Six students from Fairfield Middle School are headed to the state science fair on Saturday, May 10. They are, from left, Mike Jones, Bernie Hogan, Nate Chester, Matt Coates, LeeAnn Olthaus and Nimisha Swali.

They will join more than 1,000 other middle school and high school students from around Ohio, representing nearly 300 schools.

The event is the largest state science fair in the country, and was first held in 1949. More than 30,000 students participated at the local level. The students are judged on both their scientific research and their presentation of their work. They will also be competing for $1.9 million in scholarships and awards.

The Ohio Academy of Science (http://www.ohiosci.org/ssd.htm) is the host for the event, which is held at Ohio State University.