Learn how you can shine at the Louisiana State Science and Engineering Fair and possibly get a medal!

Get easy tips, tricks and guidance in this helpful blog!

LSU Online & Continuing Education hosts the Region VII and Louisiana State Science & Engineering Fair each year for all qualifying participants.

Each fair is broken up into two divisions: Junior Division (6th-8th grade) and Senior Division (9th-12th grade).

The Region VII Science & Engineering Fair is open to the following parishes: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, & Ascension Parish.

The Louisiana State Science & Engineering Fair is open to all qualifying students from Louisiana Regional fairs.

What is LSU?

The LSU is a statewide science and engineering fair that celebrates student creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Here are the key points: Categories: The fair covers a wide range of categories, including engineering, biological sciences, and physical sciences.

Students can choose a category that aligns with their project’s focus.

Qualification: To participate, students must first qualify through regional science and engineering fairs held across Louisiana State during January and February.

Winning at the regional level earns you a ticket to the state fair.

Louisiana Science & Engineering Fairs Competition: Participants present their projects through display boards and oral presentations.

Judges evaluate their research, methodology, and conclusions.

LSU Categories/Subcategories Animal Sciences (ANIM) Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA) Biochemistry (BCHM) Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED) Biomedical Engineering (ENBM) Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL) Chemistry (CHEM) Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO) Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV) Embedded Systems (EBED) Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design (EGSD) Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics (ETSD) Environmental Engineering (ENEV) Materials Science (MATS) Mathematics (MATH) Microbiology (MCRO) Physics and Astronomy (PHYS) Plant Sciences (PLNT) Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO) Systems Software (SOFT) Technology Enhances the Arts (TECA) Translational Medical Science (TMED) Get the List of Subcategories right here LSU Participation Checklist There are two divisions of science fairs where middle and high school students can compete at.

Middle School Students grades 6-8 are allowed to compete at the Louisiana Region VII Science & Engineering Fair 2024

- Junior Division High School Students grades 9-10 are allowed to compete at the Senior Division LSU Evaluation Checklist I.

Research Problem description of a practical need or problem to be solved definition of criteria for proposed solution given and analyzed explanation of problem constraints background is thorough and clear and is tied to scientific literature II.

Design and Methodology exploration of alternatives to answer need and or problem (ex Pugh chart, cost benefit analysis) identification of a solution that addresses original design constraints development of a prototype/model III.

Execution: Construction and Testing prototype demonstrates intended design prototype has been tested in multiple conditions/trials data collection procedure for testing is thoughtfully designed graphs and data show relationships between variables and are supported by the use of correct and thorough statistics’ prototype demonstrates engineering skill and completeness IV.

Creativity project demonstrates significant creativity in one or more of the above criteria V.

Presentation a.

Poster logical organization of material allows key parts of project to be easily found & enhances understanding graphics and legends are clear supporting documentation displayed b.

Interview clear, concise, thoughtful responses to questions understanding of basic science relevant to project understanding interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions degree of independence in conducting project recognition of potential impact in science, society and/or economics quality of ideas for further research for team projects, contributions to and understanding of project by all members How Do I Plan A Science Fair Project?

Brainstorm what aspect of science or engineering you’re interested in, and then begin researching topics.

A good place for ideas is the Advanced Project Guide at sciencebuddies. org Next, you’ll want to figure out what category to compete in.

See the ISEF Categories and Subcategories listings at ISEF.

You will need to decide on your category to register your project at the LSU Online website Use the best resources you have available to you to plan your project and find mentor support, your school advisor is the best place to start for support.

SRC Review – If you need SRC review of your project, sign up on the SRC Review Form.

Fun Fact Rishab Jain compete at ISEF and he won 1st Place!

So if I were you, I would definitely watch this video to get to know his secrets!

The Blueprint to Winning Science Fair in 2024 Master the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: The LSU emphasizes a rigorous approach.

For science projects, follow the scientific method: Question: Identify a problem or phenomenon that intrigues you.

Research: Investigate existing knowledge on the topic.

What has already been done?

Hypothesis: Formulate a testable prediction based on your research.

Experiment: Design and conduct an experiment to test your hypothesis.

Collect accurate data.

Analyze: Interpret your data.

Does it support your hypothesis?

Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on your analysis.

Did the experiment go as planned?

What did you learn?

For engineering projects, employ the engineering design process: Define the Problem: Identify a need or challenge to address.

Research and Design: Explore possible solutions and brainstorm potential designs.

Prototype: Build a model or prototype of your design.

Test and Evaluate: Assess how well your prototype functions.

Make improvements as needed.

Communicate: Document your process and present your findings.

Next Step: Qualify for Broadcom or ISEF The top projects at LSU will have the opportunity to advance to ISEF or Broadcom Masters depending on grade level.

Here is the checklist to follow for ISEF: Be in grades 9-12 or equivalent.

Not have reached age 20 on or before ISEF.

Win at an ISEF-affiliated science fair.

Ensure their project is written in English and adheres to the ISEF rules.

Read this amazing post to know the insider’s tip to Winning ISEF! https://rishabacademy. com/2024/03/11/how-to-win-regeneron-isef-rishab-jains-winning-project/embed/#?secret=6btUgPODGx#?secret=0eiDk1wn0A Fellow readers and STEM enthusiasts I believe in you!

YOU GOT THIS!

Good luck to all at the LSU Science Fair.

For those inspired by Rishab’s journey and eager to follow in their footsteps, Rishab offers science fair coaching.

It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of STEM and win at Science Fairs.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.