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Wyoming State Science Fair March 5

February 24, 2017

Qualified Wyoming students will showcase their original science, technology, engineering and mathematics research during the Wyoming State Science Fair Sunday-Tuesday, March 5-7, at the University of Wyoming.

At the State Science Fair, student research may cover areas as diverse as robotics, environmental management, behavioral and social science, computational biology and chemistry.

The public is invited to view the student research displays in the Wyoming Union Ballroom and Family Room during public viewing times Monday, March 6, from 5:30-8 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 7, from 7-10:30 a.m. The public also is welcome to attend the awards ceremony at 8 a.m. Tuesday in the College of Arts and Sciences auditorium.

Students at the fair will vie for the opportunity to qualify for two prestigious science competitions. For students in grades 9-12, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), in Los Angeles, Calif., is an opportunity to meet student-scientists from throughout the world and the chance to win prizes worth up to $75,000, says Erin Stoesz, Wyoming State Science Fair coordinator.

Students in grades 6-8 have an equivalent national competition, Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Research Scholars). The 30 finalists will be selected later this fall for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

“These are among the largest and most prestigious pre-college science competitions in the world,” Stoesz says. She is a past winner of nine ISEF awards during a three-year span. “Quality of idea and research counts at all levels. The winners at both ISEF and Broadcom MASTERS are the science leaders of the future.”

Participation in the science fair engages students in real-life science experiences, and it gives them opportunities to interact with professionals and share their ideas with the public, Stoesz says.

“Science fair is a life-changing and memorable experience for so many students, myself included,” she adds. “The experience should be fun and educational for every student, regardless of whether they go home with an award.”

Students competing this year also will participate in enrichment activities and laboratory tours on the UW campus, discussions with UW researchers and a presentation by UW’s Office of Admissions. All competitors will receive T-shirts, welcome bags and an opportunity to meet fellow competitors, Stoesz says.

The UW Department of Physics and Astronomy will host events for Wyoming State Science Fair participants during the opening day from 5-8 p.m. These include planetarium shows in the Harry C. Vaughan UW Planetarium; tours of the rooftop STAR Observatory; physics demonstrations; and a pizza dinner.

The demonstrations and dinner will be in the Michael B. Enzi STEM Facility. And in honor of this summer’s solar eclipse, the department is adding eclipse activities, also in the STEM building.

Stoesz adds that UW has hosted the Wyoming State Science Fair for many years and continues to be “highly supportive of the event.” More than 100 judges, community and campus volunteers are contributing to this year’s science fair. Many local and national organizations, UW departments and industry also sponsor special awards.

For more information, call Stoesz at (307) 766-9863 or email estoesz@uwyo.edu.

Contact Us

Institutional Communications

Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137

Laramie

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2929

Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu

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