“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”

  The theoretical physicist Albert Einstein’s words reflect the basis of science fair, an annual activity that provides the opportunity for all students in grades seven through 12 to research, experiment, and present projects in their fields of interest.

  “Science fair allowed me to delve further into a topic that we don’t really cover in school,” said Athulya Murali, 12

  On the day of the science fair, students set up their project boards and present to a pair of judges, who evaluate each project based on a provided rubric. The points earned by each student determine whether s/he earns a good, excellent, or superior rating.

  Students who receive a superior rating are invited to advance to the district science fair at the University of Cincinnati (UC), the UC Science and Engineering Expo Fair, which will be held on March 11.

  This year, 11 students advanced.

  Students who receive a superior rating at UC are invited to advance to State Science Day in Columbus. The date is yet to be released. Participants can also qualify for Buckeye Science Fair, from which they can advance to the Intel Science and Engineering Fair at the international level.

  At State Science Day, schools that have at least four projects and 80 percent of students who receive a superior rating can win the Harold C. Shaw Memorial Outstanding School Award.

  “Last year, we received the Shaw award because all but one project received a superior,” Murali said.

  Not only does science fair provide an opportunity for students to win cash awards and scholarships, but it also helps build problem solving and public speaking skills.

  “It has helped me learn how to interact people on a more professional basis,” Murali said.

  The high school science fair was on January 28 this year in the Hub.