I first participated in Longs Peak Science Fair when I was in eighth grade. Since then, I've come back three times as a participant, and judged the junior division twice. I love seeing all the ideas. it's part of what made me decide that I want to have a career in science. Seeing so many young people with powerful ideas made it easy to believe that world-changing discoveries are just around the corner. Every year, the fair has worked with me to figure out my paperwork for state level participation, going above and beyond to make sure that I have a solid set up when I compete. Lori Ball has emailed and met with me personally to make sure that I had a good experience and to answer questions. The dedication is impressive.
In the past at other fairs, judging has been a confusing process. I never really know how it's going to work. Longs Peak has revised and changed up their judging process. I really like the new system and I appreciate that they took the time to fix what participants were concerned about. They made sure that the process was enjoyable for students first and about competition second, especially with the junior division. Having seen it from both sides at Longs Peak, I can say that this works. At other fairs, this isn't always the case, and the learning can get lost in the awards won.
I have been volunteering with LPSEF since 2011, and look forward to going back every year. It is so exciting to see middle and high school kids get enthused and involved in STEM, whether it be physics, math, computer science, medicine, microbiology, or any of the many other subjects. It is indicative of how well the event is planned, organized, and run by the director and staff as each year the number of kids and projects keep coming back for more, bringing friends with them! It is also super easy to get involved as a volunteer and feel great about making a positive influence on young minds. I highly encourage anyone who has an interest in STEM education get involved in volunteering for judging science projects, as the number of kids getting involved to starting to outnumber those of us volunteering.
Go inspire and encourage kids to question the world around them, and ask what they can do to make a positive influence!
This year, the science fair is being held on Feb. 14th, 2017.
There are time slots available to volunteer from 7am-5pm.
Greeley, CO
** Contact LPSEF for questions or comments.
~ Crystal M.
I've been a volunteer judge for the Longs Peak Science and Engineering Fair (run by Longs Peak Science Foundation) since 2009. I enjoy interacting with the middle and high school students and learning about their science, math, and engineering projects. The students really make the experience meaningful. They put so much work into their projects and the Fair gives them an opportunity to showcase their work. Longs Peak Science Foundation sends out useful information before volunteering and provides refreshments to volunteers on the day of the Fair. The volunteers are well taken care of! Volunteering for Longs Peak Science Foundation is a great way to connect with middle and high school students and to be inspired by their enthusiasm for science, math, and engineering.
I have volunteered several years with the Longs Peak Science Foundation, serving as a member of the Scientific Review Committee, judge, judging coordinator, and have helped organize/emcee the awards ceremony. Though I would probably choose to volunteer regardless, as science fair holds a special place in my heart, I have very much enjoyed my experience over the years with the LPSEF. It is well organized, and communications leading up to and during the fair make the process for volunteers easy. The fair has grown tremendously since being taken over by its current director, and it has been great to go back year after year to see all the student's projects and witness this growth first hand!