Science Fair History

Well, just by coming here, we know you have an above-average interest in science fairs. You live them, feed off them, BREATHE them...ok...we're getting carried away.

But, on this page you'll have fun reading about science fair history and science fairs past and present...maybe you'll learn something in the process. Don't worry, theres no test at the end.

Today's Largest International Science Fair

The grand-daddy of them all is the world's largest pre-college scientific competition known as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The fair was founded in 1950 and is held in May. While the location of this competition changes annually, the fair is almost always held in the United States.

Whats the big deal? Well, about 1400 students compete from the world over. The winner is awarded a $50,000 college scholarship. Not too shabby, eh? All together the prizes total about $3,000,000. So there's plenty of prizes to go around, ranging from grants to scientific field trips.

Explaining how to win that big show is beyond the scope of this website, but if you want more information, visit the "Science Service" link to the right.

Other International Fairs

Ireland has their own national fair called the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. It has been running since 1965.

Winners of European national competitions have the opportunity to participate in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists. This show features the best in European scientific student achievement. The 2006 venue is Stockholm, Sweden.

In the running for most prestigious science competition is the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar. This competition is for older youths aged from around 18 to the mid 20's. What makes this one so important? Well, it's held in connection to the Nobel Prize. Aside from that, only 25 people are invited to attend. These competitors have won other international science competitions in the past.

More Information

• The Science Service
• BT Young Scientist