February 17, 2011 marks the 7th Annual Science Fair to be held at Tippecanoe, where students, grades 6 – 12 are eligible to participate. It is an extracurricular activity and requires a commitment beginning in September which culminates in the presentation of their project in February.
Science Fair Projects are judged based on how well the student understood and followed the scientific method, demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter, originality of the project, and clarity of expression. Projects receiving “Superior” scores are eligible to compete at the District level. In addition, top scores are recognized with certificates, medallions, and prizes. The event is supported by the THS & TMS Science Departments, Tippecanoe STEAM Boosters, Inc., and local individuals, businesses, and community organizations.
Beginning with the 2011 Tippecanoe Science Fair, students will receive additional tangible recognition for all of their hard work. Area professionals and businesses have pledged to sponsor individual awards based on project topic category. The sponsor or their representative will judge each project within their category, and select the best one to represent that topic area. Awards will range from $50 – $200 and may be cash, gift cards, or savings bonds. These awards will be in addition to the traditional top prizes and medallions awarded for high scores earned through the regular judging procedure. Overall, awards should total almost $2000 this year. Students will automatically be eligible for any award offered in their project topic category.
To assist students in selecting, completing, and successfully presenting a science fair project this year, Tippecanoe STEAM Boosters is also offering a new class through Tipp Monroe Community Services. Students will meet with instructors about once a month for step by step instruction. Sign up is through Community Services at 3 E. Main Street, Tipp City.
Special awards that have been pledged so far include:
Science Fair Project Topic Categories Awards & Special Awards
Animal Sciences – Tipp City Veterinary Hospital Award for Animal Science, ($100)
Biochemistry – Eurand Biochemistry Award, Peter Ercoli, GM ($100)
Cellular and Molecular Biology – Guillot Award in Cellular & Molecular Biology, Mike Guillot, ($50)
Chemistry – Rhonda Goody Chemistry Award, Dorothy Ogden ($50)
Earth and Planetary Science – J. Tuzo Wilson Award for Earth Science, Mackenzie E. English, ($50)
Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering – Guillot Award in Material Science & Bioengineering,
Mike Guillot ($50)
Energy and Transportation – Pioneer Electric Cooperative Award for Energy & Transportation
Tom Musick (1st $60/2nd $40)
Environmental Management – Award for Outstanding Research in Environmental Management
James McGarry ($100)
Environmental Sciences – Eichman Award in Environmental Sciences, Eurand R&D Formulations ($50)
Environmental Sciences – Mayor’s Award for Environmental Sciences, Tipp City Mayor Dee Gillis ($50)
Computer Science – Bash Foo, Mike McDermott, President ($50)
Medicine and Health Sciences – Stevens Educational Foundation Award for Medicine & Health Science,
Dr. Phillip J. & Mitali K. Stevens ($50)
Medicine and Health Sciences – Clark’s Pharmacy Award for Medicine & Health Science,
Robyn Crow, RPh ($50)
Physics and Astronomy -Avogadro Award in Physics & Astronomy, Eurand R&D Analytical ($50)
Special Awards:
Award for Best Presentation of Data (Tables & Graphs), any category John Skolnicki, CPA ($200)
Tipp-Monroe Optimists Award for Best Abstract, any category ($100)
It’s not too late to sponsor an award. Additional individuals, businesses, or community organizations wishing to participate may contact Martin English at 667-3217, or 1470 W. Main Street, or at: steamboosters@woh.rr.com
Topic categories that still need sponsors are: Behavioral and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Microbiology, and Plant Sciences.
Tippecanoe STEAM Boosters, Inc. wishes to promote interest in the academic areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to Tipp City School District students by enhancing their learning experience inside and outside the classroom.
