Thursday, February 12, 2009

The University of North Carolina Wilmington will host the 2009 Southeast Regional Science Fair Saturday, Feb. 14 in Hanover Hall gymnasium. More than 195 students are expected to participate representing 18 counties or schools within UNC Wilmington’s service region.

Students at the elementary, middle and high school levels will present their projects in the categories of Biological Science, Physical Science, Earth Science and Technology. Those selected at the regional level will compete at the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair in Raleigh on March 28. Last year, 10 Southeast region competitors received recognition and awards at the state level.

“We are so pleased to again be hosting this event on the UNCW campus,” said Karen Shafer, director of the Science and Mathematics Education Center (SMEC) at UNCW. “Science fairs encourage students to take a strong interest in science and mathematics, and to challenge themselves to do high level work in these areas. That is a direct fit with the mission of SMEC.”

As part of the North Carolina Math and Science Education Network, SMEC seeks to improve the quality of pre-college science and mathematics education in North Carolina schools through programs designed for in-service and pre-service teachers as well as students.

Schedule:

8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m.                    Project Set-up

9:15 a.m. -12:45 p.m.                 Judging

12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m.                 Public Viewing of Projects

2:30 p.m.                                  Awards Program

Media are invited to attend and cover the Southeast Regional Science Fair. Visual opportunities will be available of students presenting and discussion their projects with judges and the public, as well as opportunities for interviews with students, teachers and judges.

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu