Having an ill-trained corps of scientists, researchers, and technicians is not in our best interests. Ensuring that educated people understand something of the complexity of conducting scientific study is one reason for promoting science fairs. Encouraging young people who have aspirations or aptitudes for becoming scientists is another. Based on conversations with teachers, parents, and students, I have identified several reasons why a school might drop the science fair. None, to me, outweigh the value of science fairs.
Some people feel that science fairs have become too bureaucratic.
Forms must be filled out and guidelines adhered to that sometimes seem unnecessary. But, like it or not, following rules is part of the scientific process. Sometimes non-science teachers in a school are part of the problem. Some teachers seem to feel that the science curriculum intrudes on their own courses. Some even resent that the science fair gets more attention than their area of interest.