Wyoming State Science Fair March 3

March 1, 2013

Nearly 350 students representing 53 Wyoming schools will compete in the Wyoming State Science Fair March 3-5 at the University of Wyoming Union Ballroom.

Student projects will be open for public viewing from 4-5 p.m. Monday, March 4, and from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5. 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 projects 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 Annie Bergman, 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 Phoenix, Ariz., in May.

Seven regional fairs take place throughout the state in late January and February, with winning students and their projects advancing to the Wyoming State Science Fair. Students participate in 17 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. 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, Bergman says.

While on campus, students participate in a variety of shows, programs and tours sponsored by different UW departments and offices. The UW School of Energy Resources sponsors a banquet for the students Monday evening. This year’s guest scientist is Hank Harlow, UW Department of Zoology and Physiology professor.

Students representing the following schools will be at the State Science Fair on the UW campus:

Afflerbach Elementary School, Cheyenne; Big Horn High School; Big Horn Middle School; Big Piney Middle School; Burns Junior High School; Casper Classical Academy; Cody Middle School; Douglas Middle School; Dubois Middle School; Fort Washakie Middle School; Greybull Middle School; Greybull High School; Holy Name Catholic School, Sheridan; Johnson Junior High School, Cheyenne; Lander Middle School; Lander Valley High School; Lander Catholic Homeschool; Laramie Junior High School; Laramie Senior High School; Lingle/Fort Laramie Middle School; and Lingle/Fort Laramie High School.

Also, Little Snake River Valley Middle School, Baggs; Meeteetse schools; Monroe Intermediate School; Natrona County High School, Casper; Newcastle Middle School; Newcastle High School; Noah Webster Christian School, Cheyenne; Pinedale Middle School; Pinedale High School; Paradise Valley Christian School, Casper; Riverton High School; Sheridan Junior High School; and Sheridan High School.

Also, Snowy Range Academy, Laramie; South High School, Cheyenne; Southeast Middle School, Yoder; Southeast High School, Yoder; Spring Creek Elementary School, Laramie; St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School, Casper; Star Lane Center, Casper; Tongue River Middle School, Dayton; Tongue River High School, Dayton; Torrington Middle School; Torrington High School; Upton Middle School; Wheatland Middle School; Wind River Middle School, Pavillion; and Wind River High School, Pavillion.

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