2009 Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair

DALLAS — Nearly 900 middle and high school students across the Metroplex are gearing up for the Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, February 28, at Centennial Hall in Dallas' historic Fair Park.

The best science and engineering research projects in the Dallas region will compete for approximately $100,000 in prizes and scholarships and the chance to progress to the state and international science fairs. Projects will be on display to the public immediately after the competition.

The fair is co-sponsored by Southern Methodist University, Beal Bank and Fluor.

Simon Dalley, Ph.D., President of the Fair, commented, "This is the largest science competition of its kind in North Texas and one of the largest regional science fairs in the country. Each year, we have one or two new school districts sending their students to our Fair, and we expect it to continue to grow as educators come to appreciate the rewards it offers their creative and dedicated students."

Approximately 900 students are expected to enter projects in traditional scientific categories as well as in topical and developing fields such as bioengineering, energy and transportation, environmental management, and molecular biology. Additionally, more than 300 scientists and engineers will judge the projects at the Fair, professionals drawn mostly from the local area but some from other parts of Texas and from as far away as California.

"For many students, the Fair represents an opportunity to be creative with their own ideas, going beyond what they learn in the classroom, and to meet with experts in their field of interest," said Dr. Dalley, who organizes the Fair with colleagues from Southern Methodist University. "The young students who compete here are the scientists, engineers and doctors of the future, so it is critical that we, as educators and business leaders, do whatever we can to nurture their work at an early stage."

Beal Bank, the Fair's title sponsor, has a longstanding commitment to academic excellence in science and mathematics, and Jacob Cherner, President of Beal Service Corporation, noted, "We are pleased to continue our close association with the Fair so that these students can further develop their own ideas and abilities."

The 52nd Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair will take place Saturday, February 28, 2009, in Centennial Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. Competition and judging occur during the morning and afternoon, with a free public viewing of the Fair exhibits from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Fair's website at www.DallasScienceFair.org or call 214-768-2495.

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