Seventh- through 12th-graders with an interest in science will show off their skills at the 55th annual Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair, held at Cleveland State from Monday, March 10 through Thursday, March 13.

Some 550 future scientists from schools in the seven-county Northeast Ohio area will compete for more than $15,000 in cash and prizes. The fair will take place in Cleveland State’s Woodling Gym and Recreation Center.

Up to four grand prize winners will be selected, based on the level of technical excellence of their projects. They will join more than 1,000 students from more than 40 countries in competing for more than $1 million in prizes at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia this May.

Science Fair week begins on Monday, March 10 with students setting up their projects. On Tuesday, March 11, a panel of 200 educators, engineers, scientists and other professionals representing industry, government, and academe will judge the entries. The fair will be open to the public on Tuesday, March 11 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 13 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. The fair concludes with an awards presentation on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Woodling Gym.

Students are entering projects in nine categories, including biology, medicine and health, environmental sciences, behavioral science, chemistry, physics, math and computer science, earth-space sciences and engineering.

Cleveland State’s traditionally strong support for the fair is even greater this year.

“In addition to providing the venue and free parking for parents, school officials and judges, many of CSU’s faculty enjoy serving as judges, and many of our departments and programs are providing special award prizes,” said Crystal M. Weyman, Associate Professor and Site Chair for the event. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience talking about their research projects with scientists from all over the region. We are very fortunate that Provost Mary Jane Saunders and President Michael Schwartz are so supportive of this amazing educational experience.”

Joining Cleveland State as presenting sponsors are the Great Lakes Science Center and The Cleveland Clinic.

For more information, please call Dr. Weyman at 216.687.6971.

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