Uintah Basin Science Fair Held at Uintah Conference Center

In late February, local science students showcased their talents and research at the Uintah Basin Science Fair, held at the Uintah Conference Center and sponsored by Utah State University-Uintah Basin. More than 140 students from sixth, seventh and eighth grades, representing five schools across the district, conducted research and presented their findings in a poster session in the main ballroom at the Conference Center. A public viewing was then held for the community and parents. 

The students’ projects were judged on their application of the scientific method, their display and presentation, experimental design and the potential impact of their findings. Award categories included biological, physical and social sciences, as well as engineering. Forty-six participants received awards from USU-Uintah Basin. Additional categories, awards and support were provided by Friends of Utah Field House, Department of Natural Resources, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other community entities and partners.

The annual Science Fair, co-organized by USU’s Mike Christiansen and a team of more than 20 local educators, provides students with the opportunity to creatively explore the sciences. Participants worked to prepare their projects all year. The judges included a team of local student volunteers from Uintah High School who were trained by Christiansen on how to conduct objective and nonbiased verdicts in determining award winners in each category and grade. 

Science Fair winners are also eligible to enter the Utah Regional Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair March 22 and 23 at Weber State University in Ogden. Top eighth-grade winners from that fair will then compete to participate at a national fair in Washington D.C., scheduled later this year.

Contact: Dana Rhoades, 435-722-1788, dana.rhoades@usu.edu