See The Future Of Science At The YES Fair

Every year, southern Arizona brings a science fair to town called the YES fair! This event gives students in southern Arizona a chance to shine. According to the YES fair website, YES Fair is  "...the only regional science fair affiliated with ISEF (International Science & Engineering Fair) south of Tucson. "

Why are programs like this important, and what opportunities do students gain from participating?:

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READ: How Arizona Scientists Helped Further Our Understanding of Earth

What is the YES Fair?

This event is brought to town by Sulfer Spring Valley Electric Cooperative. The goal is to show kids in our community the power of science, engineering, and technology. It also creates potential opportunities for students to compete at different levels, including internationally.

Science fairs like the YES fair encourage students to grow and learn more about the world around them. The SSVEC Foundation states on the YES fair website, " Literally everything around us is encompassed in science, technology, and engineering." This is why it is important to create opportunities for students looking to develop knowledge in those fields, because nothing is created without science.

There are many categories students can compete in, including Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Human Biology, Physics, Technology, Earth Science, and more. Students sign up at the beginning of the month, and are bringing their projects in this week! Thursday is the public viewing day, which gives people in our community a chance to stop by and see all the projects after the judges vote on them.

Student Sucess

Students participating in this competition will have the chance to win prizes and compete in larger contests later on. It is open to grades 5-12, and if you missed sign-ups, there is always next year!

I interviewed students from Bonita Elementary School who were dropping off projects today. One of the students shared that it was his second year doing the YES fair. "Teachers usually give you a curriculum on what you have to learn for the state." He explained to me, "Using the science fair, you can use your mind, you get to think outside the box, and answer questions you've never got answered." Other students explained to me how this program has helped them learn how to properly research and answer questions.

The YES fair has a total of over $30k in prizes available for participants and winners. According to the YES Fair Website-

• "Regional awards are provided through our affiliation with ISEF. "
• "Community Awards are provided by local businesses and community support."
• "YES, Fair Awards are provided by the SSVEC Foundation."

The YES fair does more than encourage students to learn; it helps them continue to develop their education after high school. There are two scholarships available for students every year! Even if students do not win an award, this science fair allows them to develop their skills, grow, meet new people, and, most importantly, learn!

READ MORE: Huachuca Mountain Elementary Earns A+ School Of Excellence Award