SFA is a fully student run, volunteer-based program overseen by IBECHS 9th grade STEM teacher Bryan Bishop in which our high schoolers, several of whom have achieved success at state, regional, and local Science Fairs mentor at area Elementary and Middle schools (priority Title I schools, or disadvantaged students) in their Science Fair Projects as well as other STEM competitions like Science Olympiad and Math Fair.
Mentors or coaches work closely with students over multiple months, helping students brainstorm ideas for projects, conduct experiments, and create/fine tune their presentations. Science Fair mentorship takes place over the majority of the fall semester, and in special cases (an instance where the mentees project advances to further fairs) into the Spring semester. Each Isaac Bear Student is ideally assigned to one local school and there, is assigned 2-3 students to mentor.
What is so great about this mentorship program is that students learn and grow together. Isaac Bear underclassmen are also completing their Science Fair projects at the exact same time, and if mentor and mentee both move past their school fairs, it is encouraging to see a familiar face at these events.
You do not need to have a lot of experience with science fair in order to participate as a coach!
We encourage all IBEC student to take on the position as a coach. IBEC coaches always visit schools/mentor in groups to make the experience less daunting and more comfortable, your classmates are a great resource to ask for help (so are the home school teachers).
Characteristics:
Outgoing
Persistent
Patient
Confident
Inclusion/skill at asking open ended questions
Preferred STEM interest or background (this can be as simple as one class!)