Help! Science fair help?

Science Fair question! Please Help!?

• During the past few weeks I have been preparing for a high school science fair in my school. This school year I am in grade 12 so I was really wanting to win the competition. Anyways, I did an experiment called Hot Ice. There are plenty of videos of it on YouTube, which is where I found it. I studied it and knew all the facts about it and how it worked so I felt pretty good about a win in the science fair. Last week during the day of the fair, I felt like I nailed it! I actually had a crowd around me when I did the reaction and passed it around for people to see. Now yesterday, I found out the top 3 finishers for the science fair. I finished second and 2 of my friends that did some cool copper crystal thing got 3rd. The thing that I was questioning is how people that did a nail and a piece of steak in coke got the first place prize? We do live in a town that has a population of under 1000 people. So I am wondering if favoritism had something to do with it? I haven’t lived here for many years like they have, and one of their members have people ‘ wrapped around their finger’. One being my science teacher who has a high influence on the judges. So I was hoping someone could answer and tell me if I am crazy? I would love your opinions , negative or positive. But I am not frustrated and questioning why I didn’t win. I am questioning how A NAIL AND STEAK IN COKE won a high school science fair.. Thanks in advance

• Answer:

  I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but welcome to the world of "subjectivity". From what you've described, it sounds like you did an excellent project. As to why you would have come in second place, I'm not sure without knowing what the rules were that the judges used. Due to my science background, your project sounded a lot more in-depth and relevant than pouring coke on a nail and steak (a project and results that have been known since the 1950's). The only thing that I can chalk it up to is subjectivity (which due to a science background is a worthless proposition since objectivity is fact--something that scientists rely on). All I can say is keep plugging forward and realize that you will encounter people who base their opinions off of subjective ideas for the rest of your life. I pursued the science field to get away from subjective people because I love facts, not opinions. However, I must always keep in mind that the majority of people (regardless of how many times you show them facts) will resort to opinion (or subjectivity). I forgot to add one last piece of information (which is the most crucial). Ask the judges for constructive criticism and feedback as to what might enhance your project. Look at this as being free advice on how to improve your future performance and the betterment of yourself. Don't take this the wrong way, because I don't think that you failed at anything, but the best way to learn is from failure (which in this instance was you not getting 1st place as you had hoped).