Learn how to shine at the Capital Science and Engineering Fair(CSEF) and pave your path to the esteemed International Science and Engineering Fair(ISEF)! Winning in this event can be a significant achievement for aspiring scientists. This guide will provide you with the strategies and tips to maximize your chances of success!
What is CSEF?
The Capital Science & Engineering Fair was established to provide high school students from South Central Wisconsin (and beyond) the opportunity to showcase their research (grades 9-12 public, private, and home school are eligible). The 2024 Fair was held March 16th at the Engineering Centers Building, UW-Madison (1550 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53706) – 2024 Flyer. The fair inspires enthusiasm for science and engineering research among Wisconsin students. It provides a support system to assist students as they actively participate in science and engineering endeavors. Students can submit notice of interest in fall 2024; it is requested by Dec 15th, and registration for 2025 will be due Jan 15, 2025. Safety forms must be submitted by Feb 15.
Steps for Registration and Deadline at CSEF
- Fill out the online interest form – by December 15 (not a hard deadline).
- Complete and mail in the CSEF Registration form along with the $15 registration fee via Zelle to “608-262-1019” by January 15.
- Complete the applicable ISEF forms for your project, found at the ISEF website. Or, here is a pdf of the 2020 forms. These forms can be included with the registration forms and submitted as a single pdf file to csef.madison@gmail.com. These forms are due by February 15.
- Prepare your poster/display and present at the CSEF on March 16, 2024 at the Engineering Centers Building, UW-Madison (1550 Engineering Dr, Madison, WI 53706).
Categories at CSEF
CSEF offers a wide array of categories for students to explore:
- Life Sciences
- Animal Sciences: Investigate animal behavior, genetics, and ecology.
- Cellular Studies: Explore cellular processes and functions.
- Ecology: Examine interactions between organisms and their environment.
- Genetics: Investigate heredity and genetic variations.
- Physiology: Study bodily functions and systems.
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Cognitive Psychology: Explore memory, perception, and decision-making.
- Sociology: Analyze social interactions and group dynamics.
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal Biochemistry: Focus on drug development and interactions.
- Structural Biochemistry: Study the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules.
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Climate Science: Investigate climate change and its effects.
- Water Science: Focus on water quality, availability, and conservation.
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology: Study bacteria and their roles.
- Virology: Investigate viruses and their behavior.
- Physical Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering: Apply engineering principles to healthcare.
- Biomedical Devices: Design medical devices for innovative treatments.
Winning Tips at CSEF
1. Use the Resources from the CSEF Website
Helpful Logistical Resources for Science and Engineering Fairs
Generally, these resources best fit a traditional science and engineering fair, though some can be used across different showcase formats
- Rubrics, scoring, and judging support
- Overviews of events – timelines and packets outlining the process
- Student guidelines – display, rules, and safety
- Mentors and connections to STEM professionals
- Useful articles and research on science and engineering fairs
Rubrics, Scoring, and Judging Support
- Project rubric example 1
- Project rubric example 2
- Annotated student paper – guidelines from Purdue on how to properly format a research paper or essay
- Letter to judges
- Judging Considerations – advice to judges
- Score recording form for organizers
- Judge orientation power point presentation
Overviews of events – timelines and packets outlining the process
- Overview of logistical considerations
- Key questions to consider when starting a science and engineering fair
- Timeline Idea
- Lodi Student Packet for their STEM/STEAM Fair
- Details about ISEF – links to the rules, abstracts, FAQs, etc. from this international competition
Student Guidelines – Displays, Rules, and Safety
- BSSEF student display and safety guidelines
- BSSEF Junior High Fair form with guidelines for safety, integrity and ethical work
- ISEF Project Rules – these rules may be more extensive than needed for a local fair, but they provide a starting point and do apply to Wisconsin ISEF affiliate fairs like CSEF and BSSEF.
2. Choosing a Strong Research Idea for CSEF
Select a research topic that you’re genuinely passionate about. Your project should be original, address a real-world problem, and demonstrate your scientific thinking skills.
Think about current global challenges, gaps in existing research, or innovative solutions to common problems. Once you have a rough idea, refine it by conducting thorough background research to ensure your concept is both novel and feasible.
Developing a strong research idea can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! In this video, Rishab will walk you through step by step on how to find a good STEM Project idea:
3. Prepare a Stellar Presentation for CSEF
Your project presentation is your chance to shine. Prepare a well-organized display board that clearly communicates your research question, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Practice your oral presentation extensively:
- Be clear and concise in your explanations
- Show enthusiasm for your project
- Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers
- Use visual aids effectively
Use the Rubric Example 1 & Rubric Example 2 to follow through the rubric of your presentations and speech.
If you want the best guide on how to create a stellar science fair poster that will impress the judges, watch this video. It offers insights from Rishab Jain, Harvard Student and ISEF Winner!
4. Conduct Thorough Research
The backbone of any winning project is solid research. Here’s how to conduct effective research:
- Literature Review: Start with a comprehensive review of existing studies to understand the context and background of your topic.
- Use Reputable Sources: Rely on scientific journals, academic books, and trusted online resources.
- Data Collection: Use reliable and valid methods to gather data. Ensure your data is sufficient to support your conclusions.
- Analysis: Analyze your data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods. Be prepared to explain your analysis clearly.
Mastering the Scientific Method (or Engineering Design Process)
CSEF emphasizes a rigorous approach. Follow these steps to ensure your project is on the right track:
Scientific Method:
- Question: Identify a problem that intrigues you.
- Research: Investigate existing knowledge on the topic.
- Hypothesis: Formulate a testable prediction.
- Experiment: Conduct an experiment to test your hypothesis and collect data.
- Analyze: Interpret your data and determine if it supports your hypothesis.
- Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on your findings.
Engineering Design Process:
- Define the Problem: Identify a need or challenge.
- Research and Design: Explore possible solutions and design a prototype.
- Test and Evaluate: Assess your prototype and make improvements.
- Communicate: Document and present your findings clearly.
5. Seek Mentorship
Having a mentor can give you invaluable guidance and insight. A mentor can help you refine your research question, troubleshoot experiments, and prepare your presentation. Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer due to their experience and the advice that comes along with it.
Finding the right mentor is crucial, and that’s why a mentorship program like ScienceFair.io’s A-Z Science Fair Program will help you gain expert guidance to maximize your chances of winning.
Conclusion
Winning the CSEF State Fair requires dedication, thorough research, and effective presentation skills. By following these guidelines and putting in consistent effort, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success. Remember, the journey of scientific discovery is as valuable as the destination.
Good Luck!
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