Help Prepare Student For Competition

Not all teachers, parents or students think that competition in education is a good thing. But the fact is, students compete for grades, they compete to receive accolades, they compete with their friends for social standing and friendship.  So why not compete in science education.  The competition that stems from programs like SARSEF, Science Olympiad, MESA, and others has provided great stepping stones for students.  A recent High School Graduate who has competed since 3rd Grade has amassed over $40,000 in scholarship funding.  We suspect she is glad she competed.

 
So as a teacher, you have the opportunity to encourage young boys and girls to work diligently at their science or engineering project.  Please do so, and if a visit.   

Once you have selected the students to send to SARSEF, advise them to improve their project board.  Often previous SARSEF participants will completely redo their project board and abstract once selected to attend SARSEF.  Encourage them to make the changes your school judges recommend.  And encourage them to write the clearest abstract they can.  You can help with editorial comments, as can their parents and mentors.
 

And, if your student goes to ISEF, pack your bags!