Return of the Annual Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair
The 43rd Annual Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair returned last month in another year of exclusively taking place virtually as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Students in grades 6 through 12 were provided with an opportunity to present and display their research in a creative virtual format, while also having their projects judged by local science professionals.
A total of 161 students from 20 different schools were represented this year. Round 1 judging was highlighted by students providing pre-recorded presentations to accompany their science posters and reports. Over 70 judges scored these projects during the week-long, first round event.
On March 24th, the top 12 Senior and top 17 Junior projects were evaluated using live video, where students responded to questions by a judge panel. At the conclusion of the final round, six projects were selected by each division to move on to the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences State Fair. You can view the award ceremony HERE.
The STEM TRAIL Center was pleased to offer a special award this year to two projects from the Junior Division. The special award looked for projects that elevated human potential through lifelong learning. The two projects, titled Making it Clear: Which Filtration Material is Best and How Does Recycled Plastic Affect Concrete were the recipients of the STEM TRAIL Center special award.
A special thanks to the tireless work of the MSEF committee, led by Daniel Sitzman, in addition to the project mentors, parents, guardians, judges, and countless others that have helped make the event a major success! Another special thanks to Chancellor Li for providing the welcome message for the event!