Central NM Science & Engineering Research Challenge

The mission of the Central NM Science & Engineering Research Challenge (Central NM-SERC) is to interest young students in research and the process of inquiry as well as to promote science, technology, engineering, math and healthcare as academic as well as potential career choices.

The Central NM Science & Engineering Research Challenge is an Intel ISEF Affiliated Fair (http://www.societyforscience.org/isef) which allows high school level students to compete for the ability to participate at the Intel ISEF as Finalists. Awards totaling up to $60,000+ are given annually. Both middle and high school participants at the Central NM-SERC compete for the opportunity to move on to the NM State Science & Engineering Fair (http://www.nmt.edu/~science/fair).

Competition Process

Research projects (individual or small group up to 3 students) require students to demonstrate scientific research principles, answer questions, or develop solutions to engineering problems/needs through inquiry-based learning as well as developing analytical and written/oral communication skills. Student research projects can be utilized to meet a number of State & National education standards/benchmarks. Research Challenge students MUST reside in the Central NM Region in order to be eligible.

Judging Criteria

The Central NM Science & Engineering Research Challenge adheres to the judging guidelines set forth by the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). The judges award points based upon the following criteria:

Research Question (scientific research) or Research Problem (engineering projects) – 10 Points Max
Design and Methodology – 15 points Max
Data Collection (scientific research) or Construction & Testing (engineering projects) – 20 Points Max
Creativity – 20 Points Max
Presentation (Display Board/Poster) – 20 Points Max
Presentation (Interview) – 25 Points Max

Each project is judged by three judges whenever possible. These judge scores are then averaged together and each project is ranked in its category based on this average score. Once the judges have this raw data available, they meet (or “caucus”) with all the other judges in their category to discuss the projects and decide on the final category rankings. The rankings from the caucus meetings are the “official” place rankings for each category and take into consideration BOTH the original raw average scores AND the results of the judges’ caucus meeting discussions.

Participate

Website: http://stemed.unm.edu/central-new-mexico-science-engineering-research-challenge

Managing Organization: UNM STEM-H Center for Outreach, Research & Education

Eligibility:
Elementary (Primary) school students, Middle (junior high) school students, High (secondary) school students

Competition Process

Judging Criteria

Participate

Registration Dates

Registration Opens

Registration Closes