The 6th annual Put-in-Bay School Science Fair took place on Friday, February 7th , under the direction of science teacher Missi Kowalski. All Put-in-Bay students in grades 7-12, along with Kelleys Island’s only high school student, completed science projects based on criteria set by the Ohio Academy of Science. Projects were judged by fifteen professionals, all with varying backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Students who received an overall score of “superior” will be moving on to the District Science Fair held at the University of Toledo on March 7th.
There were seven projects receiving an overall superior score this year:
Macy Ladd–9th grade– Effects of Man-made Structures in Water on Shoreline Erosion
Alice Lentz–9th grade– Effects of Salinity on GMO Arabidopsis
Kate Byrnes–10th grade– Effects of Different Water Temperatures on Living Daphnia
Nora Ladd–11th grade– Effects of Chromatic Differences in Microplastic Consumption Related to Fish Health and Behavior
Elena Schroeder–11th grade– Inhibiting Effects of OTC Acne Medications on B. subtilis Growth
Alexandra Knauer–12th grade– Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Arabidopsis Germination
Hannah Lentz–12th grade– Carbon Dioxide Production from the Fermentation Process of Various Feedstocks
During the remainder of the day on February 7th, upper elementary and high school students participated in a variety of science related games and activities in the style of Science Olympiad. The student who accumulates the most points throughout the day receives the coveted “Newton Cup.” This year’s overall winner is senior Joseph Byrnes.
High school students also spent time throughout the day engaging in activities with elementary students to help get them excited about STEM fields. Some activities included the construction and testing of ferries (grades 2-3), blasting off to Mars with balloon rockets (grades K-1), and the chemistry of acids and bases (grade 4).
Students in grades K-12, as well as community members, are encouraged to compete in the Pinewood Derby that takes place at the end of the day. This year proved to have some fierce competition with the final winner being determined by slow motion video replay. Second grader Meredith Cooper managed to take the win, with sixth grader Cody Kowalski coming in at close second place.
Many thanks to the Put-in-Bay School Staff and the entire community for making this event a fantastic one each year!