The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair is seeking judges for the 63rd High School Division fair, set to be held Friday, May 4, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Bringing together hundreds of Massachusetts' keenest young minds, the fair has deep connections with Falmouth, each year drawing many of its participants and judges from the Cape's leading scientific center.
The scientists and institutions that make Falmouth a world-renowned base of scientific study are eager to encourage kids considering a future in the field. Andrea Early, Communications Director at the Marine Biological laboratory in Woods Hole, says the MBL is a consistent partner of such endeavors.
“The MBL is a big supporter of local science fairs,” Early says. “Here in Falmouth, we support the Falmouth High School and Falmouth Academy Science Fairs. Many of our scientists serve as judges each year, and the MBL provides a prize of a $1,000 college scholarship for each fair.”
Scientists at the MBL are already looking forward to this year's FHS event.
“This year, at least five of our scientists will judge the Falmouth High School Fair.” Early says. “We'll also have a booth there, featuring local creatures such as a horseshoe crab, sea urchins, and sea stars, to help inspire budding scientists.”
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That emphasis on marine ecology and other coastal concerns is another reason for Falmouth's intimate connection to science. Carrie Schluter, Public Relations Specialist with the MSSEF, says, “Clearly the geography of the town has a significant impact on project subject matter, as many of them focused on ocean and marine themes.”
Among the Falmouth entrants to last year's state fair was the first prize winner in the team category, a project by Falmouth Academy's Ryan Ackell and Emily Skehill examinging the effects of nicotine on Hermissendra crassicornis, or opalescent sea slug. And another FA student, Katherine Gianchi, won first prize in the individual category for her project on the effects of water movement on the behavior of larval Homarus americanus, or baby lobsters.
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Some of Falmouth's more controversial scientific quandaries are reflected in recent entries as well, with students conducting studies of climate change, the nitrogen cycle, and the acoustic characteristics of Falmouth's own Wind 1 turbine.
In order to qualify as a judge, interested parties must hold a four-year college degree in a science or technology subject, and work in a related field. Beyond those qualifications, Schulter says, “Specific expertise in one of the project categories is desirable. Project categories are: Behavioral Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computers, Earth & Space Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Physics & Electrical Science.”
And, though judges participate on a strictly volunteer basis, “Many people don't realize that there's some serious money at stake,” Schulter says. “Five hundred thousand dollars in scholarships and prizes is awarded every year through the Massachusetts State High School Fair. For some students, a winning entry can open the door to higher education opportunities that would not otherwise be attainable.”
Judges are also needed for the state middle school fair, set to be held Saturday, June 2, in Worcester. Anyone interested in serving as a judge can use the MSSEF's online registration form, or call (617) 491-1500.
