Program Overview
The goals of the Gelfand Science, Engineering, and Maker Fair program are to increase student participation in and raise the quality of school science, engineering, and maker fairs. All public, private, charter, and parochial schools in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, Portage, Lake, and Geauga  counties are eligible to apply with priority given to schools in those districts designated as “high-needs” by the Ohio Department of Education.

Teachers may request up to $1,000 to support a fair in their school. Applicants proposing fairs with up to 75 students may request up to $500, those proposing fairs with 75-100 students may request up to $750, and those proposing fairs with more than 100 participants may request up to $1000.

Program Components

• Gelfand equipment loan program provides tools students can use to complete fair projects. A variety of basic laboratory equipment (balances, thermometers, water baths, etc.), probeware, and other materials are available.
• Combining the latest in digital technology with traditional shop tools, think[box] is a one of kind fabrication space. Students from Gelfand Fair schools are able to access think[box] resources in their new 50,000 sq ft space and the Gelfand Fair program will cover the cost of materials and supplies.
• For schools in Cuyahoga County identified as “high needs”,  Gelfand Science and Engineering Fellows are available to mentor your students as they plan, prepare, implement, and present their projects. Gelfand Fellows are CWRU undergraduate and graduate students trained to work with K-12 students in project development, experimental design, data analysis, and data presentation.  All Gelfand Fellows have passed both BCI and FBI background checks and have successfully completed a 9-hour training program that provides tools and strategies for working with students at every stage of the project process.

 

 

Contact Jim Bader for more information (jxb14@case.edu; (216) 368-­5289).

Click here to access the 2024-2025 application.