Every MST student is required to participate in the science fair for three years. They have the option of two pathways: Crimson Path and Ram Path. Crimson Path is the traditional path with formal judging, whereas Ram Path allows students to present their work in a less competitive setting.
Student experiences and opinions about the science fair can vary wildly, depending on the topic and path chosen, as well as the time put into their project.
“It helps if you want to go into science,” Anand Thakur (11, MST) said, “But if you don’t, a lot of people think it’s a waste of time.”
While some students question the science fair’s relevance outside of STEM-based careers, others applaud it as a way to deepen their understanding and explore their interests. There are 23 separate categories, including subjects such as Animal Sciences and Chemistry.
“Science fair definitely makes everyone more involved in a specific field that they’re curious about. It’s a good opportunity to engage with those interests and build off of what we’re learning in school,” Prathibha Seshabhattar (10, MST) said.
This emphasis on interest can shape how students develop their projects from the start.
“Do what you’re interested in,” Seshabhattar said. “Science fair is ultimately about being passionate and knowing a lot about that topic.”
That emphasis on personal interest is only a portion of the project, however, as judges also look for projects that bring something new to the table.
“The whole point of competing in Science Fair is to have something novel or something unique about what you’re doing. You can have things that already exist, but you should have a new way you’re improving on it,” Science Fair Coordinator Keri Polevchak (Science) said.
Beyond developing unique ideas, the science fair helps students build essential academic skills. Many STEM programs require students to learn research skills, and presentation skills are beneficial across varied career fields.
“Anytime you have to research something and present it in front of adults and people who have degrees, like in areas like that, I think that’s a great experience,” Polevchak said. “It doesn’t have to be perfection, but there’s that process of having to do data collection, put it together, come up with a conclusion and present it in front of somebody. That’s an invaluable skill that you need for college.”
Ultimately, teachers advise students to take the process step by step, and reap the benefits along the way. Whether competitive or not, science fair offers students the opportunity to explore their interests and deepen their skills that extend beyond the classroom.
“You don’t need to win the Nobel prize — you just need an idea and to go from there,” Polevchak said.
