The MASC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 1st Annual MASC Science Fair. The science fair will be held from November 1, 2010 to May 1, 2011. The deadline for entry is January 1, 2011. If you intend on entering into this contest you can fill out the form and put it in this thread, but a hard copy also must be filled out and handed to a BOD member.. Below you will find the guide lines and judging criteria.
All of the contestants' projects will be presented at our monthly meeting in May of 2011. The board members will judge these projects and will whittle them down to the final 3 contestants. Afterward, these last 3 will be judged by SPECIAL JUDGES, who will be revealed later. The winner will receive round trip airfare and a ticket to MANCA XXIII in Des Moines, Iowa September 9-11, 2011. The winner will also be featured in a national reef magazine, and will have their project on display at a booth at MACNA. All decisions are final, any questions should be sent to board@marinecolorado.org.
MASC Reef Science Fair Guidelines:
Everyone is allowed to participate.
Projects are to be done by individuals only. No collaborative efforts.
Entrants can choose to focus their project on any aspect of reefkeeping or the marine aquarium hobby.
Projects should demonstrate a scientific principle, or solve a problem using the scientific method.
The project should include the following aspects:
Purpose
Hypothesis
Research
Experimentation
Conclusion
All work must be done by the exhibitor, however, in the case of a minor, any adult may supervise. For minor exhibitors, adults must not do any of the experimentation or build, make, write, print or type any part of the exhibit or report.
The exhibitor must supply all materials, tools and equipment for the installation of the project at the final exhibition.
Exhibits should fit on or take up a standard 6ft table area.
A project data book and research paper are required for each project. Pictures and Videos are also HIGHLY recommended. The more detail the better.
Exhibitors must fill out an entry form by December 1, 2010. No late entries will be allowed.
The projects will be judged on the following criteria:
I. Scientific Thought
A. Does project follow the scientific method?
B. Is the problem clearly stated?
C. Are the procedures appropriate and organized?
D. Is the information collected accurate and complete?
II. Creative Ability
A. How unique or original is the project idea?
B. Is it significant or unusual for a child this age?
III. Understanding
A. Does it explain what the student learned about the topic?
B. Does the project represent real study and effort?
C. Does the project show the child is familiar with the topic?
IV. Clarity
A. Does the student clearly communicate the nature of the
problem, how the problem was solved, and the conclusion?
B. Are the problems, procedures, data, and conclusions
presented clearly and in a logical order?
C. Does the student clearly and accurately articulate in writing what was accomplished?
D. Is the objective of the project likely to be understood by one not trained in the subject area?
V. Dramatic Value
A. Is the display visually appealing?
B. Is the proper emphasis given to important ideas?
C. Are all the components of the project done well?
VI. Technical Skill
A. Was the majority of the work done by the student?
B Has the student acknowledged help received from others?
C. Does the written material show attention to grammar and spelling?
D. Is the project physically sound and durably constructed?
We look forward to your entries and hope that everyone takes this opportunity to further our hobby and possibly win an awesome experience!
Contest Entry Form
MASC Reef Science Fair
Name________________________________Age_________
Address__________________________________________
City_____________________________________State____
ZIP______________Phone___________________________
Participants must be 18 years of age or older, and a MASC member. Members who are 17 years of age and younger need a valid parent/legal guardian's signature in order to participate.
This form MUST be printed and delivered to a MASC board member.
Parent/Legal Guardian______________________________
Prize package includes:
Trip for 1 to the Marine Aquarium Conference of North America(MACNA). Prize includes (a) round trip airfare for 1 from Denver, CO to Des Moines, Iowa; (b) admission for 1 into the exhibition halls/any speaker presentations; (c) hotel stay for the three days of the conference. All reservations will be made by the board members of the Marine Aquarium Society of Colorado no later than 30 days prior to anticipated departure. Airline tickets may be upgraded, re-assigned or transferred at the expense of the "winner." Not included are meals, bar, phone, and transportation to and from airports.
Hotel will be provided by Fathom Aquatics.
By participating, all entrants acknowledge and agree that they have entered the contest of their own free will, that the full rules and details of the contest have been made available to them in writing and they therefore understand and agree that neither the Marine Aquarium Society of Colorado, affiliates, sponsors, or representatives have any liability with respect to the contestants' participation in the contest or winning a prize and are not liable for any damages out of acceptance and use of a prize. By entering this promotion, participants agree to be bound by these rules.
