Science and Engineering Fair

Research is one of the cornerstones of a Falmouth Academy education. Scientific research requires creativity, precision, skill, patience, and organization.  Our annual Science and Engineering Fair showcases research projects from every student in grades 7-11, and electively in grade 12.  Many of our students have been mentored by scientists from local institutions (WHOI, MBL, McLane Laboratories) as they have pursued more specialized and original research for their projects.  As the culminating event in their extended inquiry, students present the results of their projects to multiple scientist judges, who question them about their methodology, results, and conclusions.  After the results are tabulated, an awards ceremony recognizes top prizewinners who advance to the Regional Science Fair, and then hopefully earn bids to the State Science Fair at MIT and beyond.

Our students have displayed an enviable record of success in science fair competition, garnering 149 top prizes at the State Science Fair, 15 invitations to the International Science and Engineering Fair, and 14 semifinalist and finalist spots in national research-based science competitions, including Intel, Siemens, and Westinghouse. 

In 2019, three students won a first-place prize at the MA Science and Engineering Fair held at MIT. Congratulations to Noah Glasgow '21, Emma Keeler '19, and Saniya Rajagopol '21. Noah was invited to present at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, AZ, in May. 

 

In 2018, Emma Keeler '19 advanced to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and won a 2nd place in the microbiology division for her project, "Bioprospecting for Benthic Fungi and Their Bactericidal Antibiotics." In 2017, Théo Guérin '17 and Charlie Fenske '18 won a 2nd place award in Engineering Mechanics, a 1st place NASA Special Award, and a 3rd place Society of Experimental Test Pilots Special Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.