More on the FASF's Mission and Goals
For over five decades the FASF has provided a forum for students of our service region to develop their scientific and engineering talents. FASF continues to focus its energy and resources to assist in the development of youth, and to promote careers in science and engineering.
FASF is committed to providing:
- A vehicle by which students learn to solve real life problems scientifically;
- An exhibition to showcase student talents;
- Recognition and encouragement of all participants;
- An opportunity for students to access the local scientific and engineering community;
- A resource for educational institutions.
While hosting the regional science fair remains central to our mission, in the past decade the FASF has expanded its focus, directing energies towards encouraging students to develop problem solving skills and thinking processes that are required in everyday life. We feel it is most important for all students to learn processes for thinking that help them make informed decisions. Simply exhibiting a display without having conducted a scientific investigation is insufficient. We want students to know that all events in the world are the result of often-complex cause and effect relationships. This skill set is something that participants will use throughout their lives in dealing with both scientific and non-technical problems.
We achieve our goals in several ways:
- Through the successful development and coordination of the annual Flint Area (Regional) Science & Engineering Fair.
- Through recognizing students with certificates, prizes, bonds, scholarships and trips to both the Michigan State and International Science and Engineering Fairs.
- Through providing an opportunity for students to meet with one or more judges from technical and professional fields in the community. Judges have constructive and helpful conversations with students to encourage improvement and further development.
- By publishing a comprehensive Science Fair Handbook and website that can be used as an educational guide to teachers, parents and students. (The handbook has been partially responsible for A's on two MSU graduate student thesis projects and has been an influence on the International Science Fair's own Handbook.)
- By providing visit opportunities that allow non-participating schools to expose their students to the science fair and projects that other kids like them are doing. It is our experience that these "visiting" schools soon become a new source for participants.
