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How many of you have participated in or guided students in a science fair or competition?"

If the answer is yes, you’ve probably witnessed the enthusiasm and motivation these events create. If not, I hope that by the end of this talk, you’ll see why they are a valuable tool in education.

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The Importance of Science Fairs and Competitions

I want to share how these competitions not only complement STEM/STEAM teaching but also transform the way students learn and approach real-world challenges.

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"Teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics separately is no longer enough. We need active methodologies that connect disciplines and allow students to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. This is where science fairs and competitions come in. Why? Because they promote:"

Creativity and critical thinking: Students learn to ask questions, research, and find innovative solutions.

Teamwork and communication: Explaining their project to a jury or audience improves their communication skills.

Motivation and confidence: There is nothing more rewarding than seeing their hard work recognized.

"But how can we effectively incorporate these experiences into the classroom? Let’s explore how to integrate these events into STEM/STEAM education."

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�The best way to prepare students for these competitions is through Project-Based Learning (PBL). Instead of teaching concepts in isolation, we propose real-world challenges that students must solve using a STEAM approach.��Practical Example:�Imagine we want to reduce water consumption in our school. This problem can be addressed from multiple disciplines:��Science and technology: Analyzing water usage and proposing solutions using smart sensors.�Mathematics: Collecting and analyzing consumption data.�Art and communication: Designing a visual campaign to raise awareness in the school community.��"These kinds of projects not only fit into the school curriculum but can also become excellent proposals for science fairs."�

How to Integrate Fairs and Competitions into STEAM Education

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Examples of STEAM Science Fairs and Competitions

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Now that we’ve seen how to turn a problem into a project, let’s talk about the platforms where these projects can shine. There are multiple fairs and competitions where our students can participate, each with its own unique characteristics.

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Ciencia en Acción (Spain):

An international competition for teachers and students that makes science more engaging and accessible.

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Science on Stage (Europe):

A platform for teachers to share innovative STEAM teaching experiences.

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Zienziaburum:

Local fairs designed to promote young talent in science

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Young Researchers Competitions:

Encouraging students to develop high-level research projects.

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Beyond fostering creativity, these events allow students to connect with peers and professionals, broadening their horizons and motivation.

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The Impact of Participating in Science Events

Throughout this talk, we’ve explored how STEAM approaches can be enhanced through science fairs and competitions. It’s not just about learning theory but about experiencing, discovering, and sharing knowledge with the world.

[Long-term benefits]

For students: Increased confidence, critical thinking, and innovation skills.
For teachers: A motivating and effective way to teach.
For society: Training future scientists, engineers, and creators who will solve tomorrow’s challenges.

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