WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 22, 2017 — It’s time once again for the West Liberty Regional Science & Engineering Fair, sponsored by Southwestern Energy. The science competition for middle and high school students will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25. The competition takes place from 10 a.m. – noon, with an awards ceremony to follow at 3 p.m.
“We enjoy seeing the students and love promoting science during this annual event. It is important to encourage youngsters to realize the value of scientific investigation and to learn to think and explore their own ideas in a scientific manner,” said co-director Dr. Zachary Loughman, who participated in many science fairs during his younger years and knows first hand the value of the experience. Loughman is an associate professor of biology/zoology/ecology at West Liberty University and is known for his work with crayfish.
Open to inquisitive minds in grades 6 – 12, the science fair is expected to attract hundreds of participants. The competition and poster displays take place in Campbell Hall of Health Sciences, with registration beginning at 8 a.m., followed by exhibit set-up, judging and special presentations by WLU Zoo Science majors and by the SMART Center of Wheeling.
“Science and engineering fairs like this encourage young students by giving them great hands-on experience in research. We welcome all the students and look forward to another successful day of science,” said co-director Dr. Theunis Van Aardt, assistant professor of chemistry.
Any student or group of students from Jefferson and Belmont counties in Ohio and Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, are welcome to take part in the fair. Applications were completed online to register for the event.
Students compete for category awards, special awards, and an opportunity to go to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The Senior Division Grand Prize winner receives, in addition to numerous category and special awards, an all-expense-paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair where they will compete for $1.4 million in scholarships and cash prizes at the International Fair. A second Regional Fair competitor will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the International Fair as an observer.
“The WLU science fair is such a successful tradition in the Ohio Valley and we are grateful for the support of our faculty, local schools and teachers and and the Wheeling Civitan Club who help make this happen,” said Loughman.
For more information, contact Dr. Loughman at 304-336-8923 or Dr. van Aardt at 304-336-8033.