Science Fair
The Middle School community enjoyed the 3rd Annual Science Fair. Mr. Brown’s Science Club for 7th and 8th graders prepared 16 different entries. A panel of judges interviewed the students and inspected their projects. Based on points given for specific aspects of each project, 5 projects won awards, but all 16 projects were very well done.
Project 1: Saving Energy by Caroline - Category: Technology and Engineering. Grade 7.
Caroline studied the three main types of light bulbs: Incandescent, Halogen and Compact Fluorescent. She proved that CFL bulbs are much more efficient, and showed how the world can save money and energy by switching.
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Project 2: These Boots were Made for Walking by Kelsey and Cara - Category: Physical Science. Grade 8.
Kelsey and Cara studied the effects of shoes on the human feet - from the perspectives of protection and injury. Initially (before 3500 BC) shoes were for protection. Today’s shoes - especially stiletto’s - can cause injury. Interestingly, Cara and Kelsey surveyed their peers, and interviewed a local podiatrist. Their project shows how some shoes and how to make better shoe choices. This project was the 2nd place winner.
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Project 3: Healthy Diet = Long Life by Asia - Category: Life Science and Chemistry. Grade 7.
Asia compared the differences and effects of the Okinawan (Japanese) diet and the American diet. Her interest stemmed from her Okinawan heritage, the vast difference in the diets, and the knowledge that Okinawans have the “longest life expectency in the world”. She compared the diets with food pyramids, and nutrient research. Her results are that the Okinawan diet is healthier. This project was one of two 3rd place winners.
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Project 4: How do quarks work? by Andrew - Category: Chemistry. Grade 7.
Andrew chose this project because quarks were overlooked in his science class, and most people haven’t heard of the Nobel prize winners who discovered quarks (which are the smallest units of matter). Neutrons and protons are made of quarks. There are 6 types of quarks. Everyone who saw his project can now enjoy being in that small minority of people who know quarks!
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Project 5: This will Shock You! by Bryce and Drew - Category: Physical Science. Grade 8.
After learning the surprising fact that all foods create electricity, Drew and Bryce decided to find out how different foods varied in their electricity production. They measured a grapefruit, a carrot, a pepper and an orange. The grapefruit produced the most with .75 volts.
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Project 6: Atomic Cloud Chamber by Elizabeth - Category: Earth and Space and Physical Science. Grade 8.
Elizabeth wants to raise awareness of the cosmic rays around us which are not visible to the naked eye. After several attempts, she was able to form clouds and visible rays in a chamber. This project was one of two 3rd place winners.
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Project 7: Paintball Chronometer by Sean - Category: Technology and Physical Science. Grade 8.
Sean used his love of the sport of paintball to make a homemade and accurate chronometer to measure the actual speed of a paintball (without messing up the library!). His measurements feed into the basic formula for speed by measuring the travel time, and using a fixed distance. He manually measured the time using an oscilloscope, and automatically using a programmed micro-controller connected to an infrared LED receiver. The accuracy of both methods compared favorably with measurements from a professional chronometer. This project was one of two 1st place winners.
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Project 8: Orange Juice vs. Gatorade by Thomas - Category: Chemistry. Grade 7.
Thomas studied which of the two drinks gives one more energy. He researched how to measure food energy, and how to measure the electrolytes. He determined that Orange Juice gives more energy.
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Project 9: Something’s Fishy by Tyler and Adam - Category: Life Science. Grade 8.
Tyler and Adam were curious about whether goldfish survive better alone (bowl), with one friend (bowl), or in a group (tank). They predicted that the fish tank group would last the longest and thrive, and they were correct. They also observed activity and eating habits.
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Project 10: Get the Scoop by Elizabeth - Category: Chemistry. Grade 7.
Elizabeth was intrigued by the changes in state of ice cream while she was learning to make homemade ice cream. Her experiments and studies have taught her the effects of snow vs. ice, and whole milk vs. low fat on the quality of the finished product. She is now an expert!
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Project 11: Cotton Candy…Get your Cotton Candy by Morgan and Bailey - Category: Chemistry. Grade 7.
Morgan and Bailey love cotton candy, and wanted to learn more about it. They researched the history (created in the 1400’s) and chemistry of this tasty treat. Fair attendees even got a sample!
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Project 12: Solar Panels by Zachary - Category: Technology and Engineering. Grade 7.
Zachary is an advocate of the positive environmental effects of using solar panels. He analyzed his family’s electricity usage, designed the solar system they would need, and then estimated the system’s cost. This project is very practical.
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Project 13: Forensic Frenzy by Jake - Category: Chemistry. Grade 7.
Jake wanted to learn how science is used to solve crime. He started with general research on the topic of Forensic Science, and then narrowed in on fingerprints.
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Project 14: H2O vs. NaClH2O by Hannah and Amanda - Category: Life Science and Chemistry. Grade 8.
Hannah and Amanda were curious about why some animals can survive only in fresh water, and others can survive only in salt water. Both students learned more about the actual chemistry. Hannah researched plants and Amanda researched animals. They found that ocean plants and animals tend to be larger than similar fresh water species. Surprisingly, they found only two animals that can live in both fresh and salt water - the Boto or river dolphin and a turtle.
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Project 15: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? by Maura - Category: Life Science. Grade 8.
Maura created a homemade incubator, and studied the factors that determine the likelihood of a successful hatching. Egg factors to consider are size, shell quality, shape and cleanliness. Maura would like to become a zoologist so this project should help her achieve her goal.
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Project 16: Wind Energy by Amanda and Brennan - Category: Technology and Engineering. Grade 8.
Amanda and Brennan built a wind turbine which produced electricity. They determined an optimal blade configuration, and achieved a power efficiency of 4.7% which compares impressively to commercial designs. This project was one of two 1st place winners.