FSU to Host North Central WV Science Fair

The North Central West Virginia Science, Energy and Engineering Fair is being held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Fairmont State University.

Students in grades six through 12 are eligible to enter. Last year, there were 65 participants from four counties. There are nine categories for the entries. Projects must be in one of the following areas: Energy; Engineering; Botany; Zoology; Chemistry & Biochemistry; Earth & Space Science; Physics, Math & Computers; Medicine, Health & Microbiology; Behavioral & Social Sciences.

There are two divisions: Junior Division (grades 6-9) and Senior Division (grades 10-12). As in the past, there will be cash awards to the winners in each category in both the Junior and Senior Division. Whether an award is given for a particular category is at the discretion of the judges.

Projects can be individual or team. For the Engineering category, team projects are encouraged, while for the other categories individual projects are encouraged. The judges are looking for creative ability, scientific thought/engineering goals, thoroughness, skill and clarity. For the Junior Division, the judges will also be looking at dramatic value and personal involvement.

Set-up will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, between 2 and 5 p.m. The projects will be available for public viewing between 5:30 and 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Judging will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

The application deadline is Feb. 6. For additional information, interested individuals can visit http://www.fairmontstate.edu/academics/ScienceFair/default.asp. Entry forms can also be obtained from our office. For more information, call (304) 367-4246 or e-mail scitech@fairmontstate.edu.