This year's Google Science Fair offers an added Science in Action prize, for "projects that champion scientific projects that make a practical difference in the lives of a group or community." Deadline for all entries to the Google Science Fair 2012 is April 1. The fair challenges students aged 13-18 to carry out a scientific investigation into a real-world problem or issue that interests them, through rigorous experimentation, recording and conclusions.
The Fair's Educator Toolkit recommends Howtosmile.org as a great STEM activity resource that draws on trusted sources, and can be searched by material costs, age range, subject matter and prep time. It's not too early to start looking for inspiration for the 2013 Google Science Fair!