Science and Technology Fair: Positive and negative aspects from the student and teacher experience in three Costa Rican schools

Abstract

The Science and Technology Fair (STF) is an educational strategy aimed at promoting student interest in science through the development of research projects. Accordingly, this study analyzed student and teacher participation and perceptions of this process in three secondary education institutions in Costa Rica, representing technical, humanistic, and academic (private) educational modalities. The research sought to identify the factors that motivate or limit student participation, explore students' assessments of the experience, and understand teachers' perceptions of the process. A mixed-methods approach with a concurrent design was used, applying surveys to 62 11th-grade students and interviews with 3 science teachers. The results showed that voluntary participation failed to generate student engagement, whereas mandatory participation ensured attendance, although it was primarily motivated by academic scoring. It was also found that lack of interest, academic workload, and a shortage of ideas were the main barriers to participation. Students positively valued teamwork, experimentation, and creativity, while the scientific writing and oral presentation phases were the least appreciated. It is concluded that the STF holds strong educational potential, but its impact depends largely on institutional conditions and how the process is organized and implemented.