Over 300 high school students from a dozen schools in southwestern Connecticut will be participating in the 14th Annual Southern Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair. The fair, sponsored by the Southern Connecticut Science & Engineering Foundation (SCSEF), will be Saturday, February 8, at Newtown High School.

Judges are sought who have a background in life, physical or social sciences, mathematics or engineering. Anyone interested should contact Fran Lichtenberg, chair of judges, at Judges@snet.net.

Online training is available via the fair website.

Judges will need to arrive at the high school by 8 am. Upon arrival, they will assemble with the other members of their team to review the projects assigned in advance, plus any additional assignments for their team.

Volunteers will be asked to judge five to eight projects or research proposals in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Engineering. Judging will conclude by 1 pm.

Judges are welcome to stay for the awards ceremony and keynote speaker, David Pogue, journalist, author and Emmy award-winning TV host. The event concludes at 3 pm.

“Many of the judges have told us the Southern Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair is one the highlights of their year. They’re energized and inspired by the interactions they have with the students,” said Paul Oestreicher, PhD, SCSEF President. “The students, too, benefit tremendously since this fair ensures every student project is judged. It’s not all about winning or losing; this is about participating and learning.”

The Southern Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair was started in 2001 by SCSEF and has seen rapid growth. From its first year with eight students, all from Staples High School in Westport, participating, the fair grew to 159 projects submitted, representing schools from across the region in 2011. Organizers expect the 14th annual fair to have more than 200 entries from several area high schools including Newtown, Darien, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hamden, Redding, Ridgefield, Westport and Woodbridge. 

The public is invited to view the exhibits starting at noon, attend the awards ceremony and listen to Mr Pogue. His keynote is scheduled to begin at 1:30.

SCSEF promotes critical thinking skills, and motivates students to pursue science and engineering after high school.

Students receive awards in four categories: health sciences, physical sciences, environmental sciences and behavioral sciences. Within each category, awards are given for both completed projects and research proposals.

For more information about the fair, visit www.scsef.org.