Austin Energy Regional Science Festival back for 63rd year

For 63 years, Austin Energy has hosted the Austin Energy Regional Science Festival, which is the largest city-sponsored science fair in the country. With more than 3,000 students from 23 school districts in 12 surrounding counties competing, this four-day competition encourages the foundations of experimentation, presentation, and knowledge pursuit in students. This year, the 1,800 participating projects fit into 17 scientific categories, ranging from animal sciences to robotics and intelligent machines. Those who win the Junior/Senior division will advance to the Texas Science and Engineering Fair in College Station March 29-30. Best of Fair Senior Division projects will advance directly to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The fair began Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 3 pm and will continue through Saturday, Feb. 23. Junior and Senior awards will be announced February 21 and the Elementary Awards ceremony will be on February 23. “The Austin economy attracts the top minds from around the world,” said Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent. “These students reflect both the ingenuity and the diversity that makes our community a destination for the world’s premier scientific talent.”