An investigation into the low participation rates of senior high school students in science fairs

Abstract

This study examines the low participation rate of senior high school students in school science fairs and in the Colchester/East Hants Regional Science Fair as well as the declining rate of participation of previous contestants in science fairs as they progress through the three levels of schooling.

The results show statistically significant declines between elementary school and junior high school for responses to the following questions: (i) choice in doing a project, (ii) teacher enthusiasm for science fairs, (iii) perceived ability required to complete a science project, (iv) science is "fun" at school and (v) science evokes curiosity. Sixty seven percent of the reasons given for not participating in science fairs claimed that too much time/work was involved. Students also reported that they could do a science fair project if they had to or if an interesting topic could be found.