The Regional Science and Engineering Research Challenge (SERC) hosts the finest 5th through 12th grade student projects from the region to present their research and be recognized for their accomplishments by science and engineering professionals who volunteer as judges. SIUE initiated this competition in 1984 to stimulate students’ interest in science and technology while simultaneously promoting the development of the life skills of communication, decision making, evaluation of alternative solutions, and critical thinking. This unique educational opportunity enables students to understand that science is an integral part of life and participation fulfills many of the Illinois State Goals and Learning Standards.
During the Research Challenge students are rewarded for the knowledge gained and hard work which adds to the excitement and enthusiasm of participants. Winners at the junior high and high school level are eligible to be sent on to compete at the Illinoi Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair, and two high school students are sent to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
For more information contact
the
EVENT SCHEDULE
Exhibit Set Up
Judges Check-in and Training University Restaurant 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM
Project Judging Meridian Ballroom 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Paper Session Judging Wabash Room 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Lunch Break Open
Special Awards Judging Meridian Ballroom 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Awards Ceremony Goshen Lounge 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Parking
is open during the event and volunteers are encouraged to use lots B, E or
A. Maps are available on the SIUE campus
website (http://www.siue.edu/maps/tour/parking.shtml).
Project listing by School Project listing by Category
The listing of entries and display
numbers will be available the week before the fair.
Remind students they need to have two
(2) extra copies of their abstract at their display for the judges to
take the night of the challenge.
Last Updated: 11 March, 2012
FORMS
ALL projects are subject to policies and procedures published by
the Illinois Junior Academy of Science.
(PDF
file)
Judge Volunteer (PDF) T-Shirt Order Summary (PDF) T-Shirt Design (JPEG)
Financial
support for the Fair comes from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and
generous donations from corporate and individual donors.
American Chemical Society
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics
Association
Monsanto Corporation
Society of American Military Engineers
Scott Air Force Base Joint STEM Advisory Group
Watershed Nature Center
Thanks to our contributors for
supporting the 2012 science fair!
Illinois State Goals and Standards
These days the classroom is so focused on achievement tests
that it often feels like there is no room for projects, inquiry, and discovery. Science fairs are seen as a drain on time and
resources when in fact it provides a unique educational opportunity that
fulfills many of the Illinois learning standards.
Language Arts
State Goal 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information. Students must be able to use a wide variety of information resources (written, visual and electronic). They must also know how to frame questions for inquiry, identify and organize relevant information and communicate it effectively in a variety of formats. These skills are critical in school across all learning areas and are the key to successful career experiences.
Mathematics:
State Goal 10: Collect,
organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and
interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability. Students must be able to organize data,
make sense of variables and patterns, and judge the logical reasonableness of
any claims and interpretations made.
Students of all ages can collect, display and interpret data to answer
specific questions. They also must
construct and analyze arguments that involve data and its interpretation. Data analysis and use are important abilities
necessary for all careers. The ability to understand and interpret data (e.g.,
opinion polls, stock prices, tax rates, crime statistics, scientific studies,
weather reports) grows more important each day.
Science:
State Goal 11: Understand
the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate
questions, conduct experiments and solve problems. The inquiry process prepares learners to
engage in science and apply methods of technological design. This understanding will enable students to
pose questions, use models to enhance understanding, make predictions, gather
and work with data, use appropriate measurement methods, analyze results, draw
conclusions based on evidence, communicate their methods and results, and think
about the implications of scientific research and technological problem
solving.
State Goal 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts. Understanding the nature and practices of science such as ensuring the validity of results, building upon the work of others and recognizing risks involved in experimentation gives learners a useful sense of the scientific enterprise. In addition, the relationships among science, technology and society give humans the ability to change and improve their surroundings.