Portland, Ore.

WHAT:

OHSU scientists will set up two demonstration stations to help about 200 sixth and seventh graders get ready for their February Science Fair. This is the kick-off event for the OHSU collaboration with Robert Gray Middle School.

WHEN:

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 9:15 - 12:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Robert Gray Middle School, 5505 S.W. 23rd Ave., Portland. The physics of sound demonstration will be in the physical science room, and the hearing presentation will be biology classroom.

WHO:

William Cameron, Ph.D., associate professor of physiology and pharmacology, OHSU School of Medicine, will be presenting a physics demonstration about how sound works. William Martin, Ph.D., multi-program director of the Oregon Hearing and Research Center, and professor of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, OHSU School of Medicine, will talk about sounds that can be dangerous to our ears, what happens when we are exposed to dangerous sounds, and how to protect ourselves from these sounds.

WHY:

These demonstrations are designed to get students thinking about creating their own projects for the school science fair planned for Feb. 12 and 13. OHSU scientists and staff will be available to assist the sixth-and seventh-graders as they design their science fair projects.

DETAILS:

Robert Gray Middle School is part of the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods Initiative (SUN), which was created by the City of Portland and Multnomah County to improve the lives of children, their families and the community to develop schools as community centers. It also links community businesses with the schools. Robert Gray chose OHSU as its business partner. This science fair collaboration is the first step in this partnership.

Also, ten students who will be identified as being especially in need of help with their science projects will be mentored one-on-one with OHSU scientists who will help them in their designs and presentations. OHSU will also provide 20 to 30 judges for the science fair. This kick-off is part of a research collaboration with Portland State University and Portland Public Schools on whether a pre-science fair event influences students¹ attitudes and participation in science fairs. This information will be useful as Portland schools begin preparing for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair planned for May 2004 in Portland.