In short, they must be all of the things that science isn't. Science projects are not only for students who are planning to go on in science, engineering, medicine, or math. Good citizenship certainly does not require that one be a scientist or engineer, but it does require that one be able to distinguish between sound technical reasoning and technobabble garbage usually designed to mislead the public, to its disadvantage. America's young people need an exposure to science and math in their classes and through the projects they have worked on that will help them make sound decisions and choices on technical matters during the years to come. Questions involving global warming, fisheries resources, air and water pollution, smoking, drugs and alcohol, transportation, hazardous waste disposal, and energy demand a scientifically literate public.
Science projects are a very labor-intensive activity in terms of mentoring.
The science and engineering fairs held across the state provide excellent opportunities for students to get a taste of what scientific work is like. Historically the TAS has played a strong role in activities of this type. The fairs, however, have been severely hampered by a shortage of professionally qualified mentors. The TAS is therefore initiating a program of mentor recruitment and the provision of lists of local mentors to the schools. As an organization which includes professionals in math, all sciences, and engineering, the TAS is uniquely positioned to serve this role.