Larry Bencze|G. Michael Bowen
A National Science Fair: Exhibiting support for the knowledge economy
University of Toronto|Mount Saint Vincent University
studentdirected openended scientific investigations invention projects may serve deepen broaden students scientific technological literacy enable succeed democracies greatly affected processes products science technology science fairs events studentled projects evaluated celebrated could contribute positive personal social outcomes qualitative data drawn national science fair succeeding years indicate analyses largely qualitative data using constant comparative methods apart positive outcomes regarding science literacy may significant issues fair warrant critical review apparent studies issues access image recruitment associated fair qualification participation fair appears favour students advantaged resourcerich backgrounds although students benefit number ways fair experience apparent science fairs also greatly benefit sponsorswho sense use science fairs promotional recruitment purposes findings claims raised us important questions possibly implications science education society generally