"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Hosting Science and Engineering Fair

"Katie Nix, a Cherokee student from Grove, stands with her project from the 2007
science fair."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Encouraging imagination and innovation among its youth, the Cherokee Nation will host the Cherokee Nation Annual Science and Engineering Fair (CNASEF) on Saturday, January 26, at 9 a.m., in the Ballroom of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.

“Education is very important to the Cherokee Nation,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “For a promising future we need to develop leaders with a vision. By offering students an outlet for their creative thought and encouraging them to excel in all aspects of their studies we can help to ensure the continued strength of our people and our government.”

There will be fifteen categories in which students can submit projects: behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, botany, chemistry, computer science, earth and space sciences, engineering, environmental science, gerontology, mathematics, medicine and health, microbiology, physics, zoology and team projects.

“The CNASEF is an opportunity for Cherokee students to actively participate in a science-based learning environment and create science projects that can be shared with peer, educators and professionals,” said Daniel Faddis, event coordinator. “The CNASEF provides a forum for students to have their research recognized and critiqued in the disciplines of science, mathematics, engineering, technology and cultural preservation.”

The CNASEF is open to students in grades 5-12 who reside in the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area. All contestants must include a copy of their tribal citizenship card with their registration form. Prizes will be awarded. Registration forms and release forms must be signed by the student and a parent by Wednesday, January 9, at 5 p.m.

Prizes will be presented to first through third place in each category in both divisions. Awards will be given to three overall in each division and the three most tribally related of both divisions. In addition, special awards will be presented.

According to Faddis, judges will look for research techniques, how significant a project is to its field of study and how thorough the research is, as well as how much thought and design a student put forth to complete the project.

“I encourage all science teachers to bring their students and look over the exhibits for ideas for future science fairs even if they are unable to compete in the competition,” said Faddis. “It’s a great way to engage them in a learning environment that is fun and educational.”

For more information or a release form contact Daniel Faddis, phone: 918-453-5224 or by email: daniel-faddis@cherokee.org.