The 2021 Experimenta Fair wants to turn the student body into an active and creative protagonist. Individually or in groups of a maximum of 4 people, and with the help of their teachers, the objective is to prepare an experimental project in the STEM field, show it and explain it. Proposals can belong to any field or topic, although they must highlight some physical principle or its practical application, and especially its interrelation. Two modes of participation and contest are established: demonstrations and experiments in physics and projects of technological applications.

The fair is expected to be held on April 25 at the Valencia Science Museum, following the criteria and health safety measures established by the authorities. However, the call may be partially in person or online in the event that there are limitations in this regard.

Among the projects presented at the fair, five prizes will be awarded. Four of them valued at € 300 and the most voted by the visiting public, at 200. Different honourable mentions will also be awarded. In addition, prizes will be awarded to teachers’ departments with winning projects: materials for the assembly of physics or technology experiences.

From the organising committee of the event it is emphasised that the proper functioning, the correct understanding of the work by the contestants and the clarity of the explanations will be the most valued aspects. The awards ceremony will be held at the end of the fair.

The innovation and technological development of the future depend to a great extent on curiosity and enthusiasm to know and understand everyday fundamentals, so it is very important that students can be involved in science firsthand. Especially from the experimental point of view, a field that allows acquiring familiarity with reality and putting into play the ability to discuss and relate what is observed with the principles and magnitudes of physics and with technological applications.

This initiative has a competitive project from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT-MICINN), in addition to the collaboration of other entities, such as the Science Museum Príncipe Felipe in Valencia, the Valencia City Council, the IFIC, the Royal Spanish Physics Society, the Scientific Culture and Innovation Unit, the Delegation for Incorporation to the UV, the Training and Quality Centre, and the UV Equality Unit, the Archimedes Physics Working Group, the ScienceFlows group, and external entities such as Caja Popular, APTCV and Analog Devices.

Experimenta was born in 2005 with the aim of involving students in the World Year of Physics in an active and creative way. The enthusiasm of the contestants and the visitors was extraordinary and helped transform the event into an annual event.

More information: https://www.uv.es/experimenta