The 36th Annual Chester Science Fair is set for Sat., March 5, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Black River Middle School. The fair is free and open to the public.

The fair provides K-8 students living in Chester Borough and Chester Township an opportunity to create and present projects to a panel of judges in STEAM fields and educators from the community.

Students also have the option to compete for special awards presented by independent judges provided by the award sponsor. This year’s special awards are Alstede Agricultural Achievement, Bayer Science for a Better Life, Chandler Engineering Design, Chemistry and Physics, Chester Twp. Police Forensic Science, College of St. Elizabeth Food Science, Environmental, NJ State Nurse Association, Psychology and Veterinary Scholar.

There will be special exhibitors throughout the day such as Animal Skull Collection from Daneen Aromando, adjunct of veterinary technology at Bergen Community College; Chester Garden Club and Environmental Commission; Close Encounter with Birds of Prey from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center; Chester Twp. Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation; Morris County 4H Youth Development Experiment; Liquid Nitrogen Magic Show with Dr. Hwang; Nature of Science from Schiff Nature Preserve; Rutgers University Food Science; Optics and Mirrors activity zone; and STEM Experiments and Activities with the STEM teachers from various schools.

Dr. Papathomas, a professor from Rutgers University Department of Biomedical Engineering and the director of the Laboratory of Vision Research, plans to demonstrate a collection of 3D scenes and hollow-mask illusions, and explain how 3D visual illusions relate to current brain research.

Another special guest, Katie Munro, a former Chester Science Fair medal-winning student and Mendham High School graduate, will be at the fair talking about her work in Alzheimer’s research and her perspective on the importance of science education and the role of science fairs.

Registration is now open and will close Feb. 22. Students may register at www.chestersciencefair.org.