The past few weeks many students have been hearing about ISEF opportunities in their science classes. ISEF stands for the International Science and Engineering Fair, which is an amazing chance for students to get a hands-on learning experience.
A common misconception about ISEF is that you have to love things like chemistry and biology to get involved. But there are many other things you can do a project on, such as environmental and psychology-based projects.
“ISEF isn’t about just doing traditional science, it’s about leaning into whatever it is that you already like,” says one of the lead ISEF teachers, Danielle Schroeder. She continues, “We can take any topic and look at it through a scientific lens even if a student doesn’t feel like they are very strong in science.”
ISEF opens a portal for students to try something that might be very different than what they have done previously. Students have all the supplies they need to complete any project they are interested in.
Not only is ISEF an amazing hands-on experience but there are also a multitude of other benefits. In the past, students who attend the science fair have received cash prizes and even small college scholarships!
Schroeder emphasizes the positive experience students receive in ISEF by stating, “There are a lot of benefits that come with ISEF. One is you get a Semester’s credit. Second, you can potentially win all kinds of prizes and recognition. We give out more than 100 prizes at our fair.”
There are even more prize opportunities at higher leveled science fairs up for grabs. Every branch of the military and many other organizations come to the local fairs to meet students. It is also very common for students to come away from science fairs with professional contacts.
ISEF is an inclusive, golden opportunity that students can adventure into with friends and intelligent peers. It’s a fostered environment where students can really explore their passions in depth. “If a student brings all the energy and know-how of whatever their field is, we can help them look at it scientifically.”