This site is optimized for use with Firefox version 3.6 or higher and Internet Explorer version 7 or higher.

For an optimal user experience, please utilize a newer version of either of these browsers.

NOAA Office of Education NOAA Office of Education NOAA Homepage

 

QUICK LINKS

 

EDUCATION RESOURCES

 

NOAA EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN (PDF)

Support for Science Fair Projects

 

The NOAA Office of Education supports student research on issues related to our agency’s mission. Since 2005, NOAA has offered “Taking the Pulse of the Planet” awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), as well as at the local and regional U.S. science fairs that feed into ISEF. These awards recognize outstanding projects in ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather, and climate sciences.


Heather Eberhart, winner of the NOAA award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, discusses the value of the science fair experience.


Intel International Science and Engineering Fair

 

The Intel ISEF occurs annually and is the largest international pre-college science competition. The “Taking the Pulse of the Planet” award at ISEF is given to outstanding students who are U.S. citizens at least 16 years of age. The award includes: a paid summer internship with NOAA, a plaque, a certificate signed by the Administrator of NOAA, and a choice between a NOAA All Hazards weather radio or a copy of the Smithsonian’s Ocean: Our Ocean, Our World book.

Local and Regional Science Fairs

 

Complimentary award packets are provided to the approximately 500 local and regional science fairs in the United States and territories that feed into ISEF. These award packets include: a medallion, a letter of congratulations, and a certificate signed by the Director of NOAA Education. The packets are distributed with a letter to the directors of these fairs that explain the criteria and judging procedure.

If you are a NOAA employee or contractor with a science or science education background and are interested in serving as a judge for these fairs, please see the following page for further information.

 

NOAA offers congratulations to all the winners of these awards and to all students who perform research and participate in science fairs.

 


2008 ISEF “Taking the Pulse of the Planet” Award Winner, Zaki Daniel Moustafa (middle), with judges John McLaughlin and Dr. George Sharman of NOAA (credit: Society for Science & the Public).


For more information about this program or for general inquiries please send an email to science.fairs@noaa.gov.