Bright Spot: West Hawaiʻi Science & Engineering Fair
The West Hawaiʻi Science & Engineering Fair happened again! It was a fun, chilly day in Waimea, showcasing the work of over 140 young researchers and designers from North and West Hawaiʻi schools.
The fair included students from elementary, middle, and high school, helping to foster interest and celebrate results at different levels. We had Honokaʻa Elementary, Honokaʻa High & Intermediate, Waikoloa Elementary & Middle, Kealakehe Intermediate, Kealakehe High, Kohala High, and Hawaiʻi Preperatory Academy students, alongside volunteers, teachers, and judges from all across the island.
Banner marking the students’ entrance to the Science & Engineering Fair.
As high school science judges, we rotated through the room of poster displays, hearing from one project at a time, asking questions, and filling out scoring forms. Students had the freedom to work on projects individually, or practice collaboration by working in groups as co-researchers. Although we wish there was more time to spend with each student or group of students, it was still a fun and exciting experience. There was a great variety of topics, even in the 9 (out of a total 57) that we visited. Astronomy, biology, sociology, anthropology, geology, and more were all represented.
Students with ranges of access to resources and sites could all do really well, with the scoring emphasizing good design, methodology, and creativity, with or without high tech equipment. It was exciting to see so many projects tackling local issues and gathering data right here on the island.
The 33 middle school projects were judged with the same rubrics as high school students. Although we were not assigned to judge middle school, we got to speak with some students about their projects, and were impressed with their enthusiasm for science and engaging with us. After presenting, they got to go on field trips to Keck Observatory and Malaʻai School Garden at Waimea Middle School.
A glimpse into the exhibition room full of middle school and high school project posters.
While they were not officially part of the competition, 2 groups of elementary students got the opportunity to practice sharing and discussing their findings. We were very impressed by their presentation skills, displays, and hands-on examples of sustainable products. One group offered edible cutlery and hydration gels (technology that they explained could be used to reduce waste from drinking cups and bottles during long distance races).
CONGRATULATIONS AND MAHALO
Although we did not stay for the award ceremony, we would like to extend a hearty congratulations to every participating student!
The top high school projects will go on to state level competition in April, where just one winner will be selected to represent Hawaiʻi for the international level in May. The top 4 middle school students were nominated for the national level competition, while elementary exhibitors were just there to show off their projects and gain valuable feedback. Many students also received special awards and scholarships from various scientific and academic organizations.
It was a beautiful, drizzly day in Waimea.
Mahalo to the judges for volunteering their days, the teachers and mentors who shepherded their students in their projects, and those that helped to coordinate the logistics of getting everyone to the event. Mahalo also to all the students’ support networks that helped them make their projects a reality. And of course mahalo to those that sponsored the event, and those that help to run STEM programs for our students.
KŌKUA
If you are interested in supporting future events (they happen every year!) as a judge or donor, please contact us to get connected to the right people. You can also contact your local campus to support their programs. This science and engineering fair is just one day, but students spend lots of time beforehand preparing their projects and presentations!
