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Expo prepares students for Science Fair
On Saturday, November 14th, more than 300 students from Riverside and San Bernardino counties descended upon Earhart Middle School in Riverside. At the Science Fair Expo, these students were able to speak with nearly 50 science professors from UCR, CSUSB, Cal Baptist University, Cal Poly Pomona, University of Redlands, and La Sierra University about their science fair projects. Some of the professors will be allowing students to work on projects in their labs and others will mentor students via email. There were professors covering a range of topics from Entomology to Theoretical Nanoelectronics and Quantum Computing to Bioengineering of Solar Cells and Plant Pathology.
Event organizer, Michael Horton from the Riverside County Office of Education said, “For many of these students, a science fair project is the first time that they have come up with an original question, formulated a hypothesis, and designed an experiment to test that hypothesis. The science fair is REAL science and teaches lessons that students will remember their whole life.” Michael won second place in the state science fair when he was 16 and recalls it as one of the most memorable and educational events in his life.
During breakout sessions, presenters spoke to standing-room only crowds about topics such as “What are the judges looking for” and “How to pick a good topic.” Teachers also learned how to recruit volunteers and organize a school or district science fair. At least four districts have canceled their district science fairs recently and the county offices are doing everything they can to ensure that students still have access to this wonderful opportunity. Two former science fair winners, Shay Edwards (UCR) and Sravya Keremane (UCLA) also gave presentations on why students should do a science fair project and how to be successful.
Thank you to all of the professors, presenters, volunteers, parents, and students who participated. Please contact Michael Horton (Riverside County) mhorton@rcoe.us or Rick Hall (San Bernardino County) rick_hall@sbcss.k12.ca.us to volunteer for next year’s event.
For information contact:
Rick Peoples,
Public Information Officer
Telephone: (951) 826-6642
Fax: (951) 826-6199
rpeoples@rcoe.us
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