Students will be taking part in quizzes and competitions including:
-- Testing balsawood gliders and mousetrap powered cars they have designed
-- Building model brains from vegetables
-- Crystal growing
-- Public speaking
-- Packaged egg drop from a UC Davis fire truck (note: 1 to 3 p.m. only)
-- Web page design (note: 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. only)

The day will end with an awards ceremony from 3 to 4 p.m.

Participating students and teachers will be available for interviews. Staff from UC Davis' MESA Schools program and from participating MESA centers in Sacramento, Chico, Ukiah, Sonoma, Stockton and the Bay Area will also be available.

The University of California's MESA program, founded in 1970, works with schools to help educationally disadvantaged youth compete for college admission. The program supports science and math teaching by reinforcing existing classes or introducing extra classes and after-school science clubs. Student volunteers from college campuses go into schools to provide small-group tutoring and help teachers with MESA projects. Projects emphasize problem solving, team work and capability in math and science.

MESA programs begin work with students as early as sixth grade and continue through high school. They also help students and parents with advice on areas such as how to select and apply to college, how to seek financial aid and how to prepare for competitive testing. Eighty-five percent of high school seniors graduating from MESA programs earn college places.

From Interstate 80, take the UC Davis exit and head north on Old Davis Road. After passing the information kiosk, turn left to follow the road to a stop sign. Proceed across a small bridge and then turn left onto La Rue Road. Follow La Rue Road to Orchard Road: the Recreation Hall is to your right. Turn right onto Orchard Road to reach the parking lot. From Highway 113, take the Hutchison Drive exit eastbound. At the traffic lights, turn left onto La Rue Road. Follow directions as above.

Media can park free in any non-reserved parking space. If your vehicle is not marked, place a business card or media accreditation on the dashboard.