Record Number of Young Scientists Display Research Projects at 2007 Massachusetts State Science...

WBZ-TV Meteorologist Mish Michaels to Emcee Award Ceremony

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Students throughout the Commonwealth are putting final touches on research projects and preparing to compete for over $425,000 in cash, prizes and scholarships at the 58th annual Massachusetts State Science

The 2007 Fair, held May 4 & 5 at MIT's Johnson Athletics Center, hosts more than 400 students--an 11% increase over 2006 and a new participant record. Judging of over 300 individual and team projects takes place May 4, and the Fair is open to the public on Saturday May 5, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. Cash awards, prizes, and scholarships are then presented at a ceremony in Kresge Auditorium beginning at 3:30 pm, emceed this year by WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels.

"Our exhibitors represent a group of highly motivated, talented, curious young minds," said Cora Beth Abel, Executive Director of MSSEF. "Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we can reward them for their efforts and for the results they've achieved. This inquiry-based, scientific learning process highlighted by the statewide exhibition gives students an opportunity to explore topics that truly interest them, while also building key skill sets for careers in the 21st century innovation economy. It's truly an experience that lasts a lifetime."

WBZ-TV's Mish Michaels To Host MSSEF Awards Ceremony

New this year...On Friday May 4, WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels will tour the MSSEF to review projects and select students to appear on her weather update broadcast that evening.

On Saturday, May 5, Ms. Michaels will host the MSSEF Awards Ceremony in MIT's Kresge Auditorium, beginning at 3:30 pm. The public is invited to attend.

Science Fair Expo Features Local Companies and Institutions

This MSSEF event also includes the Science Fair Expo, a showcase of interactive exhibits from local companies and institutions, demonstrating how science, technology, engineering and math play key roles in today's business, industry, academic and professional environments. The Expo is open Friday, May 4, 1pm-5 pm and Saturday, May 5, noon to 3 pm in the foyer of the Johnson Athletics Center.

The two-day Mass. Science & Engineering Fair also includes a luncheon seminar for parents on financing a college education, and a student banquet sponsored by Boston Scientific. Events continue Saturday, May 5, with a career opportunities program and the public viewing of projects (12:30 to 3 pm). The fair concludes with the Awards Recognition Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium at 3:30 pm

About the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair Inc. (MSSEF)

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair seeks to engage students in the inquiry and exploration of science, engineering and technology. Established more than 50 years ago by dedicated members of the educational community and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, MSSEF now supports several hundred competitive and non-competitive fairs involving 50,000 Massachusetts students each year. A culminating statewide fair is held in the spring at MIT for high school students (May 4 & 5, 2007), followed by a Middle School Fair at Quinsigamond Community College (June 2, 2007) in Worcester. These statewide Fairs annually showcase outstanding student projects, awarding college scholarships and other prizes for the top-scoring students and teams.

Students participating in MSSEF develop self-learning techniques, increase self-respect and expand their social skills and awareness. MSSEF is proud of its role in helping fuel the supply of bright and talented scientists, engineers and researchers. For more information, log on to www.scifair.com.

MSSEF programs are open to middle and senior high school students from all public, private and home-educated environments in the Commonwealth. Students may enter a project in one of 10 science categories either individually or as a team.

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. is nonprofit tax-exempt corporation under Federal law 501c (3). Our mission is to increase awareness of, exposure to, and participation in inquiry-based learning through the development of science and engineering projects by middle school and high school students, and to showcase and celebrate that learning.