Clubs and Science Fairs
In the News
Inspiring young researchers: High school psychology teachers throughout the country have started fairs and conventions exclusively for psychology research, in part because psychological science is so interesting to students and the public and also due to APA's support of such fairs.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
About ISEF: The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world's largest international pre-college science competition. APA serves as a Special Awards Organization at ISEF by presenting awards to the best projects in psychological science.
Affiliated Fairs: Each year, APA also provides certificates of achievement to be awarded at approximately 600 regional fairs affiliated with ISEF. These competitions are held in nearly every state in the U.S. and in more than 50 countries. Regional fair directors or awards recipients can access the acceptance form to report award details to APA.
Student Research and Science Fair Resources
Virtual Library: Science Fairs: A University of Southern California list of local, regional, national and international science fairs
Conducting Psychological Research for Science Fairs: A Teacher's Guide and Resource Manual (PDF 391KB): Provides guidance to teachers of high school psychology courses as they engage students in the scientific method and supervise students who wish to participate in local, regional, and national science fair competitions
Research Mentors: College faculty and graduate students have volunteered to help serious and highly motivated students learn more about the research process
Templates for Research Posters
Three PowerPoint (PPT) poster templates are provided for teachers and students interested in presenting student research. Students can use the text boxes as indicated to type in appropriate sections from their research projects. The APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) thanks Janie Wilson of Georgia Southern University for providing these templates.
Template 1 (PPT, 131KB)
Template 2 (PPT, 147KB)
Template 3 (PPT, 103KB)
Psychology Clubs
About Psychology Clubs: While psychology classes focus on theories and ideas in psychology, psychology clubs tend to cover their practical application
Community Service Project Ideas: Sample projects from a real high school psychology club
