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Jackson, Tenn. - 51ÉçÇø will host the West Tennessee
Regional Science Fair, Friday, April 7. Held annually, the fair is open to
students in fifth to twelve grades and is separated by three divisions
including elementary, junior high and senior high division. Two winners,
one in the area of biology and one in the area of physical science will be
chosen in the senior division.
"Scientists don't decide to be scientists overnight," says Glenn Marsch, Union chemistry professor and coordinator of the fair. "It takes many years for scientific skills to be developed - which is why science fairs like this one are so important to help foster those important skills early on in our children." According to Marsch, the elementary division is always very active, though the winners chosen do not advance to the international competition. "There are a lot of elementary teachers who are very supportive of their students entering individual projects," says Marsch. Parents also are a great source of encouragement. "We can't run the world without scientists and engineers," says Marsch. "My father was able to recognize my interest in science at an early age and helped grow that interest by encouraging me to enter science fairs and participate in other activities like the fairs." Schools from all over the region will be represented. Judges representing academic, industry and government institutions will view each project and talk with the student. Judging will finish at noon, with the awards ceremony to take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening. The winners will go on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair which will be held May 7 - 13. A location for the high-level competition has not yet been announced. The public is invited to attend. "We always have some outstanding projects that are brought to the fair," says Marsch. "It's exciting to see what our future generations will come up with." As regional sponsor of the fair, Union provides both the location as well as funding for the winners' expenses to attend the national competition. For more information about the science fair, call Marsch at (901) 661-5308. |
