Learn how you can excel at the Beaverton Hillsboro Science Expo Fair(BHSE) and qualify to ISEF!

Make sure to read this entire blog for tricks and guidance.

What is BHSE?

The Beaverton Hillsboro Science Expo is Washington County’s largest celebration of science and engineering.

Held annually in February or March, the BHSE brings together over 100 students from more than 10 schools in the Beaverton and Hillsboro school districts to compete for scholarships, cash awards, and the grand prize: an all-expense paid trip to the 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

This year, BHSE will be a hybrid event, with judging taking place IN PERSON at Century High School.

ISEF will be held in Los Angeles, CA, May 12th

- 17th.

This year’s BHSE event will be Saturday, March

2. See the Timeline Page for important dates leading up to the science expo.

BHSE Participation Checklist Checklist: All students must complete these items: Create a folder within your school Google Drive account entitled: LAST NAME

- NWSES.

For example, Smith -NWSES (if your school does not use Google, you or a parent may need to create a free Google account) Share this Drive folder with your teammates and your school advisor/teacher/adult sponsor Create a sharable link for the Google folder (set the folder to “anyone with link may view”) and post the link to your NWSE. org account using the field on your Abstract page.

Upload copies of all your required ISEF forms and your Research Plan to the folder.

All projects require Forms 1, 1A, 1B and Research Plan.

Include SRC/IRB signatures or documentation if needed.

Abstract only needs to be entered in the abstract field.

Make sure to update at least a week before your fair.

Make sure to enter a valid email address in your Student Information, either for yourself or a parent.

Hybrid fairs require Slide Deck.

Virtual fairs require Slide Deck and Video.

BHSE 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 BHSE 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 How to Qualify for BHSE Qualifying for BHSE is very simple, but you need to follow 4 key steps.

Select the Categories and Subcategories for you projects Complete the Registration for the project Finish the Checklist Students must receive the SRC Approval Have a teacher to be with you at the Science Fairs If you are from any of these schools you already have a teacher advisor: Mountainside High School

- Lesley Stevens (lesley_stevens@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) International School of Beaverton

- Jaimie Yee (jaimie_yee@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) Westview High School

- Jose Medina Hernandez (jose_medina_hernand(@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) Southridge High School

- Dave (Karl) Holz (karl_holz@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) Sunset High School

- Korin Riske (korin_riske@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) Terra Nova

- Arianne (Annie) Reichelt (Arianne_Reichelt@beaverton. k1

2. or. us) 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 NWSE. org 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 also competed at BHSE and he wont 1st place both years, 2020

- 2021, in the Medical & Health Sciences Sections.

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

The Blueprint to Winning Science Fair in 2024 Winning BHSE Winning at BHSE requires a combination of a well-executed research project and an effective presentation.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success: Start Early: Begin your research early to allow ample time for experimentation and refinement.

Choose the Right Category: Select a category that best fits your project.

BHSE has updated its project categories for 2024, so make sure to check the latest guidelines.

Understand the Judging Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the judging criteria and tailor your project to meet these standards.

Practice Your Presentation: A clear and confident presentation can make a significant difference in how your project is perceived.

Originality is key: Choose a topic that sparks your curiosity and hasn’t been done to death.

Browse recent BHSE winners online for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to carve your own unique path.

Real-world relevance: Demonstrate how your project addresses a current scientific or engineering challenge.

Does it explore renewable energy solutions, or perhaps a novel method for water purification?

Ground your project in something tangible and impactful.

Feasibility matters: Ensure your project is achievable within the timeframe and with the resources available to you.

Don’t get too ambitious and end up with an incomplete experiment.

Master the Scientific Method/Engineering Design Process: The BHSE 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 ISEF The top projects at BHSE will have the opportunity to advance to ISEF.

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 Fellow readers and STEM enthusiasts I believe in you!

YOU GOT THIS!

Good luck to all at the BHSE Science Fair.