Index of University Press Releases

Mar. 17, 2008

DWU to host regional science fair

MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University will host the 16th annual South Central South Dakota Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Tuesday, March 25 in the Christen Family Recreation/Wellness Center.

The competition includes students in grades six through 12, from 34 schools in 17 South Dakota counties. Projects will be on display for viewing by the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Students participating in this regional event will bring projects that have already won in at local science fairs. This year's fair includes 202 projects produced by 291 students.

“Last year we won again at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Whether we can continue to do so will depend on the quality of our projects,” said Michael Farney, DWU science professor and science fair coordinator. “They certainly do not lack for variety at the high school level: methane production, drowning alert system, laptop safety and building a better shopping cart. Of course, you’ll always be able to find a volcano or two as well as a couple of hovercrafts.”

More than 67 judges will select the winners; one group and two individual winners will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair which runs May 11-17 in Atlanta.

Awards include cash, certificates, college scholarships, plaques, medals, trophies, major industry acknowledgment and recognition by the U.S. Armed Forces.

In addition to DWU, sponsors include Toshiba America Inc., The Daily Republic, Your Touchtone Energy Cooperatives, Sixth District Medical Society, Logan Luxury Theatre and Twin City Fan Companies LTD.

For more information, contact Jody Strand, science fair assistant, at 995-2182.