The 35th annual scientific expo was held at Montana State University Billings this year

Billings, Montana – On Friday, Montana State University Billings (MSUB) presented its 35th annual scientific expo. The event featured over 70 student projects and welcomed approximately 1000 visitors.

Students had the opportunity to compete in a variety of challenges connected to science, including construction challenges using Legos and rockets, as well as a scavenger hunt.

Opportunities such as these, according to Dan Willems, an assistant professor of analytical biochemistry at MSUB, allow students to study and experiment with their interest and desire for pursuing science for further studies.

“The importance of kids coming to a science fair is the idea that they are being introduced to high-quality science at a really early age. We mentor several of these students in different age groups. In fact, this year, we have been mentoring students for the last four-five-six months on their projects and some of those projects are really nice,” explained Dr. Willems.

He also noted that three exceptionally talented student scientists who were present at the expo will get the opportunity to take part in the Montana State Fair in Missoula, which will take place the following month.

The enthusiasm that one of the kids, Beau Becker, who was participating in MSUB’s science exhibition for the very first time, had regarding his project was contagious.

“I saw this really cool idea about ball heights so I made that into ball-bouncing dynamics. When I saw like people coming and stuff, I was, you know, I got that nervous feeling inside me,” added Beau.

The Atomic Circus, which will feature a variety of different chemistry demonstrations and will take place tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m., is another component of the science fair that will be taking place. To 11 a.m. Room 148 of the Library Building on the MSUB campus.