On Saturday, Feb. 3, 262 gifted and talented students from across the Roanoke Valley will participate in Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology’s annual Student Project Forum.
The science fair competition will represent several scientific disciplines such as biochemistry, computer and mathematics, medicine and health, physics, and engineering. This year’s project titles include: The Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Found in Fracking; The Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Determine Sub-microscopic Pipe Corrosion; The Ability of Staphylococcus spp. to Inhibit the Growth of P. acnes the Role of Pericytes in the Destabilization of Breast Cancer Vasculature; and the Design and Fabrication of a Robotic Arm.
A diverse and accomplished panel of over 60 judges will evaluate the projects and determine scores based on strength of presentation, comprehension of subject matter, and depth of research. Cash prizes will be awarded to outstanding participants, and the top-placing students will have the opportunity to advance to a variety of local, regional, state, and international science fair competitions.
Over 100 Governor’s School parents, local businesses, and community supporters have donated gift cards, gift certificates, and cash for Project Forum’s Gift Card Silent Auction and the school’s Annual Appeal.
Public viewing of the student research projects will be from 1:30 – 3:00 pm in the Patrick Henry High School cafeteria in Roanoke. The awards presentation will follow at 3:30 pm in the Patrick Henry High School auditorium. Gift Card Silent Auction live bidding will take place from 1:00-3:00 pm in the school library. All events are free and open to the public.
About Roanoke Valley Governor’s School
Founded in 1985, Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology is a half-day regional public STEM school for motivated students in grades nine through twelve. The Governor’s School serves students from seven school districts around the Roanoke Valley, including Bedford, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, and Roanoke counties, and the cities of Roanoke and Salem. Admission is selective. Parents do not pay a fee for their students to attend; costs are covered by the school districts and the Virginia Department of Education.
For more information, please contact school’s director, Mark Levy, or school’s guidance counselor, Kathy Sebolt, at 540-853-2116.
