The children of Miami need your help!
The South Florida Regional Science and Engineering
Fair began in 1954 when two University of
Miami professors, Dr. Oscar Owre and Dr.
Al Mills brought their dream of providing
an opportunity for Dade (now Miami-Dade)
County students to compete in a science
and engineering competition to reality.
Today, there are thirteen categories in
which students may pursue research, including
chemistry, computers, earth and space science,
engineering, environmental science, mathematics,
physics, medicine and health, microbiology,
behavioral science, biochemistry, botany,
and zoology. In classrooms, teachers motivate
students to compete. Students select a topic
and then do background research. Next, they
evaluate their resources, and prepare an
experimental design to test their ideas.
Student projects range from trying to discover
why batteries short out during a hurricane
and how this can be prevented, to working
on controlling robots with the mind, to
preparing computer programs which analyze
hydrocarbon efficiency, all the way to designing
devices to test pupillary response, using
calculus to determine the variance in the
wave lengths, as well as testing the waves
given off by various sounds of musical instruments,
and testing curcumin, the active principle
in the spice turmeric, as an anti-cancer
agent. Not only are students allowed to
perform experimental research, but they
have the opportunity to interact with scientists
and engineers during the judging process.
Competition is continued at the State level
for select Middle School and High School
students. Those High School students with
projects deemed the best in the fair further
continue their journey to the International
Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Another
aspect of the fair is the Bridge Contest.
This contest develops more of the skills
acquired in physics. Many of our future
engineers compete in this event. In this
competition, students in the middle school
build bridges according to specifications
that remain the same from year to year to
create the most efficient bridge. Senior
High school students build bridges according
to international rules that change every
year. Two Senior High school students that
build the most efficient bridges are considered
the “winners” and are awarded
a trip to the international bridge contest
which takes place in various cities in the
United States.
Due to changes
in our nation, and in our economy, the budget
for the science fair has been severely decreased.
We ask that you assist us to continue to
provide these opportunities for the students
of Miami-Dade County as they explore careers
in science and engineering by making a monetary
contribution. The county PTA has created
a non-profit organization to receive your
tax deductible contribution. All
donations should be forwarded to Friends
of the Science Fair.
Please
send contributions to:
Friends
of the Science Fair
Susan Cole, Chairperson
999 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 710
Coral Gables, FL 33134
We
thank you for your time and interest, and
encourage you to make an investment in our
most precious asset, our youth.
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