January 4, 2010

2009 Science Fair A Great Success

Submitted by Dr. Amy Jordan

Category: Academy Headlines | Community News Headlines | News Updates-Homepage

Tags: Students, Upper Division

“I’m doing a REAL science project this year!” Berlin Waters stated while she and her partner Marina Zaitshik assessed efficacy of hand sanitizers.

Thirty seven upper division students competed in the 2009 Wildcat Science Fair in the Academy Gym on December 4th. The following three winners will take their projects to the Regional Pasco Science Fair.

• Seniors Helen Latimer and Julian Doromal won first place with a project titled “Effect of chirality on formation of multi-layer polypeptide nanofilms.” The goal of their work is to develop standard procedures for nanofilm synthesis so that the technology is commercially practical. Helen and Julian worked with Dr. Donald Haynie of the USF Department of Physics.




• Second place was taken by senior Carly Harro with a project entitled, “Regional ground water study using isotopic analysis of Weeki Wachee Spring basin.” Carly is utilizing isotope analysis to understand surface and ground water drainage in the Weeki Wachee Springs Basin. Her work may assist water managers understand drainage problems that limit residents’ ground water supply and dries up wells, lakes and sinkholes. Carly is working with David DeWitt, P.G., of the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Dr. Jonathan Wynn of the USF Department of Geology.




• Freshman Alex Stark won third place with his invincible tic tac toe program. Alex’s game beats or ties its human opponents 100% of the time.

Many students received special awards for outstanding creativity, solutions to problems and exceptional use of the scientific method.

• Daniel Freedman analyzed bacteria content of sponges used over time.
• Sam Deardoff and Dylan Early examined effects of cigarettes smoke on plants.
• Nick Trokanski and Joey Jargo explored dormancy in Venus fly traps.
• Elysa Geldbaugh investigated the physics of metals exposed to dry ice.
• Daniel Johnson compared efficiency of open windows to air conditioner in cars.



• Caitlin Hollander studied aquifer replenishment in model groundwater communities.
• Kristina Stark assessed attitudes toward driving while using a cell phone.
• Alex Gittens explored relationships between physical fitness and academic performance.

 

Science fair could not have happened without the enthusiastic support of the Academy community. Thanks to the parents and Academy friends who served as judges and volunteers. Most of all, congratulations to the students whose projects made the day a success.