Dear Students,
 
You are officially invited to take part in the 2024 Middlebrook Science & Engineering Fair, sponsored by the
Wilton Education Foundation and Middlebrook PTA. This is an exciting event that encourages students to
think like young scientists and engineers. Participants will have the opportunity to design a science or
engineering project of their choosing.
 
The date of the Science & Engineering Fair is Tuesday, January 23 rd , 2024.
(Snow Date: Thursday, January 25th, 2024)
 
A Science & Engineering Fair project is a true exploration: it could be a question you do not know the answer
to, or a problem that needs to be solved. The project is categorized into one of three groups: Life Sciences,
Physical Sciences, or Engineering.
 
If it is a Life Science or Physical Science experiment, students identify a question, establish a
hypothesis as to what the answer might be, and think of how to test that hypothesis scientifically.
Note that no animal subjects are permitted. After performing the tests, recording and evaluating the
results, students present their findings to a judge at the Fair.
 
 If it is an Engineering project, students define a need, or something that could be improved upon, and
come up with ideas (design criteria) on how to achieve it. Students prepare a design, build a
prototype, and test it under different conditions. Finally, students present their prototype and results
to a judge at the Fair.
 
Students may enter the Fair individually or in teams of two. 6th graders can team up with other 6th graders
only. 7th and 8th graders can team up together. Teams of 3 or more are not permitted.
 
Entry into the Science &;Engineering Fair is a two-step process:
Step 1: Review your project idea with a science teacher about 2-3 weeks before the
deadline. All students must have teacher approval by November 10 th prior to registering and we
recommend not waiting until this deadline as you may have to revise your project idea.

Step 2: Complete the online registration form by November 17 th here:
https://cumc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bfSaqb0VsEyzAdo

This form serves as registration for the Fair, as well as formal approval from the science teacher.
This step also includes an electronic parental permission form which your parent must sign in order
for you to participate.
Teacher Approval DEADLINE is Friday, November 10 th , 2023.
Registration DEADLINE is Friday, November 17th, 2023.
These dates are final; no extensions or exceptions made.
 
All students entering a project in the Fair will be recognized for participating and will receive a
2024 Middlebrook Science & Engineering Fair t-shirt. After the formal judging process is
complete, awards and trophies will be given in the “Life Sciences”, “Physical Sciences”, and
“Engineering” categories as follows:
 6th grade: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention
 7th & 8th grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention
 Best of Fair
 
The top winners from 7th and 8th grade will have the opportunity to enter the state-level Connecticut Science
& Engineering Fair held at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. The State Fair takes place mid-March.
Important Notes:

• No animal studies are permitted.

• 7 th &a; 8 th graders only: If your project involves any of the below classifications, you will be required to pre-register your project through the CT state website. The deadline to pre-register is December 1 st ,2023. We will guide you with the paperwork if you project includes any of the following:

• Human subjects (including surveys and questionnaires)

• Nonhuman vertebrate animals**

• Human or animal tissue

• Pathogenic agents / controlled substances / hazardous materials

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Back by popular demand, Singularity Technology will entertain the participants while

project judging is taking place.

 
The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the show.
 
Detailed information is available in your Google Classroom:
 

• Display Boards

• Judging Criteria - Engineering

• Judging Criteria - Life & Physical Sciences

• Past Projects & Idea Resources

• Suggested Steps and Timeline - Engineering

• Suggested Steps and Timeline - Life & Physical Sciences

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Let us know if you have any questions. We hope you will have fun
working on your projects and we wish you good luck!
 
Regards,
PTA Science & Engineering Fair Committee
MiddlebrookScienceFair@gmail.com