Alaska Statewide High School Science Symposium to celebrate IPY

Submitted by Jenn Wagaman
Phone: 907-474-5082
02/19/08

The Alaska Statewide High School Science Symposium will take place on March 1 and 2, 2008 in Fairbanks, Alaska. This year’s conference theme is the International Polar Year. In addition to this overall theme, one of the eight sessions of the conference will focus strictly on IPY research.

Through ASHSSS, high school students are partnered with scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks principally to complete original research projects. At the conference, these students stand before a panel of judges and peers and present their findings through a formal presentation of their research.

"The process is really research, writing and oral intensive," says Gary Laursen, ASHSSS founder and Alaska’s Regional Director. "It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to work with some of the best minds in science and to learn how the research process works, all while refining their communication skills."

This year, 54 students will participate in the event, seven of whom are presenting IPY projects. The winners have the opportunity to advance to the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and the London Youth Forum.

About IPY The Polar regions have profound significance for the Earth’s climate and environments, ecosystems and human society. IPY is an interdisciplinary and internationally coordinated research campaign, ushering in a new era of polar science. For more information on IPY, visit www.ipy.alaska.edu

For more information on the ASHSSS contact Gary Laursen at ffgal@uaf.edu or Jenn Wagaman, UAF outreach coordinator at jenn@alaska.edu or visit http://www.ashsss.uaf.edu/about.php.