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A Newsletter Exploring
Biomedical Research Issues
For Middle & High School Educators
Vol. 1, Issue 2, Winter 2002
page two page one
Get Your Students Involved in Competitions!
There are numerous opportunities to get your students involved in science research competitions.
Here's a partial list. [See Use of Non-Human Vertebrate Animals in Research below.]
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
Wayne State University
For this competition, students write a paper describing the research they have conducted. Judges at Wayne State University grade the papers, and the top 24 papers are selected for part two of the competition. The students chosen present their papers in early March at Wayne State. They are given fifteen minutes for their presentations. The top five students are chosen to represent Michigan at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, to be held in San Diego, California in 2002. The top paper chosen in Michigan wins a $4000 prize and the right to compete at the national symposium. Eight top papers are chosen at the national level. Each of those eight students win an additional $16,000 and the London Youth Fortnight Award, and fifteen days in London to attend the International Symposium.
For Information & Applications Write:
Wayne State University
Southeast Michigan JSHS
441 Education Building
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Online information:
http://ted.coe.wayne.edu/JSHS.html
The Metropolitan Detroit Science and Engineering Fair
Cobo Hall, Detroit
Students grades 7-12 have the unique opportunity of competing in the nation's largest regional
science fair, usually numbering over 2000 students! Students are separated into 13 different
categories. A first place award is given in each category, and the eight top awards are designated
Grand Awards. These students get a full scholarship to Wayne State University, Oakland University,
or Lawrence Technological University, and a chance to compete at the International Science and
Engineering Fair against approximately 1200 students from over 40 different countries. In 2002,
the International Science Fair will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, the month of May.
For Information Contact:
SEFMD
c/o Detroit Science Center
5020 John R
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone: 1-313-832-2066
Online information:
http://www.sefmd.org
Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition
This science research competition is for high school students who are seniors or for underclassmen working on a team project with a senior. Over one million dollars in scholarships are awarded each year.
For Information Contact:
Siemens Foundation
186 Wood Avenue South
Iselin, New Jersey 08830-2770
Phone: 1-877-822-5233
Online information and applications:
http://www.siemens-foundation.org
Intel Science Talent Search
Now in its 61st year, the Intel Science Talent Search presents $1000 to each of 300 semi-finalists
with a matching $1000 to the school, and prizes ranging from $5000 to $100,000 to the 30 top
awards. This competition is for high school seniors only. To enter, a student writes a paper and
submits that paper along with an application.
For Information Contact:
Intel Science Talent Search
Science Service
1719 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Online information and applications:
http://www.sciserv.org/sts/
Use of Non-Human Vertebrate Animals in Research
The following is the position statement of Science Service and the International Science and Engineering Fair on the use of animals in pre-college science research:
"Science Service affirms its conviction that the humane use of animals by students under qualified adult supervision is necessary and important for learning about the life sciences. As science educators, one of our major roles is to establish guidelines for the appropriate use of animals in pre-college research projects and in classrooms. We are committed to the promulgation and strict enforcement of existing rules that were designed to ensure the humane and proper treatment of any animal used in our science competitions.
The International Rules and Guidelines have been written to teach students about the humane treatment of animals as well as respect for all living things. Alternatives are encouraged and must be explored during the pre-approval process. The requirement for prior project review and approval as well as the direct supervision of student research has raised the quality of scientific research in the pre-collegiate arena and protected the welfare of animals. Science Service and the International Science and Engineering Fair Scientific Committee promote and enforce these guidelines and have processes in place to ensure those competing are in compliance.
Science Service has taken the responsibility of establishing the comprehensive guidelines for student science research. They are widely accepted and are becoming the standard for pre-college science research. These guidelines are reviewed annually and are appropriately more strict and comprehensive than those of the federal government. We believe prohibition of animal based research projects at the Intel ISEF and affiliated fairs will eliminate these established guidelines governing animal use. If animal research projects at Intel ISEF are eliminated, unregulated, and unsupervised animal research at the secondary and lower level will increase. Students will proceed with experimentation without rules or guidelines undoubtedly resulting in the proliferation of inhumane science projects and classroom activities. National and state mandated educational standards that require scientific inquiry will be seriously compromised. This action would be detrimental to science education and animals and would not serve the public interest."
From International Rules for Pre-college Research, a booklet of rules and guidelines for the Intel Science and Engineering Fair 2002, to be held in Louisville, Kentucky
BioFocus
Biofocus is published by the Michigan Society for Medical Research.
Please send your questions, comments, and suggestions to:
MISMR
P.O. Box 3237
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-3237
Voice: (734) 763-8029
Fax: (734) 930-1568
Email: MISMR@umich.edu
page one page two
You may download a PDF format of the actual newsletter.
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