DATE: February 20, 2008

CONTACT: Angela Foxx, (864) 882-7739
scifair@earthlink.net

WRITER: Susan Polowczuk, (864) 656-2063
spolowc@clemson.edu

Clemson hosts area science fair

CLEMSON — Young scientists put on their lab coats, get to work and share experiments Feb. 25 at the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Regional Science Fair at Clemson University's Madren Conference Center. The junior and senior division runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon with the elementary division following from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Entries will explore everything from the effect of colas on beef liver to clean cutting boards and regenerating electricity. Winners will be announced at the AOP Awards Ceremony at the Brooks Center March 11.

"Science fairs allow students to see how a project applies to everyday life. It can be an eye opener for them," said Angela Foxx, director of the fair.

Nearly 200 scientists and engineers from the community will volunteer their time and expertise to judge the competition. More than $15,000 in awards is available for students to win at the regional fair, which has the support of more than 50 local sponsors. Prizes range from cash to laptop computers to an all-expenses-paid trip for two students and one teacher to the international competition at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta in May.

Sponsors include Clemson University, Wal-Mart, Duke Energy Co., The Investment Center, Blue Mountain Media, Michelin North America, Sandvik/Valenite, Blue Ridge Electric, Itron, Milliken, BorgWarner and Palmetto Surgery Associates.

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