In Scottsbluff, 2 divisions made up the competition: Middle School (6th-8th) and High School (9th-12th). The top five scientists from each division with the most rounded experiments got identified at the regional competition. In the Middle School division, Kara Barnhart received the recognition as a top 5 finalist with her “Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap and Water” project. Of the High School division, Peyton Stanczyk also received recognition as one of the top 5 with his “Controlling Whiteflies” experiment. By placing at the regional competition, Kara and Peyton obtained the chance to present their findings at the state science fair at Wesleyan University in Lincoln.
Although other Garden County participants didn’t place in the top 5, their noteworthy experiments are worth mentioning. Madi Leach titled her experiment, “Acupressure and Horse’s Heart Rate”. Mackenzie Richards investigated concentration methods with chewing gum. Colton Martin completed trials over the “Perfect Pass”. “A S’more Investigation” was completed by Connor McCord. Josh Wheeler tested how citric acid makes drinks sour. Karmen Arceo-Fenn investigated the effects of music on heart rate. And last but not least, Austin Dormann presented how millipedes react to different surfaces.
Overall, all of the contestants worked hard on their projects over the course of three months or longer. It was a great trip for the students to exhibit their findings and learn from others.
Peyton
Kara