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JONESBORO -- Creativity, good scientific hypotheses, and sample replication are the main factors that Dr. Bob Bennett uses to judge science fair projects.

Bennett, a science fair judge for 14 years and associate professor of environmental biology at Arkansas State University, is one of 37 ASU faculty members judging the Northeast Arkansas Regional Science Fair held Friday and today at the ASU Student Union. Projects are displayed in rooms on the third floor.

This year 175 exhibits were submitted, up from 128 last year, said Dr. Tillman Kennon, assistant professor of science education.

Participating school districts include Jonesboro, Nettleton, Piggott, West Memphis, Trumann, Rivercrest, Cross County and Crowley's Ridge Academy.

Both junior high and high school students participated. There are 14 categories. Certificates and ribbons are awarded for first, second and third place, and honorable mentions may be given.

A number of organizations and foundations award prizes to the young scientists. For example the ASU Arkansas Chemical Society gives a cash award for a chemistry project.

"We have at least one exhibit for each category," Kennon said. Some categories have up to a dozen entries.

The overall winner and the runner-up for each of the two divisions, as well as the senior high team, will advance for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis May 7-13.

The NEARSF funds travel, housing and registration for the trip for the overall and runner-up winners in grades 9-12 and their sponsoring teachers, Kennon said.

NEARSF is supported by the Northeast Arkansas Science Teachers' Association, ASU College of Sciences and Mathematics and private funding, he added.

An awards ceremony is set for 2 p.m. today in the Student Union auditorium. Dr. Carolyn Dowling, assistant professor of chemistry, will present the awards.

--Sherry F. Pruitt