WS Chronicle

Some of the most inquisitive young minds in our area raised some interesting questions last week as dozens of students came together for the annual district-wide science fairs.

The festivities began on Thursday, Jan. 10 with the Secondary Science Fair at Kaleideum North for middle and high school students. Not to be outdone, on Friday, Jan. 11 it was the elementary students’ turn to take center stage. Projects such as “Which Soda Changes the Color of My Teeth the Fastest,” “Classical, Talk & Rock: How Music and Talk Radio Affect Plant Growth,” “What Removes Stains the Best?” and countless others were on display during the event.

Many of the participants were there for the first time including fifth graders Hailegh Hazel and Ella Meade. Hazel, who attends South Fork Elementary School, said what she enjoyed most about competing in the science fair was explaining her project to the judges. Although it was her first time participating, Hazel said she is looking forward to next year’s fair already.

Meade, who took home second place in her division, is a student at Sedge Garden Elementary School. While speaking with The Chronicle before winners were announced, Meade said what she enjoyed most about her project was finding out how insulin works because a lot of people in her family have diabetes.

“I thought it was really cool how insulin worked and all that,” she said. “…It makes me happy that I have gotten this far but I don’t care if I win, I’m just happy I did the project.”

With her second place finish in the 3rd -5th grade division, Meade and other winners will head to the regional science fair next month. According to David Delade, district director of K-12 science, first, second and third place winners in the 3rd -5th division, and both secondary divisions (middle and high school), advance to regionals for the chance to compete at state.

Before announcing the winners, Delade congratulated all the students on a job well done.

“…Students, you did an amazing job today with your projects. Interviewing, getting everything together and presenting everything; I want you to give yourself a hand,” he said. “Just remember, students, if we come out today and maybe you didn’t win anything, just keep this in mind that you should always keep questions through methodology and science.”

“We’re all winners here today and it doesn’t matter if we come away with anything or not, we have to feel good about ourselves.”