On Monday, February 24th, North Branch Middle Schoolers presented their Science Fair projects to a panel of judges. The topics were varied, but each student shared their beginning hypothesis, their hands-on process for the experiment, and their results. Some topics researched included:
- Observing birds in the wild to see which bird food they preferred,
- Finding the best method for composting, tested on cabbage, bread, and paper,
- Testing the effects of varying amounts of yeast added to “elephant’s toothpaste,”
- Discovering if listening to music enhanced both mental and physical endeavors,
- Experimenting with soil properties and watering methods to determine the best way to grow plants,
- Finding the cleaning product, commercial or natural, that worked the best on grease,
- Measuring the bacterial content of a sample from a clean room and a less clean room,
- Determining the best ways to keep strawberries fresh and to speed up the ripening process for mangoes,
- Establishing the best wood to burn based on what is needed from a fire and the most effective strike-anywhere match.
Despite having to explain their projects to people who were mostly strangers, the students handled themselves with poise and confidence. They spoke extemporaneously and answered questions for 10 – 15 minutes for two sets of judges. The four projects that received the highest scores will advance to the regional competition held on March 20 in Charlottesville.
Many thanks to our impressive panel of experts: Dr. Heather Baldwin, psychology; Caroline Brennan, MA, environmental planning; Jessica Champagne, BSN, Forensic Nurse; Dr. Barbara Heyl, chemistry; Dr. Melanie Stine, environmental geography; Dr. David Vance, chemistry, and our own Smith Coleman and La Batdorf who graciously filled in at the last minute.
