Volunteer Opportunities: March 2016

In addition to Society for Science & the Public’s three prestigious science education competitions, we also have many Affiliated Fairs throughout the country and the world. The Society wants to offer a chance for our members, alumni, and others to give back through volunteering or judging at local science fairs.

The Society will highlight several volunteer opportunities each month at our affiliated domestic fairs. Use the Society’s Find-a-Fair feature to find a Society Affiliated Fair in your area, broken down by country and state.

Below are opportunities to volunteer at domestic science fairs in the month of March:

Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Fair (Arizona)

The Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Fair is March 3 at the Tucson Convention Center. The elementary and middle school fair is 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The high school fair is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those who love science, engineering, and kids can help find future scientists, engineers, and innovators. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Interested volunteers can sign up for the age level and category at https://sarsef.org/judges/.

Elementary requirements are: a high school degree, general knowledge of science, and some experience with science projects. Middle school requirements are: a B.A./B.S., or currently enrolled in a science or engineering major, or three years in selected field, and experience with science projects. High school requirements are: a graduate level degree, and/or five years’ experience in selected field, appreciation for inquiry, and understanding of high school students. Questions can be directed to Elizabeth Baker at Liz@sarsef.org or at 520-343-8651.

Monterey County Science and Engineering Fair (California)

The Monterey County Science and Engineering Fair is seeking volunteers for March 4 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. Volunteers are responsible for reviewing projects as they are checked to ensure safety and assist students in locating spot assignments. Judges are also needed on March 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If interested, email Ginny Brown at gbrown@monterey.k12.ca.us to be connected to the judging coordinator.

Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fairs (Massachusetts)

Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fairs offer several volunteer and judge opportunities. If you are interested, sign up by emailing the contact in your area:

• The BCC/Rensselaer Region III Science & Engineering Fair at Bristol Community College, Fall River is March 5 and 10. Contact colleen.vickery@bristolcc.edu.

• The Western Massachusetts Region I Science Fair at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The high school fair is March 11 and middle school fair is April 30. Contact Dr. Chris Himes at c.himes@mda.edu.

• The Worcester Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The high school fair is March 11 and middle school fair is May 2. Contact Nancy Degon at ngdegin@charter.net (high school coordinator) and Lisa Greenwald at greenwaldl@westboroughk12.org (middle school coordinator).

• The Massachusetts Region IV Science Fair at Somerville High School is March 12. Contact Sebastian LaGambina and Chris Angelli at regionIVscifair@gmail.com.

• The Northeast Regional Middle School Science & Engineering fair at UMASS Lowell, Campus Center Recreation Center is April 9. Contact Dr. Carol Barry at carol_barry@uml.edu.

• The South Shore Regional Science Fair at Bridgewater State College. The high school fair is March 12 and middle school fair is April 23. Contact Daniel Adams at zjadajada@aol.com.

• The Massachusetts Region V Middle School Science & Engineering Fair at Regis College, Weston is April 23. Contact Erin McQuaid at erin.mcquaid@regiscollege.edu.

Synopsys Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair (California)

The Synopsys Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair, co-sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is March 11 in Pleasanton, California. This science fair has several volunteer opportunities for judges, general volunteers, and sponsors. To register visit http://acsef.org/youcanhelp.html.

Mid-America Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Missouri)

The Mid-America Regional Science and Engineering Fair is seeking judges and general volunteers for March 11. If interested, contact Jeff Woodard at jwoodford@missouriwestern.edu.

Regeneron-Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (New York)

The Regeneron-Westchester Science and Engineering Fair is March 12 at Sleepy Hollow High School from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. They are seeking judges to evaluate presentations in symposia style. Judges must have a Bachelor’s degree and graduate-level science research experience. Engineering and social science experience is preferred. Breakfast, lunch, and a thank you gift will be provided. If interested, contact Michelle Sugantino at wesefjudges@gmail.com.

Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (California)

The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair is March 13-20 at Balboa Park Activity Center. They are seeking general volunteers to assist with set-up and tear-down of the science fair, registration day, managing the gift-shop, monitoring students, assisting with the awards ceremony, passing out programs, and other duties. There are a variety of days and shifts available. No science experience is necessary. To view time listings and register, visit http://www.gsdsef.org/volunteer/. Contact Bhumi at gsdsef.volunteers@gmail.com or 619-630-0072.

San Francisco Bay Area Science Fair (California)

The San Francisco Bay Area Science Fair at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Judges are needed for March 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lunch is provided. Judges in biological science, behavioral science, physical science, environmental science, engineering and computer applications, and math and computer science should contact Greta Dahlke at gama944@yahoo.com.

Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair (Pennsylvania)

The Contra Costa Science and Engineering Fair is March 17-19 at Los Medanos College in Pittsburgh. Judges are needed on March 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A complimentary lunch is provided. Judges are particularly needed in the biological science category. The fair is also seeking general volunteers to assist with data entry and food coordination of catered meals. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JudgeCCCSEF2016.

Synopsys Science and Technology Championship Science Fair (California)

The Synopsys Science and Technology Championship Science Fair at San Jose McEnery Convention Center, South Hall is seeking judges for March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Judges are particularly needed in the categories of plant science, biochemistry/microbiology, earth/environmental science, and engineering. Judges must have a college degree in a scientific, technical, or educational field (exceptions may be made for related experience) and enjoy working with middle and high school students. Register by March 8 to judge at https://www.science-fair.org/database/judge.php. Contact judging@science-fair.org with any questions.

Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair, Inc. (New York)

The Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair is March 19 in Troy, New York. The fair is seeking engineer or scientist judges for 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If interested, contact Joan Wagner at jsw2012@aol.com.

Central New York Science and Engineering Fair (New York)

The Central New York Science and Engineering Fair is March 20 at the SRC Arena. The fair is seeking junior level judges for grades 4-8. Judges must have a college degree or be pursuing a college degree in a STEM major. A continental breakfast, lunch, and training will be provided for judges and volunteers. The schedule for the day can be found at http://www.most.org/CNYSEF/2016_CNYSEF_Fair_Day_Schedule_March_20th.pdf. Those interested should sign up at http://www.most.org/volunteer_application.cfm. For more information contact the CNYSEF Director at CNYSEF@most.org or 315425-9068 x2163.

If your science fair has volunteer opportunities and would like to be featured, please contact Marlena Chertock at mchertock@societyforscience.org.

Sign up to volunteer at Intel ISEF 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona from May 8-13. The Society seeks volunteers to serve as judges, interpreters, and to provide general support.