The Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair (OSEF) was held March 26-28 at Missouri State University.
More than 20 schools submitted more than 230 entries, drawing from a 16-county region each year.
What is OSEF?
OSEF is an event for students grades 3-12 to showcase their science research projects.
“With the continued demand for performance assessments in science, OSEF is an academic forum that offers an opportunity for students to meet many performance standards in both science and communication arts,” said Michelle Norgren, OSEF director.
Students in grades 3-5 showcase their work without a competitive element.
Fifth-graders have the opportunity to move up to the junior division with grades 6-8 if they want to compete. The senior division division lets grades 9-12 compete. The junior and senior divisions compete for placement and monetary, national and international awards that total more that $25,000.
Students present their work to judges and other scientists in the area.
Even more importantly, students have the opportunity to research what they like. This project may start as a classroom assignment, but soon expands into something more.
“Students get the opportunity to investigate a question that interests them,” Norgren said. “They learn and apply the scientific method and enhance their presentation skills both visually, with their project display board, and orally in their judge interviews.”
Each year, Norgren enjoys learning from the students. She also enjoys seeing the students do something they love.
“My favorite part of the event is the creativity, enthusiasm and energy of the students,” Norgren said.
The event has been hosted on Missouri State’s campus for more than 30 years. Part of this is due to the facilities. It’s also because of the Missouri State community.
“MSU provides excellent facilities but more importantly, provides superb professional judges who truly love this event and the students,” Norgren said. “Their enthusiasm and support are evident in their return to the fair every year.”