January 9, 2012

Dear Educators:

The 63^rd Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair, a spring tradition for regional elementary, middle, and high school students, is gearing up for an exciting year! The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education at USI is enthusiastic about involving as many students in the regional fair as possible. Open to students in kindergarten through twelve, this is an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to show their talents and receive recognition.  This year’s categories are:

Animal Sciences                                                                Behavioral and Social Sciences               

Chemistry and Biochemistry                                       Earth and Space Sciences               

Engineering                                                                        Environmental Sciences               

Mathematical and Computer Sciences                   Medicine and Health Sciences               

Microbiology and Molecular Biology                        Physics               

Plant Sciences                                                                   cMoe Invention (Grades K-3 only)

Team projects are allowed to compete against individual projects within the categories listed above.

The 63^rd annual fair will be held March 8-9, 2012 and is open to students in grades K-12 from schools within a 75-mile radius of Evansville.  Last year, more than 600 students presented over 500 projects at the Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair.  Over $40,000 in prizes were awarded to these students! This year, up to ten senior division projects and ten junior division projects will have the opportunity to advance to the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair (HSEF) for a chance to advance to the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair has historically been very successful in providing recognition for excellence in the form of trophies, cash prizes, awards, gifts and scholarships.  In addition, participating students are able to interact with professionals from the various disciplines of inquiry.  This opportunity to share their knowledge with encouraging adults provides students an excellent environment for increased self-esteem and confidence. We hope you’ll choose to provide this opportunity to your students this year.

Additional information about the Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair can be found at www.usi.edu/science/fair. 

We look forward to working with you and look forward to another exciting season of discovery.

Sincerely,

Allison Grabert

Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair

Co-Director

University of Southern Indiana

8600 University Blvd.

Evansville, IN   47712

Office Phone: 812/228-5019

Fax: 812/465-1052

email: afgrabert@usi.edu

www.swistem.org