About

An Introduction to the JLS Science Fair

The JLS Science Fair is organized each year by parent volunteers working with a staff representative.  The goal of the fair is to encourage all students to develop and apply an interest in science, scientific methods, and thinking.  We hope that participation in the fair will teach students to exercise their curiosity, understand and approach real world problems in a systematic and scientific way and apply creativity towards problems that interest them. 

Each year, the expenses are met by multiple sponsors. including the School Administration, the GATE program, the PTA and Corporate sponsors.  This year as in previous years, we gratefully acknowledge the Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Outreach Foundation for their generous and superlative support of the JLS Science Fair.  The Foundation champions activities and programs that enhance science and math education. The Foundation provides support for school science fairs and is also sponsor of the regional science fair, "The Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship."  Additional funds have also been provided this year by the JLS Administration and the JLS PTA in their support of the JLS Science Fair.  The JLS Administration has been particularly helpful with their assistance on staging and logistics and in encouraging this activity.  Finally, we want to recognize the special time and effort spent by the JLS Science Teachers in contributing their time and energy to this voluntary activity and helping us achieve the goals we set out above.

JLS science teachers work with the children (see Schedule section for a timetable) in the classroom to guide their science projects and participation in the fair.  The guidelines, safety and ethics related issues for proposed projects are covered in the JLS Science Fair Handbook in the Handouts section.  There will be informational workshops for parents and project clinics for troubleshooting and advice to assist students.  In addition, parent and outside volunteers assist with events and judging.  If you are a parent, please consider getting involved as a general volunteer, judge or member of the organizing committee. To get involved contact any of the organizing team and see the following link : Call for Volunteers

In previous years, JLS has had wonderful participation from its students.  Contrary to common expectations, the bulk of the projects are not expensive or elaborate models but sound explorations of good questions and ideas at a level entirely appropriate for middle school children.  Come visit the fair this year (see Schedule for details) and see for yourself what children can do.

There are a variety of other science events and fairs at the county, state, country and international level beyond the JLS Science Fair that some of you may wish to participate in or simply attend.  We encourage you to attend some of these fairs to open the doors of science a little wider for your children by giving them some exposure to science explorations conducted by their peers.  See the section on Resources for more information.

Still have more questions ?  See the FAQ (frequently asked questions) about the Science Fair or check out the handouts and resources to get started.

The JLS Science Fair organizing team for 2004 is :

Parents Volunteer Co-Chairs :

Karen Pauls

Bruce Ishimoto

Staff Representative :

Greg Rice - JLS Science Fair Liaison