Future Scientists Show Work At Barnegat Science Fairs

BARNEGAT, NJ — A variety of topics were explored by Barnegat’s future scientists as schools in the Barnegat Township School District recently held science fairs.

About 250 sixth graders recently participated in the science fair at the Robert L. Horbelt Intermediate School (RLHS), using their critical thinking skills to ask a question on a topic of their choice and then investigate and complete an experimental design, according to a district news release. The students created a trifold display featuring categories of the testable questions, research, hypothesis, variables, materials, procedures, qualitative and quantitative data, and analysis and conclusion. Many included photos of their work on their displays. Once completed, the projects filled the school’s gymnasium for friends, teachers and families to peruse.

“It’s events like these that encourage students to develop a lifelong love of science,” said BTSD Superintendent Brian Latwis. “The excitement and the overall experience is crucial for fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and developing a deep appreciation for a variety of programs these students will get to explore in the future.”

The district said that all the students submitted outstanding work, but judges did announce first, second and third place winners:

• Liam Trombly- 1st Place, Drum Speed
• Nickols Santiago- 2nd Place, Fin Effect on Rockets
• Mila Ellis- 3rd Place, Watercolor

Honorable mention awards were given to the following students:

• Luke Larsen, Football Flight
• Azylnn Harker, Dog Tricks
• Rex Gehrke, Pulse Rate
• Morgan Sagaas, Milk Absorption
• Ella McMahon, Nail Rusting
• Olive Gehrke, Popcorn

“As an instructor, my favorite part is when we set up all the projects in the gym the morning of the science fair. As a teacher you look out at all the poster boards that were turned in and feel a sense of pride that your students were able to accomplish their goals for their project,” said Nicole Danser, sixth grade teacher at RLHS. “This project was assigned in September so the fair itself is a culmination of the hard work of the students and teacher.”

At the Joseph T. Donahue School (JTDS), more than 65 third and fourth grade students participated in the school’s science fair. The young learners selected a topic of their choice and then followed the scientific method to complete their projects. This year, many of the students’ projects explored germs, including those found in makeup or in a beloved pet’s mouth.

All participants received a sticker and science fair t-shirt donated by the Barnegat Elementary PTA. At the end of the science fair, first, second and third place ribbons were given to students in third and fourth grade.

Third Grade winners included:

• Aaron Camacho- 1st Place
• Lily McAllister- 2nd Place
• Carter Riche- 3rd Place

Fourth Grade winners included:

• Mason Bedrose- 1st Place
• Menzie DeMonch- 2nd place
• Parker Spagnuolo/ Shane McNamara & Mason Godley- 3rd Place (Tie)

“It was really hard to judge the projects this year, but it seemed that a lot of students were interested in finding out what objects contained the most germs by using test swabs and petri dishes,” said Leigh Sharpless, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher at JTDS. “The best part of the fair was seeing how excited the students were to present and share their findings during their investigations.”

Learn more about the district’s upcoming events at barnegatschools.com.