collection of jingly metal things. Some of our favourite swag over the years include iPod speakers, stylish backpacks, USB drive bracelets, tshirts that guys wear and girls use as pyjamas, mind toys, stress balls, calculators, and so much more. (Stress balls always run out on judging days, but we do our best to keep them freshly stocked.)
#5. I Just Flew in From the CWSF and Boy are my Arms Tired
After you come back, the bragging rights you have to tell all your friends back at home about getting all these great things! Make them jealous; you deserve to! Hopefully then, they will join in and do science fair too. There are so many amazing benefits, so who wouldn't want to?
#4. Connections and Networks
Meeting important people (most of your judges are professors at universities, and special award judges are industry professionals) that actually care about your project and want to help you improve! Over time, some of these contacts will develop into academic peers, industry associates, and life-long friends.
#3. Penpals! (or Facebook pals!)
Making (and keeping) friends from around the country and the world that you'd never get to know if it hadn't been for the Science Fair! Who else wouldn't want an extra 400 friends on your list? Be the most popular person around! Improve your English or French! The list goes on. The science fairs are a great way to meet people who share common interests. Exploring common interests is critical when it comes to developing inside jokes. What's an academic career without inside jokes?
#2. I did this! I did this!
The feeling of accomplishment of having actually done something on your own! With enough perseverance, your feat of independence may even get you some awards! Even more, look at the beautiful trophies, plaques and medals to display in your house or school. Reinforce this great feeling with the sound of a lovely cheque being cashed at the bank.
#1. Life is but a series of...
Making your own memories!... Science fair has done so much for us.
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