DISCOVERING THE WORLDS WITHIN OUR WORLD

Does science matter?

The fact is most of the conveniences we take for granted -- in our home, businesses, leisure and health care -- are directly tied to scientific pursuits. Science sneaks into our lives in so many unexpected ways.

Science education -- or lack of it -- has been blamed for the United States' slide in world technological advances. To compete, we must remain scientifically competitive.

That's why it's important our schools foster tomorrow's scientists. And what better way than through up-to-date curriculum and the yearly Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair.

The fair gives students and teachers a chance to strut their scientific expertise -- competing for a trip to the international science fair. It also demonstrates the fact that the smaller schools can compete head-to-head with the district giants. The key is often a dynamic science teacher and energetic students. Through their efforts, book-worn science can really come to life.

The annual science fair also affords the public a chance to see how clever our students can be. The range of experiments are remarkable -- and often seem more college level in scope than junior high and high school.

The 38th Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair opened Tuesday and runs through Thursday at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Cape Girardeau. Exhibits can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. The awards will be handed out at 7 Thursday evening.

It was moved to the Convention Center from the campus this year in an attempt to attract larger crowds. We hope that move pays off. It's certainly an exhibit worth viewing and the price is right -- free admission.

This year's fair promises to be one of the largest with nearly 250 exhibits from students in grades 7 to 12. The district covers all of Southeast Missouri.

Science fair visitors can also vote on their favorite exhibit -- the "People's Choice" to be announced Thursday night.

Hopefully the students realize that science could take them to the stars -- literally -- even if they are from rural Missouri. A good role model is Linda Godwin -- a graduate from Jackson High School and a U.S. astronaut. She will board Endeavour Friday for her second shuttle mission.

The science fair is sponsored by the Southeast Missourian, Southeast Missouri State University and Environmental Analysis South Inc. of Cape Girardeau. We well realize the importance of science on tomorrow's advancements.

The science fair goes beyond good investigative skills. The students' communication skills are also challenged in that they must explain their projects and answer questions from professional scientists. It teaches them to think on their feet -- emphasizing the importance of verbalizing what they know.

The local fair is also part of a larger picture. It is one of 415 such fairs worldwide. The international fair typically draws more than 800 exhibits and thousands of students. And many of these students go on to become our scientists and inventors tomorrow. Even those who pursue other careers learn the importance of logical thinking and problem solving.

You can find science in the most unexpected places. But scientists just don't grow on trees. As a nation, we must foster educational efforts and grow our own. And that's what the Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair is all about.