Supercharge Your Middle School and Grade 5 Science Programs!

The NESA Virtual Science & Engineering Fair (NVSEF) is an exciting event that combines the authenticity of hands-on scientific discovery at your own local science fair with a virtual international competition connecting schools across the world. It is open to all schools in NESA, CEESA, EARCOS, AISA, Tri-Association, ECIS, MAIS, and AASSA.

Now in its third decade, it is the perfect platform to share student research and ideas. Since 2002, more than 30,000 students from American and international schools worldwide have participated, fostering their passion for science and engineering. During the 2023-2024 school year, over 350 teams competed.

The NVSEF aligns seamlessly with the NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS (NGSS) and fosters hands-on, inquiry-based learning and the development of scientific practices. You can incorporate science fair projects with your existing science curriculum and your regular lessons as project-based learning.

If you're already involved in a science/engineering fair at your school, take your journey to the next level with NVSEF. Celebrate the wonder of science and engineering with other international school students and teachers!

DIVISIONS

• NVSEF Junior Varsity (Grades 5-6)
  
• NVSEF Varsity (Grades 7-8)

THE COMPETITION – 3 QUALIFYING ROUNDS (nov - may)

ROUND 1:

NOV 10, 2024 - APRIL 10, 2025

Each school holds its own local science fair to select top teams that advance to Round II.

ROUND 2

APRIL 12, 2025 - MAY 7, 2025

This round is entirely virtual. Teams submit their research reports, short team videos, and answers to four well-developed questions about their research process. These entries are judged online using a rubric that assesses understanding and analysis, background knowledge, use of scientific vocabulary, and communication of ideas. From approximately 80 finalists, the top 5 teams are selected.

ROUND 3

MAY 14 - MAY 25, 2025

This final round involves expert judges, led by Dr. Eric Brunsell from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, who assess and rank the Junior Varsity teams. For the Varsity teams, Dr. Brunsell adds a final question to each team’s research, challenging students to revisit and enhance their work based on existing data. A team of nine scientists and engineers then ranks these teams.

NVSEF winners (first through fifth place) for the two divisions are announced and certificates distributed at the annual NESA Fall Leadership Conference and showcased in NESA NEWS.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

The NVSEF...

• aligns seamlessly with educational standards like the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which emphasize inquiry-based learning and the development of scientific practices;
• provides a platform for students to showcase their scientific and engineering projects;
• fosters innovation and a deeper understanding of the scientific method and engineering process;
• promotes scientific and engineering habits of mind;
• provides opportunities for students to learn research/investigative skills in science and engineering;
• highlights student work as examples of their potential as future leaders in scientific and engineering fields;
• creates a dynamic and interactive online environment where students collaborate, communicate their findings, and think critically;
• gives students a forum to demonstrate remarkable levels of dedication, creativity, and understanding.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS

• Gain valuable experience and insights into the world of science and engineering events;
• Connect with like-minded peers and mentors from other schools worldwide;
• Be challenged to meet the exciting research questions posed by your students;
• Receive NVSEF structured guidance and support via NVSEF-supplied mini-lessons and workshops for teachers. The NVSEF staff are always available to assist and advise;
• Experience quality professional development in science education at the annual online teacher training seminar (see below);
• Learn, grow, and inspire your students to explore the wonders of science!

Informational & training Sessions FOR EDUCATORS:

1) ONLINE INFORMATIONAL SESSION
Tuesday, October 8, 4:00pm (Athens, GMT+3)

For Grade 5 & MS Science Department Heads at all schools. Meet Dr Stuart Fleischer and Dr Eric Brunsell, NVSEF Project Directors, and learn what the NVSEF is all about.

2) FREE ONLINE TRAINING SEMINAR
Thursday, October 17, 9:00am-4:00pm (Athens, GMT+3)

For NVSEF advisors, but open to all schools. Sign-up for NVSEF is not required.

The Zoom link to the October 8 informational session was emailed to all NESA schools and to CEESA, EARCOS, AISA, Tri-Association, ECIS, MAIS, and AASSA. For the link, contact Dr Stuart Fleischer: sfleischer@wbais.net

What do our university researchers say about the NVSEF?

The Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards are based on the premise that understanding is more than just knowing "things”. Students must be able to use their knowledge in authentic ways. The NVSEF is built around NGSS's Science and Engineering Practices and require students to put their science knowledge to use through a novel science investigation or to use engineering design to solve a problem.
— Dr. Eric Brunsell, Associate Dean, College of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and past NSTA Executive Board Member

The NVSEF promotes a collaborative, interactive online community that supplements and enhances the daily face-to-face interactions between science teachers and students in the middle school classroom. A primary goal of the NVSEF is to expand students' knowledge of science and transform their science habits of mind, i.e., learning how to think like a scientist, as well as provide a motivation for students to commit themselves to their research project and expand their options for potential career paths in science. The NVSEF fosters deeper learning and critical thinking in a collaborative, higher order inquiry format that can increase student achievement.
— Professor Mark Spaid, College of Teacher Education and Social Work, Middle Georgia State University, and Co-Founder of the NVSEF

Cost to Participate

• Per-school fee: US $1500

Registration deadline: November 1

NVSEF Project Directors

Dr. ERIC BRUNSELL is a leading voice in science education, currently serving as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. With a rich background in STEM teaching and curriculum development, he is renowned for his expertise in integrating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into classrooms, helping educators foster inquiry-based, student-centered learning. Dr. Brunsell’s research focuses on effective science instruction, and he has authored numerous publications and books aimed at making science accessible and engaging for all students, including, Introducing Teachers and Administrators to the NGSS: A Professional Development Facilitator's Guide. His work has earned him a distinguished reputation as an advocate for innovative science education and a mentor to educators nationwide.

Dr. STUART FLEISCHER is an innovative educator and the initiative behind the successful NESA Virtual Science and Engineering Fair, serving as its Director and founder since 2002. As a science educator at the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel, Dr. Fleischer is passionate about fostering global collaboration and hands-on learning through science. A “cross-pollinator” in Citizen Science programs, he has empowered students to engage with real-world scientific research and make meaningful contributions to their communities around the globe. Dr. Fleischer’s dedication to creating dynamic, NGSS-aligned learning experiences has made him a leader in international science education and a champion for student-led inquiry.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Dr. Stuart Fleischer: sfleischer@wbais.net

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