What is the Innovation Fair?
The Innovation Fair is a showcase of the incredible and diverse talents of our students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM).

When and where is the Innovation Fair?
When: June 4, 2022, 10AM – 1PM
Where: Virtual

What events are taking place during the Innovation Fair?
Student, teacher and participant organizations will have ongoing exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day.
There will be concurrent events including a talent show, speakers, as well as a sponsors and community partner fair.
Please check the event section of our website for updates.

Who may participate?
Any student K-12 residing in West Windsor or Plainsboro.
K-5 student participants must be accompanied by an adult (teacher or parent) at all times.
6th through 12th grade students are not required to be accompanied by an adult.
What types of talents can be showcased at the Innovation Fair?
Students are encouraged to showcase talents that are innovative: an act or process that introduces new ideas, products or methods. The subject areas include, but are not limited to, Science, Technology, Engineering, Robotics, Makers, Art, Math, Music, Dance, Fashion, Written Compositions, Poetry and Culinary.

What are the participation requirements?
Your project or contribution must be innovative. Students are encouraged to create their own project or work in teams. Music and dance performances, written compositions, poetry, art,
etc. will be accepted. Music, dance, and literary performances are limited to 3 minutes.

How will I demonstrate my talent?
All STEM-related participants will have an exhibit/demonstration space. For artists and fashion designers, the Innovation Fair will have an art/fashion display. For dance, music and other theater-related arts, the Innovation Fair will hold a “Talent Show.”

What is a “maker”?
Anyone who participates in imagining and fabricating a do-it-yourself (DIY) creation. Makers often collaborate with other makers. Makers can create anything ranging from innovative technological devices to clothing, food, and arts and craft items. The key is branching out to explore new ways of utilizing materials and technology to make something from scratch to express one’s creativity or offer a real-world solution. To watch a short video: “What is a Maker?“ click on the video title.

What is a “makerspace”?
A makerspace is a place where people come together to share ideas, equipment, materials, and technology to make hands-on projects. Libraries, media centers, and schools are increasingly building makerspaces where individuals and groups have access to equipment such as 3D printers, computers, electronic components, soldering irons, sewing machines, tools and a variety of materials that can be used to synthesize “maker” projects. Sometimes makerspaces are known as “fab labs” (shorthand for “fabrication” lab).

I’m a “maker” and I’d like to participate in the Innovation Fair. On the application form, should I apply for a presentation or exhibit, or should I apply for a spot in the “Maker Station”?
The Innovation Fair “Maker Station” is a room designated for hands-on or interactive “maker” projects. The space is reserved for clubs, classes, robotics teams, organizations, or other groups that have devised a project that visitors can physically manipulate or operate, or hands-on activities where visitors can take part in a community project or create something to take home. For example, past “maker” projects have included DIY button and jewelry-making stations, a robotic arm that mimicked visitors’ hand motions, a station where kids could learn to program a simple robot, and a LEGO building station. If you would simply like to display your creation alone or with a couple of friends, please apply for an exhibit or presentation.

What is the Great Ball Contraption (GBC)?
Individuals or groups can sign up to participate in the Great Ball Contraption (GBC) display at the Innovation Fair. A great ball contraption is a machine made of LEGOs which receives little LEGO balls from one module and passes them to another module, rather like a bucket brigade. Modules built according to simple GBC guidelines can be assembled into a collaborative display without pre-planning or modification. The GBC standard is minimal, permitting the builder great flexibility in designing the mechanism by which balls are moved from the input to the output. Putting together a variety of individually designed ball contraptions into a collective display gives the impression of a Rube Goldberg machine. GBC entries can be very simple in construction or very complex. More information can be found at http://www.wwpgbc.org/
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What are the Art Show requirements?
Any medium is welcome. Please use your imagination & creativity!
Participants may submit ONLY 1 piece of ORIGINAL art.
Artwork, including matting, cannot exceed 18″ x 24″. Any participant with artwork exceeding the stated dimensions, please contact the Innovation Fair at innovationfair@wwpeducationfoundation.org

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To display any 3-D artwork, the participant must provide the necessary support to display the piece on a table.
No glass artwork or glass frames, please!
Paintings, drawings, etc. must be matted ready for display
Clearly label the back of the artwork with the participant’s name, grade, school, title of artwork and email address.
Upon submission of the artwork, it is the responsibility of the participant to protect their work using appropriate wrapping materials to ensure pieces are not damaged.

Will I be required to remain at my exhibit booth for the entire duration of the fair?
K-5 students will be assigned a 2 hour slot. At least one person must remain at your exhibit booth at all times. You may explore and enjoy the fair either prior to or after your time slot.
6th through 12th grade students and teachers are required to have at least one person remain at your exhibit booth at all times during the fair. This will allow all members of your group to enjoy and explore the fair.

How can I apply to participate?
Please fill out the following google form to register to present.
https://tinyurl.com/WWPEFInnovation2022 (https://tinyurl.com/WWPEFInnovation2022)

Questions?
Please contact us here (http://innovationfair.wwpeducationfoundation.org/contact/)
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