Arkansas Science & Engineering Fair
“We need to teach our kids that it’s not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair.” – President Obama, 2011 State of the Union Address
Science Fair Students:
Congratulations on your decision to participate in the science fair system! Whether or not you win any awards, developing a science fair project will benefit you in many ways, ranging from developing critical thinking skills to effective communication. I know that many of you have put in long hours of hard work to bring your project to completion, and I admire you for that. Please be sure to thank all who have helped you along the way, including your teachers, mentors, and parents. Best of luck to all of you! Dr. Mark W. Bland, Director Southwestern Energy Arkansas State Science Fair Watch 2011 Science Fair Video 
International studies show that the United States continues to lag behind other countries in students’ knowledge of science and math. On virtually every measure available – from initial tests to national tests such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress students in the United States have ranked poorly. The poor rankings for U.S. students in these major tests provide alarming evidence that most of our students are not being prepared for a world that is shaped by science and technology. Many people in the United States understand that in order for our society to remain competitive in an advanced technological era, a good science education is critical. Unfortunately, the United States continues to lag far behind other countries in students’ knowledge of science and math.In order to get students excited about science and math they need to be involved with hands-on fun like the Arkansas Science Fair. It has been proven that students who participate in a science fair go on to pursue a career in the field of math and science.
“My participation in the Arkansas Science Fair project helped build my self-esteem and confidence by showing me that I was capable of doing great things. The Arkansas Science Fair provided an introduction to the scientific world and helped prepare me for college and my career as a veterinarian.”
–Laura StandridgeThe Arkansas Science Fair Association is affiliated with the Society for Science and the Public.
