Science & Engineering Fair Takes Learning Beyond the Classroom

January 14 - January 19, 2010

When Tom Nolan spoke at the Lockheed Martin - Manatee Regional Science and Engineering Fair awards ceremony in January, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineer had a captive audience: 280 of the best science students in the region, plus their families, friends, teachers and other fair supporters.

The young scientists, from middle schools and high schools across the district, competed in the regional fair Jan. 14 to Jan. 19. Students in 14 scientific categories presented their science research projects, and after two days of judging, awards were given on Jan. 21 in a ceremony at Braden River High School in Bradenton, Fla.

Every participating student received recognition, and winners were chosen for special awards, place awards, and a top award to compete at the Society for Science and the Public – International Science and Engineer Fair in San Jose, Calif.

Twenty-five participants from the regional fair will move on to the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair in Orlando, Fla., in April, and two top award winners were invited to represent the district at the international fair in May.

Lockheed Martin is a major sponsor of the district fair and presented the Best of Show awards to the two students who will move on to the international competition. Each received a savings bond and Space Shuttle model from Lockheed Martin.

In addition to providing awards to the students, Lockheed Martin’s significant contribution helps fund the district’s affiliation with the national and international organizations; provides support for teacher coordinators; and this year brought in Nolan, a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer, who gave an inspiring keynote address about the valuable contributions that scientists and engineers make to society and the important role the students will play in the future.

"Lockheed Martin is a well-known name in science and technology, and the support we’ve received from them has added a higher level of importance to the science research at our fairs," said Judy Griffin, curriculum specialist and regional fair director from the School District of Manatee County.

"This helps the kids so much, because they see that it’s not just Manatee County Schools that think science and engineering are important," she added. "They see that Lockheed Martin, which is so well-known and influential, thinks it’s important, too, and they see a direct application with careers and possibilities for future studies in these areas."

Lockheed Martin media contact: Gary Cambre, (941) 554-3862 or gary.cambre@lmco.com.