(507) 450-4759, lise@mnmas.org

FUTURE SCIENTISTS TO CONVENE AT ANNUAL

MINNESOTA STATE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

Students to showcase the state’s most advanced and interesting science projects

Minneapolis— March 18, 2009— Approximately 450 students from across Minnesota will be showcasing the state’s most advanced and interesting science projects at the 72^ND annual Minnesota Academy of Science State Science and Engineering Fair, March 29-31, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

This statewide science competition, which is for Minnesota students in grades seven through 12, is sponsored by Seagate Technology, 3M, Ecolab and Medtronic. Of the nearly 3,000 students who compete in regional science fairs across Minnesota, about 450 students, or 15 percent, advance to the State Science and Engineering Fair.

“Science fairs kindle students’ interest in STEM,” said Lise Weegman, director of the State Science and Engineering Fair, Minnesota Academy of Science. “Many students apply scientific research to their personal interests, fusing a lasting connection between the two. The State Science and Engineering Fair enables students to communicate their research findings to professionals who work in their fields of interest, and it instills a passion for science that we believe will influence students’ future career choices.”

State Science and Engineering Fair awards are given to students with the highest scoring projects and research papers in 17 categories: Animal Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Biochemistry; Cellular and Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Computers; Earth and Planetary Science; Energy and Transportation; Engineering-Materials and Bioengineering; Engineering-Electrical and Mechanical; Environmental Management; Environmental Science and Analysis; Mathematical Sciences; Medicine and Health; Microbiology; Physics and Astronomy; and Plant Sciences.

During the next decade and beyond, these students will be counted on to help the United States maintain a strong position in the competitive global marketplace as workers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. According to the National Science Foundation, scientific innovation has produced roughly half of all U.S. economic growth in the last 50 years. And, the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology states that although only about five percent of the U.S. workforce is employed in STEM fields, the STEM workforce accounts for more than 50 percent of the country’s sustained economic growth. Yet, if current trends continue, more than 90 percent of all scientists and engineers in the world will live in Asia, according to the Business Roundtable in Washington DC.

“We share the Minnesota Academy of Science’s commitment to engaging students in hands-on science and believe in their role in building a gateway for students to choose STEM careers,” said Bob Whitmore, chief technical officer at Seagate. “Participation in the State Science and Engineering Fair encourages innovation, reinforces practical application of skills and gives these accomplished young scientists well-deserved recognition for their efforts.”

State Science and Engineering Fair Schedule – all media are invited to the following:

Sunday, March 29 5 – 6 p.m. Opening ceremony; welcome by Karen Klinzing, assistant commissioner, academic excellence, Minnesota Department of Education and Alex Cirillo Jr., vice president, 3M Community Affairs and 3M Foundation.

Monday, March 30 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Project judging takes place.

4 – 5:30 p.m. Science Fair is open to the public. Student projects on display. Admission is free.

7:30 – 9 p.m. Grand Awards Ceremony. Top scoring projects are awarded.

Tuesday, March 31 9 – 11:00 a.m. Special Awards Ceremony. Additional industry and corporate-sponsored awards are presented.

All activities will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Riverfront, 11 East Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Students, Minnesota Academy of Science representatives and State Science and Engineering Fair judges will be available for interviews at the times indicated above.

About the Minnesota Academy of Science

The Minnesota Academy of Science encourages and facilitates excellence in science education and encourages active participation in scientific inquiry. Since 1873, the organization has been striving to foster students’ interest in science, promote quality scientific research, and recognize high achievement in science, education, engineering and technology. Additional information regarding MAS and it programs can be found at http://www.mnmas.org.

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