The action began during 5th period on Thursday, October 8th when all 7th and 8th grade science classes set up their poster boards in Holman Hall. They were soon joined by judges, parents, peers, and the 4-12th grade classes who individually questioned participants about their projects. Each project was the culmination of a seven week process that began with the school year and focused on a particular area of science. Each of the 7th grade classes focused on projects that looked at alternate forms of energy, while the 8th grade class once again examined water pollution levels in the Kawainui Marsh and various engineering designs.
The 4-6th graders even got in on the action and were asked to vote for the “Best Board” of the event which went to 7th Grade Teva Leoni’s board “Too Hot to Handle” and became a dead tie for 8th grade and a joint award was given to Brandon Lawrence’s “Stairway to Science” bridge prototype and Kaley Nellans and Taylor Raiola’s board “Fish out of Water” which included live fish.
At the close of the fair on Thursday, the scientists nervously awaited the outcome of those advancing to Friday’s final. After tabulating the judge’s ballots, an exciting four-way tie for the 8th and final spot was discovered so the field was expanded to the top 11 finalists. Those finalists were:
7th Grade 8th Grade
Laura Dart Phillip Ackerman
Daniel Fujiwara Jason Aviles
Caden Gerstenberger Jackson Henry
Seth Ines Brandon Lawrence
Teanajae Kua`ana Elise Tanaka
Jackie Tucker
On Friday, October 9th the finalists calmed their nerves and boldly presented before an audience of peers and a panel of expert judges – Dr. Katoa, Mrs. Anne Marie Baker, and Mr. Rich Whipple. Finalists felt the pressure under the public questioning but their scientific knowledge and preparation shone through. At the end of the event the top four awards went to:
1st Place: Jackson Henry - “Aquatic Sampling and Bacteria Analysis”
2nd Place: Jackie Tucker - “Electrolyte Explosion”
3rd Place: Laura Dart - “How much heat could a mac nut make if a mac nut could make heat?
Best Presenter: Caden Gerstenberger: “Nature’s Art”
Congratulations scientists and thank you to all our teams of family and fans who came to watch, support, and help make this year’s science fair another unforgettable experience.
Solo Deo Gloria,
Mr. McCroskey & Miss Jackson
TCS Science Fair Chairs