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Advancing science literacy for over a
half-century!

• Inspiring Sustained Student Interest in STEM

•        
• STEM SUMMIT V
• Sturbridge, MA
• October 28, 2008

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Inspiring!Moving the intellect or emotions
Sustained Given support or relief to Prolonged,
nourished.
July 20, 1969
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a11reflect.jpg
Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Do You Know Who I Am?
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Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Do You Know Who I Am?
Rosalind Franklin
Nobel Prize for Medicine 2008 Francoise
Barre-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier
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Lets Ask Students!

• What students say will help motivate them to
  enter
• science, engineering math fields
• Apply math/science to solve real world problems
• Multimedia and interactive simulations
• Use equipment and tools
• Solve math puzzles
• Talk to scientists and mathematicians
• Visit places where science happens
• Learn math/science that will help me with a job
• All kinds of technology
• Add relevance to the rigor!
• Credit National Science Teachers Association
  (NSTA Reports Online 6/6/06)

Science Fair projects often involve all of these!
Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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The MSSEF model successfully engages student
interest in STEM. How do we know? We asked
hundreds of MSSEF Alumni !

• Over 50 pursued college majors
• careers in science technology.
• A life-forming experience
• James Worden (Co-founder - Solectria Corp
  solar electric car)
• I was constructing my future
• Lanay Tierney (BC Grad Fellow, Max Planck
  Society)
• Exhilarating. ..to understand the process of
  discovery, not just facts from science texts.

Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Projects begin with students natural curiosity
about the world!
Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Making Learning Fun Exciting
Red Sox project makes news!
Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Why Create a Science Fair Program?

• Helps engage students as learners
• Students learn better when they are engaged!
• Inquiry-based learning is part of
• MA Frameworks process skills
• Opens college career opportunities for all
  students
• Engages parents and community in STEM.

Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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Science Engineering Fair Projects

• Based on the scientific inquiry method -- Require
  reading, writing, math, critical and innovative
  thinking, ethics, verbal and graphic
  communication, and perseverance.
• Help students build key 21st century skills while
  conducting research, analyzing data and
  presenting projects to expert judges / mentors.

Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)
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• WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

• Encourages my students intense study .. and, in
  helping them, I also learn. 
• When our students achieve success, we beam with
  pride.
• Helps my students become independent learners.
• Its just a lot of fun!

Massachusetts State Science Engineering Fair
(MSSEF)