The University of Nebraska Medical Center invites eighth grade students
interested in the sciences to apply to compete in one of five upcoming
regional science competitions as part of the tenth annual UNMC Health/Science
Meet. To compete in regional competitions, submit either a paper on a research
topic or do a poster presentation on the results of their research. Science
fields include health, electronics, earth sciences and veterinary medicine.
Regional competitions will be held in Grand Island, North Platte, Scottsbluff,
Lincoln and Omaha during March and April 2002. One-hundred finalists from
the regional competitions will qualify to attend UNMC 10th Health/Science
Meet June 6-8 in Omaha.
While on the UNMC campus, students will participate in hands-on science
activities, learn about various health fields, meet health professionals
and students, and participate in recreational activities.
Application materials for regional competitions have been mailed to
Nebraska eighth grade science teachers, junior high principals and county
superintendents. Students should contact one of these individuals to get
an application for the regional competition. Applications are due at UNMC
by Friday, Feb. 22, 2002.
The goal of the UNMC Health/Science Meet is to provide students a fun
and educational experience with a close-up look at the health sciences
that will inspire and motivate students to pursue a career in the health
sciences, said Roxanna Jokela, coordinator of the UNMC Rural Health Education
Network and chair of the meet. She said the UNMC Health/Science Meet is
part of an overall effort to increase the numbers of Nebraskans practicing
health care in rural communities.
This years regional competitions will be held on the following locations
and dates.
Grand Island March 21
North Platte March 26
Scottsbluff March 28
Omaha April 6
Lincoln April 27
For details about entering the regional competition, contact your school
principal or call UNMC at 1 (800), 626-8431, extension 9509, or e-mail
Jokela at rjokela@unmc.edu. Although students can enter independently,
they are encouraged to work with their schools.