These are just some of the questions that will be explored at Cal State Northridge's annual "Student Research Poster Symposium," at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue.

The symposium features the work of scientists in grades kindergarten to 12 who took part in a regional effort led by Cal State Northridge faculty and students to encourage young people to consider math and sciences as possible future careers.

"The security, health and welfare of the United States depend on producing innovative and excellent research scientists," said CSUN biology professor Steven Oppenheimer, director of the effort. "We have to help young people realize through their experiences in the classroom that the sciences and math are fun and relevant because the responsibility of our future lies on their shoulders."

In addition to being featured at the symposium, many of the students will have an opportunity to publish their work in the Library of Congress-listed Journal of Student Research Abstracts, published and edited by Oppenheimer with support from the university and Van Nuys Airport. The journal throws the spotlight on the students' research and further encourages them to consider the sciences as a field of study when they grow up.

Among the schools taking part in this year's poster symposium are Portola Magnet in Tarzana, Clark Magnet in La Crescenta, University High School in Los Angeles, Lawrence Magnet in Chatsworth, Holmes International Middle School in Northridge and Robert Fulton College Preparatory School in Van Nuys.

Parking is available for $4 in Lot G4 off Zelzah Avenue. For more information about the symposium, call Oppenheimer at (818) 677-3336.