CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge Mission and History

Mission

To work directly with junior and senior high school teachers and students to encourage interest in and excitement about science & engineering as well as motivation to participate in Science Fair competition at the school, regional, state, and international levels.

The CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge is an affiliate of the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).

History

Science fairs go back to at least as far as 1928 when the American Institute of New York City first held one for city youth at the Museum of Natural History. In 1950, science fairs went under the auspices of Science Service, a non-profit organization. It became international in 1960.

The CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge has served students, teachers, and parents since 1959. Science fairs clearly require students to research and demonstrate scientific principles in order to answer propositions through the development of the scientific or engineering method.

The CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge is a two-division (Junior for 6th-8th graders; Senior for 9th-12th graders), 14 category regional competition of science & engineering projects. The CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge qualifies approximately 180 junior and senior division projects to compete in the NM State Science & Engineering Fair and sends up to 4 top qualifying senior division exhibits (individuals &/or teams) and their sponsoring teachers to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Advisory Board

The STEM Education Outreach Programs office is proud to have an incredible, hard-working Advisory Board that assists us in planning for each year's fair and in cultivating new donors on an ongoing basis. We would like to thank them for their time, energy, and dedication to the CNM Science & Engineering Research Challenge!