This letter was published on October 1, 2009 in the "Lake Travis View"

Science Fairs in LTISD Schools

After moving to Lakeway three years ago, I became a science fair judge for the Bee Cave Elementary school as well as at the Austin Energy Regional Science Fair (AERSF) in Austin. What I have learned is that there are many students that are enthusiastic about science, and would like having the opportunity to compete at the regional, state, and national level. I also learned that none of the schools in the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) participated.

People in the Lakeway area probably do not know what a science fair is all about. Since the LTISD does not participate, little is reported in the local media such as The Lake Travis View. 

“What is the big deal about a science fair?”  Think about who did the research for the artificial knee that you or a family member will soon need. The people that make our lives better are the scientists and engineers that start at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Science fairs stress the “scientific method” that consists of recognizing a problem, generating a hypothesis, taking data, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, documenting results, and presenting  results to your peers.  This is what the science fair is all about.

So why does the LTISD not participate? I have been told that the paperwork is too involved and that there are no teachers willing to support this activity. There is some paperwork involved. Forms must be filled out giving various permissions, and insuring safety. However, there is a lot of assistance to help with the paperwork and to make participation possible. Austin Energy is willing to send representatives to the schools explaining the process to the teachers and administrators.

After seeing what goes on at the AERSF, held in February, you would wonder why the LTISD does not participate.

I would like to encourage the schools that do not now have science projects to at least give their brightest students the encouragement, support, and opportunity to participate in the AERSF. I am sure the science teachers know what students would be appropriate

Just so you know, I am willing to assist in helping with filling out forms and be willing to review projects prior to sending them to AERSF.

For more information, go to my web site, “thelakewaytutor.com” and click on the red “Science Fair Information” link.

Hamil Cooper