The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach will host 5-12th grade students from across southern Illinois at the regional Science and Engineering Research Challenge on campus Saturday, March 23.
The 35th annual competition will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center. The SERC will feature the finest STEM-focused student projects from a 10-county area. The general public is welcome from 1-3 p.m. to view student posters.
“The Science and Engineering Research Challenge fosters excitement in STEM and offers students a taste of what it’s like to be a scientist,” said SIUE STEM Center Instructor and Outreach Specialist Colin Wilson.
“The competition promotes independent critical thinking and encourages students to use the scientific method to answer a research question, carry out experiments and write their results.”
“With so many students, parents and family members on campus, this event highlights SIUE as a pillar in the community and emphasizes its academic distinction,” Wilson added. “The event builds relationships between the University and local educators, promoting future collaborations that support these students who may go on to study in STEM fields and become future industry professionals.”
Students are eligible for a number of awards, as well as a chance to move up to the next level of competition. Twenty-six winners from the SIUE regional advance to the state competition. Top prize is an all-expense paid trip to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix.
Photos: A SERC participant presents her electromagnetism research to a judge.
Upward Bound Math and Science students describe their research on How to Make Salt Water Drinkable.