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Los
Angeles
- In light of the diminishing test figures of California
students in science and math, the 50th California
State Science Fair is a rising sun on the science
& technology horizon. The Science Fair features
over 900 middle and senior high school students
who have won their regional and county fairs statewide.
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Former
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin gives
keynote address at the 50th California
State Science Fair at 5 p.m. May 21st.
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The
final round of competition takes place at the 50th
California State Science Fair, May 22, 2001 at the
California Science Center (with a number of overflow
projects located at the Natural History Museum of
Los Angeles County). Winners take home an unprecedented
combined total of $40,000 in award money raised
jointly by THE MUSES, Rotary Club of Los Angeles,
Science Fair co-sponsors and organizers.
Students
try out their wings as real scientists, following
scientific methodology for the duration of the project.
In their quest to win the judges' attention, students
learn marketing skills, often drumming up imaginative
displays for their projects, complete with lights,
moving parts, colorful designs and music. They also
learn verbal presentation skills and poise under
pressure as they present their findings during interviews
with Science Fair judges.
Students
compete in 18 subject-based categories from Applied
Mechanics, Behavioral Sciences, and Biochemistry
to Earth Sciences and Aerodynamics and Electronics.
Some colorful past examples of projects include:
- Newspapers
as Mulch
- Effect
of Dimples on Golf Ball Flight
- How
Long Does it Take to Cook a Hot Dog?
- Best
Plywood for Homemade Skateboards
- Hot
Fish, Cold Fish: Respiration in Goldfish
The
projects will be on public display from 1-5 p.m.
on May 21st. Admission is free to view the projects
and hear the keynote address by former astronaut
Buzz Aldrin.
The
Science Fair has maintained its attraction and popularity
for half a century. Students from around the state
must first qualify at the county level before advancing
to the State Science Fair. Their projects will be
judged by a volunteer pool of over 350 scientists
and engineers from private industry and higher education.
In
addition to the winners in each category, top honors
will go to Student of the Year (senior only), and
Project of the Year (in both junior and senior high
divisions). Science teachers, nominated by middle
and senior high school students, will also compete
for Science Teacher of the Year. The selection is
determined by a panel representing the California
Science Center, the California State Science Teachers
THE MUSES, the Rotary Club of Los Angeles and educators.
The
public is invited to hear Buzz Aldrin give the keynote
address on Monday, May 21st at 5 p.m. at the Science
Center. Aldrin is recognized for the historic Apollo
XI moon walk achieved on July 20, 1969, with fellow
astronaut Neil Armstrong, thus becoming the first
two humans to set foot on another world.
The
fair culminates with an awards ceremony that takes
place Tuesday, May 22nd at 5 p.m. in the Science
Fair tent on the grounds of the Science Center.
The California Science Center is located at 700
State Drive in Exposition Park. Parking is $5 per
car.
Editor/Producer
Note:
Media Preview:
- What:
Members of the media are invited to a photo/interview
opportunity with over 900 middle and senior high
school students, from schools throughout the state,
on-hand to present their science projects for
category recognition, as well as $40,000 in cash
awards.
- When:
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. - as student projects
are being judged
- Who:
Ben Tunnell, Chairman of the California State
Science Fair Board
Buzz Aldrin, former astronaut
David J. Combs, Ph.D., Deputy Director of Education,
California Science Center
900 middle and senior high school finalists
- Where:
California Science Center in Exposition Park.
For
more information on the California State Science
Fair, please visit www.casciencectr.org/CSSF.
The names of the award winners will be posted on
the site May 22 after 8 p.m. Reporters may also
contact the communications Department at (213) 744-7446
for information on winners from their area beginning
May 23.
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