| The thirteenth annual ASPIRE Computational Science EXPO was held May
4, 2002, on the campus of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. This
EXPO included K-12 students from across the state who came to enter their
computer based scientific projects for judging. This EXPO is unique
in that students not only must complete a project, but they must use the
Internet and computer models in solving the problem. With the help of their
teacher and mentors from the scientific community, students spend the entire
school year working on a project of their choosing. Alabama is a leader
in this approach to learning, with over 175 school involved in developing
projects at all grade levels.
"While attendance at science fairs has been in some cases declining in the state, we are pleased to see that interest remains high in this computationally based approach to education. Each year we continue to be amazed at the breadth and complexity of the projects in the EXPO. This tells us we are challenging students and honing their problem solving skills", said Dr. Carl G. Davis, ASPIRE Project Director. Over 200 students were involved in developing the projects submitted to the competition, and about 250 students, teachers, dignitaries, and guests attended the EXPO. About 80 high school and middle school projects from across the state were judged. Plaques, certificates, and scholarships were awarded to winning projects in each of several categories. Students were judged based upon the quality of a scientific paper that describes their project, their presentation of their project to the judges, and their project displays. A good problem definition, solid mathematical fundamentals, accurate computational models and thorough analysis of results were qualities looked for by the judges in winning projects. In addition, students competed for prizes and scholarships in a test of their knowledge of computational science and prizes were given for visualization, best use of a supercomputer, as well as best student websites. Some of the top winners in the competition included: High School
Highest score on the computational science exam was achieved by Neel Srikishen, Bob Jones High School, Madison. Middle School
Highest scores on the computational science exam were achieved by Robby Green, Monrovia Middle School, Huntsville. EXPO 2002 WINNERS FROM THE ANNISTON AREA EXPO 2002 WINNERS FROM THE ARAB AREA EXPO 2002 WINNERS FROM THE HUNTSVILLE AREA EXPO 2002 WINERS FROM THE MOBILE AREA |