Saint John middle school students made a great showing at the 64th annual Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF).  With a total of 600 students participating, competition was tough. 

Students began preparing for the science fair on August 31.  Throughout the process, students needed to follow an outline and calendar. Each part of the process was evaluated and approved by Gena Heins, their science teacher. On the final submission day, the students brought in their completed binder (after several revisions) and a completed tri-fold board with the necessary criteria to be judged by some volunteer scientists who visited the classrooms. The scientists used a rubric to determine whether the projects met the high standards that were going to be critiqued at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Any student who placed first through third at school on their projects were invited to make a PowerPoint presentation to send to the GSDSEF to be judged by local scientists.  Students were then invited to compete against the other San Diego county students.  Sixteen Saint John students were invited to compete.

The students attended the fair which was held at Balboa Park.  Judging for the fair took place on March 13, 2018. Students were interviewed by many scientists all day long.

A total of eighty nine students were selected to move on to the California Science and Engineering Fair.  This year, Saint John School celebrates two students who qualified.  Eighth grader Olivia H. and seventh grader Ainsley S. will compete at the state level.  Additionally, both girls will compete at the Broadcom MASTERS, an event which invited only 60 seventh and eighth grade students.

Congratulations to all our students who placed first through fourth in their respective categories:

First Place Behavioral and Social Sciences Ainsley S. Magic Juice

First Place Environmental Sciences and Management Olivia H. Urban Runoff: Is 72 Hours Enough?

Second Place Animal Sciences Jake C. Can You Grow Plants Using Fish?

Second Place Behavioral and Social Sciences Emilie C. Dog vs Cat People Personality Traits

Second Place Environmental Sciences and Management Amanda H. Cleaner Water? Are Oysters the Answer?

Second Place Microbiology Isabella T. Which Yogurt Contains the Best Probiotics?

Second Place Plant Sciences Oliver T. Aquaponic vs. Traditional Agriculture

Third Place Engineering – Electrical and Mechanical Christian G. Holiday Light Circuit

Third Place Environmental Sciences and Management Leila B. The Effects of Sunscreen and Sunblock on Plants

Third Place Environmental Sciences and Management Blake B. Is It Safe To Swim Near An Inlet?

Third Place Environmental Sciences and Management Delaney W. Alumimun Cans Effect in Different Types of Water

Third Place Medicine and Health Sciences Kendal D. Sleeping Beauty

Third Place Medicine and Health Sciences Cynthia M. Does Eye Color Affect Eye Sight?

Third Place Plant Sciences Shea B. Best Light for Onion Growth

Fourth Place Chemistry Dustin E. Cleaning Coins

Fourth Place Plant Sciences Jamie R. Hydroponics vs. Soil

 

Several students also received awards and prizes from local professional societies.  Congratulations to these students:

Professional Society Awards

***American Society of Civil Engineers: Olivia H. Gr. 8

***Association for Women in Science San Diego Chapter: Olivia H. Gr. 8

***California Environmental Health Association – Southwest Chapter/County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health: Amanda H. Gr. 8

***Society of Women Engineers – San Diego County Section: Amanda H. Gr. 8

***California School Nurse Organization: San Diego/Imperial Section Honorable Mentions: Ainsley S. Gr. 7

***San Diego Psychological Association Honorable Mentions: Ainsley S. Gr. 7

***Society of Toxicology: Southern California Regional Chapter Honorable Mentions: Kendal D.   Gr. 7

Science teacher, Gena Heins, couldn’t be more proud of our students.

“I hope they continue to use their skills, ideas, and ingenuity to help guide their future scientific endeavors.  Our students continue to grow each year and achieve awards each year.”