Science Fairs

One of SETAC's primary goals in North America is to contribute to effective science education. The board of directors supports an emphasis on understanding the scientific method and the nature of defendable scientific theories in school classrooms. The governing board of directors of SETAC North America strongly affirms the importance of promoting the principles of good scientific education, which are essential for both an informed citizenry and for efforts to manage, protect, and enhance environmental quality and ecosystem integrity.

SETAC North America's Involvement in Science Fairs

SETAC North America sponsors several awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

Winners of the SETAC North America Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) Award are selected from entries in the annual Intel ISEF based on the relevance of the research to environmental toxicology and chemistry, potential contributions to the science of environmental toxicology and chemistry, the student's grasp of the scope and importance of the project, usage of scientific thought and methodology, thoroughness of the research, and originality of the project. The Society currently provides the following awards:

First Place - $500.00
Second Place - $250.00
Third Place - $100.00
Honorable Mention - SETAC Student Membership

Regional Chapter Involvement in Science Fairs

Judging at local science fairs provides regional chapters a way to encourage young scientists to pursue a career in environmental toxicology or chemistry

Many Regional SETAC Chapters participate in local science fairs through involvement in judging, providing awards, and through providing technical assistance to students. Please contact your local SETAC Regional Chapter for information.

For example, the Southern California regional chapter provides volunteer judges for local science fairs in the Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Inland Empire Counties. SoCal SETAC provides a $50.00 cash award, chapter membership, and an invitation to attend the Chapter's annual meeting for the best senior high school project dealing with environmental toxicology and/or chemistry issue at these local science fairs.

Science Fair Resources

Participation and involvement in Science Fairs is an excellent opportunity to foster the shared SETAC mission of providing "education in the environmental sciences" at a very influential point in a students' life. Since Science Fairs encourage young people to learn about science and consider pursuing a career in the sciences, participation in these events through the presentation of special awards and providing judges can have a profound affect on a student, possibly even altering career choices and influence their attitudes towards science and technology. Furthermore, participating in Science Fairs provides a valuable service to the community, is directly compatible with SETAC NA interests and goals, and represents a relatively simple and cost effective means of community outreach that positively and prominently reflects the shared values of SETAC NA and associated regional chapters.

The SETAC Education Committee would like your help to improve our outreach activities at the local level. Please email us if you would like to participate in our activities or have suggestions.

Help judge at a Science Fair: Phil Markle