ESEC: Projects must promote awareness, compassion and understanding of animals. To be considered for an award, a student must not cause physical or psychological harm to any animal in any way, and students may not obtain animals specifically for this project. Project suggestions include: 1) observe animals in the wild or companion animals at home, 2) develop a computer simulation of animals in their environment, 3) document how cosmetics and other products are tested without harming animals, or 4) survey alternatives to dissection. For additional suggestions contact the Ethical Science & Education Colation at 333 Washington St., Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108.

AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY - GREEN MOUNTAIN SECTION: will award three prizes for projects in any area of chemistry. The top chemistry project will receive $100 and the next two projects will each receive $50. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

GREEN MOUNTAIN WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION: will award $300 in prizes (savings bonds) to projects involving water pollution control, water quality, and drinking water. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

NORTHEAST BRANCH AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY: will award two $100 prizes to the top two projects in the area of microbiology, biotechnology and microbial genetics. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

VERMONT STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION: will award a $50 prize to a project involving health, nutrition, or human physiology. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

VERMONT CHAPTER OF SIGMA XI: will award two $50 prizes to the top two projects showing good research techniques. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

TAU BETA PI ENGINEERING HONOR SOCIETY--NORWICH UNIVERSITY CHAPTER: will award a $50 prize for a top project involving engineering or physics. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

VERMONT ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: will award one $100 prize to the top senior project showing good research techniques. Projects in any area of science or mathematics are eligible.

VERMONT AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES and the DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: will award six $100 prizes to the top three junior high and top three senior high projects that demonstrate outstanding achievement in applying the scientific method in studies of ecology, earth science, and the entire spectrum of what might be termed environmental sciences.

10% CHALLENGE PROGRAM: will award two $100 prizes to the top junior high and top senior high projects focused on climate change, global warming, and/or greenhouse gas emissions.

STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL WATER INSTITUTE: will award the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for an outstanding water science research project by a young person or group of young people. The Green Mountain Water Environment Association will select the top project in water science at the Vermont State Science and Math Fair. This project will then be presented at the New England regional competition and could be selected to enter the national competition. National winners will compete in Stockholm for a prize of $5000 and a blue crystal sculpture of a water droplet.

SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS--NORTH COUNTRY SECTION: will award A $100 prize to a young woman whose outstanding project involves engineering, physics, computer science, or math. Projects at any grade level are eligible.

SWE SPACE CAMPERSHIP: The Society of Women Engineers--North Country Section will assist a young minority woman science fair participant in applying for a scholarship to attend Space Camp for one week. Read about last year's successful applicant.