About the Fair

The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair (WVSEF) provides opportunities for students to ask questions about their world and discover how the world works. It also allows students to be creative and resourceful as they contemplate problems to solve in the real world. Students who participate in science fairs learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills that can be used throughout their lifetime. Scientific methodology, logical thinking, math, statistics and data analysis, computer science, as well as reading, writing, grammar, spelling, graphic arts, public speaking, global awareness, and other skills are employed as students ask questions, research and develop projects, collect data, make conclusions based on evidence, and communicate their findings to others.

While science projects may serve to inspire future scientists, the skills acquired while going through the process of scientific investigations and presentations will benefit students as they continue their education and become part of the workforce.

It is the intent of the WVSEF to:

• Recognize and reward outstanding achievements of science students from around the state;
• Provide an opportunity for students to show real-world implementation of the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science (Policy 2520.3C), the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Technology and Computer Science (Policy 2520.14), and the West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Dispositions and Standards for Student Success for Grades K-12 (Policy 2520.19);
• Provide a pathway for West Virginia high school students to be eligible for the International Science and Engineering Fair and a process for elementary and middle schools students to acquire skills and experience competing in science fairs.
• Increase the number of school and county science fairs;
• Encourage students to draw on all areas of science as a means of broadening and deepening their understanding of science and engineering concepts and principles and to demonstrate that they know science content;
• Provide the opportunity for students to ask questions and construct explanations about the world around them;
• Provide the opportunity for students to identify problems and propose solutions globally and in their communities;
• Provide the opportunity for students to practice interpersonal skills and public speaking;
• Provide the opportunity for students to gain literacy skills in informational reading and writing;
• Provide the opportunity for students to practice numeracy skills during the collection and graphic representation of data;
• Generate public interest in and appreciation for the broad interdisciplinary areas of science and engineering;
• Develop a greater public appreciation and understanding of the abilities of youth.