Virginia Science and Engineering Fair at ODU April 6-7
Up to 300 of the state's smartest high school students will visit the Old Dominion University campus on Friday and Saturday, April 6-7, to compete in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (VSSEF).
The competition is based on the quality of projects done by students, the results of which are presented through exhibits at the fair. These projects are judged by scientists and engineers, with awards being presented to winners in 18 categories. The judges also select finalists to represent the commonwealth at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Christopher Osgood, associate dean of the ODU College of Sciences, is director of the fair. He said the fair has three purposes: to stimulate in young people an active interest in science and engineering; to provide an educational experience through the work of the students being exposed to the judges and to the public; and to give public recognition to talented students.
All phases of the event will be held at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. ODU's College of Sciences, Batten College of Engineering and Technology and College of Health Sciences will have information booths and offer tours for fair participants, their families and guests. Guided campus events will be at the Pretlow Planetarium, Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, and science and engineering labs.
Registration, exhibit set-up and a pizza dinner for the students and their families will be on Friday evening beginning at 6 p.m. Judging will be Saturday morning and exhibits will be open for public viewing from 2-3:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will be from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday.
Science and engineering fairs are structured on a hierarchical system with winners of local fairs representing their schools at regional fairs. Regional winners are eligible to compete in the state fair. Virginia's regional fairs are in: Arlington, Ashburn, Charlottesville, Dublin, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond, Roanoke and Norfolk. The Tidewater regional fair in Norfolk was held March 10 at ODU.
The VSSEF finalists and their projects will go to the Intel ISEF with all expenses paid. More than 1,000 students will participate in the 2012 international fair in Pittsburgh, May 13-18.
For more information, visit http://vssef.odu.edu/ or contact Osgood at vssef@odu.edu.