Why study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Why complete a STEM Fair project? Fortune 500 magazine’s 9 out of the top 10 companies in 2012 are from the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. President Barack Obama stated: “Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America’s success. But if we want to win the future…then we also have to win the race to educate our kids.” We must encourage and inspire students to study in the STEM fields and connect them with educational and career opportunities. Our students are our inventors, scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians of the future.
Barker Middle School is now a STEM school! Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are the focus. As part of our goals as a STEM school, EVERY student at Barker was required to complete a STEM Fair project for the 2nd grading period for Round 1.
Ninety students qualified for Round 2, which was held on Wednesday, January 23. The Biological Division had 27 projects, Chemical Division had 25 projects, and the Physical Division had 38 projects. Judging was during the day and based on Scientific Thought, Creative Ability, Thoroughness, Technical Skill, Clarity, and Dramatic Value. On Thursday, January 24, a public viewing of Round 2 projects was held, and awards were presented. Elite projects are encouraged to participate in the Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Valparaiso University on Saturday, February 23. Congratulations, Barker STEM Fair participants!
Special thanks to our Judges: Jane Medley, Grover Medley, Louise Pecoraro, Nino Pecoraro, Bruce Starek, and Bob Steverson
Science Fair Coordinator: Amy Hamann 8th Science
Barker Science Teachers: Jill Grabowski, 7th, Val Mecklenburg, 6th, Sarah Bohac, and Donna Lynch
Biological Division Winners (27 projects)
3rd Place 6th grade, Radioactive Plants, Emily Gushrowski
2nd Place 7th grade, Do Canines Care for Color?, Makayla Williams
1st Place 6th grade, How Does Age Affect Memory?, Evangalea Dabagia
Chemical Division Winners (25 projects)
3rd Place 8th grade, Electrolytes, Rishi Verma
2nd Place 8th grade, Vitamin C Levels in Various Fruits, Karmen Halfacre
1st Place 8th grade, Got Viscosity?, Kate Kovalcik
Physical Division Winners (38 projects)
3rd Place 7th grade, Basketball Dynamics, Molly Heath
2nd Place 8th grade, Achoo!, Haley Buchanan
1st Place 6th grade, Is There a Whole Lot of Shaking Going On?, Sydney Merrill
Creative Research Award
Physical Science Division, 8th grade, Paper Speakers, Michael Kring
Grand Champion
Physical Science Division, 8th Grade, Converting Mechanical Energy into Electrical, Nicole Pomeroy