March 17, 2010

DWU to host regional science fair

MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University will host the 18th annual South Central South Dakota Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Tuesday, March 23, 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 to 5 p.m.

Students participating in this regional event will bring projects that have taken first in their local schools’ science fairs. This year’s fair includes 167 projects produced by 268 students.

“Last year Ashley Thelen from Mitchell High School won a third place grand award at the international science and engineering fair. Her project ‘Does Red Wine Every Day Keep The Grey Hair Away?’ was of interest to me personally – especially these 18 years of running our regional fair,” said Dr. Michael Farney, professor of mathematics at DWU and director of the science fair. “Last year the fair had a ‘Ridiculously Simple Charge Detector.’ This year we’ll have a ridiculously simple way of making lots of electric charge. We’ll also have two novel ways of making ‘concrete,’ one uses snow and paper to make ‘pykrete,’ while the other reinforces concrete with carbon fibers. This seems to be the year for traditional projects done extremely well, such as: go-karts made from scratch, in-depth Native American surveys, making better beef, and a clever analysis of engine oil.”

More than 67 judges will select the winners; one group and two individual winners will advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 9-15 in San Jose, Calif.

Awards include cash, certificates, plaques, medals, trophies, major industry recognition, college scholarships including $10,000 to the senior grand award winners, and recognition by the U.S. Armed Forces.

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