MEDIA RELEASE

K – 12 Students to Display Scientific Knowledge at CSUN Symposium

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 16, 2008) — What happens to the way plants grow if there are no microorganisms in the soil? How do phosphates affect oxygen levels in water? Which type of apple changes sugar content the most after removal from cold storage?

These are just some of the questions that will be explored at Cal State Northridge’s annual Student Research Symposium at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, in the Grand Salon of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus off Zelzah Avenue.

The symposium will feature the work of about 100 local 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 process of producing new generations of research scientists must begin as early as possible," said CSUN biology professor Steven Oppenheimer, director of the effort. "We here at Northridge have done pioneering work over the past three or so decades in working with elementary, middle and high schools in getting their teachers and students involved in research projects. This can turn the kids on to interest in research careers and hence play a key role in keeping this nation strong."

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.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking is $5 and is available in Lot G4 off Zelzah Avenue. For more information about the symposium, call Oppenheimer at (818) 677-3336.