Tech Fair = TAS Fair

Although I've haven't posted in a while, I've been working hard to make my "Tech Fair"(see my last post from July) a reality.  I created something called TAS Fair which stands for Technology Applied Science.  I loved the concept and wording of applied science.  It's how I run my classroom.   I do my best to create learning experiences that apply to the real world in some way.  

The support for the event has been amazing.  From Google, to Honda, Broadcom and Blizzard, we seen solid backing.  The Vasur foundation sponsored t-shirts for nearly 100 participants in the optional event for 3rd - 8th grade students. I hope you will check out our web site www.tasfair.com and see what I've been up to.  Also, the OC Register covered the event and you can get some additional insight by reading our TAS Fair Article and see some pictures as well.  So if you have yet to start your own Tech Fair... Well... I have a perfectly tested model for you now!  Contact me tasfair@gmail.com to start your own competition.

Science Fair... How about a Tech Fair?

As usual, I like to start with a question and present a possible answer for educators, students and parents.  For years districts nation wide have held "Science Fairs" where children explore some area of science by creating an experiment to demonstrate their ability to go through the scientific process.  It's a great way to learn about a specific area of science and to truly live out science.

Now I'm a great believer in this process, in fact I still remember my 6th grade science fair project. Do you?  I focused on fermentation... yes turning yeast into... well alcohol.  While I never used this process again (especially after tasting it under adult supervision, just the smell would turn anyones stomach...) I did use my knowledge for future science endeavors. 

So I was thinking... we should look to expand the Science Fair and include or have an additional Tech Fair.  Computers, after all, are a science and a constantly developing field of which children will need to be skilled at in the future.  So my challenge to you is to start a Tech Fair in your class, grade level, school site or even district.  Follow the same method of the science fair and have kids compete while looking at how technology impacts life all around us.  Have categories, or just have a general fair, but please join me this upcoming year and hold your own.  

We can report back together after we've experimented and share the successes.

Written by Scott Bedley