1. What is the Science Fair?
The Science Fair is an opportunity for students in grades 5 through 12 to present and compete with their own original scientific research projects. FSDP students compete first at the Regional level in March, with the opportunity to advance to the State, National, and International levels. The guidelines for participation are governed by the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
2. What is the Intel Science Talent Search?
The Intel Science Talent Search is a National competition for High School Seniors who have done exemplary work in the field of science. It is the most prestigious competition in which high school students can compete and the greatest indicator of future scientific success. Applications are due at the end of November and 300 semi-finalists are chosen in mid-January. At the end of January, 40 finalists are chosen to travel to the Science Talent Institute in Washington D.C. and meet the President.
3. Who Are We?
The Sci Ment Program exists to teach and advise students interested in competing in the Science Fair and Intel Science Talent Search. Students in grades 9-12 from any school are eligible to participate.
4. What is the Goal of the Program?
The goal of the Sci Ment Program is to help students grow as scientists and as young adults. We serve students whose schools have no formal science fair program. We strive to teach them about the process of science as well as the ethics involved with it. Throughout the entire process, from the creativity involved in developing a project to the skills needed to work with others, we hope that our students will learn life skills as well as scientific ones.
5. Where Do We Meet?
The majority of work is done online, with occasional meetings at the District 287 Service Center in Plymouth.
6. When Do We Meet?
We meet as needed based on student progress and schedules.
7. What About Special Events?
Field Trips, Potlucks, and other Special Events are important to the program. It is important to explore real world science projects being conducted and to spend time sharing that with parents, family members, and other mentors.
8. What About Food?
Undoubtedly food is a vital part of any successful program. For that reason we take turns bring treats for the group meetings, generally focusing on food high in sugar and sprinkled with fun.
9. Who Can be in the Program?
Any student in 9th-12th grade who applies is eligible. Enrollment is not limited to any region.
10. Do Students Work with Mentors?
Students often seek guidance from research scientists when developing their project ideas and in conducting their research. Technical assistance as well as laboratory space is necessary in some situations. However, a formal mentorship with a scientist is not required, and we encourage students to work with many people throughout the research process, as is done in the traditional research environment.
11. What Sorts of Projects Can Students Do?
Anything related to science and the scientific method! Specifically, the projects are broken into 15 categories: Behavioral and Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth & Space Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Gerontology, Mathematics, Medicine & Health, Microbiology, Physics, Team Projects and Zoology.
12. Can Students Receive Academic Credit?
Yes, Sci Ment works with the individual schools through NSO to implement this.
13. What is the Vision for SciMent?
A. The instructor’s vision for the program is to:
- Grow to meet the needs of more students;
- Empower students to find individual growth, conduct themselves ethically, and aspire to high personal standards;
- Gain increased recognition for student achievement in science;
- Instill an excitement for science in young people.