Seven photographs depicting students at the science fair
The Middlebrook gym was a hive of activity on Tuesday evening as over 140 students presented their science fair projects to a roving audience of students, parents, teachers and judges. Divided between 6th grade and 7th & 8th Grade, students' projects covered life sciences, physical sciences and engineering. Climate change and the environment featured very prominently in many projects as our socially-minded students were clearly working on solutions to real life problems. From solar-powered cars, heaters and ovens, the effects of acid rain and how to dispose of styrofoam in an environmentally friendlier way. There were projects based on the greenhouse effect, how to melt snow without affecting the environment and how to fight wildfires using satellite data. There were old favorites - mentos & soda and new additions - does playing Fortnite raise your blood pressure?
The enthusiasm of the students was clear to see as they clearly articulated the purpose of their projects even when discussed pitfalls, setbacks and dealing with the rigors of the scientific method.
6th Grader Lauren was very excited to present her egg drop experiment. ‘I’ve been waiting since Miller-Driscoll to take part in another science fair’ she said ‘I have always found it fun to figure out how things work, I had to do this experiment a bunch of times and needed a lot of patience
Also in 6th grade, Anna demonstrated her Freezer Free Feeder, her inspiration sprang from a wish to help her Grandpa who loves to feed the birds in his backyard but is no longer able to go out in the snow to refill his bird feeder. Her ingenious engineering design ensures that the feeder can be topped up from a second-floor window with no need to brave the outdoors.
Many of the projects were a team effort. MacKenzie & Kendra worked together on a project and enjoyed the opportunity to do practical science ‘6th Grade science can be a lot of textbook and memorization’ they lamented.
First, second and third places were awarded in each of the three science categories - engineering, life science and physical science full results are posted below. An overall best fair prize was also awarded to 8th Grader Gayathri Kaimal for her work on the early detection of wildfires based on remote sensor data from satellites measuring the amount of moisture in the soil.
The Middlebrook science fair is a collaboration between the Middlebrook PTA and the Wilton Education Foundation. It is made possible by the dedication of the co-chairs, the judges and the teachers and students of Middlebrook school.
7 & 8th Grade Winning Entries
1st place Engineering - Varun Vadhera
1st place Life Sciences - Jeanette Rosenthal
1st place Physical Sciences - Gayathri Kaimal *
2nd Place Engineering - Sebastian Shaw
2nd place Life sciences - Alexandra Cole
2nd place physical sciences - Keerthi Vijay
3rd place engineering - Dillon Bhutani
3rd place life sciences - Akhil Vallabhajosula
3rd place Physical sciences - Harish Subramanian
6th Grade Winning Entries
1st place Engineering - Varish Duriseti
1st place Life Sciences - Austin Etzbach
1st place Physical Sciences - Sahana Bhagavatula
2nd Place Engineering - Abby Phelan & Sarah Morris
2nd place Life sciences - Nathan & Nandan Raman
2nd place physical sciences - Matthew Barymow
3rd place engineering - Olivia Feldman
3rd place life sciences - Shyla Bathla
3rd place Physical sciences - Julia Nanos & Sophia Viggiano
*Gayathri was also awarded best in fair.
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