Two science and technology-based student conferences will be simultaneously taking place this month at the Tucson Convention Center.

The Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF) is scheduled to run from March 19 through March 23, while the Raytheon Math, Science and Technology FUNFEST takes place from March 21 through March 23.

Event organizers say this year they expect over 1,300 student projects to be submitted to compete for the 2007 SARSEF award. The projects come from students K-12, representing about 60,000 Southern Arizona students.

Among the fair’s highlights will be awards for high school entries that include tuition scholarships from the SciEnTeK-12 Foundation Scholarship Endowment as well as other opportunities presented by local organizations.

Judges are expected to pick three high school projects to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in May.

A SciEnTek news release also indicates top projects from middle school students will become eligible to compete in the Discovery Channel Young Scientists’ Challenge, taking place in October in Washington, D.C.

The Raytheon Math, Science and Technology FUNFEST focuses on students in grades 4 to 8. The event offers a variety of activities such as hands-on experiments, exploration exhibits, seminars and one-on-one discussion with practicing scientists, engineers and medical professional from various fields.

Event organizers said more than 7,000 students attended the FUNFEST last year.

Attendance is free if students register online.

For more information, click here.