The 2011 Southwestern Energy Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair will hold its 57th annual student competition on April 1-2 on the University of Central Arkansas campus. This year’s event is expected to draw a record 254 student e ntries from across the state.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the increased participation we expect at this year’s event,” said Dr. Mark Bland, president of the Arkansas Science Fair Association. “The work students present is always top-notch and ranges from biochemistry to physics and astronomy. Arkansas should be proud of these students for the commitment they make to studies in science and engineering,” he added.
Bland says with additional corporate support through sponsorships, including last year’s five-year $100,000 commitment by Southwestern Energy Company, the organization is able to continue financing the fair and enhance students’ awards.
The Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair is an organization that seeks to raise awareness of the vital role that science plays in society while motivating and inspiring learning in the areas of science, mathematics and engineering.
This year’s fair participation includes 251 entries by 254 students. Bland said he believes students who participate in science fair projects will develop the skills needed to succeed in the science and engineering field through college, graduate school, and on into their careers. One of the goals of the competition is to create passion for these studies and to increase the number of students in the state that pursue degrees in the science and engineering fields.
“It’s important for our company to support educational initiatives,” said George Sheffer, vice president, exploration and production services, Southwestern Energy Company. “The state science fair is especially meaningful to me and so many in the natural gas industry because of its commitment to advancing studies in science and technology. We are dedicated to continuing our partnership with this organization and to helping build upon their commitment to students in Arkansas.”
Students pre-qualified for the state competition by earning top placement in regional science fairs throughout the state. Projects were entered into 17 different categories as classified by the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Awards will be presented for first, second, and third place in each category of the competition, and the overall individual and team winners will advance to the next level in Los Angeles where they will compete in the world’s largest pre-college science fair competition.
