Eighth Graders Tackle Tough Questions at MS Science Fair

Hypothesis: If 86 Eighth Graders are each posed with the assignment of planning, carrying out, and explaining a science project that addresses a real-world application, they will arrive at conclusions that educate, surprise, and amaze.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the Middle School Science Fair on November 15, and the reactions of the 200+ people who attended, the hypothesis is completely supported.

The Big Room and Foyer were transformed into Halls of Knowledge as Eighth Graders proudly displayed and discussed their projects at the annual Middle School Science Fair.

Answers to some of the perplexing questions of everyday life were abundant: What drink should you abstain from if you want your teeth to stay intact? Stay away from Red Bull, advises Deby Guzman-Buchness '11. (And you might want to start buying Scope, she adds.) If you're a hockey goalie who wants to improve hand speed, would you be better served practicing in silence or with Mozart playing? Go with an upbeat Mozart piece, says Michael Siao '11. Your reflexes will thank you. If you're a baseball pitcher looking for an unfair advantage, would putting baseballs in the freezer prevent homeruns from flying out of the park? Makes no difference, explains Robert Krentzman '11, himself a talented pitcher who doesn't need Frigidaire's help to keep opponents' bats quiet. Should you trust Duncan Hines when they recommend two minutes of mixing time for their cupcakes? Hayley Musket '11 says, trust away—two minutes is optimal for cupcake height and consistency. (And her family appreciated eating the results of her numerous scientific trials.)

Everywhere you turned in the crowded Big Room and Foyer, more mysteries became unraveled. Should you worry about your drinking water if you live in a house built in 1950? Don't be overly concerned, says Erica Talamo '11, but it might not be a bad idea to test for copper content. What is the best means of removing wax from a store-bought apple? Soap and water, says Michael Grassa '11, who concedes the most effective method doesn't necessarily equate to the most appetizing. If you could select one person to help you win an anagram-unscrambling competition, would you have more success choosing a BB&N 8 th Grade student, or a BB&N 8 th Grade teacher? Pick the student, recommends Nico Enriquez '11, and, like any good scientist, he backed up his recommendation with objective data. (He invited visitors, including skeptical teachers, to review his 128-page logbook if they so desired.)

“This is a great event for the kids,” said Science Teacher Brian Fehlau. “While the project might have been painful for some to get through, they really appreciate the Fair because it gives them the chance to speak about what they're doing and take ownership of it.”

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