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

TAHLEQUAH, OK — Encouraging imagination and innovation among its youth, the Cherokee Nation will host the Cherokee Nation Science and Engineering Fair (CNSEF) on Tuesday, May 8, at the “Place Where They Play” center, located on the campus of Sequoyah Schools 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.”

“The CNSEF 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 CNSEF provides a forum for students to have their research recognized and critiqued in the disciplines of science, mathematics, engineering, technology and cultural preservation.”

There will be 15 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.

“Judges will look for well thought out research,” said Faddis. “In addition, they will look at how significant a project is to its field of study, how thorough the research is and how much thought and design a student puts forth.”

The CNSEF 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.

“I encourage all science teachers to bring their students and compete,” said Faddis. “It’s a great way to engage them in a learning environment that is fun and educational.”

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