Ohio University Regional Science Day

The Ohio University Regional Science Day was led by the Voinovich School’s Dr. Natalie Kruse Daniels, professor, and Director of the Environmental Studies Program and supported of Voinovich School staff. This event is held at Heritage Hall on the Ohio University Athens Campus and serves students in District 12. The PORTSfuture Program provided support for schools in Ross and Jackson counties. Pike and Scioto counties belong to a different district served by the University of Rio Grande. Students in grades 5–12 can compete by presenting their original projects following either the standard scientific method or engineering design principles. Through inquiry-based project learning, students gain skills in posing a research question, creating a hypothesis, method development, data collection, data analysis, and written and oral communication.

The Ohio Academy of Sciences has developed standards for science fairs across grades 5–12. Students earning a superior at their school fair qualify to compete at their District Fairs, and those earning superiors at District Fairs qualify to compete at State Science Day held in Columbus, Ohio, each spring. High school students in both districts have the additional opportunity to qualify for the Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair, which allows them to compete for a spot at the International Science and Engineering Fair. High school students in District 12 can compete for a spot at the International Fair straight from their district. The potential for learning, exposure to a community of engaged young scientists, and competition for scholarships and awards for students from southern Ohio is unparalleled.