December 18, 2006

Dear Science and Math Coordinators, and select Teachers:

Initial preparation and plans for the 2007 ABAC Regional Science and Engineering Fair are currently underway. The fair will again be held in Thrash Gym on the Abraham Baldwin Campus. The date for this year’s fair will be Friday, February 16, 2007. If you are not involved with Science Fair, please pass this information on to a colleague who is. Information is also being posted on the web at http://www.abac.edu/SM/default.asp

The Booklet of Rules for the 2007 Georgia Science & Engineering Fair was mailed in August from the state office in Athens to the head of the science department of every school in the state having students in grades 6-12. This booklet contains 2007 certification forms for the State and Regional Fairs as well as current rules and regulations.

A schedule of fair day activities, a Science Fair registration form, and a page with additional information are enclosed. The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday, January 31, 2007. Each student should have participated in a local elimination, and this information should be indicated on the registration form. Remember, GSEF rules allow a student to participate in only one regional fair. Also, note that ninth grade students compete in the senior division.

As in previous years we are required to check for proper certification forms. Each student must send in the appropriate forms with the application. Be sure that the proper signatures are on the approval form. These forms should be reviewed and approved by a local review committee, teacher, etc. for completeness and will be reviewed by our SRC when the application material is received. Any student missing a necessary form will be notified that the form must be displayed with the project at our fair. If the appropriate forms are not displayed, we will not be allowed to judge the project. It is in the best interest of all concerned that your students complete the appropriate forms before beginning their project as stated in the rules. Note that, on the approval form, there is a place for the local or regional SRC chairperson to sign indicating that the application materials have been checked for proper certifications. There is also a place where our (regional) SRC chairperson signs prior to competition at our fair. Only 2006-2007 certification forms will be accepted. If you do not have this years forms, you can get them from the state science fair website http://www.uga.edu/oasp/

Students should plan to attend the awards program from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Students who will be invited to the State Fair will be recognized, and will receive their entry materials at that time. We ask that students leave their projects displayed in the gym until 4:00 p.m. so parents, teachers, and students may view the projects between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

If I can be of assistance to you concerning rules, regulations, or procedures just give me a call. We anticipate a good year for science projects and look forward to seeing you and your students on February 16.

Sincerely,

Ray N. Barber, Director

ABAC Regional Science and Engineering Fair