The ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair will be held at the Austin Convention Center Thursday (April 5) through Saturday (April 7).
Faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences have been working with scientists, teachers and citizens around the state to organize and sponsor this year’s event. Deans of science and engineering from Texas’ major universities are supervising the effort through the Texas Science Careers Consortium (TSCC).
The public may view student projects from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (April 6) and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (April 7).
Dr. Mary Ann Rankin, dean of the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin, said: "This fair means so much to kids all over the state who have been working on projects for months. I am very glad that we will have the chance to help make it happen."
Dr. Michael Marder, UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences special projects director, is the Austin chair for the event. "Science projects give students their first taste of the challenges and creativity connected with careers in science and engineering," Marder said. "The Science and Engineering Fair provides a way to recognize what they have accomplished, and encourages them to continue."
ExxonMobil and the Texas Workforce Commission are playing key roles this year. "The task of organizing the fair is being made easier by an outpouring of assistance from foundations, government organizations and individuals," Marder said. "We are very grateful to ExxonMobil and the Texas Workforce Commission for providing substantial financial support."
Middle school and high school science projects are eligible for display. The registration fee for students, teachers, chaperones and guests is $20 per person. The schedule and registration forms are available online at <www.sciencefest.org>. Students still may make special arrangements for late registration from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday (April 6). Setup begins at 3 p.m. Thursday (April 5).
For more information, contact Michael Marder by e-mail at marder@mail.utexas.edu or Caroline Ladhani at the UT Austin College of Natural Sciences at (512) 232-1075. Additional information is available at: <www.sciencefest.org>
