"FeiDu" Science Fair

Introduction to the CSTAR "FeiDu" Science Fair

What is the CSTAR Science Fair? It is an exciting program for students (elementary thru college) run by parent volunteers (team managers), where teams of appropriate age groups are formed consisting of 2 to 6 kids. The team works towards developing a creative solution to a complex challenge on their own which they will present at the fair.

What does the CSTAR Science Fair Focus on: Creativity, Problem solving and Teamwork.

Life Skills learned:They will learn how to dissect a problem, think out of the box, explore ideas and solutions and most importantly learn teamwork, negotiation and compromise. During the process of solving challenges, students learn to identify each other’s strengths and use it to become confident contributors and presenters.

What kind of projects:

All projects contain a problem with different educational focus: Technical, Structural, Scientific, and Aesthetics.  The team chooses a challenge to work on from the 4 choices. The team does research and comes up with the best possible solution. Most challenges also have a presentation part, where the team writes the script, makes costumes and props.

*Youngineers*

Electronics, Mechanics, Robotics, Lego Robotics

*ScienSeekers*

Aerodynamics & Hydrodynamics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Cooking & Food Science, Physics, Sports Science, Life Science

*NatureXplorers*

Earth & Environmental Science, Weather & Atmosphere

*DigitaLovers*

Computer Science, Video & Computer Games, Design in 3D

Digital photographs and video

Interference: A very important part of is the Interference Rule wherein an adult including team managers cannot contribute any ideas towards the solution. This is a rule that is strictly followed and monitored by the judges. The solution has to come from the team members alone.

Time Commitment:Teams usually work 4 - 6 weeks together. Teams are usually on a tight schedule and team work is of utmost importance. Hence teams cannot afford to have absences. The schedule depends on the Team Manager and their team members.

Funding: no funds available unless some step in to fund this fair.  No registration fee to all teams.

Cost Commitment:The team will be responsible for Supplies and workshop fees and any other cost that the team incurs. This will vary depending on how many team members a team has and what are their costs. It can range anywhere from $35 - $75 per team member.

Acknowledgement:

Title sponsor: Feather Education (飞渡教育, tel: 857-242-3261/boston, web: www.featheredu.com)