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Science Fair Gives Indiana Kids Hands-on Experience

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 13:02 GMT by WISH-TV
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Science Fair Gives Indiana Kids Hands‑On Experience

In a bright, buzzing hall at the local community center in Evansville, a crowd of eager students, parents, and teachers gathered for Indiana’s annual State Science Fair. The event—held from September 15th to 17th—served as a showcase for over 200 projects created by middle‑school and high‑school students across the state. The fair, organized by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) in partnership with the Indiana Science Teaching Association, aimed to nurture curiosity, promote STEM education, and give young minds the chance to turn their ideas into tangible experiments.

A Diverse Line‑up of Projects

Participants presented a wide range of projects, from biological studies of local wetlands to engineering prototypes for renewable energy. One standout was “Eco‑Bottle: Biodegradable Packaging from Agricultural Waste,” a team project from Southport High School that demonstrated how rice husk and natural glue could replace conventional plastic in packaging. Another highlight was “Quantum Leap,” a robotics competition entry by a group of seventh‑grade students from Clark County, which showcased a simple robot that could navigate a maze using infrared sensors.

“Seeing the kids actually build their projects and walk us through the science behind them is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Linda McKay, one of the fair’s lead judges and a senior researcher at the University of Indiana. “They’re not just learning; they’re applying knowledge, troubleshooting, and collaborating.”

Hands‑On Demonstrations and Interactive Booths

Beyond the display tables, the fair offered interactive stations where visitors could try their own experiments. A “DIY Solar Oven” booth let parents and kids experiment with solar panels, while a “Protein Extraction” station showcased how to isolate proteins from beans using simple household materials. These hands‑on activities reinforced the fair’s educational mission: to bring science into everyday life and spark interest among students who might not otherwise have access to lab equipment.

Judges and Awards

The judging panel comprised university faculty, local industry professionals, and educators. Projects were evaluated on criteria such as originality, scientific rigor, presentation, and potential real‑world impact. The top honors included the “Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award,” the “Best Junior Project,” and the “Most Innovative Use of Technology.” Winners received scholarships to attend summer STEM programs, certificates, and the chance to present their work at the National Science Fair in Washington, D.C.

“I was thrilled when my sister’s project on water purification technology won first place,” shared 16‑year‑old Sarah Patel. “It feels amazing to know that something I created could help people in real life.”

Educational Partnerships and Support

The fair’s success is rooted in strong partnerships between schools, universities, and industry. In addition to IDOE’s oversight, the event was supported by local businesses such as GreenTech Solutions, which provided mentorship and materials for the robotics competition. The university’s Science and Engineering Department offered faculty volunteers to help students refine their research questions and data analysis.

The Indiana Department of Education’s website provides a wealth of resources for future participants. The “Science Fair” page (https://www.in.gov/education/science-fair) outlines registration deadlines, eligibility requirements, and a step‑by‑step guide for students. It also offers downloadable templates for project proposals, experiment logs, and presentation slides. “We want to make the process as transparent and accessible as possible,” said IDOE’s Director of STEM Education, Karen Thompson. “Our goal is to lower barriers so that every interested student, regardless of background, can participate.”

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The fair has long been a staple of Indiana’s educational calendar, but this year’s turnout marked a record high, thanks in part to the increased emphasis on STEM in school curricula and the recent launch of the State STEM Initiative. The initiative, announced earlier this year, allocates $5 million for STEM labs, teacher training, and community outreach programs.

“We’re seeing a ripple effect,” noted Ms. Elena Ruiz, principal of the Westside Middle School. “Students who have built confidence in their scientific abilities are now applying for college scholarships and extracurricular science clubs. The fair not only rewards individual achievement but also seeds a culture of inquiry that will benefit the community for years.”

Looking ahead, organizers plan to expand the fair’s reach by introducing an online submission portal and virtual exhibition spaces, enabling students from remote or under‑resourced schools to showcase their work digitally. There are also discussions about hosting a “Junior Science Expo” for younger students to inspire them earlier.

In a closing remark, Dr. McKay reflected on the fair’s broader significance: “When you see a group of kids excitedly explaining their hypothesis, you realize that the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators is already at work. These fairs are more than competitions; they’re incubators for the future.”

The 2024 Indiana State Science Fair concluded on a high note, leaving students, judges, and the community inspired and ready for the next wave of scientific curiosity. The event not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also highlighted the collaborative effort between schools, universities, and industry to nurture the next generation of STEM leaders.