Osage Nation to host 7th Grade Science Fair at Osage County Fairgrounds
Event intended to increase exposure and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
By ON Communications
Pawhuska, Okla., (Thursday, February 9, 2017)— The Osage Nation is preparing for a big day of science fair fun with local seventh graders. The Osage Nation STEAM Science Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21, to Friday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska. This is the first science fair for the Osage Nation Education Department (ONED) and they decided to focus on seventh grade students from participating schools; Bowring, Osage Hills, Avant, Woodland, Barnsdall, Hominy, Skiatook, and Pawhuska.
The science fair is an initiative to promote the mission of the ONED’s Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Program. “With the STEAM Program, we want the children to engage in the concepts regularly by providing activities and resources to emphasize the application of knowledge to real-life situations. The Osage Nation wants to enrich the lives of our children by expanding their opportunities and prepare them with the knowledge and skill to persevere into STEAM related careers,” said Jennifer Holding, ONED STEAM Resource Coordinator.
ONED is working in partnership with the Osage Nation Environmental and Natural Resources Department and the Osage County Interlocal Co-op; also the Osage Casino is donating water and snacks for the students. Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear will announce winners the following week on the Osage Nation YouTube channel.
Mary WildCat, Director of ONED, said a strong partnership with area schools with a high enrollment of Osage students benefits Osage children and non-Osage children and that this is a win-win for everyone. “Many students would love to participate in events, such as this, but some of them lack the necessary resources (gas money, vehicle, available parent, etc.). Working with the schools will ensure our Osage children have the opportunity to not only participate in the event, but also see a lot of interesting projects, meet STEAM career professionals, and experience the atmosphere of a science fair.”
Osage Nation Education Department Mission Statement
“The Osage Nation Education Department strives to provide educational and supportive services to Osages so they can obtain the skills needed to become productive individuals and contributors to their community.”
For more information, visit www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/education-department , follow ONED on Facebook, “Osage Nation Education”, or call 918-287-5300. ONED is located at 102 Buffalo Avenue, Hominy, Okla. 74035.
For Media Inquiries: Osage Nation Communications 918-287-5599