Science festivals bring out the finest thinkers whether they be professional participants, or interested audiences of observers and spectators. Science festivals present innovative demonstrations and educational exhibits that are fun and inviting and cover a wide scope of activities. A science festival is really an outreach to students, teachers, and communities with innovative and fresh ideas that build excitement and interest in the scientific fields.
Science festivals do not produce winners of individual exhibits. Presentations and exhibits at science festivals are professionally produced and come from the community and surrounding area. They are educational and informative in nature.
Presentations in science festivals encompass of a number of professional scientists who present a variety of media and interactive projects to the public. In successful science festivals, where attendance is good, communities are energized and excited about the world of scientific opportunities and advancements, and all are winners even though there are no individual competitive exhibits.
In contrast, science fairs encourage individual to produce winning projects and exhibits. Science fairs are competitive events and are usually conducted at local school levels, where students undertake a scientific study and/or exhibit projects that are judged and winners are announced. Winning a science fair is exciting and exhilarating when student see the fruit of their labor recognized at local and state level science fairs.
There’s no magic formula for winning science fairs, but exhibits that are innovative and generate the most excitement interest have the best chance at winning. Striking presentations are a prerequisite for generating interest in science presentations. Professionally produced posters or Power Point presentations aid in making your exhibit stand out in the crowd. Physical exhibits must be in excellent working condition and validate the scientific data presentation.
Great ideas for science fairs can blossom at any age. There are, however, limitations in some local schools where the student participants are given a choice of preselected projects. Even with these limitations a well documented and innovative media presentation can win the judges vote. Using computer presentations, video, camcorders, and effective music can make all the difference in how the project is perceived and judged.
Where the participants are allowed to select their own project, the choices are certainly more exciting. Obviously, if a student has a passion for aeronautics, astronomy, or any scientific field, he is more apt to get excited about the prospect of his project. The hands-on young practical thinking scientist may not be proficient with the discipline of documentation, but we know that documentation is less of a chore when the participant is deeply enamored with the subject.
An inventor, has a great chance of winning especially if the project is useful for further development in a field of science for the betterment of mankind. These inventive applications cover a wide variety of medical, physical, earth science, and many other scientific fields. Perhaps he or she has discovered an additive or method to increase gas mileage dramatically or a new idea for an engine. Projects that benefit others are always generate top interest.
So maybe you’re not an inventor, but you know more about the stars than anyone in your class and you are great at presentations. Educational projects with a flair for color and design attracts a lot of attention especially when you make the subject compelling. As an example, look what Al Gore did with his climate change film.
As we look at the differences between science festivals and science fairs, we can draw some parallels. They both generate interest and excitement and they educate the public. They both provide benefits when scientific ideas are sparked and innovative wheels begin to turn in the minds of young (or older) scientific thinkers. I have to say though, as a hand-on kind of person, constructing a science project is great fun.
Whether you attend a professionally produced science festival within your community or a science fair with student exhibits, It’s a win win situation for everyone who is interested in the scientific advancements within our reach.
