More than 300 students representing 48 Wyoming schools will compete in the Wyoming State Science Fair March 4-6 at the University of Wyoming Union Ballroom.
Student projects will be open for public viewing from 4-5 p.m. Monday, March 5, and from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6. Students will not be present with their projects Tuesday morning.
The State Science Fair encourages students in Wyoming grades 6-12 to plan, organize, research, prepare and present a project of their interest. It provides students with real-life science experiences, interactions with professionals in the field, and review and application of relevant research, says Wyoming State Science Fair Coordinator Beth Cable, from UW's Science and Math Teaching Center.
Students with winning projects may receive monetary or scholarship awards, and the opportunity to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The ISEF, the largest pre-college science event, will be in Pittsburgh, Pa., in May.
Seven regional fairs are held throughout the state in late January and early February, with winning students and their projects advancing to the Wyoming State Science Fair. Students participate in 17 different categories -- animal science; behavioral and social sciences; biochemistry; cellular and molecular biology; chemistry; computers; earth and planetary sciences; engineering; electrical and mechanical engineering; materials and bioengineering; energy and transportation; environmental management; environmental sciences; mathematics; medicine and health sciences; microbiology; physics and astronomy; and plant sciences.
Through interviews and interactions, student projects are judged by UW and community professionals and experts within the various categories. More than 100 judges will evaluate student projects.
While on campus, students participate in a variety of shows, programs and tours sponsored by different UW departments and offices. The science fair also provides an avenue for students to pursue and excel in personal science interests, and motivates them to pursue careers in related fields, Cable says.
The State Science Fair is supported by donations from UW departments in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; University Libraries; UW colleges of Arts and Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business, Education, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, the School of Energy Resources; Academic Affairs; and the Office of Research and Economic Development.
Students representing the following schools will be at the State Science Fair on the UW campus:
Arvada-Clearmont Junior/Senior High School; Afflerbach Elementary School, Cheyenne; Big Horn Middle School; Big Piney Middle School; Burns Junior High School; Casper Classical Academy; Cloud Peak Middle School, Manderson; Cody Middle School; CY Middle School, Casper; Douglas Middle School; Green River High School; Greybull Middle and High schools; Holy Name Catholic School, Sheridan; Johnson Junior High School, Cheyenne; Lander Middle School; Laramie Junior High and Senior High schools; and Lingle/Ft. Laramie School.
Also, Little Snake River Valley School, Baggs; Meeteetse School; Monroe Intermediate School, Green River; Natrona County High School, Casper; Newcastle Junior High and Senior High schools; Paradise Valley Christian School, Casper; Pinedale Middle School; Pioneer Park, Cheyenne; Poison Spider School, Casper; Recluse School; Riverton High School; and Sheridan Junior High School.
Also, Slade Elementary School, Laramie; Snowy Range Academy, Laramie; South High School, Cheyenne; Southeast Junior High and High schools, Yoder; Spring Creek Elementary School, Laramie; St. Anthony Tri-Parish, Casper; Star Lane Center, Casper; Tongue River Middle School, Dayton; Torrington Junior High and High schools; Upton Middle School; Wheatland Middle School; Whiting High School, Laramie; and Wind River Middle and High schools, Pavillion.
