A GATEWAY TO EXPLORATION

Budding student scientists had a chance to flex their scientific and problem-solving skills at the 2009 South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The Science Fair-North was held January 26 at Miami Dade College North Campus and the Science Fair-South was held January 27 at Southland Mall. The fair showcased the explorations of middle and senior high school students throughout the community.

Miami-Dade County School Board member, Dr. Martin Karp, gave the keynote address while inventor Ivan Yaeger of The Yaeger Foundation, Inc., and pilot Barrington Irving of Experience Aviation, Inc., were guest speakers at Miami Dade College North Campus.

Twenty-one Miami-Dade County Public Schools students received a Superior rating on their projects. Those projects will now compete at the state level in Lakeland on April 15-18.  The Regional Science and Engineering Fair Award Ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 26 at Miami Dade College North Campus.  At that time, the eight winners that will compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair will be announced. The International Science and Engineering Fair will be held May 11-15 in Reno, Nevada.

“Science fairs not only challenge students academically but they also make science relevant,” said M-DCPS Division of Mathematics, Science, and Advanced Academic Programs Administrative Director Ms. Beatriz Zarraluqui. “They reinforce successful work by building confidence and self-esteem.”