March 25, 2003

AN ELECTRIFYING CHALLENGE:
STUDENTS TO SQUARE OFF IN 4-H ENERGY CHALLENGE

Charlotte, NC - What do you call energy that is changing from one form to another? What is the difference between an insulator and a conductor?

It's questions like these that students will attempt to answer in the 4-H Energy Challenge, a quiz bowl designed to educate middle school students about science. It will take place Friday, April 4, 2003 at the Professional Development Center, 428 West Boulevard in Charlotte.

The day's schedule is:

Opening Ceremony 9:30 a.m.
Competition Begins 10:15 a.m.
Championship Round 12:30 p.m.

Sixth-grade students from 11 public schools in Mecklenburg County will participate. Each school will field a team of five students. A host will ask questions from the 4-H curriculum "Magic of Electricity" and CMS sixth-grade science materials. Participants have been studying since February. With each round, teams will face elimination or advance until a winner is declared.

The first place team wins $700, gold medallions and a trophy for their school. The second place team wins $500 and silver medallions and third place wins $200. The schools will use the prize money to purchase educational supplies.

The 2003 4-H Energy Challenge is presented by Mecklenburg County 4-H, Duke Power, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other sponsors. The goal is to increase a child's knowledge of science and make learning fun!