Harding University High School : HUHS Science Fair

HUHS Science Fair

The Harding University High School Science fair was held on Monday, December 7th, 2009. It was an informative competition based on the quality of projects conducted by our honor science students within the classroom, the results of which were reported through exhibits and oral presentations. The purpose of the science fair was to encourage students to complete long term projects that involve extensive research and exploration of related topics in a systematic way. Students were given the opportunity to express their curiosity, creativity, and ingenuity. The categories were as follows: Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Earth and Space Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences.

There were over thirty scientist selected to participate in the science fair. Parents, neighboring schools, and faculty came out to observe the top science experiments of 1st quarter and were impressed with the products. It was extremely difficult to decide on "winners". All of the students were winners in some form. They truly displayed a passion and excitement for the scientific process and should all be proud of their individual effort and determination. The judges had to leave the cafeteria and conference twice in order to make a final determination of the top two projects as well as two honorable mentions (although there could have been many more).

The honorable mentions were:

Zeel Bhatt - Color Chromatography
This student compared the dyes used in various candies and ink using liquid chromatography. What impressed the judges the most was her knowledge of the process as well as the manner in which she presented her topic.

Hang Phi - Who Stole My Candy?
This student took a simple biochemical reaction that is used in a biology lab and gave it a forensic application. A reagent called Benedict's solution is used to test for the presence of a reducing sugar such as glucose. Hang creatively applied the test by taking samples of saliva and testing for the presence of glucose to determine which student ate a blowpop. The judges thought this was very creative.

Second Place:

Jelicia Diggs - Which Nail Polish Remover Works the Best
This student chose to test the effectiveness of three types of nail polish remover. She used a 100%, 43% and 0% solution of acetone and studied the effectiveness using Styrofoam and student volunteers. It was very obvious that Jelicia had a desire and a deep interest in her project as opposed to just putting together something to fulfill the honor requirement or for a grade. The judges felt that this project has a lot of potential for further studies, extension and growth.

Grand Prize and First Place:

Tiffany Skyers - Burning Like a Flame
This student tested the flammability of three cleaning products on clothing. The science behind her study, the display, her knowledge and the passion she had for her topic really set her apart from the other projects. Tiffany was very impressive, poised, and professional in her presentation and response to questions. She was a unanimous choice for first place.

Mrs. Keisha Kirkpatrick (Mrs. McClain, Mrs. McCurry, and Mrs. Swanson) did a FANTASTIC job setting up and preparing their students for the event. Mr. Tim Guilfoyle, Mr. Thomas Kozak, Ms. Jamie Grimsely, Mr. Timothy Bacon and Mr. Chad McCurry (from P.O.B) were a tremendous group of judges.

The Jazz Band was outstanding, too!

Published December 16, 2009

HUHS Press

Last update: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 2:21:51 PM