Local Students Showcase Their Work At Weekend Science & Engineering Fair

More than 500 students in grades 4 through 12 gather at the Bossier Civic Center this weekend for the Louisiana Region I Science and Engineering Fair 2013. This is the 39th year Bossier parish Community College has served as host. Science professor and Fair Director Bob Boykin says he's amazed every year at what these kids can accomplish.

"Sometimes we get a feeling that maybe education is slowing down, and we're not as good as we used to be," Boykin says. "But when you walk in and see some of these projects that, even at the elementary school level are performing at, it'll blow you away."

The fair begins Friday, with judging from 9 until 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 until 3 p.m. Public visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday. The awards will be handed out starting at 10 Saturday morning. Students are competing for more than $3,000 in cash and other awards. First-place winners qualify for the State Science Fair in Baton Rouge March 25th through 27th.

Boykin says this fair doesn't just give the students a chance to showcase their brilliant work, it's also a valuable tool for employers. He says the high school students in Division C will have the chance to earn some great scholarships to top colleges.