STUDENTS COMPETE IN REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

Teachers and judges at the Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair are often surprised by the creativity, ingenuity and intelligence students display in their science fair projects.

More than 290 projects completed by nearly 250 students will be judged in the event Tuesday at the Show Me Center.

The projects are spread throughout 12 categories that represent the basic disciplines of science from ecology and wildlife to chemistry, biology and computer science.

Ruth Hathaway, who has been judging science fair projects or working as event director since 1982, said she's not surprised by the students' work.

"They're smart today," she said. Sometimes, though, a judge can be pleasantly surprised by the work a student puts forth when a title doesn't sound very intriguing.

Project topics range from finding the best oil for your skateboard wheels to make them roll faster to studying the ecology of area creeks or determining which soaps produce the best bubbles.

Students do well in the science fair if they are dedicated to doing the work and finding the time to complete it, Hathaway said. And students usually receive better grades in the classroom when they find a topic they like, added Nancy Hey, science teacher at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High.

This is the first year that the science fair will be held on just one day. In the past it has spanned three days. The event is open to the public at 3:30 p.m., and awards will be announced at 7 p.m.

Community leaders in the science fields -- university instructors, engineers, doctors and military personnel -- are among the judges.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair

WHEN: Tuesday. Doors open to the public for viewing at 3:30 p.m. Awards announced at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Show Me Center