NAISEF

The 2010 National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair (NAISEF) took place March 11-13, 2010 at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After going on the road in 2009, many participants, judges, and volunteers were pleased to see NAISEF back in Albuquerque. The theme for the 2010 NAISEF was “The Difference Is You”. This year’s fair included 216 projects, with 258 participants in grades 5-12. 

The Opening Ceremony kicked off the event on Thursday evening. The Native American Community Academy’s Powwow Club served as the ceremony’s drum group and Stan Lucero, Laguna Pueblo and member of AISES Council of Elders, offered the blessing. This year’s keynote speaker was, Dr. Thomas Lane of Dow Corning Corporation and former president of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Lane became the rock star of the Opening Ceremony. His new fan base of young scientists and engineers followed him throughout the science fair. The students wanted an opportunity to share and discuss their research with him. One student from South Dakota stated, “I liked what Dr. Lane had to say. He inspired me to believe that anything is possible.”

NAISEF provided a number of opportunities for participants throughout the three day event. For the third year, NAISEF offered the Science EXPO. Eighteen organizations offered hands-on activities and exhibits giving participants an opportunity to see the fun side of science and technology. In addition, Raytheon’s MathMovesU Program presented two sessions on Humpty Dumpty Sat Up On Top. Students used various materials to create the ultimate EGG-Pod. The intent was to create a pod that would not crack their egg when it was dropped from atop the convention center escalator. Students had an opportunity to compete in teams of two or as individuals. Students also had the opportunity to participate in the annual Mathematics Competition. The Math Competition is one way students can show their knowledge in science and mathematics. Students competed for prizes and cash awards in the Math Competition.

Before judging took place on Friday morning, Dr. Carol Vallee Crouch (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oklahoma, shared judging tips with all students, chaperones and parents. She also called upon NAISEF participants to help demonstrate the rights and wrongs of presenting their research.

The 2010 NAISEF concluded with the Awards Ceremony. Cuyler Frank served as Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Frank is a graduate student in Communications Studies at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. His voice is heard across the Navajo nation, broadcasting New Mexico State University Aggies games in Navajo. Family members of NAISEF participants were given an opportunity to view the NAISEF Awards Ceremony through webcasting. Students were extremely excited as they walked up to the stage to receive their category award medals and the special awards. The Awards Ceremony concluded with the announcement of the 2010 Grand Award winners and Alternates. These high school students will represent NAISEF and compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, May 9-14, 2010, in San Jose, California.

AISES would like to thank the numerous individuals who gave their time and expertise to serve as NASIEF judges and volunteers.