Learn how to shine at the Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit(SEFMD) and pave your path to the esteemed International Science and Engineering Fair(ISEF)!

Winning in this event can be a significant achievement for aspiring scientists.

This guide will provide you with the strategies and tips to maximize your chances of success!

What is SEFMD?

The Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit, established in September 1956, is a nonprofit organization established to give students in the seven county area (Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties) an opportunity to develop and exhibit science fair projects.

Competition is separated into three groups

- Elementary Division (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade), Junior Division (which is 6th, 7th and 8th grade) and Senior Division (9th

- 12th Grade.

Students are judged within their respective categories.

Up to six students (limit of ONE student per school in the senior division), may be selected to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair.

SEFMD’s Mission & Values MISSION Create student excitement for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), inspire interest in scientific subjects and research, develop respect for the scientific method, encourage personal growth, provide recognition for student research, and broaden career opportunities across Metropolitan Detroit and the region VALUES

- S.

E.

A.

R.

C.

H.

S cientific Method (Expose students to the scientific method and how to apply it rigorously to explore their interests and studies) E mpowering E xperience (Provide students an opportunity to grow into STEM professionals by conceptualizing, executing, managing, and presenting their own project. ) A ccess for A ll  (Provide opportunity for interested students, regardless of background) R ecognition  (Provide knowledgeable reviews of project content and effort and recognize student achievement) C reativity & C onfidence  (Build and support these core traits within students) H ighest Integrity and Ethical Behavior  (Help students practice the highest standards of scientific honesty and integrity, and ensure respect for living things) Categories at SEFMD SEFMD offers a wide array of categories for students to explore: Life Sciences Animal Sciences: Investigate animal behavior, genetics, and ecology.

Cellular Studies: Explore cellular processes and functions.

Ecology: Examine interactions between organisms and their environment.

Genetics: Investigate heredity and genetic variations.

Physiology: Study bodily functions and systems.

Behavioral and Social Sciences Cognitive Psychology: Explore memory, perception, and decision-making.

Sociology: Analyze social interactions and group dynamics.

Biochemistry Medicinal Biochemistry: Focus on drug development and interactions.

Structural Biochemistry: Study the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules.

Earth and Environmental Sciences Climate Science: Investigate climate change and its effects.

Water Science: Focus on water quality, availability, and conservation.

Microbiology Bacteriology: Study bacteria and their roles.

Virology: Investigate viruses and their behavior.

Physical Sciences Biomedical Engineering: Apply engineering principles to healthcare.

Biomedical Devices: Design medical devices for innovative treatments.

Winning Tips at SEFMD

1. Use the Resources from the SEFMD Website Project Guidelines High School Projects (9th-12th grade) Training Videos Visit the entire list of training videos for every part of the science fair.

Project Ideas Get a list of all the resources that will help you come up with a science research topic idea.

Display and Safety Inspectors Summary of Information-Signup Guidelines. pdf Checklist of items. pdf

2. Choosing a Strong Research Idea for SEFMD Select a research topic that you’re genuinely passionate about.

Your project should be original, address a real-world problem, and demonstrate your scientific thinking skills.

Think about current global challenges, gaps in existing research, or innovative solutions to common problems.

Once you have a rough idea, refine it by conducting thorough background research to ensure your concept is both novel and feasible.

Developing a strong research idea can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be!

In this video, Rishab will walk you through step by step on how to find a good STEM Project idea: PlayHow to Pick a Science Research Topic & Idea: FULL GUIDE

3. Prepare a Stellar Presentation for SEFMD Your project presentation is your chance to shine.

Prepare a well-organized display board that clearly communicates your research question, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Practice your oral presentation extensively: Be clear and concise in your explanations Show enthusiasm for your project Anticipate potential questions and prepare answers Use visual aids effectively If you want the best guide on how to create a stellar science fair poster that will impress the judges, watch this video.

It offers insights from Rishab Jain, Harvard Student and ISEF Winner!

PlayHow To Make a Science Fair Poster Board: An ISEF Winner's Guide

4. Conduct Thorough Research The backbone of any winning project is solid research.

Here’s how to conduct effective research: Literature Review: Start with a comprehensive review of existing studies to understand the context and background of your topic.

Use Reputable Sources: Rely on scientific journals, academic books, and trusted online resources.

Data Collection: Use reliable and valid methods to gather data.

Ensure your data is sufficient to support your conclusions.

Analysis: Analyze your data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.

Be prepared to explain your analysis clearly.

Mastering the Scientific Method (or Engineering Design Process) SEFMD emphasizes a rigorous approach.

Follow these steps to ensure your project is on the right track: Scientific Method: Question: Identify a problem that intrigues you.

Research: Investigate existing knowledge on the topic.

Hypothesis: Formulate a testable prediction.

Experiment: Conduct an experiment to test your hypothesis and collect data.

Analyze: Interpret your data and determine if it supports your hypothesis.

Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on your findings.

Engineering Design Process: Define the Problem: Identify a need or challenge.

Research and Design: Explore possible solutions and design a prototype.

Test and Evaluate: Assess your prototype and make improvements.

Communicate: Document and present your findings clearly.

5. Seek Mentorship Having a mentor can give you invaluable guidance and insight.

A mentor can help you refine your research question, troubleshoot experiments, and prepare your presentation.

Finding the right mentor can be a game-changer due to their experience and the advice that comes along with it.

Finding the right mentor is crucial, and that’s why a mentorship program like ScienceFair. io’s A-Z Science Fair Program will help you gain expert guidance to maximize your chances of winning.

Conclusion Winning the SEFMD State Fair requires dedication, thorough research, and effective presentation skills.

By following these guidelines and putting in consistent effort, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success.

Remember, the journey of scientific discovery is as valuable as the destination.

Good Luck!.