1959:  The first organized Science Fair was held at Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri.  Early Fairs' expenses were covered by $400 donated by the Springfield School System and the Springfield Rotary Club.

1990:  Joplin, Missouri, becomes the site of the second regional Science Fair, thereby allowing more local students the opportunity to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair.

1990:  The Greater Springfield Area Science Fair Foundation was formed to manage and administer the Greater Springfield Area Science Fair.

1992:  A new name, Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair, is adopted by the Fair's foundation to more accurately reflect the mission of the organization.

2003:  An expanded region!  Due to the dissolution of the South Central Missouri Science & Engineering Fair, the additional counties of Pulaski, Laclede, Texas, Shannon, Ozark, Howell, Wright, and Oregon were added to our region, for a total of 16 counties,  while the counties of Dade and Cedar were moved to the Missouri Southern Science & Engineering Fair.

an average of 750 students from the 16 county region surrounding Springfield participate in the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair.

over 400 awards, prizes, and scholarships totaling nearly $50,000 are offered each year to students in the Junior and Senior Divisions.

over 150 area professionals donate their time and expertise to judge exhibits in 13 categories.

approximately 24 professionals from 15 disciplines volunteer their time to act as mentors to Science Fair participants.

the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair sends the two Senior Grand Prize Winners and the OSEF Teacher of the Year to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).  The 2004 Intel ISEF competition was held in Portland, OR.

WHO PARTICIPATES IN OSEF?

There are three (3) divisions of exhibition for area students:

Elementary Division:  Students in grades 3 - 5 display their projects in this noncompetitive portion of the Fair.

Junior Division:  Students in grades 6 - 8 compete for recognition and awards.

Senior Division:  Students in grades 9 - 12 compete for recognition, scholarships, and cash awards.  Two Senior Division students are selected to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair.

WHEN DOES OSEF TAKE PLACE?

OSEF is an annual event which takes place over three (3) days during the first part of April.  This year's Fair dates are March 31 - April 2, 2009.

On the first day, students set up their exhibits preparatory to judging.   Students must remain with their projects during judgment, and are expected to discuss their research with the judges when asked. 

During the second day, called "Science Day," the Fair is open to the public.  Hundreds of visitors, including entire classes from area schools, come to see the various exhibits as well as participate in the demonstrations, view the corporate displays, and listen to our guest speakers. 

The final day of the Fair is also open to the public.  The Award Ceremony is held that evening, at which time students finally learn what placement or special awards they have earned. 

WHERE IS OSEF HELD?

Students' research projects are displayed at Hammons Student Center on the Missouri State University campus.

Here are some words from previous participants:

"I have found the business and community involvement to be extraordinary . . . Sponsors are providing encouragement and support for students who pursue the sciences." Karen Kindall, First Place Behavioral Sciences, Grand Prize Recipient, Strafford High School 

"The Science Fair is an exciting opportunity to crate, develop, and complete a project . . . Being judged by an expert in your field . . . is a tremendous first-hand experience."  Tim Noonan, First Place Zoology, Grand Prize Recipient, Springfield Catholic High School 

Students participating in OSEF also have the unique opportunity to develop working relationships with mentors outside of their classroom environment.   Placement and Special Award winners receive prizes that include cash awards and scholarships.  Participation also provides valuable additional material for college and scholarship applications and job resumes.

Placement and Special Award winners have their names as well as the names of their sponsors, schools, and projects published in the Annual Award Book, as well as on the web site.  

HOW IS OSEF FUNDED?

Funds come exclusively from contributions by individuals, organizations, foundations, businesses and industries within our region.  These funds are used for operational costs, awards and expenses for participation in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.  There our students interact and compete with student scientists from all over the world!

Congratulations to Canin Christell of Springfield, Missouri on receiving the following awards at the Intel ISEF 2008 Special Awards Ceremony with his project: Intelligent Task Coordination with Multiple Robots