50th Annual Regional Science & Engineering Fair Needs Judges March 13 & 14

The Science Engineering Fair of Houston is an all volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational organization. As such we have a major need for volunteers each year. Our most critical need is for SEFH Place Award Judges on March 13, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall E. All potential judges need to complete and submit a Judging Application which can be found at http://hunstem.uhd.edu/SEFH/judgeapp_main.htm.

Judges should have at least a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in an area of social/behavioral science, natural science, engineering or technology. They are encouraged to wear an article of clothing that identifies their employer or professional society. Judges are needed for both Phase I and Phase II judging. Phase I is from 8:30 a.m. – noon and Phase II is from 1:00-5:00 p.m. If possible, we would like judges to judge both phases; however, the biggest need is for Phase I. All place award judging is done by teams of judges. More details on judging guidelines and procedures can be found at: http://hunstem.uhd.edu/SEFH/documents/judgecriteriaprocedures%2008.pdf.

Parking garages and surface lots are available adjacent to the convention center; however, they are not free.

Much more information about SEFH can be found at: http://www.sefhouston.org.

There will be about 1,500 student participants in grades 7-12 from public/private/charter/home schools from throughout most of Southeast Texas. They can enter individual or team projects in one of many applied and basic categories, in the Junior, Ninth or Senior Division.

Science Fair Judges Needed 2/3/09

Mae Smythe Elementary in Pasadena ISD needs “real scientists” and “local community members” to help conduct judging the 2008 school science fair. We would love volunteers from your organization to be a part of this event which helps inspire youth to pursue careers in math and science. The school science fair spans from third through fourth grade. Five students will be selected to compete at the district level; two from each grade level and one wild card. Student products range from simple experiments to consumer science to complex projects.

The commitment is only one or two hours anytime during the fair, which will take place continuously from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009.

Where: Mae Smythe Elementary
2202 Pasadena Blvd. Pasadena, TX 77502
When: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Description: Interact with students [in this case third through fifth graders] who have completed a Science Project for their school. Personal background and qualities that provide a great base for a rewarding experience include:

• Enjoy children and have patience and some tolerance for their playfulness.
• An interest in the broad field of science and an enjoyment in sharing knowledge.
• An ability to be amazed at the creativity and energy of untrained minds.
• A willingness to share [an hour or two] at the Science Fair mentoring the participants.

The Science Fair is not really (about) judging and choosing a winner. Someone has to win and sometimes it is tough to select only one. But all the students need to win in the sense that their efforts are recognized, their interests nurtured and their curiosity rewarded and channeled along productive avenues. The judges really need to be more mentors than judges

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Mr. Chris Cabana at ccabana@pasadenaisd.org or (713) 740-0728.