CSF - Connecticut Science Fair

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Hello Every One,

Welcome to the second edition of the 2001 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) journal published by the students and adults of the Connecticut State Science Fair and Science Horizons Regional Science Fair.

Connecticut Science Fair is Ready for the Competition- We check out Monterey and the Coastal Redwoods.
Reported by Sue Wisner:
Tuesday, May 8, 2001

May 8, 2001 Tuesday
We completed all official registration steps on Monday, thanks to good preparation by our students and careful planning by the seasoned (and battle-scarred) adults. Other state delegations were not so fortunate and violation meetings and trips to Kinko's were the order of the day.

After some last minute preening of the projects Tuesday morning we headed to the Coast to show our team the Pacific and the giant redwoods.

Santa Cruz and Monterey
Today was the last day for activities prior to judging and we started off early in the morning to fit in as much as we could. After soon early morning project work, we headed off to see Monterey and Redwoods. The drive to Monterey was via Santa Cruz and a stop for a stroll through the Redwood Tree Forest. Trees 200 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter surrounded us. There was a hushed silence in the woods where one could hear the birds and enjoy the scent of the redwoods.

Off again in our white vans and onto Monterey Bay. Even though the drive seemed long it was worth it once we saw the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. For some of the students it was the first time and a few waves happened to dampen a foot or two.

We lunched right on the water at Cannery Row in Monterey Bay. As we enjoyed our seafood and assorted goodies we could see pelicans and seals only a few hundred feet from us. You couldn't ask for a nicer view for lunch. We strolled in a few shops for what brief time we could allow before continuing our search for Pebble Beach and the scenic 17 miles drive around Monterey Peninsula. The crashing surf and the sweet smells of the ocean were a treat to our senses. We stopped several times along the way for photos trying to capture the Lone Cypress Tree and the others sites.

We have two avid golfers along so a quick stop to the Pebble Beach Golf Course was one of our goals. With only a few minutes for shopping they managed to come back with some memorable items. To play a round of golf, that is if you could get a tee off time, was over $350.00. Certainly not within our budget or time allocation! We would have liked to wander longer but were committed to return so the students could attend the Nobel Laureates panel discussion for the participants.

Lights Out
We had our own personal experience with the California power shortage today for the temp was 102 degrees and they were having rolling blackouts. We were searching for gas and had a hard time finding a gas station that had electricity to pump. There were reports of people getting trapped in elevators so I guess we were only mildly inconvenienced. It put into perspective the seriousness of the energy crisis and how we most likely will be experiencing the same if more energy is not developed.

Welcoming Party
The evening activities were a light dinner and shows at the Tech Museum. This had many hands-on displays and activities to try on a first hand basis and also provided the students with a chance to get acquainted with new and old friends and if they wanted to trade pins.

The Competition Begins!
Our students passed the final inspections for violations with flying colors. Wednesday morning judging begins. The students explain their work in a series of interviews that begin at noon and run to 8:30 in the evening with mid-afternoon and dinner break. Join me in wishing our students success tomorrow!

Sue Wisner for the Connecticut Delegation