When science fairs are open and judged from the outside, it creates additional incentive for teachers and students to excel. Everyone knows that the projects and in some sense the school will be judged. Although everyone is formally recognized with a participation ribbon, there are conspicuous first, second and third place winners. Competitive science fairs thus encourage parental involvement and compel students and teachers to meet external standards of excellence. Of course, academic competition need not be focused on science.
Children can enjoy and excel in math competitions, essay contests and spelling bees.
Economist Thomas Sowell tells the story of American and Far East students being asked whether they consider themselves good in mathematics. By a significant margin, far more American students believe they are good in math. However, the Asian student math scores on standardized tests far exceed those of Americans. Americans have already won the self-esteem battle. We need to concentrate on the achievement.