California Center for Sustainable Energy

Goal:

Have students invent (or improve) products (or processes) to increase the use of energy conservation, energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, while decreasing impacts on the environment.

Examples:

Improving or designing environmentally friendly and energy efficient packaging, clothing, electronics, sporting equipment, restaurants, schools, neighborhoods, homes,cars, streets, transportation methods, recycling programs, water waste, etc.

Process:

Students first identify and describe a problem and then provide a solution(s). Students may build or draw their innovation and must submit a detailed (less than 3-page) report. If the student builds their innovation, a photograph must be submitted. If the student draws their innovation, a copy must be submitted. Drawings or photographs should include all angles needed to properly represent the innovation. Innovations are not required to function, but students should be ready to explain its parts.

Report:

Reports are to be typed (12 point font, Times New Roman). Page 1 should include title, author, school,and description of the problem/current product and its function. Page 2 should describe the details of innovation/improvements made. Page 3 will list the pros and cons for each item in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, April 20, 2009
Deadline for Project Completion
All entry forms, written reports and photographs must be postmarked by this date and sent to the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

Monday, May 9, 2009
Results will be posted on the Young Scientist Innovation Fair (YSIF) web site, www.ysif.org. Participants will also be notified via e-mail.

Saturday, May 30, 2009 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Young Scientist Innovation Fair Exhibition (all participants)
All projects will be displayed at the exhibition (8690 Balboa Ave.)
The top entries in each grade level (nine total) will make presentations.

Exhibition:

All projects will be displayed at the Young Scientist Innovation Fair Exhibition for the first hour (students with their innovations set up at different tables). During the second hour, the top entries in each grade level (nine total) will be given the opportunity to speak for up to five minutes to the audience about their inventions. The top three entries per grade will be notified ahead of time by email that they will be giving an oral presentation. Prizes will be awarded and all participants will receive ribbons.

For more information, and entry forms, please visit www.ysif.org.

PICTURES FROM 2009

Young Scientist Innovation Fair 2009 pictures