Future Scientists Gather at Meredith College for the North Carolina State Science Fair

Research Triangle Park, NC, March 12, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Young, talented minds throughout the state of North Carolina will be gathering at Meredith College on Saturday, March 15 to participate in the State Science and Engineering Fair of NC. Students from 3rd grade through 12th grade will be presenting their original science and engineering research at the Fair. About 270 students from schools across the state survived the challenge at the regional competition.

“The State Science and Engineering Fair is designed to generate enthusiasm and gain interest in science and technology. We are competing in a global economy where science, mathematics and technology are cornerstones of many countries’ strategy. It is imperative that we establish a passion in our youth for science and math,” said Sam Houston, president and CEO of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT Center). The SMT Center’s support for science fairs includes recruiting and providing training for scientists and engineers to serve as judges at the State Science and Engineering Fair as well as local and regional fairs. According to Dr. Houston science competitions such as the State Fair can be an outlet for students to showcase research they have conducted for high school graduation projects.

“Students will have opportunities to compete for college scholarships, among other special awards this year,” remarked Judy Day, assistant director, Office of Undergraduate Research at North Carolina State University, and State Science and Engineering Fair director. Outstanding projects from 5th – 8th grade students will be nominated for two national science competitions, the Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge and the SSP Middle School Program. Selected high school students will be taken to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair that will be held in May in Atlanta to display their research with 1,500 students from 50 countries.

Last month, students from across the state participated in regional science fairs. North Carolina is divided up into eight regions, each holding its own regional science fair. The winners from the regional competitions will now have a chance to compete in the State Science Fair.

Exhibits will be open to the public on March 15 from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Science and Mathematics Building on the Meredith College campus in Raleigh, N.C.

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